I have always kind of ignored Specialized bikes, not for any particular reason, but I have just always looked at other things. However I recently bought a used Spec Status DH bike and it is fantastic and its opened my eyes a bit to other bikes in the Specialized range.

So I was reading (and enjoying) the what enduro bike thread over the past few days, and came across the link to the Specialized Enduro 650B. It is a great price for a good looking bike. I have been thinking of swapping my 26″ trek remedy for a while now and this could be a good option.

The one thing I would like to know is is it going to make me cry when I do the Dyfi and CYB enduro on it? These are not the Gravity enduros but the old fashion 50-60km enduros. Who owns one and has done these events on it? How did you get on (not as in did you win but did you survive/enjoy it?) I know its not a super lightweight XC racer but is it ok on these longer distance rides?

Would a stumpjumper make more sense for the riding you intend on doing?

It may do but the deal I have seen is for the enduro not the stumpjumper.

Its not just for the Dyfi and CYB enduros. I live in North Wales so have a lot of great stuff on my doorstep which would suit this kind of bike.

Couple of the chaps I ride with have the 29er Enduro type version things and will happily ride anything on it. Never held them back, brilliant bike and on my list when the time comes to get something shiny and new.

I have an enduro 29er, great bike but IMO not the the greatest pedalling bike. It really is aimed at the all mountain rider where some sacrifices are expected on the pedalling ability to maximise the downhill fun.

For what you are describing, if that is the main type of riding you do, I wouldn’t recommend it. It is absolutely capable of covering those distances, but there are much better bikes for that job.

On the other hand it is a bike you may find changes your mind on the kind of riding you want to do.

Me and Abigale both ride S Works Enduros. Use them all year round as our do all, do everything bikes, including all day epics in the Alps. Abigale raced enduro on hers this season. There is nothing else in the market place that would tempt me away from mine except the newer model.

Thanks for the replies!

Its not specifically for the Dyfi, its just if I had one i would ride the dyfi on it as it would be more fun than my HT!

I think it would be fine for my regular riding.

Im just about to build up an S-Works 29er Enduro as I managed to get a stupid deal I simply couldnt say no to (pretty close to 50% off the frame).

However,for the OP, I wouldnt recommend it for longer distance and would recommend something like the transition scout with 150mm forks, or even the smuggler (which I also have and is super capable).

Alternatively.

Whyte G150 S or Works (2015) if you can still get one as it rides impressively well even over longer distances and time in the saddle.

I’ve got my eye on one. Reviews suggest sub 30lbs out the box which for a 160mm aluminium bike is pretty impressive. I’ve taken my 33lbs Nukeproof mega on 50 mile days and survived

Its the deal on the Enduro that has really got me interested.

The weight looks decent, I reckon my Remedy and my Ht are around the 30-33lb mark too. I have done plenty of long rides on them.

rhid – Member

It may do but the deal I have seen is for the enduro not the stumpjumper.

We’re getting into silly season, Stumpy deals will be here any minute

Im fortunate that there are a couple of carbon Stumpjumpers in the garage. I know which is more fun in an all day ride and I would pick the Enduro over them every day. They are so versatile in most situations. Just dropped Abigale at Wharncliffe for a day on the downhills with hers

Another Enduro 29er here, great bike and its my do it all bike .. few teething problems initially when I bought it from new but now I love it more since I’ve upgraded the standard parts …

Fast and great fun 😀

+1 for 29 Enduro, scary fast downhill

I have the 2015 Specialised Enduro Elite 650b – bought about 3 months ago and really happy with it.

It’s reasonably light (Just under 30lbs), covers ground really well for longer XC rides (Partly Down to the Specialized Slaughter tyre which rolls extremely well) and is really fast (Strava segments back this up) and fun on descents. It’s a bit of a issue to remember to hit the climb switch on the shock when going up and remembering to release it before descending!

I had a Nukeproof Mega before which punished me on longer rides, But my legs are way fresher on the Enduro after the equivalent ride. I would not feel apprehensive about taking it on a long day ride – I think it will really help you out in fact.

I swapped out the 34T ring to a 30T ring and swapped out the stem to a 50mm stem and bars to 785 (which is how the 2016 bike is set up). I did not feel the need to change anything else.

Feel free to post back if you need any more specific info.

Cheers

I’ve got a 2010 26er Enduro and Ive done a couple of 50k events on it. Mine has a 2.8kg 180mm coil fork on it as well. I would think the new 650b with a Pike would be fine for all day pedalling, assuming you are happy to lose a bit of efficiency to have more fun on the descents

The 29er supposed to be one of best most sorted of its ilk. Didn’t developing the 650 consist of just sticking an extension on the bottom of the head tube? Both the 29 and 650 have been reduced for months, but theyve shifted all the 29s.

The 650B has the original 26 inch front end frame with a modified rear triangle. The People at Specialized think this works really well for the 650B – or they just had a shed load of frames to use up! I guess if Specialized build a specific front end in the near future for the 650B then that answers the question!
The 29’er version is a real beast of a bike that eats up all that is put in front of it, (almost to the point of sacrificing a bit of fun,IMO) and has outsold the 650B because of its reputation, However the 650B is still a great bike.

The 29’er version is a real beast of a bike that eats up all that is put in front of it, (almost to the point of sacrificing a bit of fun,IMO) and has outsold the 650B because of its reputation, However the 650B is still a great bike.

If times on descents are important to you then the Enduro 29er (and no doubt 650b) is a weapon and it’s a giggle but in more of a “I’m totally smashing through this shit” kinda way.

If giggles are your thing, I’d go for shorter travel.

I bought a 29er enduro in the recent sales. Great bike.
I had ridden it back to back with the 650b on a specialized demo day. Don’t know why they bothered making the 650b when the 29er is so much more fun.

Because 650b is the fashion and sell.

I can see them stop making the 29er enduro TBH. The days of long travel 29ers are limited I think. Shame.

I tend to think that in the Spesh range there is overlap between models, so if I were owning 2 then I’d have them 2 models apart, i.e. an Epic + Stumpjumper, Camber + Enduro etc. I’d therefore have a Stumpjumper to go with your DH bike.
PS I have a carbon Stumpy Evo frame for sale if interested.