OUT NOW! ENDURO Issue #056: Love for detail

This issue is for all you bike nerds, freaks, perfectionists, and lovers – even if you don’t yet realise you’re one of us!

If you spend your nights getting hyped about features, details, and specs, get a kick out of tech talk, and can’t stand still waiting for that new bike gadget to arrive, you’re a part of it. A part of the happy circle of the few percent on this earth who have not only found their passion – but also wholeheartedly enjoy the luxury of being able to spend time doing it.

Ever done cost-benefit calculations? If so, you will have heard about the 80–20 Rule – forget it. Cost-benefit calculations don’t count when it comes to the most beautiful hobby in the world! After all, what could be more fulfilling than putting together your dream bike, coming up with different configurations you’ve been wanting for so long? Speaking of building your bike just as you like it, it seems that hardly anyone does it better than Propain’s configurator. But you know we won’t take anyone’s word for it, so we went to Finale Ligure to try out the countless configuration options on the new Propain Tyee, not only on paper but also in the real world. And we’ve got some tips and tricks for you! Dream bike gets the blood flowing, but equally exciting are swaggy components crafted in small amounts, such as the 612 brake or the Bright F929 Next suspension fork, both of which we have tested for you. Exotic and beautiful? Yes, please! Not only are they sure to attract curious glances from your bike buddies, but they will also make mechanics’ hearts beat that little bit faster.

The question you need to ask yourself is: Do you want to live your life like a machine? Calculated and rational. Or do you prefer to go with enthusiasm and fascination, welcoming an emotional rollercoaster and the odd compromise along the way? Details aren’t just details, after all. They shape your perception, and help to finish off the big picture. The topic of cable routing, for example, is just one detail on a bike, right? And yet, there are big chances that you have a strong opinion about routing cables through a headset. So do others, fighting religious wars online, filling forums with passionate discussions, posting comments, more often than not dripping with hate, and sometimes showing praise for the solution. We take a closer look at the topic of headset cable routing to put your mind at ease. And what do you prefer, clean looks, or easy maintenance?

Having a choice is fun, but it can also be overwhelming. That’s especially the case when it comes to finding differences between specialist products because often it’s not immediately obvious how they differ. Tire inserts have gained a lot of popularity in the last couple of years, and the number of options has grown with the demand. Sounds like a perfect scenario for our lab session! Make sure to read our extensive comparison test, and find out our impressions and favourites!

We need to learn to recognise that what seems superfluous, non-essential or non-vital is, as a matter of fact, important. That’ s what life is really about. A simple smile can brighten the day for a stranger. A product made with love for the smallest detail can make a biker jump with joy. The point is not necessarily in reaching perfection, but in making something unique and personal. When was the last time your eyes sparkled with childlike joy when you discovered a cool, new thing? We all carry this sparkle inside, but it is often muzzled by the nurtured rationality. A lot of off-the-shelf stuff is practical. It fulfils its purpose. But does it fulfil us? This sparkle can be lit by a special brake or the right tire insert to protect the carbon rim and provide more traction, allowing you to ride faster and enjoy yourself more. An emotional discussion about the right way of routing the cables, or reaching the state of flow on the trail does the trick. Whatever does it for you: Let yourself go and be fascinated!

As you can see, there are lots of exciting things to discover, but also some terrifying ones! Flick through our digital magazine, dig deeper and let us know what you think about it! We look forward to your feedback!

The highlights of this issue

• A sensitive topic: headset cable routing – An innovation no one asked for?
• The best tire inserts for mountain biking – 5 tire inserts in direct comparison
• Propain’s online configurator in review – The gateway to a perfect custom build?
• AI vs. EI – Artificial intelligence vs. editorial intelligence, who knows best?
• All in the mind? – What to do if you’ve got a concussion

You can download the new issue in our magazine app now – free of charge as always! If you don’t yet have the app, you can find it in the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or in the Play Store (Android smartphones & tablets). The free, digital magazine is at the heart of what we do and undoubtedly the best way to experience our content. It comes with lots of interactive features, high-resolution images and videos and a unique design. We’re confident that if you like our website, you’ll love the app. By the way, you can also access all previous issues of ENDURO in the app – reading material for days!

All the bikes in this issue

Canyon Strive CFR | Pivot Mach 4 SL XTR | Propain Tyee | Simplon Rapcon 170/165 | Specialized S-Works Kenevo SL | Yeti SB160 T3

Below, we’ve put together a small selection of articles that you’ll find in the current issue.

A sensitive topic: headset cable routing
Headset cable routing is currently one of the most controversial topics in our sector and is setting the mountain bike forums on fire. Our world is divided into equal parts excitement and revulsion. But is the scepticism justified? What are the pros and what are the cons? We locked ourselves in our workshop to give you an overview of all the current systems.

The best tire inserts for mountain biking
Tire inserts are becoming increasingly popular across all mountain bike disciplines, helping protect your wheels and reducing the likelihood of punctures. But are tire insert the ultimate remedy against flat tires and dented rims, or are they just extra weight that you don’t need to carry? In our 2023 tire insert comparison test we pitted 5 inserts against each other to tell you all the pros and cons of each model.

Propain’s online configurator in review
With its intuitive layout and countless customisation options, Propain’s online configurator allows you to build your dream bike without getting your hands dirty. However, this much choice also requires some basic know-how: which combinations work, and which one suits your needs best? To find out, we teamed up with the people at Propain and tried out countless configuration options for the new Tyee.

Artificial intelligence vs. editorial intelligence, who knows best?
A handful of editors or the cumulative knowledge of AI gleaned from several hundreds of gigabytes of text and acquiring new expertise every single day – who knows more about mountain bikes and who gives you the better tips and recommendations? The small but cunning David was able to prevail against the giant Goliath – will we manage to beat the ChatGPT AI in an unfair duel?

What to do if you’ve got a concussion
Muddled thoughts or brain fog? These words will probably make those who have ever had the dubious pleasure of experiencing a concussion think back to the rather unpleasant experience, happy to have it behind them. We’re not immune to them either, and are here to help with a few tips.

Excited? These (and many more) stories are just a few clicks away. If you’ve already installed our free app, simply open it and download the latest issue right now. If not, first download the free app from the App Store (iPhone / iPad) or the Play Store (Android smartphones & tablets) and then download the latest issue in the app. All you’ve got to do then is sit back and enjoy (ideally with a cold beer or a delicious cup of coffee)! #qualitytime