The name enduro comes from the motocross world. In this branch of motocross and mountain biking, it is mainly important to cover descents as quickly as possible. These runs are often over very technical, rough, and steep terrain. Enduro mountain biking can be somewhat compared to downhill in that respect, but then again, it is not.
With enduro mountain biking, you also have to ride up the mountain unless there is a lift (for example, in bike parks). If you look at competitions, you will notice that downhill is purely downhill, while in enduro competitions, you can pedal up again.
Enduro mountain biking is, of course, not for everyone. In addition to the necessary skills and the right equipment, you also need a healthy dose of guts. There is certainly a market for enduro mountain biking in Belgium and the Netherlands. However, the terrain we have available is often not challenging enough.
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Enduro in Belgium and the Netherlands
In Belgium, fortunately, we still have the Ardennes, where you can definitely enjoy some challenging enduro mountain biking. There are likely also places in the Netherlands where this is possible, with slightly rougher terrain. However, you shouldn’t expect too much.
The increasing number of bike parks, such as Ferme Libert, also expands the possibilities. Consider the various enduro lines in the MTB park BE-MINE in Beringen (Belgium) and the new trails in Belgium’s first MTB Trail Center, located in Spa. These trail centers are entirely focused on enduro. In addition to the trail center in Spa, you have the following options:
- Endurourthe in Esneux
- Trailcenter Remouchamps created by the Ambleve Enduro team
- Ardenne bike trails in Bouillon
- Trailcenter Chaudfontaine
The bike park in Winterberg, Germany, might be the most comprehensive option for Belgians and Dutch riders.
If you want to experience the true feeling of enduro mountain biking, you’ll likely have to travel quite a few kilometers. After all, you need to be able to ride downhill, which is only possible in the mountains.
The hills we have in Belgium and the Netherlands can’t be compared to the trails and paths you find in the Swiss Alps, for example. You’ll only really taste the essence of enduro mountain biking on the most challenging trails and paths.
What do you need for Enduro mountain biking?
The equipment for riding enduro looks quite different, starting with the mountain bike itself. To tear over the roughest trails and paths and to overcome obstacles smoothly, you naturally need the right mountain bike. That’s why there are specific enduro mountain bikes.
What is an enduro mountain bike?
An enduro mountain bike has both front and rear suspension. An enduro mountain bike is, therefore, always a full-suspension mountain bike. The suspension travel of such an enduro MTB fluctuates between 150 and 170 mm at the front and rear.
Additionally, most enduro mountain bikers use a dropper seat post. With such a dropper, you can lower the saddle so that it’s not in the way. This is particularly useful during technical sections and steep descents where you need to shift your weight. Lowering the saddle removes the obstruction, allowing you to distribute your weight better, have more freedom of movement, and navigate descents and challenging trails more smoothly and safely.
Additionally, the 29″ and/or 27.5″ tires and the handlebars are quite wide, but the stem is shorter. The combination of these specific features allows you to control an enduro mountain bike better.
The frame of an enduro MTB is often sturdier as well. Combined with the thicker tires and dual suspension, an enduro MTB also weighs a bit more than a hardtail mountain bike. Naturally, this makes them less suitable for climbing.
Trail and downcountry mountain bike; the golden mean between XC and enduro
With the enduro MTB, you can, of course, tear through the singletracks in the Belgian and Dutch forests. However, in practice, it’s significantly less efficient and therefore not done as frequently.
Fortunately, you can also opt for a middle ground if you want to combine cross-country and enduro MTB riding as effectively and frequently as possible. In that case, a downcountry or trail mountain bike is the best option for you. A trail mountain bike, like the Enduro MTB, is fully suspended but has slightly less travel. You have the choice between 27.5″ and 29″ wheels. The downcountry mountain bike firmly opts for 29″ and leans a little more towards cross-country due to its slightly shorter travel (both front and rear).
If you lean more towards cross-country riding, you can choose a trail mountain bike that is slightly more XC-focused (downcountry MTB). Conversely, you can also opt for a slightly more enduro-oriented trail MTB.
Differences between an enduro, trail, and xc mountain bike
In the table below, you will find a handy overview of the differences between the trail, enduro, and XC mountain bikes:
| Enduro mtb | Trail mtb | Downcountry | Cross Country (hardtail) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wielmaat | 29″ of 27,5″ | 29″ of 27,5″ | 29″ (27,5″ voor kleine maten) | Meestal 29″ (27,5″ voor kleine maten) |
| Banden | Breed (2,4″+) | Breed (2,4″+) | 2,3″ – 2,4″ | 1,9″- 2,4″ |
| Veerweg vooraan | 150 – 170 mm | 120 – 150 mm | 100 – 130 mm | 80 – 120 mm |
| Veerweg achteraan | 150 – 170 mm | 110 – 140 mm | 100 – 120 mm | – |
| Dropper seat post | Recommended | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Equipment and accessories
As the terrain gets more technical, rougher, and challenging with enduro mountain biking, the right equipment and accessories are also necessary. You will notice that most enduro riders wear a full-face helmet and extra protective equipment. In terms of protection, this can even go very far from elbow, ankle, shin, and knee pads to a full body protector.
In terms of clothing, you will see most enduro mountain bikers cycling on their enduro MTB in loose or baggy clothing. Enduro clothing is often sturdier and more resistant to abrasion from branches, trees, and shrubbery. In addition, it will break less quickly if you come into contact with the ground once.
To facilitate quicker foot placement on the ground, flat or platform pedals are primarily used in combination with flat pedal shoes. The larger contact surface automatically provides more stability, which is crucial on technical trails. With the right combination of pedals and shoes, you’ll have nearly as much grip and pedaling power as with the well-known clipless pedals.
Who is enduro mountain biking suitable for?
Enduro mountain biking is definitely suitable for everyone, although it does require a bit of courage. When you’re just starting out, it’s advisable to gradually push your limits and not immediately tackle the most challenging enduro trails.
Additionally, you should be willing to drive to places like a bike park regularly. Fortunately, there are increasingly more options available in our surroundings, so you don’t necessarily have to spend half a day in the car…
Final Thoughts
Enduro mountain biking is a challenging discipline within mountain biking that is becoming increasingly popular.
In recent years, there has been an evolution underway, with more and more enduro trails and bike parks emerging here and there. This means you won’t have to spend countless hours in the car anymore. If you’re really keen on serious enduro mountain biking, a trip abroad or to a mountainous area might be a must…
Are you diving into enduro mountain biking soon? Then, be sure to consider the necessary protection and build your skills gradually. Good luck!
