Here are 10 of the best enduro mountain bikes in the marketplace. We’ve ranked them by price, and the bikes have been given a rating of one to five stars in terms of both overall performance and durability.
Table could not be displayed.This year we’ve been reading up on the best mountain bikes for enduro riding. Some of the best bikes on our list are very expensive and some are under $1000—so we’ve broken down the best mountain bikes for enduro riding and put together this list..
There are so many great enduro mountain bikes on the market available right now, including some of the best in the world. But, which one to choose? Here are 10 we recommend.
Are you looking to purchase a new enduro bike? You’ve come to the right spot; here, we’ve compiled a list of the finest enduro motorcycles on the market in 2024, as determined by BikeRadar and MBUK magazine’s experienced, independent test crew.
Lengthy days on the pedals compete with long, technical descents that test downhill courses for their complexity in enduro racing, which is now at the forefront of mountain biking.
As a result, today’s enduro bikes must be content spinning up hills as well as hurling themselves down steep chutes, through rock gardens, and over massive gaps.
Some enduro bikes are better suited to spectacular days in the mountains, with pedaling qualities to match, while others are essentially DH bikes disguised — flat-out down the most gnarly of trails, but perhaps more of a slog back up the other side.
We’ve also included a buyer’s guide at the bottom of the page to assist you in selecting the finest enduro bike for you.
Top Reviewed Picks
Trek Slash 8 – Editor’s Pick
Considering its pricing, the new Trek Slash 8 packs a significant punch. Immediate Media / Andy Lloyd
- £3,450 / $4,200 / $3,450 / $3,450 / $3,450 / $3,450 / $3 As tested, $6,300 / €3,699
- Enduro Bike of the Year for 2024
- Geometry that feels natural and a nice finishing package
- Suspension is really remarkable.
The Trek Slash 8 was named our 2024 Enduro Bike of the Year on a playing field that seems more equal than it has ever been, and we’ll gladly recommend it to any rider looking for a new enduro bike.
On the roughest terrain, the Slash 8 finds the sweet spot between providing a fun and energetic ride and being calm and controlled.
The geometry of the Slash 8 has been slackened, steepened, and stretched in the appropriate regions, similar to that of many enduro bikes, resulting in a ride that is confident and steady on descents and centered on climbs.
The bike is equipped with features that make it seem to be worth more than its £3,450 price tag.
The SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain has a wide gear range, and the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate Thru Shaft rear shock is coupled with a Lyrik Select+ fork for 170mm of front-end travel.
Aeris AM9 GX Custom Bird
This is Bird’s first effort at a long travel 29er, and it’s turned out to be a fantastic bike. Mountain Biking UK/Matt Wragg
- £3,340 (as of testing)
- Excellent price/quality ratio
- Suspension with confidence and control
- Excellent shape that allows you to ride flat-out everywhere.
Bird is a British company with a strong reputation for customer care and, luckily, trail-ready bikes. The AM9 was the company’s first enduro bike, and we were immediately pleased.
With a long reach, loose head angle, low bottom bracket, and steep seat angle, the aluminium chassis is perfectly suited to both steep descents and sharp returns back up the hill.
The suspension stays in place no matter what you throw at it, yet on calm descents or climbing back up the hill, it feels nearly like a trail bike, making it a fantastic all-arounder.
Bird’s emphasis on affordability means you get a lot of bike for your money, and the option to customize the spec when ordering means you can design a bike that meets your component preferences as well as your budget.
Cube Stereo 170 SL 29
Cube’s new Stereo 170 SL 29 was a lot of fun to ride and comes with a ton of features for the money. MBUK/Dan Milner
- As tested, £4,699 / €3,999
- With Fox Factory suspension and RaceFace finishing kit, you get incredible value for your money.
- Geometry that is well-balanced and adaptable
- A ride that is entertaining, vibrant, and engaging.
Cube has returned to form with a light and lively handling bike that had us grinning from ear to ear while riding it.
It didn’t have the most progressive geometry or the most planted feel of other enduro bikes, but it made up for it with a fun-loving riding quality.
