Enduro
The Specialized Enduro is a dedicated 170mm-travel 29er built explicitly for aggressive descending and enduro racing. Redesigned from the ground up for the 2020 model year, this generation abandons the brand's older X-Wing frame in favor of a suspension layout heavily inspired by the Demo downhill bike. By positioning the shock and linkage low and forward in the frame's belly, Specialized significantly lowered the center of gravity while creating a more rearward axle path. This kinematic shift is designed to maintain momentum through square-edged impacts. While the platform features increased anti-squat to help riders pedal back to the top of the trail, its primary focus remains squarely on gravity-fed speed. It is a specialized tool tailored for riders who frequent steep, demanding terrain and prioritize downhill composure over all-around trail versatility.

| Stack | 616mm |
| Reach | 437mm |
| Top tube | 591mm |
| Headtube length | 95mm |
| Seat tube length | 400mm |
Fit and geometry
Specialized utilizes its reach-based S-Sizing system for the Enduro, decoupling frame length from seat tube height. With notably short seat tubes across the board, riders can choose their frame size based on handling preferences—sizing up for high-speed stability or down for a slightly more maneuverable feel—while still fitting a long-travel dropper post.
The geometry is decidedly gravity-oriented. A flip-chip at the lower shock mount offers high and low settings, yielding a slack 63.9-degree or 64.3-degree head tube angle. This slack front end is paired with a short-offset fork to maintain steering predictability at speed. The chainstays measure a consistent 442mm across all sizes, which testers found provided a balanced weight distribution between the wheels.
For climbing, the Enduro features a 76-degree effective seat tube angle. While this positions the rider reasonably well over the bottom bracket, several taller reviewers noted that the actual seat tube angle slackens as the post is extended. Consequently, riders with longer inseams often found themselves sliding their saddles fully forward to maintain an optimal pedaling posture on steep ascents.
Builds
The current Enduro lineup is streamlined into two distinct builds: the Pro and the Comp. Both models share the exact same FACT 11m carbon frame, complete with the integrated SWAT downtube storage compartment and a mechanic-friendly threaded bottom bracket.
The Pro build sits at the top of the ladder, outfitted with premium RockShox suspension featuring a Zeb Ultimate fork and a Vivid Ultimate rear shock. It utilizes SRAM's wireless X0 Eagle Transmission for shifting, paired with powerful SRAM Maven Silver four-piston brakes and large HS2 rotors. Rolling stock consists of Roval Traverse HD carbon wheels laced to Industry Nine hubs, keeping weight down while maintaining stiffness.
The Comp model offers a more accessible entry point by swapping to a RockShox Zeb Select fork and Vivid Select Plus shock. The drivetrain shifts to a reliable Shimano SLX 12-speed mechanical setup, while braking is handled by TRP Trail EVO four-piston calipers. The Comp also moves to Specialized hookless alloy wheels rather than carbon. Both builds are equipped with aggressive Specialized Butcher tires featuring the GRIPTON T9 compound, ensuring the bike has appropriate rubber to match its descending capabilities right out of the box.
Reviews
Reviewers consistently characterize the Enduro as a miniature downhill bike that excels on steep, rough terrain. The revised suspension kinematics receive widespread praise for their ability to maintain speed through harsh impacts. Testing the bike on demanding tracks, testers noted that the rear wheel gets out of the way of square-edged hits effectively, creating a ride that "shrinks bumps and shortens gaps" (Bicycling). This translates to a highly composed feel at speed, with the suspension "calming the chaos and tackling the rowdiest of lines" (BikeRadar).
Despite its downhill bias, the Enduro pedals surprisingly well for a 170mm bike. The increased anti-squat provides a firm platform, allowing riders to ascend without excessive suspension bob. However, testers are quick to point out that it remains a heavy, long-travel machine. On mellower, flatter trails, the bike's ground-hugging nature can feel sluggish, requiring deliberate rider input to generate speed. It thrives when pushed hard, as the chassis "chews through terrain in a way that makes you feel invincible" (Bike Magazine).
The primary tradeoff noted by reviewers is low-speed agility. The long wheelbase and slack angles mean the Enduro requires a committed riding style and wide lines through tight switchbacks. Ultimately, testers agree that for riders who prioritize outright speed on aggressive descents, the Enduro delivers exceptional stability and momentum retention.

PinkBike
First Ride: The 2020 Specialized Enduro is Bigger & ...

Theloamwolf
Specialized Enduro Elite Review - Bikes

Freehub
Bike Review | Specialized Enduro Elite

Wideopenmountainbike
First Look Review : Pete's Specialized Enduro Expert.

YouTube
Specialized Enduro Bike Review | Still the Best Enduro Bike?

YouTube
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Mountain Bike Rider
Specialized Enduro Elite review: fast as hell - MBR

BikeRadar
Specialized Enduro Comp (2020) review

Tredz
Specialized Enduro Mountain Bike Review
Bike Magazine
Bible Review: Specialized Enduro 29 S-Works

BikeRadar
Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 review - Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes - Mountain Bikes

Enduro MTB
The Best Enduro MTB of 2020 – 17 Mountain Bikes in Review

Enduro MTB
Specialized Enduro S-Works 2020 on test

YouTube
2020 Specialized Enduro 29 // How Does it Ride?

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PinkBike
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Singletrackworld
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