Spotted: Evil's New Long Travel Bike

Mar 8, 2020
by Aidan Oliver  
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After Evil teased a new bike on their Instagram the other day, we spotted Austin 'Bubba' Warren cruising through the Crankworx Rotorua pits on a new bike just before his downhill race run.

Austin was tight-lipped on the details but could confirm it hits all the buzzwords - longer, slacker, stiffer, 29" wheels and a wider rear end. Austin used to run a large frame but now uses a medium and likes that the bike is much stiffer. Austin had a 200mm RockShox Boxxer up front, but the water bottle mount suggests this bike has some enduro intentions too.

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The main changes to Evil's current frames look to be a new larger rear triangle and a revised rocker link, which Austin said provides more support and makes the bike more playful.

Could this be Evil's new long-travel 29er Enduro bike? Either way, it sure does look good and Bubba proved its performance with a 6th place in the Rotorua DH against a stacked field of World Cup riders.

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Despite Bubba using the bike as DH rig, the water bottle mount suggests other intentions...


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aggy
When compared to the current Wreckoning, the rocker link has received a slight redesign that alters the frame's kinematics.


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A big new lower pivot.


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Subtle and stealthy.


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A much wider rear triangle than previous models.


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29" wheels suggests this could be a replacement for the current Wreckoning.


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Bubba Warren one of the most well-rounded riders on the circuit finished in a respectable 6th place.
Warren racing on the new bike.


Author Info:
aidanoliver avatar

Member since Jun 10, 2006
63 articles

162 Comments
  • 397 13
 The real news here in Pinkbike acknowledging that Evil Bikes exist...
  • 21 3
 Bingo....
  • 120 40
 Because they haven’t came out with anything new in years.....
  • 50 86
flag shredddr (Mar 8, 2020 at 8:35) (Below Threshold)
 Because they don’t advertise here. Everything is pay to play. Anyway I don’t like the look of that strut thing coming down off the top tube. And why not make the joint flush? Seat angle looks questionable as does the tire clearance...
  • 119 3
 @andrew8404: The last bike from Evil the Pinkbike reviewed was the Insurgent four and a half years ago. Since then Evil has released the Calling, the Offering, a new Following, and the original Wreckoning not to mention the Chamois Davis, Chamois Hagar and an updated Faction.
  • 18 54
flag MonEddy (Mar 8, 2020 at 8:40) (Below Threshold)
 @andrew8404: because they have needed to. Evil bikes have been ahead of the curve for years, in particular with The Wreckoning
  • 11 0
 @shredddr: Probably because it have a dual crown fork,maybe with a 160 or 170mm it becomes more steep
  • 128 19
 @shredddr: No, Pinkbike's technical editorial is not pay-to-play. Any time a brand pays for something other than ads (eg. Sierra Nevada for the Impossible Climb, or various Destination Showcases), we note it in the story and tag it as sponsored.
  • 27 1
 I always rock a water bottle and fanny pack on my DH rig.
  • 22 2
 They only found out recently, otherwise Evil would have made their way on the famous PB 10 Lesser-Known American Manufacturers Making Exciting Stuff list.
  • 28 4
 @hellbelly: Exactly, and it’s particularly weird as Evil is based out of the PNW as are the PB editors, and they’re super common around here. And Evil was way ahead on both downcountry (Following) and long-travel 29ers (Wreckoning), seems like their stuff would be right in PB’s wheelhouse. I think there must be some long standing blood feud between the two parties.
  • 10 5
 @brianpark: I thought reviews are pay to play. I don’t necessarily think that’s a problem, but do I have that wrong? If that is wrong, why do you so rarely review Evil’s bikes? I think you’ve maybe done two reviews, ever...?
  • 26 4
 @powderturns: I dont imagine PB buys their review bikes often..... if Evil doesnt send a bike, not likely to get reviewed, Evil is probably not sending bikes to perpetuate the feud rumour to get some fake cred!
  • 9 0
 @tkrug: Don't worry , it will be on vital.
  • 7 4
 Oh stop being a cry baby! Who cares! Just go ride whatever bike you want!
  • 6 0
 The Real Good news is that Bubba just posted a great time and a 6th place finish on this bike. Lots of great riders behind him and he is not even known for his DH abilities. Much more a DS rider. Congratulations Bubba!!!
  • 4 2
 @Drew-O: they weren't ahead on DC. the Smuggler was way ahead of them there
  • 4 0
 @andrew8404: you're joking right? do you know what the internet is?
  • 1 5
flag andrew8404 (Mar 8, 2020 at 22:14) (Below Threshold)
 @ewikpark: please tell me that sweet new enduro/trail bike that’s come out recently? Offering sure about a year plus ago but the Wreckoning old, Following old and updated Following small update. Do you know what the internet is?
  • 2 0
 @conoat: Pretty sure the Following and alloy Smuggler both launched in 2015. Both definitely trend setting bikes, that was a time when all the excitement was around 27.5 wheels and 29ers were “dead”.
  • 2 4
 Pinkbike may be as biased as Fox News
  • 4 0
 The process 111 preceded those in 2013, but get your point Smile @Drew-O:
  • 3 0
 @ukr77: The 111 was a '14 model year bike. The V1 Following also debuted in '14.
  • 1 0
 @hellbelly: i distinctly remember the 111 being available before the v1 following.