Cube has crammed a lot of high-end components into the alloy frameset, including Fox
Mega 290 Alloy Pro Nukeproof
The new Nukeproof Mega 290 Alloy Pro is a powerful trail bike that rides like a much more expensive bike. Immediate Media / Andy Lloyd
- £3,700 / $3,800 / $3,800 / $3,800 / $3,800 / $3,800 / $3 As tested, $6,852 / €4,700
- Even on difficult terrain, you can ride with confidence.
- Bike has a lot of features for the money.
- This version has more oomph than the previous one.
Nukeproof has improved the performance of the Mega, making it livelier and more enjoyable to ride while still guaranteeing it can handle difficult terrain.
The bike comes in five frame sizes, making it simpler for users to select the right bike for them.
The bike feels more thrilling and lively on descents than its predecessor, and due to the well-balanced geometry, it pitches nicely into high-speed bends. The Mega pedals well while climbing, and despite its small cockpit, it feels comfortable and not cramped.
With a 170mm travel RockShox Lyrik Select+ fork and a 160mm travel Super Deluxe Select+ shock at the back, the suspension feels nicely balanced.
Nukeproof Mega 290 Carbon RS
The Nukeproof Mega 290 Carbon RS full suspension bike is designed to take on the most challenging terrain. Immediate Media / Andy Lloyd
- £6,000 ($6,000) / AU$6,000 As tested, $8,300 / €7,600
- Suspension that is simple to set up and is well balanced.
- Even with a lot of travel, it climbs well.
- A good specification, although it may need some tweaking depending on personal taste.
The Nukeproof Mega 290 Carbon RS is the most luxurious (and most expensive) Mega construct available, and it’s the closest to the standard used by the Nukeproof team. Because of its revised geometry and suspension, this new edition of the Mega offers a quick and energetic ride, as one would expect from such a high-spec bike.
Thanks to a four-bar Horst link framework, the new suspension provides 160mm of travel to the rear of the bike. In comparison to the previous edition of Mega, this version offers a more dynamic ride with lots of support.
The improved suspension, along with the shorter chainstays and longer front end of the revised geometry, provides the confidence to tackle rough terrain and steeper portions.
The Mega’s spec is excellent, however the tyres and saddle should be replaced for a better riding. In testing, the seat was unpleasant on longer hills, and the tyres weren’t the quickest.
MYO Orbea Rallon M10
The Rallon is positioned as a no-holds-barred enduro bike. Burton, Russell
- As tested, the cost of a bespoke build was £5,027.
- On gentle terrain, it’s quick and energetic, but it’s also capable of powerful impacts.
- Kit that may be customized at the time of purchase for a good price
- Custom paint jobs are available as part of the MYO program at no additional cost.
Orbea’s EWS level enduro bike, the Rallon, is ready to take on some pretty rough terrain. Orbea has managed to make the bike zippy enough that it isn’t a slouch on more gentle terrain, making it a true all-rounder.
With well-balanced suspension that lets you maintain speed amid rapid chatter, the bike climbs well and descends with lots of confidence. Although the tallest riders may want a little more front-end height and length, the short seat tube allows most riders to size up.
When you purchase a bike directly from Orbea, you may customize certain essential components, and our test bike had improved suspension and brakes.
Enduro Comp Carbon 29 by Specialized
One of the smoothest enduro bikes on the market comes from Specialized. Milner, Dan
- AU$4,510 (£5,000) / $4,510 (UK) As tested, $6,800 / €4,999
- This is a category-defining bike that has been updated for 2024.
- Suspension that is super-smooth and absorbs bumps
- It’s possible that this isn’t the most cost-effective bike on the market.
Enduro and ‘enduro’ riding are synonymous, with Specialized’s long-travel bike essentially defining the genre over the past decade. In 2019, this classic was completely redesigned, with obvious influence from the Demo DH bike.
The suspension is as smooth and supple as any on the market, making it one of the fastest and most competent descenders available, and it’s backed up with cutting-edge geometry that leaves little room for error.
Specialized’s frame detailing is also excellent, with a SWAT pocket in the down tube for storing small items.
The ground-hugging aspect of the suspension provides lots of grip, but it can also make the bike seem sluggish on flatter, more pedally parts. However, if you’re looking for pure descending prowess, the Enduro should be at the top of your list.
Specialized Status 160
After a few years away, Specialized Status is back, and it seems to be more flexible and valuable than ever. Immediate Media / Russell Burton
- As tested, £2,600
- For high-speed use, a stretched-out shape is ideal.
