|
05/10/2008
|
 |
 |
Big Travel for Small Riders
Specialized Enduro Frame - size small
Words Cristina Piccone
Images Cam McRae
|
Wow, something has arrived for me? Are you sure Cam? A bike frame? …No
way! Specialized has sent me a frame to ride, test and check out! An Enduro?
But I’m just your wife. And the most I’ve gotten out of these past
5 years of this NSMB.com endeavor of yours has been free rein with the TV remote
control, full stretch out on the couch and my choice of reality TV shows. Not
bad hey? You’ve got to be kidding. It was too good to be true.
Let’s start with the look. Deep steel blue… very solid. Hard -
you might say….oh dear can you tell that it’s been a lonely 5 years…Just
kidding ;)
Deep steel blue - not only does the Enduro ride like heaven; it looks divine
as well. Numerous big burly men commented on its heavenly colour as I effortlessly
rode up the Grouse fire road. Instead of paint the Enduro has an anodized finish
and it’s holding up incredibly well - much better than my husband.
Finally some fringe benefits.
At first I was a bit hesitant to commit to the Enduro because it is about
4 pounds heavier than my old dually. I was worried that I wouldn’t be
able to keep up with my girlfriends who take the uphill as seriously as the
down. It was no problem, though. No problem on the gravel road up and better
yet, no problem on the technical climb we did to get there. Both tires just
stuck to the ground as I manouevred up and over rocks and roots. I was utterly
surprised at how easily it climbed.
| When we finally got to Seventh Secret, I
have to say I was tired. We definitely got up in good time. And now for
the descent. We lowered our saddles but we didn’t put on our pads
because we are “hard core man” and because none of us ever
remember to bring them. We took off down hill. I couldn’t wait to
see how the Enduro would handle this trail. It has a slightly longer top
tube than my bike – a 2003 Rocky Mountain Slayer - so at first I
was throwing my weight too far back. This didn’t work out very well
on some of the switchbacks. When I finally realized that I was on a solid
and stable machine I felt like all I needed to do was find that middle
point and just ride; kind of like finding that centre balance point on
your skis. Once you get it you can carve and handle your speed in full
control. It was amazing! What a great first day on this machine.
|
When you are 5'3" this sort of clearance is
unheard of. This Enduro measures 680mm (26.75") from the ground to
the lowest point on the top tube.
|
Just find the middle point and then...point it.
Day 2 was just as fun. We started with a technical climb. I was looking forward
to this because of my first ride. I really felt that the Enduro liked to climb.
Again however being on a new bike I had a few things to get used to. The bottom
bracket is definitely lower than my Slayer so I was catching it on some rocks
or roots. Although this kind of threw off my balance a bit at first, I knew
that it was just a matter of getting used to the new geometry. And Cam told
me that if I couldn’t get used to it there is actually another setting
that would raise it a bit. We haven’t done that yet but I was happy to
know that Specialized had factored that into the design - and anyway there was
such amazing standover height that occasionally dabbing or lifting the bike
over things with both feet planted on the ground would save anyone’s jewels
and keep me smiling.
A confidence inspiring ride.
Day 25…approximately…well I have definitely put a few hours on
this bike and I continue to enjoy it. The Enduro is an extremely easy bike to
ride. I can’t believe how easily it was to get used to. It likes to climb
but it really loves to descend. I am really enjoying the downhill now that I
am 6 months pregnant. It’s performance in the bike parks, where I am doing
more riding these days (fewer rocks to fall on), is phenomenal. My competitive
downhill skiing background gives me a natural love for speed. Unfortunately
this doesn’t mesh so well when you are riding for two. But I have full
confidence on this bike. I know that it sticks to the berms and sucks up the
bumps like a Hoover. It is actually a bit scary how fast I am comfortable going
in my “condition.”
Riding the Enduro has definitely opened my eyes to how much fun descending
can be when you have 6" of travel and a bike that fits.
Note - in case you didn't catch it Cristina is my wife.
Our second child was born in October without incident - but we aren't advocating
lift accessed riding 6 months into pregnancy. Or any other kind of riding
for that matter. The main motivation for trying the small Enduro was to
find out if this was indeed a bike that fits smaller riders. When you get
more travel you generally get taller bikes with less standover clearance.
Cristina's riding buddies are all around the same size - I call them the five
foot four club - and I had heard them talk ad nausem about bikes not fitting them
well , so when I spotted the small Enduro I wanted to see if it was the answer.
So far it seems to be an ideal longer travel bike for the vertically challenged.
Cristina Piccone is a former pro-elite XC racer who is slowly being lead to the
dark side of mountain biking.
Cam McRae
For more info hit specialized.com
|
