Issue #030, Review - November 10, 2017

Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 Review

Specialized was one of the first companies who believed in the advantages of 29″ wheels on enduro bikes. The Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 marks the spearhead of development from the American brand. Does the bike still define the status quo in the industry?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: Let’s go Racing! – The 10 fastest enduro bikes in test

The first Specialized Enduro 29 was a real hit, and for some years remained almost unchanged in their portfolio. Only a year ago, the bike was revamped and now they’ve presented an even newer, updated version. Unfortunately, the newest version of the bike was not yet available for our comparison. Instead, we got an S-Works Enduro 29 from 2017 which was pimped with a set of MAGURA MT7 brakes, an Öhlins TTX 22 M shock, and a shorter 40 mm stem. The Öhlins RXF 36 fork, as well as the fancy, super-light Roval Traverse SL wheels, are standard. Particularly useful for all racers is the SWAT box in the downtube of the bike, which provides space for a tube, pump, CO2 cartridge, and a mini tool, making a backpack unnecessary.

Several scratches on our test bike suggested that it had already been through a lot. Our suspicions were confirmed on the trail: The Öhlins RXF 36 suspension fork was not as sensitive as it usually is. Of course, the balanced handling of the Enduro 29 was not affected. Despite the large wheels, the Specialized is very agile and engages direction changes without needing much encouragement. The 40 mm stem is too short for tight corners, making the bike inclined to jack-knifing – a 50mm model would have been better.

On flat, flowy, and undulating sections the Enduro 29 accelerates almost as if by itself thanks to the light wheels and the efficient rear linkage – and it keeps getting faster. On straight high-speed sections and through rock gardens, the bike is stable but less precise than the best bikes in this comparison, which is probably due to the 2.6″ Butcher tires. Uphill the Enduro climbs as well as usual – only the setback of the Command Post bothered the testers.

The Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 in Detail

Fork Öhlins RXF 36 160 mm
Rear shock Öhlins TTX 22 M 160 mm
Brakes Magura MT7
Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle
Seat post Specialized Command Post
Stem* Renthal Apex
Handlebar Specialized DH
Tires Specialized Butcher 2.6
Wheels Roval Traverse SL Carbon
Price € 8,699
*Tuning

The geometry of the Specialized S-Works Enduro 29

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	396 mm	430 mm	467 mm	521 mm
Top tube	559 mm	584 mm	611 mm	637 mm
Head angle	66°	66°	66°	66°
Seat angle	76,7°	76,7°	76,7°	76,7°
Chainstay	433 mm	433 mm	433 mm	433 mm
BB Drop	19 mm	19 mm	19 mm	19 mm
Wheelbase	1165 mm	1190 mm	1218 mm	1245 mm
Reach	415 mm	440 mm	462 mm	483 mm
Stack	606 mm	606 mm	619 mm	633 mm
Wheelsize	29″	29″	29″	29″

Conclusion

The Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 loses some ground in this comparison due to the insensitivity of the fork, but it impressed with its overall rounded package and good-natured handling. It’s still one of the fastest enduro bikes on the market, and we’re sure that the latest version will only improve on an already great reputation.