mx to enduro

[rookie]

hi guys,

have been a mxer for past 14 years

have join many mx races and no problem

just that, with age catching up and family committment

and not many mx track around, i;m thinking to switch to riding enduro

what should i expect? is the conversion over tough?

[Coop]

I don't think it's over tough to make the switch, but I think many people wrongly assume riding enduro (or scrambles) is easier than MX. It doesn't have big air and it does have lower speeds a lot of the time, but it is very physically grueling. Also crashing into a tree or onto rock infested trail brings new risks that MX'ers aren't used to worrying about  .

Your bike will require a little different set-up as far as suspension and power delivery, but I think you will be fine and enjoy yourself racing enduros.

[eprovenzano]

Not to mention you may want to invest in some bark busters.  Nothing like saving the hands when bouncing off trees...  also if you don't already have one a camel pack can really make a big difference.

[Charles Owens]

Like Coop said, offroad is tough.
The scrambles I do are 7-12 miles long.. per lap. Total of 4-5 laps or so.
The main thing you need to do is get you, and your bike ready.

Bark Busters, skid plate, etc.
Make sure your bike is in mechanically sound before you get several miles out.

[MyckMcClung]

Maybe you could tell us what bike you ride and we could give you some input as to how to set it up for enduros.
As far as personal set up, ie: riding gear, you'll definitely need a CamelPack, Plastic roost/Chest protector, knee/shin & forearm/elbow guards,( you'll know why when you clip a 4" pine sapling with your forearm pinned in third and it knocks you to the other side of the trail where your knee hits another tree), well vented pants/jersey for summer, and an Enduro jacket for the winter. A fanny pack to carry an extra pair of gloves and goggles, is nice to have at wet races, or a towel to mop up sweat on hot days. A separate fanny pack loaded with a spare plug in a water tight container, plug wrench, spare masterlink, combo screwdriver, tube patch kit, and co2 type pump, mini ratchet w some common sockets, or a small cresent wrench, mini tire irons, and small first aid kit. these things can also be stored in some CamelPack systems as they have models that offer storage compartments. or you can lighten the load by running Mousse Bib inserts or Tire Balls and leave the flat fixing stuff in the tool box.

[rookie]

thanks guys!

had sold my 450, am looking at getting a KTM 2 smoker here

maybe a 150 or 200.

it is the long unfamiliar terrain that i feel, is challanging when going at speed.
i may hit into a tree, or overshoot a corner and drop off a cliff!

whereas a mx track, i know every corner and every single rut.

[EJ]

When you are alone, and go into the bush by yourself, you could also carry a mobile phone on you.
So when you crash badly, you can explain your location to the ambulance crew.

[Coop]

KTM 200's are very nice, I doubt you would regret that purchase.

[TMKIWI]

Go for the 200xc and you wont have to mod the bike.
You get used to riding unfamiliar terrain after awhile ( if that makes sense ).
I have found you need to have an exit strategy in all situations. ie be ready to drop the bike to avoid a more serious crash.
I used a tree to stop once.
It was that or fall another 30 feet down a steep bank. Only broke the front number plate.

And have fun.

[ktm150rippa]

As an mxer myself that has done a few enduro type races I think it depends on what you wanna get out of it. I love smashing beautiful rutted turns and flowing through rythm sections. So going through trees at a very slow speed wasnt my cup of tea and those drop off were way to gnarly mad respect that stuff it technical. But for me I love hauling ass and blasting through stuff I just didnt get that through enduro. Now cross country on the other hand is a blast, perfect mixture of trees, tight trails, some jumps nothing crazy huge some wide open spots I was really diggin it. I honestly wish the worcs stuff was televised freakin awesomeness

[rookie]

great insight guys!

now at least i know what to expect and how to stop in a hurry! (right TMKIWI ?)

now, gotta source for my bike

we don't have a 200xc here, but the dealer here does have a brand new 10 150XC
and there is a guy selling a used 10 200EXC

still comtemplating should i get the 150sx and convert?

[ridered125]

In motocross, you ride a few minutes during your moto and then wait hours for the next moto. In an enduro, you  pay about the same money in entry fees and get to ride for hours.

[MyckMcClung]

go with the 200exc, the 150 would be alot of work to ride as fast, and you'll need the extra power of the 200 for hills and technical sections.

[rookie]

how would the EXC handle on mx track?

i may still ride mx track. 

revalve + spring for the suspension?

[Coop]

Well you are going to have to decide which you will be riding more. No bike will perform great on BOTH the mx track and in the woods. You will have to set it up for where you plan to spend the majority of your time and compromise for the other. If you buy the 150SX thinking you can keep it in MX trim because you want to ride a bunch of mx still you will not be enjoying your enduros nearly as much.