Within the off-road biking domain, endurance racing is among the many disciplines celebrated worldwide, along with motocross, dual sport, moto trials and supermoto. But what is enduro? And what makes it different from other riding styles? As one of the oldest types of competitive motorcycling, enduro has developed throughout the years, becoming a perfect combination of skill, collaboration and unmatched terrains.
Our ultimate guide is designed to fill you in on all things enduro, from the different types of endurance racing to the best full-face enduro helmets. So, whether you’re looking for new enduro gear to update your biking wardrobe or are brand new to riding and need some entry-level tips, Bikers World is here to help.
Enduro trails
An enduro course is meticulously marked out and gauged by participants through a route sheet containing mileage and navigation details related to turn and time. Time is a key aspect of enduro racing from the outset, with one-minute intervals separating the starting time between each group member.
How many riders make an enduro team?
Enduro teams are typically made up of three to five riders.
Endurance rules
Endurance riders are scored on arrival times at pre-set checkpoints throughout the course. Traditionally, riders are penalised if they arrive at a checkpoint outside the period logged on their route sheet.
The alternate rules of start-control enduros mean bikers are only penalised for late arrivals.
Scorings occur at every checkpoint and are collated at the end of the ride to make one final result.
Enduro Types
There are multiple variations of enduro riding, with time card enduro being the first avenue of the discipline. Since its inception, other forms have developed, including Hare and Hounds, Extreme and Sprint Enduros.
Time Card Enduro
Time card enduro courses stretch over a minimum of 10 miles, although this benchmark is rare, with events typically being much longer. Once the course is sub-divided into time controls, every rider is provided with a set time to ride between each, for example:
• Start to Time Control A
• Time Control A to Time Control B
• Time Control B to Time Control C
Any rider who does not manage to arrive at each time control in the required time, either too early or late, will incur a penalty.
Timings are recorded to the nearest millisecond and combined with any penalties incurred. The rider aims to have the lowest score once all respective timings have been added together.
Hare and Hounds/Cross Country Enduro
Hare and Hounds courses are significantly shorter, with competitors expected to ride for approximately two to three hours. In Hare and Hounds enduros, the aim is to complete as many laps as possible in the allotted time. Once the first rider has completed the course, every rider must match the number of winning laps to determine the final ranking order.
Extreme Enduro
Enduro's 'extreme' aspect stems from the difficult terrains in which it takes place. While the rules are the same as Hare and Hounds, extreme enduro works bikers to their limits with its steep, rocky terrains requiring further grit and agility.
Sprint Enduro
Sprint enduros require riders to undergo a range of special tests, with results deriving from an array of combined times recorded throughout.
Is there an age restriction in endurance racing?
The age of riders can vary, with inclusivity and safety at the heart of the sport. While the minimum age is 16 for Time Card Enduros, younger riders can partake in other UK-based enduro events. Our range of Alpinestars Youth Helmets is crafted headwear suitable for MX, enduro and off-road racing, providing youngsters with quality from the earliest stages of their biking journey.
What is the difference between enduro and MX?
There are several differences between enduro and MX racing, from the best type of riders to their objectives.
Riders
While endurance racers are required to have optimum physical and mental health, those within MX racing should have impressive strength in their upper body and legs.
In endurance racing, mental capability is key in overcoming the tough terrain and the risks that come with it. Alternatively, the strength of MX riders will allow them to perform the best stunts.
Bikes
Although enduro and MX bikes share the same engine type, their intended purposes set them apart. Enduro bikes are a hybrid of a dirt bike and a dual-sport motorcycle, which causes them to be heavier than MX bikes. The added weight also stems from a larger fuel tank, which is necessary for endurance racing, given its longer racing times.
The tyres of enduro and MX bikes also vary; enduro tyres must cater to different terrains, while MX tyres need optimum grip to suit the surface of a dirt track. Motocross bikes must be aerodynamic to accommodate jumps and stunts so riders can exhibit their top skills.
When considering the mobility of MX and enduro bikes, the former contains shorter gears to maximise the acceleration rate. In contrast, endurance bikes feature softer suspension and reach the higher top speed of the two.
