Last year, the heralded SX Trail and SX were dropped from the Specialized line up. While the vacancy left by the departure of the long travel SX Trail was filled by the Enduro Evo, the company decided to create two very different short travel bikes to replace the SX.
For dirt jumpers they designed the P-slope with input from some of freeride and slopestyles biggest names. The slope style bike featured the same dialed geometry as the popular P series dirt jumpers but had 87mm of rear travel. For those interested in a play bike with a racing pedigree, the company claimed to be developing a 4″ travel shredder dubbed the Enduro SX.
Fast forward to Sea Otter and the bike that never was – was everywhere! While the Enduro 29er might have dominated the downhill, the little SX was the steed of choice for every Specialized team rider hitting the Dual Slalom Track.
Want to be just like Gwin? For 2013, a limited production run of 100 frames will be available. That’s right, just 100 frames. Frames will be available in May, so now is a good time to start bugging your dealer. Price is TBD.
The engineers tuned the FSR suspension for the sprinting and high speed impacts racers are likely to encounter on a dual slalom course. Rear travel is 100mm.
Going around the frame, the company has spec’d the usual goodies, including a tapered headset, ICSG 05 mounts, and 142×12 rear end.
The frame will be available in two sizes. The short chainstays, superlow bb, and relatively slack headtube angle ensure this speed demon will burst through the sound barrier in the correct hands.
At 6 lbs .09 oz (sans axle), the Enduro SX is considerably lighter than many similar travel play bikes. Regardless of weight, this is one bike I would love to have in my stable.