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My Mrs is considering a new bike and is looking for a do-it-all that's capable of bouncing around the Alps, both up and down.
First question - do any dealers have stock in Small? Everywhere I've looked, including the London Concept store, only seem to have them in Medium and Large.
We've got loads of other questions; about the Command Post (is the limited range an issue, is only being 100mm in the small a pain, can the internal routing be replaced for a Reverb, would a 125mm Reverb fit in the tube), how much weaker are the 29 wheels compared to the 650b (I broke spoke nipples on my 29 Stumpy in the Alps) so any other advice gratfully received.
And is there anything else to consider?
Currently running an i900 shortened to 100mm (my ism saddle tail digs into the back tyre at full travel otherwise). It's not a problem. I run a medium frame and am 5'6.
The 29 roval wheels are a bit soft, I've dinged rims and they need a retension after two summers.
The SRAM 2200 bb/crank can shake loose, best to threadlock the crank arm bolt and get a spare bb tension nut as they are prone to self destructing.
Usual problems with long travel bikes that are pushed, check all bolts are tight after big days out and that the crank is still tight.
Watch the rear brake hose doesn't rub on the chainstay, definitely Viking tape and invisiframe.
I love mine, it's a missile. I'd have another.
Try and avoid the Cc inline as they are a POS.
Had one for a year. ELite 650b. Some issues
Pike RC felt terrible straight out the box. Dived constantly. Tried multiple mixes of air pressure and compression. Only a trip to TF sorted it
Monarch shock failed after 7 months. Took 2 months to get a warranty replacement because of the proprietary damper body
Went through 2 SRAM pressfit BBs in 6 months. Then couldn't get cranks off as the bolt had seized beyond belief. Replaced with Praxis BB and Shimano cranks. Fine for the last 6 months.
Headset bearings lasted 3 months.
Rear wheel bearings lasted 3 months.
When it works it's great but be prepared to replace bits. I haven't treated this bike any differently than any other bike I've owned yet certain bits wore out stupidly quick. Guess that's where the cost saving is in the manufacturing process
Edit: 125mm command post has been flawless
Threaded BB on the new ones, after having a Stumpy evo previously i wouldn't have touched an Enduro until now. Now its a potential new bike.
Had my command post on two bikes for 4 years and its been great.
My enduro 29er was great, up until the point some **** nicked it.
Mine was an xl and I found I really had to commit to corners and muscle the bike through, that may (or may not) be a problem for a small lady, I would definitely recommend a test ride.
The newest ones are meant to be longer, lower and slacker, but I am barely seeing a difference to the geometry charts from the 2015 model to the 2017 for the xl (there is even a little less standover which i already thought was a bit high)
Don't ignore the Stumpys and Cambers, I've ridden both and then bought a Camber 29er evo and pushed the Pike out to 140mm.
Replaced the BB (don't under-estimate how much force it takes to get the cranks off...), bought some 30mm internal Rovals, no problem at all with the rocks up here. Replaced the command post with a 170mm Reverb (long legged).
I don't ride the Alps but live in the Tweed Valley, and even on the EWS-type off-piste stuff I don't reckon you need Enduro-level travel.
The SWAT Box is awesome. I'm jealous of my mate's Enduro for that reason alone. As well as the fact it's a missile!
Tom kp
Boardin Bob 2017 ones have better headset bearings than previous years but regardless of that all the bearings have a 12 month warranty you should've got your LBS to replace them FOC. Not seen a small but you may struggle to fit a 125 reverb because of where the pivot is. At the very least you'll prob have to swap out the connectamjig for the old style connection.
forgot to ad that they're awesome, I had a 2016 and now have a 2017. 29'er with and Ohlins coil. Sold my dh bike because there wasn't any point in it
Spesh command post seems far more reliable than a reverb and they do make a 125mm drop one.
My enuduro was my main mtb till a few months ago and was a great do it all ride until I got thoughts of xc racing again.
The enduro climbs far better than a big bike should.
Mines got a cane creek db air not the inline and that's been fine.
I have never heard of Specialized offering a 12 month warranty on their bearings .
Command post is smaller diameter cable than the reverb (4mm rather than 5mm IIRC). But then the reverb reliability has been shocking with a warranty replacement and having to replace barbs and strain relief on a regular basis.
Command post seems to have better reliability.
had one for a few months. it was good at straight line descents.
i did not find anything else it was good at. sold it.
I bought ton's Enduro. I like it more than he did.
I have a 2016 650b and its a great do it all bike for one with so much suspension travel.
What does surprise me is how comparitively cheap they are secondhand-£1500 for a 2016 model on Pinkbike, and many more only slightly more expensive on there
I've got a 29er Stumpjumper too, so the Enduro was a bit of a silly purchase. To be honest, the Stumpy is probably quicker everywhere I've been. I just find the Enduro a really nice place to be, very solid feeling bike, always feels confidence inspiring even jumping on after 6 months with no riding.
The Stumpy feels a bit more clunky, I think it's too big/long for me though, combined with a noticably lower feeling BB which I strike a few times per ride. Very speedy though.
That's interesting. As I mentioned, I've got a 29er stumpy but I broke spokes at Antur and on the Les Gets Red (and, at the time anyway, none of the Morzine bike shops had spare 29er spokes). Poor technique I'm sure but big bikes are there to compensate for poor skill, so I'm considering his-and-hers Enduros! Which opens a whole load more questions...
Back to the original question, it seems Specialized have changed, if not necessarily fixed, the BB. We've had two sets of Pikes that we're happy with, so I think you were unlucky Bob. Fitting a reverb looks like it might be problematic but people seem happy with the command post.
