Round up: 5 hot enduro bikes for 2016
The new RFX enters its 16th model year with a ground up redesign (click to enlarge).
Derived from a race format that mimics the dynamics of a solid group ride, the term enduro has become an all-encompassing phrase for things meant to go fast and take a beating. This race pedigree has forced a rapid evolution of trail bikes, and spawned a whole new segment of models designed to be more proficient going downhill, yet still capable of climbing. While the category is still maturing, this year we noticed a number of trends, including a progression towards slacker headtubes, longer top tubes, and shorter chainstays. Many of these bikes have also done away with 2x compatibility, and there seems to be a new focus on improving product spec at lower price points. Here are five new enduro bikes that we’re truly excited to ride.
A threaded BB and room for a bottle cage? Winning (click to enlarge).
Turner RFX 4.0
The new Turner RFX is the long awaited successor to the freeride legend first introduced in 1999. Now in its fourth generation, the frame rolls on 27.5” wheels, and is constructed of high modulus Toray carbon. The 160mm travel rig has a 66-degree head tube angle that can be adjusted 1.5 degrees via an angle adjust headset. It uses a DW-Link suspension platform and has clearance for up to 2.4” tires. The best part? It still uses a threaded BB. A frame w/shock is available for $2,955. Build kits start at $4,573. To learn more, check out our first ride report here and visit www.turnerbikes.com.
Why we can’t wait to test this bike (more) | With over three years of development, we had high expectations for the new RFX, and yet it still blew us away. It could potentially be the best bike we’ve tested all year. Only more time and familiar terrain will test
Despite being a thousand dollars less expensive than its carbon counterpart, the new alloy model shares the same great styling and features (click to enlarge).
Pivot Mach 6 Aluminum
Developed concurrently with the carbon model, the new aluminum Pivot Mach 6 is claimed to offer all the same ride characteristics and features as its carbon twin for nearly $1,100 less. Prices start at $3,500 for a complete bike, which makes this the most affordable full suspension Pivot ever. To learn more, check out our Virtual Trade Show Booth with Pivot Cycles President Chris Cocalis here and visit www.pivotcycles.com.
Why we can’t wait to test this bike | While $3,500 is enough cash for a beater Corolla, in an era where every manufacturer has a $10,000+ halo bike, the alloy Mach 6 is a breath of reasonably priced fresh air. Oh, and did we mention how much we loved the previous carbon Mach 6?
The Insurgent will come in this banana slug yellow and a black on black matte finish (click to enlarge).
Evil Insurgent
The new 27.5” equipped Evil Insurgent is the follow up to the beloved 26” Uprising. Like its predecessor, rear suspension duties are performed by Dave Weagle’s Delta System. This modified single pivot design has a dual-leverage rate curve and allows the geometry to be adjusted via flip chips in the linkage. The 150mm travel frame can be further tuned via an angle-set headset.
Integrated flip chips in the linkage allow the bike to be adjusted between low and high settings (click to enlarge).
The full carbon frame will be available in S, M, L and XL. A frame w/ shock will set you back $2,800, while complete bikes start at $5,300. For more information visit evil-bikes.com.
Why we can’t wait to test this bike | Despite persistent production issues early in Evil’s history, the small brand has soldered on to produce two of the most acclaimed trail bikes in recent history. The Insurgent is their first crack at a 27.5” model and we can’t wait to see if it lives up to the hype.
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