As the DRAG Lokorsko Enduro Cup 2019 approaches, it’s good to talk a bit about this type of riding. Enduro is not only one of the most popular MTB disciplines at the moment, but according to many, it is also the most difficult because it requires both endurance for the climbs, which accumulate significant elevation gain throughout the day, as well as strength and technique for the descents, which are ridden in a competitive mode. Everything matters on race day – preparation, the bike, and the gear, because enduro is perhaps the most complex type of race and compromises are truly felt. Of course, this means the topic of this article is very broad and cannot be fully covered here, but it doesn’t hurt to start with some of the most important things.

Preparation

Enduro requires excellent physical preparation, and if you want to be at the top level, it’s hard to help you with just a few lines, because the best riders follow a carefully selected training regime that includes not only a lot of riding but also gym exercises, road training, or trainer sessions, and much more. And although most participants in Bulgaria are currently amateurs, there are a few things that can contribute to better performance and less fatigue:

1. Regular riding. If you follow some kind of training regime, even a simpler and more universal one, it can significantly improve your strength and endurance. Even if you don’t want to deal with a heart rate monitor and intervals, it’s good at least to train longer descents on technical trails, at a good pace and without breaks, because this will somewhat bring you closer to the usual and decisive riding in enduro races.
2. Good overall physical fitness. Whether you do exercises at home or opt for conditioning or other similar gym workouts (which are generally more disciplined), it’s important to develop your whole body well, not only in strength and endurance but also in flexibility, balance, etc.
3. Physical preparation would be pointless if you waste unnecessary time on technical sections, so for enduro you also need to develop your skills in descending difficult and varied trails. After all, it’s precisely on these that the clock records the times for the ranking!
4. Nutrition and hydration. The better results you aim for, the more attention you need to pay to this part. There is a whole science on this topic that cannot be summarized quickly. Those who train purposefully should find and apply an appropriate nutrition regime alongside their training, including during the race itself, in consultation with a coach or dietitian. If you don’t take things so seriously, at least make sure to stay well hydrated (enough fluids, preferably isotonic drinks) and have compact and light but calorie-dense and easily digestible food – some prefer ready energy bars and gels, others like to prepare cookies, desserts, and bars at home. In any case, it’s a good idea to carry magnesium, easily and quickly absorbed, to counteract possible muscle cramps.

Bike

An enduro bike must be strong, light, with good geometry and well-chosen components. The travel on the climbs is generally large – most often 150-170 mm, although with 29-inch wheels 140-150 mm is also a winning formula. A typical example of such a bike is the NS Snabb Plus 1, which can handle solid doses of all kinds of loads on descents, while weighing 14.2 kg (without pedals). The carefully prepared new Ronin model from DRAG also relies on 29-inch wheels and has already frequently stood on the podiums in the Bulgarian enduro series. Besides excellent geometry, effective suspension, and exceptional versatility, it also offers a more affordable price compared to most foreign counterparts.

Of course, besides the bike, the components on it are important. And even if everything is fine with the factory setup, there are parts that often need to be replaced or are a matter of personal preference. Tires are a typical example – if you have several different models and don’t mind changing them, you can prepare your bike for each race and the expected trail conditions. Still, let’s be realistic – most participants in Bulgaria have one, at most two pairs of tires, and generally rely on a universal combination that performs well in all conditions. Schwalbe Magic Mary is among the most preferred aggressive tires, especially in the Super Gravity version with reinforced casing and soft Addix Soft rubber compound. If you are looking for more durability and lower weight (for example, for the rear wheel), you can also opt for the new Hans Damph with Addix Speedgrip. The same tread pattern is available in a reinforced version with Addix Soft.

Pedals are also a matter of personal choice – some only accept clipless, others prefer platforms. It’s no coincidence that the specialized enduro model Mallet E from Crank Brothers combines these qualities – an effective and easy-to-clean clipping mechanism, a large platform with pins, low weight, and quality bearings. And also a great design!

Gear

This topic is also endless, but we will stick to the most important with a few specific examples.

The helmet is undoubtedly among the most important protective accessories. Since the enduro competition happens downhill, many participants opt directly for full-face helmets. In this regard, one of the most popular and widely used products is the Bell Super 3R MIPS model, which not only offers better ventilation compared to DH helmets but also has a removable chin guard, allowing you to lighten the helmet for climbs and “open” your face. There are also people who find full-face helmets too heavy, hot, and uncomfortable – for such customers, the new Trigger AM model from iXS is intended.

Knee pads? Absolutely, but they must be compact, light, and comfortable for pedaling. And of course, they must protect well. Among the market leaders are manufacturers like iXS with the Flow Evo+ model, which uses viscoelastic protective foam XMatter, and Endura with the lightweight and versatile Singletrack Lite.

Regarding backpacks, many opt for models with a spine protector, but these are usually larger and heavier. Others carry minimalist packs that only hold a water reservoir, a spare tire, or a patch kit and a multi-tool like the Crank Brothers M17, which is extremely functional and can save you in many situations. Others prefer a backpack like the Vaude Uphill 16 LW, which is extremely light but at the same time has enough volume to carry a thin jacket, thermal underwear, enough tools, and food to be prepared for any situation.

To everything chosen so far, don’t forget to add a strong mindset, good mood, and readiness to help others, because these things are an inseparable part of the “spirit of enduro” and contribute to the good atmosphere these races are known for. Three, two, one... start!