- Suspension that is plush
- For the money, this is a solid construction with excellent kit.
The Specialized Status 160 is marketed as a straightforward and reliable machine. To accomplish this, Specialized has equipped the bike with less flashy but more durable components, as well as sticking to metal rather than carbon fiber throughout the bike.
The Status is a “mullet” bike, featuring a 29-inch front tire and a 650b rear wheel. It joins an increasing number of off-the-shelf bikes with this configuration.
The smaller rear wheel keeps the chainstays short, which should assist with trail maneuverability. This, along with the long front end, results in a spirited ride, although it does impair cornering balance.
Having said that, the Status feels like a sturdy bruiser right out of the box and is a really enjoyable, thrilling bike – particularly considering its cheap price.
Vitus Sommet 29 CRX
The new Vitus Sommet CRX 29 is a stylish bike that delivers a powerful punch in terms of value and performance. Immediate Media / Andy Lloyd
- £3,600 / $4,600 / $3,600 / $3,600 / $3,600 / $3,600 / $3 As tested, $6,677 / €5,100
- On difficult terrain, he’s lively and active, yet he’s calm.
- The combination of a carbon mainframe and quality kit offers outstanding value for money.
- For lighter riders, the Fox 38 shock may seem over-damped.
The Vitus Sommet 29 CRX provides excellent value for money because to its high component spec, new carbon mainframe, and updated suspension.
Maxxis tyres, Shimano brakes, and a complete XT 12-speed groupset are among the features of the Sommet 29 CRX. A Kashima coated 170mm travel Fox Factory 38 fork and Float X2 rear shock, both with high- and low-speed compression adjustability, round out the suspension.
There is no energy sapping from the suspension when climbing. Even though it isn’t the most gravity-oriented machine, the bike feels responsive on descents without being unpleasant when things become bumpier.
Whyte G-180 RS 29 V1
The new Whyte G-180 RS 29 V1 replaces the previous G-170 and has a 10mm increase in front wheel travel (now 180mm), as well as a 167mm increase in rear wheel travel. Immediate Media / Andy Lloyd
- £3,500 (as of testing)
- Lots of self-assurance, grip, and enjoyment
- For the money, this is an excellent spec.
- Suspension that is well-balanced and more lively than the amount of travel would indicate
The Whyte G-180 RS 29 V1 has replaced the Whyte G-170, providing greater travel, a longer reach, and a longer rear center.
A RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock dampens the rear suspension, while a ZEB Select+ fork dampens the front. This competent combination results in a bike that can handle rough terrain while yet having enough of pop for mellower parts.
The comfortable seat position gives a spacious sensation when ascending, and the suspension stays reasonably tranquil even with the rear shock left open, finding traction on rough terrain.
The Whyte may not be the quickest bike in certain parts, but it maintains momentum well and is a good option if you’re looking for a heavy hitter that climbs well. It’s worth mentioning that the size small isn’t available owing to the 29in wheels.
Canyon Strive CF 9.0
Visit purchase directly from Canyon, go to their website.
The Strive CF 9.0, with its sleek lines and eye-catching paintjob, is undeniably attractive. MBUK/Dan Milner
- $5,099 / AU £5,449 As tested, $7,849 / €4,999
- Canyon’s ShapeShifter changes the form of the bike while riding.
- As anticipated, the German direct-sale brand provides excellent value.
- It’s simple to get on and ride, and it’s a lot of fun.
While its somewhat conservative geometry may hold it back in comparison to the competition, the Strive’s lively, poppy, and joyful nature makes it a wonderful bike to ride even on the most flat-out of courses.
The ShapeShifter piston in the bike’s suspension linkage shifts the geometry and suspension feel of the bike from a low-slung enduro rig to a higher, more zippy trail-feeling ride, making a noticeable change on the trail.
The components package, as expected from Canyon, offers excellent value for money, with RockShox Ultimate level suspension, Reynolds carbon wheels, and Canyon carbon cranks attached to the carbon frame. Our main gripe is that compared to a Code brake, the SRAM G2 brakes seem a bit weak.
Cotic RocketMAX Gen3 Silver SLX
Cotic’s website allows you to place an order directly.
