A mountain biker prepares to ride, next to an image of a mountain biker catching air.

Enduro Biking Essentials

Jam out to adrenaline-ridden tracks with our top picks for enduro-style riding.

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The best gear and apparel for this discipline puts big air, high speeds, and proper protection into focus—without neglecting the ability to pedal uphill.

What We Look For In An Enduro Mountain Bike

Enduro bikes prioritize the downhill experience. We look for suspension, geometry, wheels, and tires that maximize performance and stability in high-gravity situations.

Suspension: Long-travel suspension will handle big hits and smooth out rough terrain. 150–170mm of travel in the front and rear is ideal. Geometry: Aggressive bikes with slacker head tube angles and longer reaches are the key geo specs for enduro-style riding. Wheels: More spokes = more wheel strength. Heavy-duty carbon, 32-hole (32h) wheels with wide internal rim widths spin-up durability for rowdy downhill miles. And speaking to durability, not only is carbon a tad stronger than alloy, but most manufactures have a great warranty if something might give during a big send.

Tires: Strong, puncture-resistant tire casings, tall braking knobs, and aggressive cornering knobs are key specs in the best enduro tires.

Bike deets run deep, and they can easily get your head spinning. Since the best bike for you will depend on your individual measurements and preferences, we recommend reading our Mountain Bike Buying Guide for the fine-tuned details.

Enduro Bikes

Two people in enduro gear stand beside each other on a trail, next to an image of a rider catching air.

What We Look For In Enduro Apparel

Enduro’s high-amplitude nature means we need gear that can stand up to it. We look for breathable, moisture-wicking apparel that cools us without restricting our range of motion on fast, technical descents.

Ample venting, a protection-friendly fit, and durability that handles higher crash potential is important, too. And of course, it needs to look as great as we feel.

Best Men’s Enduro Apparel

Image of a large brown tunnel-style tent. Text overlay reads: Gearhead top pick, Snow Peak Vault Tent.

Backcountry Button-Up MTB Jersey & Enduro Pant

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We appreciate a style-forward design that fits well into post-ride outings. This soft, fast-drying jersey feels equally at home on the trail as it does at the pub. Ride-specific features like a zippered back pocket and integrated sunglass wipe help bring this jersey into the limelight.

Our new Enduro Pant is lightweight, abrasion-resistant, and treated to shed whatever crud the trail throws at us. Integrated thigh and knee vents regulate our temp as the pace accelerates, and its tapered fit keeps it clear of our drivetrain while allowing plenty of room for padding. Plus, it’s been tested and refined by pros, so we feel confident it’ll hold up through seasons of thrashing.

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Best Women’s Enduro Apparel

A mountain biker stands on a sunlit trail.

DHaRCO Race Jersey & DHaRCO Gravity Pant

With its lightweight and breathable construction designed for high-speed rides, the DHaRCO Race Jersey combines cooling performance with an unrestricted fit. Detailed with stretchy, moisture-wicking material, and 100% recycled fabric, it seamlessly complements our favorite trails.

The DHaRCO Gravity Pant was made with every trail condition in mind. The women’s-specific fit is neither baggy nor overly slim, and still allows room for knee pads and full freedom of movement. A water-resistant finish fosters full days out there in any condition, while the thoughtful nylon and spandex blend breathes but warms during colder months.

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Inspired by the thrill. (Almost) as tough as you are.

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What We Look For In Enduro Helmets

For the right frame of mind, we look for full-face, snug-fitting coverage that keeps both our goggles and focus dialed. Comfort-forward features like ample venting, breathability, and weight consideration are also key for landing a crown that rules.

Best Enduro Bike Helmet

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What We Look For In Enduro Shoes

Your choice of footwear creates the foundation of your body-to-bike connection. We prefer clipless shoes and pedals to stay fixed to our rig with the best pedaling efficiency. And a thoughtful blend of performance, protection, and comfort give rise the controlled, fast, and flowy experiences we seek.

Best Men’s Enduro Shoe

Shimano GE900 MTB Shoe

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A comfort, performance, and protection shoo-in, we love the GE900 because it balances all our key features. We especially appreciate its midfoot SPD placement for optimal power and energy efficiency. Plus, it steps the game up with even more elevated details.

An integrated liner keeps trail residue out of our shoes while a strong toe cap protects against rock strikes. Its sole is flexible enough for controlled cornering, but a reinforced carbon fiber midsole delivers adequate stiffness to stay strong on the pedals. The BOA closure system delivers an effortless, snug, and secure fit, and stout sole tread aids in tricky hike-a-bike sections.

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Best Women’s Enduro Shoe

Fox Racing Union BOA Mountain Bike Shoe

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Proper connection for every section of gnarliness we encounter, the Union slips on with two BOA dials and customizable arch fitting options for unrivaled comfort, with and an Ultratrac rubber outsole and a two-bolt cleat plate beneath.

Its low weight keeps us nimble while a breathable one-piece upper maintains cooling comfort. And the EVA midsole absorbs energy so pupil-dilating drops don’t land with too much shock to the system.

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What We Look For In Enduro Protection

High speeds come with higher consequences, so we add gear like knee and elbow pads to our kit list to keep us fully covered. Much of the protection question boils down to individual preference, but we recommend centering your decision-making around fit, breathability, and weight to guard yourself with the most comfort. Sleeve-style pads can easily be rolled down as we roll uphill, while burlier options add more assurance to the downward assault.

Best Enduro Protection

G-Form Terra RE ZRO Knee Guard

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Added protection that doesn’t disrupt our fluidity, the RE ZRO Knee Guard inspires confidence to roll past our limits. Its pre-curved design feels natural and unrestricted, and its coverage is locked in by interior top-grippers. Durable, abrasion-resistant, and breathable, it delivers everything we look for to stay geared for fearless riding.

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