Evil Undead - Pinkbike's Exclusive First Look
Evil launched its Revolt DH bike with huge fanfare in 2009 and while it was a promising performer, the aluminum framed racer had reliability issues from the outset. Kevin Walsh and the Evil crew faced a two-sided battle as they fought with the factory to address faulty construction, and tried in vain to fulfill customer warranty issues with replacement parts that simply didn't exist. That which doesn't kill you, certainly makes you stronger and to their credit, Evil rebounded with a new factory and a ground-up redesign - a mind-blowing carbon fiber frame aptly named: "the Undead." We caught up with Kevin and got the exclusive story on Evil's carbon reincarnation.
Kevin, it's been 2 years since the Revolt. Tell us about Evil's turnaround and the development of this new rig?
Well it's been 18 long shitty months, battling a factory, misalignments, crap welding, delivery problems, warranties, personnel changes, insomnia, ulcers, rumours and a few catastrophes. We thought this day would never come, it almost didn't, but we wrestled Fedex into submission and Luke Strobel and I picked it up at the airport and ripped it out of the box like kids on Christmas morning. It may not have been the Millenium Falcon, but it was certainly a space ship of sorts. The Fedex staff was laughing at us, we must have looked crazy shredding this box to pieces, but they could tell by the look on all of our faces that it was something special, even though they had no idea what this carbon fiber space ship looking thing was. We packed up into Luke's truck and headed back to the office to measure things up and assemble it with the help of our good friend Zeb from Big Tree Bikes so we could inaugurate it at the TMC trails over the next few days. It was hard to believe it was here and we would be riding it in just a few hours. Excitement got the best of us. The inauguration began prematurely on the staircase at the office and was followed with some late-night cutty's on the streets of downtown Seattle.
It must have felt like some sort of baptism by fire - to be riding an all-new carbon design after suffering in aluminum factory hell?
All of us were freaking out, as it had been a long time since we had seen an Evil frame, not to mention a carbon one that was straight and actually assembled with little to no effort. This really marked the start of Evil 2.0 and We are proud to finally show you a small glimpse of the future with our full-carbon Undead DH frame. This will be the first of many full suspension carbon offerings over the coming months, it replaces the recent Revolt and has been renamed the Undead for obvious reasons...
Did you take the opportunity to make any significant changes in the suspension or geometry?
We decided to go back to our original non-floating shock design and lower the center of mass by flipping the shock orientation. We also upgraded the Delta System linkage to a double-shear arrangement with a high-load spherical bearing developed by Enduro, which replaces the composite bushing system found on the Revolt. We spent the last year working closely with Hodaka's engineering team to develop this frame. This is the first of many prototypes that we will be testing in preparation for the 2011 Worldcup season.
Why carbon vs aluminum, especially in light of past aluminum build history? How long has this been in development?
In 2008 we had originally planned to start with a carbon Revolt, but it seemed too far out of reach and we didn't have a relationship with a reputable carbon vendor at the time. When we began working with Hodaka last summer, it made perfect sense - and the timing was right, as we had been working on the design since early 2010.
For us carbon makes a lot of sense, the nature of of the Delta System puts the shock with an offset to the non drive side presenting some interesting clearance challenges, as the linkage is quite compact and in close proximity to the down tube and shock. We really liked the control and consistency that you can achieve with carbon, and it allows us to fine tune flex and stiffness in specific areas of our frames to get the perfect ride. The other reasons are obvious, weight, strength, and you can make really cool shapes.
What is the expected production?
Hodaka mfg will be handling our production and we couldn't be in better hands. During our first visit to the factory I was reassured that we could truly continue the Evil business. After touring several of their facilities I was amazed at their attention to detail and the quality they consistantly produce. I knew we had aligned ourselves with the best possible partner to produce these frames.
Pricing and frame weight?
Pricing will be similar to what the Revolt was. With regard to weight, the first test bikes have been almost too light, we will release formal weights in the next installment when we have done further testing and have a clear picture of what the production weight will be. You will just have to speculate until then...