www.pinkbike.com/news/Kona-Process-111-DL-Review-2013.html
  • 1 0
 @ATXZJ: Then they came out at the same time as the Following was all the talk of the '14 Bike Bible which dropped in Dec/Jan. Kona's new year line up generally arrives in late summer early fall. The 111 was a '14 model year bike as for '13 the only Process was the older 4-bar 26" bike that only lasted a year.
  • 4 0
 @ATXZJ: I think the 111 was a '14 model year bike that debuted in '13 (as is customary) while the Smuggler and Following were '15 MY so debut in '14.

I didn't mean to imply that Evil invented downcountry with the Following, but that bike was definitely ahead of its time, as were others. Point was that Kona, Transition and Evil are all based out of the PNW and make trendy, gravity-oriented trail bikes. But while it's pretty much expected any new bike from Transition or Kona will get a full PB write-up they've ignored the last ~4 models from Evil.
  • 1 1
 @Drew-O: The Following is a trail bike, not a downcountry bike dumbass.
  • 2 0
 @Raivkka: Ugh I can't even be bothered to explain this to you. Just keep eating paste while the grownups are talking.
  • 1 1
 @shredddr: Does everyone just downvote when someone has their own opinion? Like wtf?
  • 87 5
 I don't know why more dh bikes don't have a water bottle mount any way. For the majority of the times we used to go out on dh bikes it was just out for the day hitting dh runs for fun and practice, and surprisingly still need to drink water (not red bull!) so somewhere to carry liquid would be great.
  • 10 3
 In the first months after buying my DH I had the same problem, but then I just got used to drinking at the bottom. There's always some spot where I can drop a bag with some tools and bottles, be it at the lift or in my car. Fill up at the bottom, let the water set in on the way up, sweat it out on the way down, repeat.
  • 17 2
 just leave a bottle at the bottom of the track.Like we all do...
  • 7 2
 What about Camelback?
  • 10 1
 @MountainRider51: U can't carry water or tools on a DH bike.... How unsightly.
  • 3 0
 This is my issue. I get the whole DH RACER NO NEED FOR WATER lifestyle, I do really. But for those long park days I still need a 16 or 20 oz bottle when I’m doing 4000 ft of decending. Your removing material sooooo it’s technically lighter Smile
  • 7 0
 You drink water while DHing? I just drink beers on the chairlift...
  • 2 1
 @diarrhea-geyser: I like keeping my body at 8% body fat and not drinking hundreds of calories.
  • 45 3
 It doesn’t look like you could fit a dropper at all, not very enduro as suggested.
  • 4 0
 Good catch
  • 3 0
 Unless the seat tube is so low in the bike, you just dont need much insertion depth...I dunno, does the collar look really low to anyone?
  • 10 0
 OneUp will release an even shorter insertion dropper for it
  • 6 0
 kinda looks similar to current wreckoning?
  • 2 1
 @freeride-quebec: best dropper ive ever owned.
  • 11 1
 @freeride-quebec:

I’m hoping for that 140mm insertion dropper with 240mm of travel.
  • 6 0
 and very slack seat angle...which has been the major issue for 6ft plus riders
  • 1 0
 @gafoto: Couldn't you round that up to 120?
  • 7 2
 @bohns1: Because you haven’t owned a Bikeyoke ????
  • 3 0
 @jclnv: actually i have.. Smooth post.. but no 210 version.. One up has been just as reliable, nearly as smooth, but a fair bit cheaper and comes in 210.
  • 7 0
 @jrocksdh: This one is way over-forked so hard to judge STA. I’d sure hope they steepen it up though, slack STA for tall folks was a major annoyance of the original Wreckoning.
  • 1 0
 @Drew-O: i agree, very strong possibility its 75ish...otherwise be limited the bikes use; fewer sales.
  • 3 1
 @gafoto:
I would like to see a review of pro downhillers seat height on their DH rigs compared to their actual seat height on their road or enduro bikes. It really doesn’t seem like Pro downhillers ride with that low of seat height. Maybe 125mm average drop????
  • 3 2
 @bohns1: what do you need a dropper that long for? My trail bike with 150 post is lower seat height when dropped than my dh bike at its lowest position. Neither of which is ever in my way...
  • 2 0
 Would be sweet if Push was soon to unveil a downhill shock and this was actually a new downhill bike and not a wreckoning
  • 2 0
 Actually looks like it doesn't have routing for a dropper post. Same as Graham's bike from Darkfest.

Could a new park or DH bike be here?
  • 2 0
 @gafoto: oh man, who's going to be first in developing the multi-telescopic dropper!? lol
  • 1 0
 @conoat: it’s possible but goddamn I don’t want to see how unreliable those will be for the first decade.
  • 2 2
 @DHhack: when u have long legs - 150 is too short on any bike
  • 1 0
 @nickmalysh: I’m 6’4” tall Smile
  • 28 7
 Full review Monday?
  • 7 1
 Photos a little too clear and detailed.
  • 4 18
flag ENEAS (Mar 8, 2020 at 8:52) (Below Threshold)
 pb doesn't get pay for that so no, haha
  • 2 0
 @ENEAS: tarado
  • 17 1
 Super slack... seat angle?
  • 6 2
 Totally. Looks the same as the current Wreckoning. If thats the case sales may suffer...
  • 6 0
 Dh bikes should have slack seat angles. When the saddle is low it’s in a better position for maneuvering the bike.
  • 22 1
 I guess it is supposed to be so and they will probably call the bike “the slackening”.
  • 3 0
 @flattire: makes sense, the only reason I bring it up is that they mentioned using it for enduro
  • 11 0
 Still looks like it has doesn't have much tire clearance even with the new "wider" rear triangle.
  • 3 1
 why the picture out of focus? looks like there is no tire clearance.... such a beautiful bike!
  • 7 1
 i bet 157mm rear end
  • 10 0
 @y9pema: I had a Wreck and the too downsides were slack seat angle and tight tire clearance. 2.35 e13 tires rubbed. I hope they address those issues, because the suspension feel is one of the best out there.
  • 6 0
 Not sure why evil can't figure out tire clearance yet.
  • 2 0
 @dthomp325:

I can second that. Rode a wreckoning and insurgent. Great feeling suspension, felt like it ate everything up, and still pedaled great.
  • 10 1
 Can’t be an enduro, seat tube angle is too slack
  • 7 1
 Aggy was riding something similar at rampage... I'd guess until they come out with another killer DH bike, we will see modified trail bikes...
  • 7 1
 No aggy was riding a 29er wreckoning frame fitted with 27.5 wheels and a 200 mm Boxxer. He even has a video of him confirming this info.

At Dark fest he was testing this bike out. I have a feeling it’ll be an new bike name all together, but still not the undead. So a true 200mm front and rear DH frame.

I bet they’ll pull a YETI SB165. So a super enduro / free riders bike. 170 / 190, 27.5 and a 180 / 200, 29.

But all speculation.
  • 5 0
 Aggy was testing what seems to be this exact frame fitted to 27.5 wheel and in a different color... at Zink's compound.
www.vitalmtb.com/features/A-New-Kind-of-Evil-Bike-Check-with-Graham-Agassiz-and-Tom-Van-Steenbergen,2825
  • 13 3
 Oh Jesus Christ, vitalmtb was on this bike a month back. Pull your pink finger out.
  • 2 0
 Ahhhhh yes, the new Wreckoning!! Can't wait to swing a leg over one! To all those complaining about the seat tube angle and awkward climbing position......get over it. I'm 6'1" and rode a large Wreckoning on huge backcountry rides- 25 plus miles with 5k plus climbing. Never had a sore back or knees. And when it points down...... probably the best bike I've ridden (have a megatower, came off a nomad).
  • 3 1
 "provides more support"