She's 5ft6 too and was going for a small, standover height being one of the reasons. I'm 6ft5 and ride a large; I've no idea who the XL is designed for!
This is the bearing warranty:
Specialized warrants to the original owner of this bicycle that any Specialized branded suspension attachment points, and any Specialized branded suspension related equipment (including pivot points, bushings, shock units, front suspension forks, stays, plates, fasteners) when new are free of defective materials or workmanship. This warranty shall expire five (5) years
Just need to find a shop with stock so we can do a test ride. There was a Specialized dealer doing a demo day at FoD once that specialised in women's frames, but can't remember who they were.
Between us we have both 650b and 29er all in medium. Abigale competed in Enduro all year on her 650b and next year will be competing on the 29er. Her sister is 5ft 6 in and rides a medium. The 125mm Command post is ok for her and has plenty of standover height. The 2017 ones are boost front and rear. Ours have the Ohlins and the Lyrik fitted. Changed the brakes over to XT to standardise on all our bikes.
Bikescene have some good deals on last years models. Both Enduro and Stumpy which are both very capable bikes for the Alps.
Not had a problem with any Roval wheels we have had although we are running Sixth Element wheels on hope hubs.
Kevin had some doubts about his Rovals on the Stumpy but they held up with no problems in the Alps. If you are near South Yorkshire she is welcome to throw her leg over ours.
you should've got your LBS to replace them FOC
I did at first. But then they just replace them with like for like so I just upgraded them myself
Thanks Tracey, very kind offer but we're in the south so it's a long trip. Local shop reckons he'll get a medium in soon but is reluctant to end up with a small he can't sell.
That warranty text doesn't cover bearings as I read it.
This is what one of them looks like
Lifetime Bearing WarrantySanta Cruz Bicycles pivot bearings are warranted for life to the original owner of the bike. The return process is simple: fill out the Warranty Bearing Replacement Form, upload a copy of your purchase receipt, and we'll get a new set of bearings out to you within 48 hours!
Seems to be just road at this point but mail Spec UK about Demo bikes (if your UK based)
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/test-the-best
They used to be one of the best at having demo bikes out there, any company wanting you to by their bikes should make an effort. As for the shop will spec send and return? You may have to pay postage on that though you may be better off at a concept shop.
I have an enduro 29er had it two years as a guide in Italy and its been great. Main grumble is that the main pivot bearing only lasts a few months. It will probably be my main bike for 2017 as there is nothing on the market I can replace it with.
The missus has the stumpy 27.5 with the swat door. Its the small size and she loves it. The command post has been replaced with a 125mm fox unit, other than that it has been great. The wheels have held up to over a year of guiding and have held up well and no broken spokes. My 29 rovals self destructed and I now use mavics.
IMO the stumpy is a perfectly capable bike and your missus should be looking at that one...
Oh and we are in SW london area for a few weeks beforecreturning to italy if you want to test ride
OK, so I ordered an Enduro and collected it today.
And now I have more questions! Mostly I think this is buyer's remorse and general nervousness, so please put my mind at rest!
1. Where can I find the specifications for spare parts? The manual that comes with it is for the 2015 model and happily tells me the specification of the front mech and the PF30 BB, so I don't trust it at all.
2. Is the rear triangle supposed to feel like there are burrs under the paint, a bit like it's been hit with a chisel near the bearings on one side? The other side's smooth.
3. Is the autosag valve supposed to be exposed to the elements? (My stumpy has a dust cap, but that's Fox, and there doesn't seem to be anywhere to screw a dust cap onto this valve).
4. My stumpy came with a full custom-cut helitape kit. This one's got a few cable rub prevention stickers and that's it, is that right? But then the stumpy also came with reflectors and a bell.
5. Last one I think's obvious, but am I correct in thinking that spoke tension should be even and there shouldn't be loose spokes?
OK, so I ordered an Enduro and collected it today.
And now I have more questions! Mostly I think this is buyer's remorse and general nervousness, so please put my mind at rest!
1. Where can I find the specifications for spare parts? The manual that comes with it is for the 2015 model and happily tells me the specification of the front mech and the PF30 BB, so I don't trust it at all.
2. Is the rear triangle supposed to feel like there are burrs under the paint, a bit like it's been hit with a chisel near the bearings on one side? The other side's smooth.
3. Is the autosag valve supposed to be exposed to the elements? (My stumpy has a dust cap, but that's Fox, and there doesn't seem to be anywhere to screw a dust cap onto this valve).
4. My stumpy came with a full custom-cut helitape kit. This one's got a few cable rub prevention stickers and that's it, is that right? But then the stumpy also came with reflectors and a bell.
5. Last one I think's obvious, but am I correct in thinking that spoke tension should be even and there shouldn't be loose spokes?
Presuming you bought it and collected it from a shop they should be the people you should be asking this
Presuming you bought it and collected it from a shop they should be the people you should be asking this
I suppose that I have no confidence in the bike shop knowing the answers or not fobbing me off and thought that other owners might know. Their advice to the other customer asking what were the good local trails wasn't particularly confidence inspiring.
I did ask about the wheels, but he didn't even come out from behind the counter and just said "if it gives you any trouble bring it back", which is all well and good but won't stop a buckled wheel ruining a day out.
I'm not mechanically gifted, so don't know what's right or wrong. A valve exposed to mud and grit feels wrong but might be fine if they're all like that. Equally there's 0.5mm clearance on the suspension pivots, so a small burr might be OK.
Take it back and get the bike shop to sort it out. If they don't email specialized.