Can we get some details about the warranty that comes with the Undead?
It comes with our standard 2-year warranty, unlike the past this will include actually being able to get a warranty frame in the event you might need one. Current Evil customers with pending Revolt warranty cases will be issued Undead frames as warranties for their Revolts when production is ready.
Aluminum for Carbon? Very big move. When should customers expect to be able to take advantage?
We're hoping to start with replacements come summer 2011. And all warranty issues can go through the LBS or Evil directly.
Who can we expect to see on the Undead this year?
Cam Zink and the MS/Evil Worldcup team Brook Macdonald, Luke Strobel, Filip Polc, Wyn Masters and Markus Pekol, in addition Markus Stockl will be attempting to break his speed record again.
Info about geometry adjustments?
Geometry adjustments are made simple via our Flipchip and adjustable head tube systems. A redesigned Delta linkage makes for quick and easy geometry adjustments as well as simple maintenance. Additional linkage kits will be available changing the travel from 205mm to 216mm with an extra progressive suspension curve.
Steep F/Steep R - HA-64.5 BB- 14.1/358.5mm WB -45.71/1161.2 mm CS - 438mm/17.2" 440mm/17.3" SA 63.5/62.9 HT height - 125mm
Steep F/Slack R - HA-64.0 BB-13.83/351.5mm WB- 45.81/1163.7mm CS - 438mm/17.2" 440mm/17.3" SA 63.5/62.9 HT height - 125mm
Slack F/Steep R - HA-63.5 BB- 13.9/ 355.2mm WB- 46.31/1176.3mm CS - 438mm/17.2" 440mm/17.3" SA 63.5/62.9 HT height - 125mm
Slack F/Slack R - HA-62.9 BB- 13.7/348.2mm WB- 46.40/1178.7mm CS - 438mm/17.2" 440mm/17.3" SA 63.5/62.9 HT height - 125mm
SM: Reach: 363mm Stack: 600mm TT 22.63"/22.75"/575/578mm FC 27.70"/703.73mm
MD: Reach: 383mm Stack: 600mm TT 23.42"/23.54"/595/598mm FC 28.49"/723.72mm
LG: Reach: 403mm Stack: 600mm TT 24.01"/24.13"/610/613mm FC 29.08"/738.72mm
XL: Reach: 418mm Stack: 600mm TT 24.80"/24.92"/630/633mm FC 29.87"/758.71mm
Feature breakdown?
• Full carbon front/rear triangle
• Redesigned 7075 double shear Delta linkage with Enduro Spherical bearings
• Integrated fork bumper and cable guide
• IS brake standard
• Removable ISCG05 tab
• Integrated headset ( no headset tools here, just drop the bearings in and go! )
• Internal headset adjustment via eccentric cups
• Integrated removable carbon fender
• Integrated removable Downtube protector
• Integrated removable Downtube shuttle guard
• Rubber chainstay protector not shown
Look for the full exclusive Pinkbike story on Evil's return from hell.
All photos by Colin Meagher - check him out here.
NOTE: Pinkbike will be getting their hands on the first Evil Undead, and rest assured that we will put it through our hellish testing. Stay Tuned. What are your thoughts on this beast?
 |
 Nigel Quarless and Kevin Walsh collab for the MS/Evil 2011 World Cup graphics |
Kevin, it's been 2 years since the Revolt. Tell us about Evil's turnaround and the development of this new rig?Well it's been 18 long shitty months, battling a factory, misalignments, crap welding, delivery problems, warranties, personnel changes, insomnia, ulcers, rumours and a few catastrophes. We thought this day would never come, it almost didn't, but we wrestled Fedex into submission and Luke Strobel and I picked it up at the airport and ripped it out of the box like kids on Christmas morning. It may not have been the Millenium Falcon, but it was certainly a space ship of sorts. The Fedex staff was laughing at us, we must have looked crazy shredding this box to pieces, but they could tell by the look on all of our faces that it was something special, even though they had no idea what this carbon fiber space ship looking thing was. We packed up into Luke's truck and headed back to the office to measure things up and assemble it with the help of our good friend Zeb from Big Tree Bikes so we could inaugurate it at the TMC trails over the next few days. It was hard to believe it was here and we would be riding it in just a few hours. Excitement got the best of us. The inauguration began prematurely on the staircase at the office and was followed with some late-night cutty's on the streets of downtown Seattle.
