Everything you need to know about enduro mountain biking

If you're new to cycling and want to learn more about the different disciplines of mountain biking, you're in the right place. Today, we're offering you a look at enduro mountain biking.

What is enduro mountain biking?

The enduro is a fairly recent mountain bike discipline, appearing in the years. Today, in full expansion, it is probably among those who gather the most practitioners, licensed or not, since most of the practitioners do not practice enduro in competition.
Before the creation of this new discipline, the term enduro referred to a specific bike model, halfway between the cross-country bike and the downhill bike, capable of going on all terrains.
The definition of the enduro mountain bike discipline is quite similar as it is a multipurpose bike where it is possible to have fun on the downhill, especially in the mountains, while being able to pedal - without too much pain - on the flat and uphill portions thanks to a bike that is more versatile than a DH or XC bike.

This discipline was also inspired by motorcycle enduro. In competition, the events consist of timed specials to be completed on the bike within a limited time. Unlike the downhill discipline, the courses are almost entirely natural, with no artificial obstacles.
To perform in this discipline, you not only need to be in good physical condition to be able to do the uphill passages and relaunches with a bike that is often around 15 kilos, but also to be a mountain biker with good riding technique to master the downhill passages, which are often fast and technical, but which can sometimes last up to 20 minutes for some special stages.

What bike for enduro mountain biking?

The enduro mountain bikes are therefore a mixture between a cross-country bike and a downhill bike, although it leans slightly more in favor of the second discipline, which generally weigh between 12 and 16 kilos.
Because of their geometry, suspension and riding position, they thus allow for efficiency on the uphill (even if the output is less than an XC bike because of the big tires), while offering ease on the downhill since it allows you to go everywhere, just like a DH bike.

Generally, enduro riding is done on an all-suspension mountain bike, with good fork travel and shocks that can lock up during uphill portions for better performance. They also usually have a telescopic seat to make it easier to go downhill without having to get off the bike. It can also be practiced on a semi-rigid bike, but it remains more rare. Finally, if the aluminum still occupies the major part of the market, more and more enduro bikes are made of carbon, allowing to obtain lighter and more rigid bikes.
At the level of the transmission, one generally finds a mono plate in front with cassettes of 11 or 12 pinions in the back.
The wheels most used in enduro are 27.5-inch wheels for their versatility and comfort, coupled with fairly wide tires and offering good grip.
Finally, be aware that there are also many electric-assisted mountain bikes dedicated to enduro.

What equipment to practice freeride mountain biking?

As enduro is an engaged discipline, it is essential to be properly equipped in order to be perfectly protected in case of a fall.

To protect your head, a full-face helmet is ideal because it will not only protect your skull but also your face. Depending on your riding level or preference, you can opt for either a classic full-face helmet or a modular full-face helmet with a removable chin strap.

In enduro, it is also very important to protect your hands with the wearing of long gloves, as well as your joints (knees, elbows) with adapted protections (knee pads, elbow pads). For added protection, if you're a committed thrill-seeking rider, don't forget to put on back protection as well.

The rest of the outfit will more or less resemble that of a classic mountain biker with loose mountain bike shorts with built-in skin for comfort, as well as a mountain bike jersey that is not too close to the body with short or long sleeves, in order to have more freedom of movement.
The outfit will be to complete with mountain bike shoes adapted to the cleat system (SPD or MTB) corresponding to the automatic pedals installed on your enduro bike.

Now that you know all about enduro mountain biking, how about doing the same with other mountain biking disciplines such as downhill, marathon downhill, freeride mountain biking, all-mountain mountain biking, cross country, cross-country marathon, mountain biking, four cross, dual slalom, dirt mountain biking, street mountain biking, trials mountain biking, or slope style ?