All articles tagged with #enduro
The 2025 Pinkbike Awards highlight bikes with innovative modular designs, versatility, and refined performance, featuring nominees like the Pivot Firebird, Trek Fuel, Scott Gambler, Orbea Rallon, and Revel Rascal, each excelling in adaptability and rider customization.
Shimano has released the XTR M9220 pedals, a lighter, slightly smaller version of their Saint pedals, featuring four adjustable pins, a new multi-directional entry cleat, and designed for aggressive trail riding and enduro racers. The pedals offer a solid platform, smooth engagement, and compatibility with existing SPD cleats, with initial positive ride impressions and durability expected to be high.
Rocky Mountain's 2024 Altitude has undergone a complete overhaul with new geometry, suspension layout, and frame features, transitioning from an all-mountain enduro bike to a go-fast race bike. Available in carbon or alloy frames with 29" or mixed wheels, the Altitude features adjustable geometry, in-frame storage, and clean cable routing. The bike's progressive suspension and long geometry make it ideal for high-speed riding, while the Penalty Box storage system and quiet, polished finish add to its appeal.
The Raaw Madonna V3 maintains its reputation as a tough and reliable enduro bike with its third version, featuring a 160mm travel aluminum frame with 29" wheels and various adjustability options. The bike's geometry, suspension design, and technical performance make it a potent descender, excelling in steep and rugged terrain. With excellent traction and plenty of adjustments for fine-tuning, the Madonna V3 offers a solid and well-executed mountain biking experience.
Specialized has been granted a patent for their Under Bottom Bracket (UBB) suspension system, which allows for independent fine-tuning of key ride dynamics components. The patent describes a frame with 172mm of travel and the ability to adjust suspension characteristics for different terrains. The system also allows for field-adjustable suspension and the use of different brake mount designs to tune anti-rise characteristics. The suspension layout may potentially be used in the new Enduro model, which has not been updated in over four years. The patent mentions the possibility of using metal or composite materials for the frame construction.
The Unno Burn, a sought-after mountain bike known for its unconventional design, has been put to the test. The bike features a novel suspension layout with a progressive kinematic curve, offering a sensitive initial travel but making it difficult to use full travel except during large impacts. The geometry of the bike impressed testers with its balance, but the slacker seat tube angle and odd finishing kit posed challenges during climbing. Descending, the bike provided a taut, stiff platform, but the suspension system struggled with support and fatigue on fast trails. Overall, the Unno Burn's unique suspension platform comes with compromises, making it a mixed bag for riders.
Ibis has released the HD6, a combination of elements from the Ripmo and the HD5, with 165mm of rear travel, a 180mm fork, and a mixed wheel setup. The suspension is designed to be sensitive off the top, with enough progression for big hits, and the bike is air or coil shock compatible. The frame features straight lines, cable tunnels, and a lifetime warranty. The HD6 is a manageable, maneuverable bike that works well on tighter, trickier enduro race stages.
The Sea Otter 2023 Enduro event saw Amy Morrison and Youn Deniaud emerge as winners in the Elite Women and Elite Men categories respectively, with Ella Conolly and Cody Kelley finishing as runners-up. McKay Vezina, Jake Keller, Porsha Murdock, Julie Duvert, and Nikolas Nestoroff also secured top-five finishes in their respective categories.