 |
It must have felt like some sort of baptism by fire - to be riding an all-new carbon design after suffering in aluminum factory hell?All of us were freaking out, as it had been a long time since we had seen an Evil frame, not to mention a carbon one that was straight and actually assembled with little to no effort. This really marked the start of Evil 2.0 and We are proud to finally show you a small glimpse of the future with our full-carbon Undead DH frame. This will be the first of many full suspension carbon offerings over the coming months, it replaces the recent Revolt and has been renamed the Undead for obvious reasons...
 |
| Moulded under intense pressure, raw unidirectional composite fibers can look a bit weird when not covered. A thick clear coat ensures you see a ton of lay-up detail. |
Did you take the opportunity to make any significant changes in the suspension or geometry?We decided to go back to our original non-floating shock design and lower the center of mass by flipping the shock orientation. We also upgraded the Delta System linkage to a double-shear arrangement with a high-load spherical bearing developed by Enduro, which replaces the composite bushing system found on the Revolt. We spent the last year working closely with Hodaka's engineering team to develop this frame. This is the first of many prototypes that we will be testing in preparation for the 2011 Worldcup season.
 |
Why carbon vs aluminum, especially in light of past aluminum build history? How long has this been in development?In 2008 we had originally planned to start with a carbon Revolt, but it seemed too far out of reach and we didn't have a relationship with a reputable carbon vendor at the time. When we began working with Hodaka last summer, it made perfect sense - and the timing was right, as we had been working on the design since early 2010.
For us carbon makes a lot of sense, the nature of of the Delta System puts the shock with an offset to the non drive side presenting some interesting clearance challenges, as the linkage is quite compact and in close proximity to the down tube and shock. We really liked the control and consistency that you can achieve with carbon, and it allows us to fine tune flex and stiffness in specific areas of our frames to get the perfect ride. The other reasons are obvious, weight, strength, and you can make really cool shapes.
 |
What is the expected production?Hodaka mfg will be handling our production and we couldn't be in better hands. During our first visit to the factory I was reassured that we could truly continue the Evil business. After touring several of their facilities I was amazed at their attention to detail and the quality they consistantly produce. I knew we had aligned ourselves with the best possible partner to produce these frames.
Pricing and frame weight?Pricing will be similar to what the Revolt was. With regard to weight, the first test bikes have been almost too light, we will release formal weights in the next installment when we have done further testing and have a clear picture of what the production weight will be. You will just have to speculate until then...
 |
Can we get some details about the warranty that comes with the Undead?It comes with our standard 2-year warranty, unlike the past this will include actually being able to get a warranty frame in the event you might need one. Current Evil customers with pending Revolt warranty cases will be issued Undead frames as warranties for their Revolts when production is ready.
 |
Aluminum for Carbon? Very big move. When should customers expect to be able to take advantage?We're hoping to start with replacements come summer 2011. And all warranty issues can go through the LBS or Evil directly.
 |
Who can we expect to see on the Undead this year?Cam Zink and the MS/Evil Worldcup team Brook Macdonald, Luke Strobel, Filip Polc, Wyn Masters and Markus Pekol, in addition Markus Stockl will be attempting to break his speed record again.
 |
Info about geometry adjustments?Geometry adjustments are made simple via our Flipchip and adjustable head tube systems. A redesigned Delta linkage makes for quick and easy geometry adjustments as well as simple maintenance. Additional linkage kits will be available changing the travel from 205mm to 216mm with an extra progressive suspension curve.
