First Look: S-Works Enduro 29 Weighs in at 27 lbs with 155mm of Travel
The 2014 edition of the Specialized S-Works just arrived and we are floored once again. Last year, we tested the 2013.5 limited production bike and it opened our eyes into what a long travel 29er could do. We expected rut and rock eating abilities but what we didn’t expect is how agile and fun it could be. The S-Works Enduro 29 had ample traction but it was also fun in the corners and fun in the air. This was achieved through a few things:
- 13.1 inch bb height
- 16.9 inch chainstay length
- Excellent lateral stiffness
- 67.5 degree head tube angle
- Light and stiff carbon tubeless wheels
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7l8HU5o-JA
Video: Factory rider Curtis Keene riding the Enduro 29 in Whistler – Curtis Keene was a die hard 26er but he has been converted by the Enduro 29. This is his bike of choice for the Enduro World Series.
But if we had to get picky, the ultra-plush Cane Creek DB Air shock on our last test bike was too plush to climb with. There was no platform switch on this rear shock and the suspension design had no anti-bob characteristics. So climbing was capable but not quick. Also on big descents, the Fox Talas front fork on our test bike could not match up o the rear shock’s small and big hit compliance. So the front and rear were not perfectly balanced. And finally, last year’s bike at 29.14 lbs (without pedals) was light but not as light as claimed.
Well this new 2014 looks like it has all the answers. It is 27.33 lbs, has a climb switch on the Cane Creek DB Air rear shock. And it is now using the smoothest front fork available today, the Rockshox Pike with 160mm travel.
SWAT Extras
In addition to the changes above, this 2014 S-Works Enduro comes with some extras like a carbon bottle cage with side access and a multi-tool. The multi-tool is tucked away under the cage and is always with the bike and easy to access. There is also a chain tool stored under the stem cap. The 27.33 lb weight we stated includes all these SWAT (storage, water, air, tools) accessories.
Stay tuned as we put bike through its paces in the next two weeks. It’s still a huge commitment at $9250 for the S-Works. But there’s eight Enduro models available all the way down to $3300.
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBClzTn596A
Video: Sam Benedict of Specialized talks about the highlights of the Enduro 29
Read on to the next page for our review of the 2013.5 model.
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