Distance, Terrains and Timings
Enduro races are typically much longer than MX rides and are not limited to the proximity of an enclosed circuit. Laps can stretch up to a maximum of 250 kilometres which require races to span between three to five days. The natural terrain of enduro racing means obstacles are present throughout, ranging from gravel and sand to logs, sticks and rocks.
MX racing follows a much more traditional structure, with up to 40 riders commencing a race simultaneously on an enclosed dirt track. Riders must perform impressive stunts and technicalities throughout a set number of laps, whereas enduro is more stamina-focused.
Stages
The stages of endurance racing are fragmented, with multiple stages occurring throughout one day, spanning up to 20km.
Riders work up to an MX final throughout several heats, where successful riders qualify for the following round. Those who make it to the final go head-to-head to determine a conclusive winner.
Objectives
While enduro riders aim to complete every stage in minimal time, penalties are also issued if their timings do not adhere to the pre-set time frames. Repair crews can also be tested on their ability to maintain bikes throughout the stages within a specific time. The rider who completes all stages in the shortest time wins.
The objective of MX racing is more straightforward; after qualifying for every heat, the overall winner is the rider who crosses the final finish line first.
Enduro Gear
Does enduro racing sound like the one for you? Are you ready to take on a new hobby, or does your current biking attire need an update? Look no further. Bikers World has the kit you need to get the most out of your enduro experience, regardless of your ability.
Enduro Jersey
Enduro jerseys are designed purposefully to endure the arduous nature of the discipline. Durability should be at the centre of your jersey, with the Alpinestars (MX25) Enduro Jersey being a perfect example. The poly-fabric construction helps to move sweat to the outer side of the jersey and dries it quickly to avoid fabric saturation. With reinforced elbows and an elongated rear for maximum coverage, this jersey combines style and comfort effortlessly, assisting you to be your best on the longest rides.
Enduro Pants
The Techdura technology of the Alpinestars (MX25) Enduro Pants is made of a durable, rugged stretch polyamide canvas, fully protecting the rear and entire leg sections. On the inner knee area, goat leather has been used to enhance the connection between you and your bike, while the back of the legs contains a strong Stretchnet material. The various materials of the pants can combat various terrains and conditions, with style and comfort remaining at the forefront of this product. Better still, the opening vents throughout the thighs provide maximum airflow and breathability, making the longest and warmest rides all the more enjoyable.
Helmet
To craft a full-face enduro helmet, a pair of helmet goggles should be paired with it for eye coverage. Full-face enduro helmets are essential to all rides, with your safety and protection a constant priority. The Arai (MX24) MX-V EVO Helmet naturally facilitates a pair of goggles with the side trims at the edges of the aperture, allowing your goggle strap to sit firmly in position.
Further built-in safety measures will give you full confidence when riding, with an advanced peak design, reducing sun glare and wind pressure while preventing mud and stones from reaching your face. The R75 shape gives the outer shell a rounder, smoother and stronger finish, with the omission of exaggerated edges maintaining the shell's integrity when your performance requires the best.
Gloves
The unpredictability of enduro terrains means your gloves must protect you as much as possible. Throughout the rockier trails, it is easy for stones to hit your hands and fingers on off-road terrain. The thickness and durability of our Off-Road/MX/Enduro Gloves will prevent the impact of gravel from affecting your knuckles or other sections of your hands, ensuring the quality of your performance is not compromised.
We also recommend opting for a longer style, such as the 100% (MX24) Brisker XTREME Gloves, as the extended cuff length will help to protect your wrist and resist tougher weather conditions.
Boots
Enduro riders tend to use their feet more than MX riders, often needing to push their feet against the ground. As a result, the outsoles of enduro boots have more grip to support in wet or muddy terrains. Further differences between the two disciplines stem from the mobility of boots, with enduro styles requiring more flexibility to match the ever-changing terrains. Our range of Off-Road/MX/Enduro Boots can be found in one place on our website to compare your favourite styles easily.
Choose your favourite enduro gear from Bikers World!
At Bikers World, our customers' safety, protection and performance remain at the heart of everything we do. This priority is reflected in our top-quality brands, such as Alpinestars, Arai and Fox, giving you full access to the best enduro gear for all your riding endeavours. Purchase your favourite enduro gear from Bikers World today and qualify for same-day shipping when you order before 2pm! You can also become an email subscriber to receive regular discounts, mixing quality and affordability with every purchase.