In the proper hands, Cotic’s newest RocketMAX Gen3 boasts a lot of improvements that add up to a formidable speed machine. Immediate Media / Andy Lloyd
- As tested, £4,199
- Feeling of an exciting and energetic ride
- Easy-to-adjust suspension that performs admirably
- At high speeds, he maintains a calm demeanor, but he isn’t so easygoing on the tough things.
The new Gen3 RocketMAX has been modified to improve on the previous version. The Gen 3 version now features better suspension that is perfectly balanced, resulting in a ride that is feedback-rich, zingy, and most importantly thrilling when coupled with the frame.
When it comes to tougher terrain, the RocketMAX isn’t quite as composed as the other bikes we tested, but the comfort and composure have been improved over the previous model, and the engaging riding feel has always been a part of what makes this bike excellent.
When things get very steep or the speed kicks up, the RideMAX comes into its own thanks to its stretched-out geometry, feeling sturdy and incredibly confident.
Giant Reign 29 1
The new Giant Reign is equipped with 29-inch wheels and 146mm of rear wheel travel. MBUK/Dan Milner
- As tested, £4,499 / $5,000 / €4,199
- Fox’s suspension provides good adjustability and control.
- The bike’s form has been perfected by Giant.
- A bike with a straight feel that may not be suitable for everyone.
We discovered that the Reign has a really straight, snappy feel to it, which makes choosing routes over difficult terrain a lot of fun, as well as incredibly quick. The bike’s capabilities are enhanced by the geometry, as is the equipment, which is well-made throughout.
The rear suspension lacks the big-hit smoothing qualities of certain enduro bikes, making it seem more like a long-legged trail bike than a small DH bike, but this will appeal to many riders who like to choose quick and smooth routes through the muck rather than smashing over the top of it all.
Give the Reign your whole attention and dedication, and it’ll blast you down the trail at breakneck speeds, along with lots of smiles.
SB165 Yeti
The SB165 is a motorcycle that looks like a monster truck. Immediate Media / Ian Linton
- As tested, £3,799 / $4,000
- A pleasant bike to ride that is quick and forgiving.
- A quick descender with 27.5in wheels that don’t slow you down.
- Exceeded expectations for a 165mm travel coil-sprung bike.
The Yeti SB165 is a bike that looks like a monster truck. The SB165’s rear end is progressive and absorbs bumps fast, while also providing a huge amount of grip, so even bad line choices don’t cause the rider any issues.
The geometry, with its loose head angle, improves the suspension’s confidence-inspiring performance, although longer chainstays may potentially increase its stability even further.
Ascending on the Yeti is simpler than anticipated, despite the Fox Factory DHX2 coil-sprung 165mm rear shock. On the flat, the bike’s suspension makes it seem slower, although this is countered by the bike’s light weight. That’s thanks to the completely carbon frame.
Internal cable routing gives this Yeti a clean, uncluttered look. This is a fantastic appearance – and it makes the bike seem as quick as it rides – but it may cause additional work stand trouble.
YT Capra Shred 27.5
The YT Capra Shred has the same frame as the regular Capra, but it’s built a little thicker. Immediate Media / Andy Lloyd
- As tested, £3,825
- Suspension with a low-slung, grounded position
- Over tougher terrain, it has a solid feel.
- The kit isn’t very flashy, but it does the job.
The YT Capra Shred 27.5 is made for shredding through bike parks and local trails, with sleek aluminum tubing that is pleasant to the eye.
With its low bottom bracket and short reach, the Shred seems more nimble than stable. The Shred might feel more confident at high speeds if it had a little more space and slightly longer chainstays, but it’s still a lot of fun to ride and extremely responsive due to its sturdy frame and 650b wheels.
On the Capra Shred, climbing uphill isn’t easy. To be comfortable, the somewhat loose seat angle necessitates shifting bodyweight about, and at 15.6kg, this is a pretty typical weight.
A bike designed and specced like this, on the other hand, will never be about climbing.
The Capra Shred is a tough bruiser that’ll have you carving curves and blasting skywards in no time, all while putting a grin on your face.
First-time Rider Suggestions
These enduro bikes have only been ridden a few times by the BikeRadar crew, so they haven’t received complete scores, but they are still worth considering.
