August 7th, 2008 by 
brodiegrrl
Overall Impression:
If you are looking for one bike to do it all this could be it. A solid but not fast climbing bike it will get you up the hill. Switching to the descent is easy and the bike easily soaks up a variety of hits. Finding the best level of plushness takes a bit of time to determine the optimum air pressure in the shock and fork. The geometry and components are best suited to descending. This bike looks like a DH bike in the front and a cross country bike in the back. It will turn heads and it works.
Summary:
Specs:3/5
Price:4/5
Ride: 4/5
Overall: 4/5 Chili Peppers!
Pros:
- Very tunable plush suspension
- Stiff front end
- Great climber, solid descender
Cons:
- Eskar tires did not hook up well on loose dry terrain
- Fork may be too much for most riders who don’t need the stiff fork or want a more responsive bike
- No ability to change stem length
Detailed Specifications
The source for this information is Specialized Suggested Retail of this bike is $3699.00
The Enduro in Action!
Even on the Medium frame which felt big sure didn’t look big on me!
Not a bad climber!
Now we go down on a classic Kananaskis trail.
August 8th, 2008 at 2:14 am
Hi Bro
Looks like a ride i did once in the early ninitees
out of the butte on horseback, i have to re-read all this info
its late but i just put together yje sickest ride bike
from an Enduro Comp beyond the Expert like your cranks and front derailer
upgrade mine is a bit different photos coming soon i have way better
upgrades now if i could just part from my pacific ocean to get to your
location otherwise i have to stick to So Cal and Central arid terrain.
August 8th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Different stem lengths are available from Specialized. I’m running the shortest stem length on my size large frameset. Nice review, I definately agree with a front tire change.
August 11th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Wow… I guess I’m not the only person that owns an ‘08 “blue demo color” Spesh Enduro Expert. I agree w/you on the tires. The Eskars do not hold up in the rocks and they don’t hold a line very well. I switched to a set of Highrollers… problem solved. Since I ride a large Spesh Expert and weigh ~ 200 pds w/a full Camelback I REALLY appreciate the triple clamp front fork on this bike. With this fork the bike just tracks like it’s on rails in tight technical terrain and on downhills you just fly over stuff. My only complaint w/the fork is that the low speed suppleness of the fork could be better over smaller bumps. This bike is truely a do-it-all bike that can climb well and go downhill well and isn’t a pig.
For the future Spesh could do a little more work on the fork, change out the bottom bracket to the narrower BB30 standard, and drop a little more weight off the bike and this thing would one of the best all mtn mtn bikes ever…. and I’m not kidding when I say that…
August 11th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Nice write-up and pics. One minor nit-pick; Specialized does make different length stems available for the e150 now. I have a medium, which came with an 80mm stem and I had the shop put a 60mm on it. I also went with a straight gravity-dropper seat-post (versus the setback OE). This shortened the cockpit nicely and this thing flies.
I am as amazed with the technical climbing ability as I am with the descent capabilities. Handling is unbelievably neutral. This thing rails berms perfectly, riding from the center of the bike and handling balance is unchanged either seated or standing. It goes wherever you point the front wheel; unwaiveringly. It makes me feel like a super-hero
I really like the Eskar control 2.3 as a rear tire (tubeless w/stans). I think it’s the best rear tire ever. On the front, I have the adrenaline 2.2, which measures 2.4-2.5. That was the best front tire ever (not for wet), but they don’t make it any more. Those tires along with the Magura Martas (07 spec) and 8″ front rotor, provide enough traction for braking and turning on loose, dusty terrain.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:54 am
How much?
August 25th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Suggested Retail of this bike is $3699.00 in Canada
August 26th, 2008 at 8:06 am
I have to agree with the review and others. This bike is great. Climbs surprisingly well, and goes downhill like it was nothing. I have the ‘07 model and my LBS replaced the shock and fork with ‘08 versions for free from Specialized.
Coming from a hard tail, I wasn’t sure about how well this bike would suit me. Tried Iron Horse, Giant and other Specialized Dual Squishies and this one seemed to feel right on with what little I was able to test ride. After 4 months, I know I got the right bike.
My only complaints were the tires and the rear wheel. The tires suck IMHO. I threw on some WTB Weirwolf 2.55s and it’s MUCH better. Cornering at speed, digging in on climbs, great tires so far. The rear wheel specs are surprising when you look at the other components. The rear hub and cassette are akin to a boat anchor. The rear wheel will get replaced this Winter for sure.
Stellar bike and a good price though. 4.5 out of 5 chilli peppers from me. New rear wheel (probably Hope Pro II, SRAM 990 and a Stans Arch rim) and this thing will be a 5 chilli pepper bike for me…
August 27th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
I rode one of these recently as a rental. I was surprised at the climbing ability for what initially looked like a DH oriented ride. I had no problems, left it in the middle ring the whole ride. Its really not as heavy as it looks.
Its a reasonable climber. I felt it was far too stiff for such a long travel bike. And yes I adjusted it trailside as plush as possible. But it hauls when you’re bombing down the hill, smoothes the ride out real nice. For someone who like DH but needs to climb to get there its no a bad compromise. For someone who likes climbing but want a little DH, not so great.
All in all I felt it was an ok bike to rent but I would buy one, especially for that price tag. Wow.
September 26th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Great review, and looovely photos. Big up to the photog!
November 9th, 2008 at 9:00 am
i am thinking about buying a specialized enduro for 980.12 is that a good price and is it a good bike. also could I urban bike with like jumps ect.