$3800

35 pounds

6.6-inch rear wheel travel

Specialized, (877) 808-8154

Maxi test: May 2006

Highlights: The SX Trail II is a member of the Specialized Enduro family, meaning it features the Enduro's all-mountain design, but it is a tough and purpose-built variation intended for more abusive gravity-feed runs. It's basically an Enduro that has been genetically altered to handle more abuse, with forged Cobra head tubes and a one-piece forged bottom-bracket, pivot and seat tube for stiffness and durability. The SX Trail II is a bike that can stop you in your tracks, because its design screams fun. This model is used in the rental fleet at the Evolution Bike Shop in Whistler. so you know it has stood up to major-league abuse.

Best quote: "Combine its durability with the agility of a six-inch-travel fork and 6.6-inch travel frame, and what's produced is a bike that's an absolute blast when it's time to pin it."

Bottom line: If you're fortunate enough to live near a mountain resort with a bike park, or have fun downhill trails in your neck of the woods, the SX Trail is the bike for you. Like we said when we tested Specialized's Demo 8, it's possible to build up a comparable bike from scratch, but it's not necessary. Spend the time you would waste searching for compatible components and hit the trail.