enduro HT geometry?

[rudi-h]

I spend 3 days every week in the northern cape at a mine and want to buy/build a reasonably cheap (+-R6000) HT bike to keep there for when I can ride.

 

last weekend I rode on a carbon racing HT of a friend and the geometry was so forward that I could not manual or hop it for the life of me.  would love to buy a bike that I can have a bit of fun with while I'm at it.  Doesn't need to have super strong wheelset, long travel fork, dropper post or anything silly, just want a geometry that would allow me to hop, jump and have a bit of fun.

 

So the questions:

 

1)  How are enduro type HT's different from racing bikes?

 

2)  How do I know the difference when looking at the classifieds?

 

I'd appreciate some tips.  I don't mind a 26 or 29 inch, probably going to ride the bike once or twice a week for 2 hours, so really not that fussy.

[Iwan Kemp]

For what you're after it doesn't have to be "Enduro". Short chainstays(420-430), shorter stem and slacker (71/72) seat tube angle should all help.

[rudi-h]

For what you're after it doesn't have to be "Enduro". Short chainstays(420-430), shorter stem and slacker (71/72) seat tube angle should all help.

 

thanks.  so the question is how do I know the chainstay length and the stem angle if I see a bike in the classifieds?

Are there specific brands or models that will give me an idea?  E.g. if I see a specialized epic I know it's a marathon bike.  If I see a santacruz Nomad I know its a AM bike.  Are there some well known models/guidelines for "slacker" geometry HT's?

[Ryanpmb]

Enduro HT frames will have around 67-69deg head angle, running 130-160mm forks. There may be extremes out of this range.

 

I'm not sure if a full on big travel slack enduro weapon is what you're after.

 

What size bike do you normally ride? I can organise a Cotic Soul for you. Steel frame, made to run 100-140mm forks. 100mm means more racey and steeper head angle, 140mm slacker and more 'trail' bike. Apparently it's sweet spot is 120mm which makes for a good all round fun bike. Sits with a 69deg head angle with 120mm fork.

[rudi-h]

Enduro HT frames will have around 67-69deg head angle, running 130-160mm forks. There may be extremes out of this range.

 

I'm not sure if a full on big travel slack enduro weapon is what you're after.

 

What size bike do you normally ride? I can organise a Cotic Soul for you. Steel frame, made to run 100-140mm forks. 100mm means more racey and steeper head angle, 140mm slacker and more 'trail' bike. Apparently it's sweet spot is 120mm which makes for a good all round fun bike. Sits with a 69deg head angle with 120mm fork.

please let me know.  I'll be interested

[Iwan Kemp]

For what you're after Cotic, NS Bikes, On One, Dartmoor & Mercer Hungry Monkey will all be good options to look at. 

 

Generally speaking Enduro bikes will a slack head angle (65 - 67), longer top tubes and short(-ish) rear tri's for snappy handling.

[Ryanpmb]

please let me know.  I'll be interested

PM'd.