When choosing a bike for off-road riding, there are two main types to consider: the trail bike and the enduro bike. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to know what each type is best suited for before making your purchase.
Trail bikes are the more versatile option, capable of handling a wide variety of terrain thanks to their suspension setup and lightweight frame. They also tend to be more affordable than enduro bikes. However, they cannot match the performance of enduro bikes on descents and are not as suitable for truly technical riding.
On the other hand, enduro bikes are designed specifically for downhill riding and are therefore heavier and more expensive than trail bikes. They are not as versatile as trail bikes, but their downhill performance is unrivaled.
So what type of bike is right for you? It depends on the type of riding you plan to do. If you want a bike that can do it all, a trail bike is probably your best option. But if you’re looking to tear up the downhill trails, an enduro bike is the way to go.
In this article, we’ll look at all the detailed differences between an enduro bike and a trail bike.
What Is Considered A Trail Bike?
A trail bike is a mountain bike designed for riding on trails, as opposed to cross-country, downhill, or freeride bikes. Trail bikes are the most versatile type of mountain bike, and are ideal for a wide range of riding styles and conditions.
Trail bikes generally have moderate amounts of suspension travel, a relatively slack head angle, and a suspension fork with a travel range of 100-160mm. These bikes are designed to strike a balance between climbing and descending ability and are often used for all-day epics in the mountains.
While trail bikes can be used for just about any type of mountain biking, they are most commonly seen in the cross-country and enduro disciplines. Cross-country trail bikes are typically lighter and more efficient climbing machines, while enduro trail bikes are burlier and designed for more aggressive riding.
No matter what type of trail bike you choose, it’s important to find one that fits your riding style and terrain preferences. With so many different trail bikes on the market, it can be tough to know where to start.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a trail bike:
1-Suspension travel
The amount of suspension travel you need will depend on the type of terrain you’ll be riding. If you’re mostly sticking to mellow trails, a bike with 100-160mm of suspension travel will be plenty. For more aggressive riding, look for a bike with 130-140mm of travel.
2-Wheel size
Most trail bikes come equipped with either 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels. 27.5-inch wheels offer quick handling and a nimble feel, while 29ers roll over obstacles more easily and maintain speed better on long descents.
3-Geometry
The geometry of a trail bike is important for handling and control. Look for a bike with a relatively slack head angle (around 67 degrees) and a short rear end (around 430-445mm). This will give you a bike that’s stable at speed and easy to maneuver.
4-Componentry
Pay attention to the components on a trail bike to make sure they’re up to the task. A good trail bike should have a durable frame, reliable suspension components, and quality brakes.
What Makes A Bike An Enduro?
An enduro bike is a mountain bike designed for long-distance off-road riding. It is a versatile bike that can be ridden on a variety of terrain, including single track, fire roads, and technical downhill sections. Enduro bikes are typically heavier and have more suspension travel than cross-country bikes.
The term enduro is derived from the French word endurance and originally referred to a type of motorcycle racing in which riders had to complete a long-distance off-road course within a certain time limit. In recent years, the term has been adopted by mountain bike riders to describe a specific type of mountain biking.
Enduro mountain biking has grown in popularity in recent years, with many mountain bike manufacturers now offering enduro-specific bikes. Enduro racing has also become a popular format for mountain bike races, with events such as the Enduro World Series and the Trans-Provence race attracting large fields of riders.
So, what makes a bike an enduro bike? Here are the key features:
1. Suspension
Enduro bikes have more suspension travel than cross-country bikes, which helps to smooth out the rough terrain that is often encountered on long-distance off-road rides. The suspension is also generally softer, which helps to absorb big hits from roots and rocks.
2. Geometry
Enduro bikes have longer wheelbases and lower bottom brackets than cross-country bikes. This gives them more stability at high speeds and makes them more capable of handling rough terrain. The trade-off is that enduro bikes are usually heavier and less nimble than cross-country bikes.
3. Tires
Enduro bikes are typically equipped with wider tires than cross-country bikes. The extra width provides more grip on loose and technical terrain. The downside is that wider tires are heavier and can slow down the bike on smoother trails.
4. Brakes
Enduro bikes usually have larger and more powerful brakes than cross-country bikes. This is necessary to slow down the bike on the steep and technical descents that are often encountered in enduro riding.
5. Wheels
Enduro bikes typically have larger wheels than cross-country bikes. The larger wheels roll over obstacles better and provide more traction on loose terrain. The trade-off is that larger wheels are heavier and can make the bike harder to maneuver on tight trails.
6. Drivetrain
Enduro bikes usually have a wider range of gears than cross-country bikes. This is necessary to handle the steep climbs that are often encountered in enduro riding. The trade-off is that a wider range of gears can make the bike heavier and less efficient on smooth trails.