Sentry of Calibre
It’s not scared to go fast because to its excellent geometry, well-thought-out equipment, and well-balanced ride. MBUK/Steve Behr
- Enduro bike with a lot of value
- Geometry that is super-progressive
- Suspension upgrade for the top end is available.
With a price tag of £2,000 (provided you have the all-important £5 Go Outdoors Discount card), we believe the Calibre Sentry is one of the finest value budget enduro bikes available. And if you don’t have it, you’re losing out on a great opportunity! Unfortunately, this bike is only available in the United Kingdom.
The Sentry not only features excellent value for money components like a Yari fork, Guide RE brakes, and an NX Eagle gearbox, but it also has super-progressive geometry, showing that smart design doesn’t have to be expensive.
For an additional £800, you can buy a top-of-the-line Lyrik RC2 fork and a super-deluxe coil shock with remote lockout. There isn’t a better EWS-ready bike on the market right now, in our opinion.
GX Eagle of Evil Wreckoning
The Evil Wreckoning GX Eagle prioritizes beautiful aesthetics and a fun-above-all-else riding experience, which is a winning combination in the case of the Evil Wreckoning GX Eagle. Immediate Media / Mick Kirkman
- Enduro rig that can handle huge mountains
- At warp speed, he rips through everything.
- On jumps and berms, I’m aggressive and responsive.
The Evil Wreckoning GX Eagle accomplishes everything an enduro bike does, but with the character and agility of a small downhill rig, plowing over the rough terrain with a sensation similar to a freeride or jump bike.
The new Wreckoning has a redesigned longer, slacker chassis and a tank-like unidirectional carbon frame. This is what gives you the feeling of riding a downhill bike, which, when combined with the upgraded version’s additional travel, allows it to gobble up everything in its path.
The bike’s single-pivot linkage-driven-shock rear suspension gives it a lively, frantic sensation, but it doesn’t track as well as some other designs while braking. There’s also not a lot of space for muck clearance, and the seat angle might be improved.
But with a bike like this, why needs a car? Perhaps these blunders can be overlooked.
Dreadnought XT, the Forbidden
The Dreadnought is not your typical trail bruiser. Its personality has a sense of levity. Immediate Media / Andy Lloyd
- Platform that is especially suitable for taller riders.
- Built with a downhill geometry in mind.
- Will bring you to the top of the trail with less effort than comparable large-displacement bikes.
Due to its high-pivot construction, the Forbidden Dreadnought XT is a bit of an outlier in the enduro category. But it makes sense when you consider that it was built with a downhill geometry in mind, allowing it to absorb heavy impacts while maintaining a steady ride.
The Dreadnought can take a lot of punishment on descents, as you’d expect from a bike with a more gravity-oriented design, but despite its high pivot, it’s pretty lively, allowing you to manual, pump, and hop without absorbing too much energy.
There’s enough of bike to go upward, but the high-pivot drivetrain doesn’t generate as much drag as you would think, and there’s plenty of grip to be found as long as your technique is excellent.
The Dreadnought’s stability comes from its lengthy chainstay length, which makes it suitable for taller riders. To achieve a consistent riding experience across sizes, Forbidden designed the bike using size-specific tube profiles.
Nomad CC X01 RSV by Santa Cruz
The new Nomad rides on 650b wheels and has 170mm of front and rear travel, but it has some major geometry changes for 2024. Immediate Media / Steve Behr
- Feeling confident and solid
- Stability and fun are well-balanced.
- Through the curves quickly
The Santa Cruz Nomad, now in its sixth generation, continues to use 650b wheels because Santa Cruz believes they provide a more enjoyable and nimble ride.
With a Fox 38 Factory fork up front, Fox X2 Factory Float rear shock, and SRAM X01 Eagle gearing, this Nomad is at the top of the line. Stopping power is provided by the 200mm rotors and Code RSC brakes.
Santa Cruz has updated the pivot design to make the bike better at handling particularly rough descents. The suspension still offers 170mm of travel at the back (which is matched by 170mm at the front), but the pivot design has been updated to make the bike better at handling particularly rough descents.
The Nomad wasn’t built to be the quickest upward, but it manages to keep up and feels efficient.