Steep F/Steep R - HA-64.5 BB- 14.1/358.5mm WB -45.71/1161.2 mm CS - 438mm/17.2" 440mm/17.3" SA 63.5/62.9 HT height - 125mm
Steep F/Slack R - HA-64.0 BB-13.83/351.5mm WB- 45.81/1163.7mm CS - 438mm/17.2" 440mm/17.3" SA 63.5/62.9 HT height - 125mm
Slack F/Steep R - HA-63.5 BB- 13.9/ 355.2mm WB- 46.31/1176.3mm CS - 438mm/17.2" 440mm/17.3" SA 63.5/62.9 HT height - 125mm
Slack F/Slack R - HA-62.9 BB- 13.7/348.2mm WB- 46.40/1178.7mm CS - 438mm/17.2" 440mm/17.3" SA 63.5/62.9 HT height - 125mm
SM: Reach: 363mm Stack: 600mm TT 22.63"/22.75"/575/578mm FC 27.70"/703.73mm
MD: Reach: 383mm Stack: 600mm TT 23.42"/23.54"/595/598mm FC 28.49"/723.72mm
LG: Reach: 403mm Stack: 600mm TT 24.01"/24.13"/610/613mm FC 29.08"/738.72mm
XL: Reach: 418mm Stack: 600mm TT 24.80"/24.92"/630/633mm FC 29.87"/758.71mm
 |
Feature breakdown?• Full carbon front/rear triangle
• Redesigned 7075 double shear Delta linkage with Enduro Spherical bearings
• Integrated fork bumper and cable guide
• IS brake standard
• Removable ISCG05 tab
• Integrated headset ( no headset tools here, just drop the bearings in and go! )
• Internal headset adjustment via eccentric cups
• Integrated removable carbon fender
• Integrated removable Downtube protector
• Integrated removable Downtube shuttle guard
• Rubber chainstay protector not shown
 |
| Luke Strobel taking the Undead's virginity |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Look for the full exclusive Pinkbike story on Evil's return from hell.
All photos by Colin Meagher - check him out here.
NOTE: Pinkbike will be getting their hands on the first Evil Undead, and rest assured that we will put it through our hellish testing. Stay Tuned. What are your thoughts on this beast?
Author Info:
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Must Read This Week
haha, I'm a bit sick of the whole 'pretty' checker layer carbon gets over the top to make it look 'better', love it raw, looks mint 
:P
And more importantly, it makes sexy looking bikes.
We laugh at golfers or sailors "you have to be dressed in a special way to be a member of the club you know, v-neck pullovers, hehe" - MTB gets even worse! race pyjamas, huge sunglasses, bikes for prices you can buy a house in Costa Rica, from materials you can either kill half of Great Reef or build a rocket to the moon... 3d GoPRo - make an even bigger facebook pimp prick out of yourself... this gets out of control.
I would say: you like exclusive luxury toys - buy them ASAP... they will get even more expensive especially as we burn bridges behind us...
Sweet bike, Evil! I hope there will be one at the GRT this weekend!
sorry I'm of a weak faith and I think very little of certain riders, and yes I'm sure they woud stop riding if "sport becomes irrelevant". Hard to impress with something irrelevant. Precisly kind of people I would rather not meet on trails
will become irrelevant - bueheheh, squeeze the arsehole of the hype long enough and the crap will start coming out buehehe
Oh, and is the Sect ever going into production?
And in general I just enjoy polluting the neoliberal way of thinking
After reading Jerry Manger, "In the Absence of the Sacred", technology feels... different
Thanks
Great job, always glad to see real engineering and passion in bikes! Keep this up and you could rival santa cruz.
Buy a bike, and ride it.
But who knows? We'll see!
I agree. +1 good sir.