7. Weight
Enduro bikes are typically heavier than cross-country bikes. This is due to the fact that they are designed to handle more abuse and are equipped with components that are designed to withstand the rigors of long-distance off-road riding. The trade-off is that a heavier bike can be more difficult to maneuver on tight trails and can be less efficient on smooth trails.
Enduro bikes are a specialized type of mountain bike that is designed for long-distance off-road riding. They are typically heavier and have more suspension travel than cross-country bikes. Enduro bikes are also equipped with wider tires, stronger brakes, and a wider range of gears than cross-country bikes.
What’s The Difference Between A Trail Bike And An Enduro Bike?
The main difference between a trail bike and an enduro bike is in their weight and handling. Trail bikes tend to be lighter and more agile than enduro bikes, which makes them easier to ride uphill. Trail bikes also tend to have less suspension travel than enduro bikes, which makes them more efficient on climbs.
In terms of gearing, enduro bikes have more suspension travel and more aggressive geometry. This makes them better suited for downhill and technical terrain. They also tend to be heavier than trail bikes, which can make them more difficult to ride on climbs.
Trail Bike VS Enduro Bike [Key Difference]
1- Geometry
Enduro bikes are designed to be ridden hard and fast over technical terrain. They have longer travel suspensions and are often heavier than trail bikes. Enduro bikes are also usually equipped with larger, more powerful brakes and bigger tires.
Trail bikes are designed to be versatile and fun to ride on a variety of terrain. They have shorter travel suspensions and are usually lighter than enduro bikes. Trail bikes are also equipped with smaller brakes and tires.
2- Suspension
One of the biggest differences between a trail bike and an enduro bike is the suspension. Trail bikes usually have less suspension than enduro bikes (Trail from 130 mm to 150 mm and Enduro from 150 mm to 200 mm).
This is because trail bikes are designed to ride on softer trails. Enduro bikes, on the other hand, have more suspension. This is because enduro bikes are designed to ride on more difficult trails.
3- Bottom brackets height
In general, a trail bike will have a higher BB than an enduro bike. This is because a taller BB provides more stability and helps keep the bike from sliding around corners. It is also useful on steep, technical climbs where you need the extra traction and stability that a tall BB provides.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Some trail bikes, such as the Santa Cruz Hightower, have a relatively low BB. This gives the Hightower a more nimble feel on the trail.
On the other hand, some enduro bikes, such as the Specialized Enduro, have a relatively high BB. This gives the Enduro a more stable feel on the trail, which is useful when riders are pushing their limits.
4- Head tube angles
For starters, trail bikes tend to have head tube angles that are somewhere around 65-67 degrees. This gives the bike a bit more stability when you are riding at high speeds. Meanwhile, enduro bikes have head tube angles that are around 62-65 degrees. This makes the bike a bit more agile, which can be helpful when you are riding through tight trails.
5- Wheelbases length
The wheelbase of a trail bike is usually between 1200 and 1350 millimeters. An enduro bike, on the other hand, has a wheelbase that’s typically between 1400 and 1500 millimeters.
Why is the enduro bike’s wheelbase longer?
There are a few reasons for this. First, enduro bikes are designed for more aggressive riding than trail bikes. They’re often ridden at higher speeds and on rougher terrain. A longer wheelbase provides more stability and control at high speeds.
Second, enduro bikes tend to be heavier than trail bikes. A longer wheelbase helps distribute the weight of the bike and rider more evenly, which makes the bike easier to handle.
Third, enduro bikes usually have longer suspension travel than trail bikes. This means that the wheels have to be further apart to avoid contact with the ground when the bike is being ridden over bumps.
6- Components
There are several key differences in the components between a trail bike and an enduro bike. Enduro bikes are designed for more aggressive riding and typically have longer travel suspension, more durable components, and a slacker’s head angle.
Trail bikes are designed for more cross-country riding and typically have shorter travel suspension, lighter weight components, and a steeper head angle.
The components on an enduro bike are also beefier than those on a trail bike. The frame is typically made from stronger materials such as aluminum or steel, and the wheels are usually larger and more durable.
7- Wheel size
One of the biggest differences between the two types of bikes is wheel size. Enduro bikes have larger wheels that are designed to roll over obstacles and provide more stability at high speeds. Trail bikes have smaller wheels that are easier to maneuver around tight corners and provide more traction on technical terrain.
8- Tyres
Trail bikes typically have narrower tires than enduro bikes. This is because trail bikes are designed for riding on smoother trails. Enduro bikes, on the other hand, have wider tires. This is because enduro bikes are designed for riding on rougher trails.
Verdict
While there are some key differences between trail bikes and enduro bikes, the most important thing to consider when choosing a bike is what type of riding you will be doing most often. If you plan on doing mostly cross-country riding, a trail bike is probably a better choice. However, if you plan on doing more aggressive riding, such as enduro racing, an enduro bike is likely a better choice.
