The enduro rider aspires to ride the gnarliest of downs without resorting to a lift to the top. This ‘winch and plummet’ style of riding has taken the sport by storm – even though we’ve been doing it in the UK for years, simply calling it... ‘mountain biking’. Do you fit the enduro mould? Here are the key tell-tale signs to look for.
Head Nothing says ‘enduro’ better than goggles with an open-face helmet. Mirrored lenses are the ultimate in enduro steeze – who cares if you can’t see anything in the woods when you look this cool!
Pack You’re not even remotely enduro if you don’t have a bum bag. It’s a liberating way to carry spares, a water bottle and energy bars. And the right one may not even make the wearer look like a lost American tourist.
Clothes Wearing the latest, flashiest kit is essential if a rider is to become the most enduro of all of their mates. We’re talking tech fabrics, super-bright colours and plenty of logos.
Line choice Using their keen KOM searching senses, an enduro rider will always know the quickest line from A to B. They love going fast – even if that means missing out a few turns and flexing the rules.
Bulging muscles (or bellies) Enduro riders need the legs to pedal back up to the head of that epic trail. But some of them are more likely to be found at the bar, bragging about how many miles they’ve (fictionally) ridden and feet they’ve (not actually) climbed.
Legs and feet Clipless pedals and lightweight knee pads are the order of the day. You’ll see enduro riders pedalling hard at any given opportunity with those disco slippers. The minimal pads won’t protect them much in a crash but they’re dead cool on the climbs!
Bike Nothing screams ‘enduro’ more than a long-travel, carbon trail-muncher… with a banana strapped to the top tube, an inner tube under the saddle and more bottle cages than a roadie. Going full enduro is a life goal!
Now you've worked out you are that rider it's time to get ready to race – because enduro’s more than just a marketing man’s wet dream!
Enduro was a race discipline before it became a buzzword, so if you’re a budding enduroist it’s only right that you should put your skills to the test against the clock. Only the downhill sections are timed, so you can catch your breath and have a natter with your mates on the linking stages – but an enduro race is still a big old day on the bike. Look to spend around £80 for race entry – being this enduro doesn’t come cheap! There are plenty of smaller local events plus four main UK race series. Check out the websites below for more info.