Although the same story could have happened if their product would have been made domestically, I would bet that a US manufacturer would have gladly worked with the company to remedy the Revolt problem. Not to mention, you could have actually been there during production to know that frame 1 of 300 was mis-aligned and not created so much industrial waste. Accidents happen, and somebody lost a lot of money over it. Glad to see that Evil can continue.
Santa Cruz proved that carbon dh bikes can exist, but with as much crash and shuttle damage is involved in DH riding, I will be thoroughly impressed if anyone can actually keep a carbon frame going past it's 2 year warranty expiration. A minor scuff could turn into catastrophic failure pretty quickly. Not that aluminum is any kind of super material in itself due to the finite fatigue life. At least steel and titanium frames can be repaired if they break, but these days people consider everything to be disposable anyways so who really cares?
On the other hand it really surprises me how many people have these preconceived notions on the strength of carbon used in downhill applications. I can say with strong assurance that the majority of people commenting on the fact that carbon downhill bikes can have "catostrophic failiures pretty quickly" have never seen, much less ridden a carbon DH bike in real life. It's all internet speculation. One of the great things about carbon is that you can layer and weave it differently to achieve a desired weight or strength. An example would be the thin carbon lays used on lightweight roadbikes to achieve a lightweight and strong frame. Carbon used in DH applications is layered much more heavily due the the fact that there is not a tight weight constraint (given that you obviously aren't going to layer it far beyond the necessary amount calculated through computer stress test programs). The companies manufacturing carbon DH bikes are not dumb, nor are they naive to the abuse that these bikes will be enduring. They take this into account when engineering the bikes and have strong certainty as to what they can hold up to. There is a reason carbon DH bikes are starting to pop up and that is because it is in fact a great material to incorporate into the downhill market. Until you all have support behind your speculation on "how weak carbon is" I suggest you stop dumping your ignorant comments onto bike forums.
Vanderham and Smith onboard
I know a lot of local factory riders that will be thrilled to hear this/see this. We where all a little worried here in WA about what was gonna happen to Evil. Terrible luck with the factory, thats total BS. Massive kudos for standing by your customers and offering them this new frame to replace their old ones!!!
True say tho, needed to be expressed!
I didn't think that I would ever consider buying another bike as I love my revolt BUT this changes everything. If it tracks and rides anywhere close to the Revolt it s going to be a winner for sure.
more tension in the lines paired with well-proportioned tubes and it's a sexy beast..
Oh, and can you guys make a nice new trail ripper named the Boomstick? Train of though after seeing the Undead was Evil Dead, Bruce Campbell, Boomstick... For the naming suggestion, I'll let you guys give me a prototype
Bike companies need materials experts so they stop treating CF like black aluminum. You want to make a CF DH bike? Fine. But alu principals don't apply. Hopefully they figure this out before someone gets hurt.
Will the graphics be below the clear coat on the final version of the Undead frame?
Is this revised shock linkage still the delta system?
Are there any advantages to the new linkage in comparison to the old one on the revolt?
Will there be laser etched deltasystem logos on the pivot caps and on the linkage hardware like it was on the ones of the revolt frame?
Will you be able to turn the shock an run the piggyback on top like it was on the revolt?
Oh by the way, I think it's really cool that you take the time to speak to potential customers on pinkbike etc
This one looks like a cool bike..It also looks like my hockey stick haha
Will the graphics be below the clear coat on the final version of the Undead frame?
Is this revised shock linkage still the delta system?
Are there any advantages to the new linkage in comparison to the old one on the revolt?
Will there be laser etched deltasystem logos on the pivot caps and on the linkage hardware like it was on the ones of the revolt frame?
Will you be able to turn the shock an run the piggyback on top like it was on the revolt?
I want to rock the Undead and go kick it up Scotland and around soon see.
Money waiting ;d
Regards
Tim.
Has there been any news on the EVIL Order bike? Will it be released?
Bike looks nice
I have been very good boy...............................
short travel version maybe?