The Nomad handles well on steep descents, with the suspension staying responsive and the tyres glued to the terrain. The carbon wheels aren’t the most comfortable while going downhill, but their rigidity gives them a precise and exciting feel on linked up bends, aiding the Nomad’s speed-machine, hooligan character.
What is the Definition of an Enduro Bike?
Enduro racing or enduro bikes: which came first? It’s a kind of a chicken-and-egg situation, but the racing and bike genres have pushed one other to new heights, propelling bike technology development well beyond the course tapes.
On the AM9, MBUK’s Ed Thomsett slides one of San Remo’s numerous loose, dusty corners. Mountain Biking UK/Matt Wragg
Enduro bikes are in the midst of the downhill and trail bike worlds. They’re intended to get down slopes as quickly as possible, tackling rough rock gardens, matted root beds, huge drops, and canyon-like gaps with less suspension travel than a DH bike.
They are, however, intended to be pedaled back up, so rather of pushing to the top of the course, they can be ridden up due to better geometry, broader gear ranges, and lighter construction than a DH bike.
As a result, they’re somewhat less competent downhill but much more capable upward than a DH bike, and more capable down but less capable uphill than a trail bike… figured it out?!
What Is the Maximum Amount of Travel on an Enduro Bike?
While there is no fixed length of travel that defines an enduro bike, the majority have front and rear suspension that is between 150 and 170mm.
Some enduro bikes with 27.5in wheels push travel a bit higher, while others – typically 29in bikes – have a little less at the back.
Expect to see some of the brand’s heaviest single crown suspension forks, with stanchion diameters ranging from 35mm to 38mm. They’re designed to be firm, smooth, and supportive, with more adjustment in higher-end versions.
Even up close, the new Fox 38 is difficult to distinguish from the updated Fox 36. Immediate Publication
The rear shocks on most motorcycles, particularly those in the mid-range and above, will feature a ‘piggyback’ construction. This is a separate chamber attached to one end of the shock that enables more oil to flow through it.
This enables for greater temperature control and consistency on lengthy descents (you’d be shocked how hot a shock can become while in use!).
The extra piggyback is found on Manitou’s Mara rear shock.
The bikes’ suspension travel will be used in a variety of ways. Some bikes feature very comfortable suspension that completely isolates you from the path, resulting in a firmly grounded ride that is quick on steep and rocky terrain. However, with all that smoothness comes more pedal-induced movement, so these bikes may feel slow on climbs and flat courses — you’ll be reaching for the lockout lever much sooner!
Some bikes, on the other hand, will feature more pedal-friendly suspension, making uphills more easier and flat roads more enjoyable. When you’re going flat-out over rocks and roots, you may lose part of that buttery sensation.
What Exactly Is Enduro Bike Geometry?
In difficult terrain, the long and loose shape helps to build confidence. MBUK/Dan Milner
The geometry of today’s enduro motorcycles is long, low, and loose. Long front centres (and reach measures), loose head angles, and low bottom brackets are all examples of this. This gives riders a lot of confidence while riding up steep slopes since there’s less danger of their toppling over the handlebars, and it helps them manage weight and grip between the tyres.
Longer geometry makes the bikes a bit slower to respond to inputs, and you may need to adjust your riding style to get the most agility out of them, but these bikes were designed with descending speed in mind.
What Should I Budget for an Enduro Bike?
Unfortunately, enduro motorcycles are quite expensive. This is frequently due to the fact that they need more costly components, such as forks, wheels, tyres, and brakes.
The Calibre Sentry, at £2,000, is one of the cheapest we’ve seen (see above). At that price, it’s a great bargain, although most enduro bike ranges start at about £3,000.
What to look forward to this winter? For many of us, it’s already time for the annual enduro mountain bike season. Next year, it looks like the bikes are going to be even better. Here are 10 of the most anticipated enduro mountain bikes for the next few months.. Read more about best trail bike 2024 and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Enduro Mountain Bike 2024?
The best Enduro Mountain Bike 2024 is the 2019 Specialized Enduro Comp.
What is the most popular enduro bike?
The most popular enduro bike is the KTM 1290 Super Duke R.
What is the best Enduro mountain bike under $3000?
The best bike for you will depend on your riding style. If you are looking for a bike that is versatile and can handle both dirt and pavement, the Trek Fuel EX 9.8 is a good option.