That doesn't mean anything useful. A generic "more support" can be achieved by increasing the relative spring rate (or reducing the wheel rate). They probably meant the (still kinda useless term) "midstroke support", which obviously can also be done with more spring. So they probably really mean "more midstroke support given the same sag and/or bottom out resistance", which just means the leverage rate has gotten lowered/flattened in the middle relative to either/both ends.
  • 9 3
 Looks Evil.
  • 7 11
flag RowdyAirTime (Mar 8, 2020 at 10:41) (Below Threshold)
 Is everybody "Following" this? I "Wreckon" there will be way too many "EVIL" comments on this bike, especially since this is PB?
  • 2 1
 Damn still have a super slack seat tube angle... best riding bike I ever rode was my evil but at 6'5 it just didn't work once I got the seat up and all the way back to near the middle of the rear wheel. Hook up the taller riders evil!
  • 5 0
 you didn't follow proto, buddy.
  • 3 1
 Hi jeans
  • 4 1
 keep feathering it, brother
  • 3 0
 could be the new wreckoning as there's no wreckoing on the evil website at the moment.....?!
  • 11 8
 water bottle?? I would pay good money to watch someone climb a enduro course with that thing.
  • 35 2
 I'd have a water bottle on my dh bike. Some European lift access areas and local push up trails have little water access. And if you don't want one, don't fit one.
  • 7 3
 It’s a long travel enduro bike that you can also throw on a dual crown fork. So chances are there’s going to be a lot of people climbing with them...
  • 11 1
 @Dlakusta: How much are you talking?
  • 7 3
 That could be a new uci event. Hill climb races on DH bikes.
  • 12 0
 @gofastdrinkbeer: not with that seat tube angle
  • 10 0
 @boozed: I'd pay you $100 to climb Lord of the Squirrels on that.
  • 3 0
 @gofastdrinkbeer: With that seat tube angle?
  • 4 2
 You must be aware that it's possible to use differente cassetes on a bike?? Not to mention the fork, but it's still possible to climb anything with a double crown fork. Finally, there's the seat angle and seatstay length. Maybe that's what you were referring to??
  • 5 2
 @Dlakusta: when you swap out that 200mm Boxxer for a 160-170mm fork, that SA will steepen up quite a bit. The also may have a special linkage or offset bushings in the rear suspension for DH that alters geometry from a trail bike.
  • 2 1
 @whambat: you are able to change the current wreckoning to DH-Enduro by moving the triangle.
  • 3 1
 The shot on Instagram still made the STA look pretty slack
  • 3 2
 I went to Verbier back in 2006, and one of the guides would do 3 hour climbs on an Orange 224....
  • 2 3
 @Mntneer: Evil's have adjustable geometry. Since this was a DH race, its obviously in the slackest setting. Its a near certainty that you'll be able to steepen it up.
  • 2 1
 @wallheater: DH oranges are great for all-mountain adaptation due to the long seat tube, and it was even possible to install a front derailleur back then when there might have been use for it. I used a Lapierre 920 with a Fox 40 for all-mtn, first with an 11-34 cassette and then 11-46, and it was it just fine, no limit for the steepness of the climb though I never did huge distances with it, nor was there a real advantage to it over an enduro bike to tell the truth. I did reduce the fork travel to 190, it was a perfectly fine all mountain machine from what I remember.
  • 2 2
 @jerrytek: I'm referring to their photo on Instagram. I've had an insurgent and wreckoning, and ditched both because of the seat tube angle
  • 2 1
 @Mntneer: Yeah, I had a Wreckoning too, which I used as my everyday trail bike. Like you, I didn't like the slack seat tube. It pedaled OK, but newer bikes with steeper seat tube angles are so much better uphill, without too much compromise. I ended up selling my Wreckoning, and getting something a bit more conducive to long rides and tech climbs. I also recently got rid of a DH bike that I didn't have the chance to use often enough to justify keeping.

That said...I really miss the Wreckoning. That bike was a tank, yet still managed to be playful. So much fun. I've been looking to add a second bike, and something like an old-school freeride bike would be perfect. Something suitable for shorter rides, shuttling, and the bike park: essentially a mini-DH bike.

This new bike, whether its a beefed up Wreckoning or a completely new model, looks like a potential fit. It will be interesting to hear more about the details.
  • 1 1
 @jerrytek: basically my same circumstance. Unfortunately, that suspension on the wreckoning is hard to beat. I've considered getting a Banshee Darkside to bridge the gap as a cheap park/dh beater
  • 2 1
 This bike is set up with a 200mm Boxxer 29"! So assuming the Enduro set-up will run 170mm in the front, I think it should be enough to put that seat-tube angle around 74.5 - 76 degree area, making it and Enduro rig with a useful water bottle mount!.

