Specialized's Enduro EVO is a burlier version of the successful Enduro, with extra suspension travel, slacker geometry and more hardcore finishing kit. US tester Zach White has already reviewed the new-for-2012 Expert model for BikeRadar but Mountain Biking UK's Rob Weaver was keen to try it out for himself.
Having spent the best part of a year riding the Enduro Expert, Rob wanted to compare the two bikes. And where better to do that than in Bootleg Canyon, Nevada on day two of Interbike's Dirt Demo? So we hit the hills before the crowds got up and put the Enduro EVO through its paces. The trails had been damped down slightly after a big thunder storm the previous night and were running really well.
You can check out what Rob thought of the bike in the video below:
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Here's what Rob had to say:
"Specialized say the EVO differs from the regular Enduro in that it's built to be ridden that bit harder and in reality, this certainly seems the case. It comes complete with a Fox 36 Van R fork with 170mm (6.7in) of travel up front, with a Fox DHX RC2 shock taking care of the 160mm (6.3in) at the rear. With both front and rear coil sprung, you may start to think that this stealthy little number is going to weigh a ton, but at 14.7kg (32.4lb) with pedals, it's no slouch.
"As with the regular Enduro, the chassis is solid and is more than happy to be thrown around. The 419mm (16.5in) chainstay length makes for a lively ride, adding a bit of pop should you want to loft that front wheel through obstacles. The rear end is plenty stiff enough thanks to the 142mm axle and isn't afraid of a bit of sideways action in the turns.
"The coil sprung suspension gives a balanced feel that’s plush straight off the top. The RC2 shock does ramp up quite rapidly towards the end of the stroke if you’re belting off bigger drops, but it isn’t an ‘eject your feet from the pedals’ sort of feeling.
"We’re big fans of Specialized's own-brand kit right now and they’re making all the right moves in the handlebar and tyre department. A 750mm wide bar and 60mm stem certainly add a bit of zing to this hard hitter. Their Command Post is also a tidy bit of kit but it’s the Butcher tyre up front that really shines for us in its 2.3in guise."
Look out for Rob's full review in an upcoming issue of Mountain Biking UK magazine.