In the photos the seat angle seems similar to my Wreck with 170mm up front so I can definitely see a better seat angle on this new one when lowering fork travel and having the flip chip in the higher/steeper position. They will likely be switching to a 157mm wide rear hub (like Devinci and Pivot do for their enduro rigs) and a lower fork offset too.
  • 1 1
 @jerrytek: stack height was an issue too for many...had to run flat bars
  • 1 0
 @Dlakusta: I'll take your $100
  • 1 0
 @Dlakusta: You're on
  • 3 1
 Wonder if it'll be compatible with 27.5 too? If so I may be game to give it a whirl. Just toasted my frame, need a replacement. Don't get on well with long travel 29".
  • 1 0
 Since most race bikes seem to be going to 29 it seems to make sense to include flip chips to account for longer travel DH forks rather than wheel sizes. That way you can have an enduro bike and DH bike in one.
  • 5 1
 Looks like the old Gambler.
  • 6 4
 Pretty sure the one they "teased" on Instagram was rocking a Pike. Maybe a new Following?
  • 2 0
 I bet this is a full on DH bike, not a replacement for the Wreckoning. If something the Insurgent is due for replacement.
  • 3 0
 That seat tube angle. Y U C K !
  • 1 0
 I like the chainstay yoke design much better, was not a fan of the other design especially on the trail rigs. This has much better potential chainring options.
  • 3 1
 Finally a water bottle mount and not looking like a Session praise the Lord
  • 3 2
 Stoked it looks like they changed that upside-down mushroom-looking headtube design. Only part I didn’t like about the Wreckoning.
Looks good!
  • 2 0
 If this has a good reach measurement in Xl I may be in! My old undead was the tits but the shortest bike ever.
  • 2 2
 That looks incredible Drool Hopefully it has more travel then the current Wreckoning. It needs atleast 170 or 180mm travel to complete with the SC Megatower and Specialized Enduro
  • 3 1
 Yes sir take ma money!! I been waiting for this one!!
  • 1 0
 Wait a sec, is that a new push shock too? Looks like the knobs are all black, and obscured!
  • 1 0
 On second look, Maybe not.
  • 1 0
 I wonder what this bike would have been with the pivot moved to where the seat stay crosses the seat tube
  • 2 0
 Same bike aggy was testing at dark fest?
  • 1 0
 Not sure what it is. The seat angle looks very slack for an enduro bike but the frame looks very lean for a DH bike
  • 1 0
 There is also what looks like a new following on Instagram. Pikes and a non piggyback shock
  • 2 2
 Is just the angle, or does the crown on the fork look like a real small offset?
  • 4 3
 Incoming new bike category: Super Enduro
  • 1 0
 Really hope they make it affordable. not everyone can afford a 4k bike
  • 1 0
 Hmm, so will One Up be making the integrated chain guide now?
  • 4 2
 Superboost!
  • 3 2
 Look like a 27.5 wheel in back?
  • 6 6
 The way it should be; cant wait for the engineers to go full throttle with mullet designed bikes.
  • 3 3
 What do you all think? Is it really a “NEW” bike or is it The Wreckoning modified like Graham had at Rampage
  • 2 1
 Triple clamps, bottle cage...... Take my money
  • 1 0
 Looks like a real DH bike, not an enduro bike with a dual crown fork.
  • 1 0
 the water's not for drinking. Its Ballast.
  • 1 0
 Can I fit my 200mm dropper post? ????
  • 3 2
 i LIKE that.
  • 1 1
 that fork is not at 200mm
  • 2 1
 Look, Kenda made a DHFR!
  • 3 1
 It's AG designed. Deep down he wants to ride Maxxis again
  • 2 2
 I think you are referring to the picture of the different color bike. It very likely is just a DHR.
  • 3 4
 Wait it’s not a dh bike?.. I’m still buying it but damn we seriously want an dh from evil
  • 1 1
 What’s happens when PB spots a spot? A rip in space-time?
  • 1 1
 That's one evil looking linkage system! It just looks so evil complicated!
  • 1 2
 I’d call it “ The Yawning”
  • 1 4
 Looks as cramped as previous evils. Will they ever learn, or är there still riders that prefers THE mini bike feeling?
  • 1 0
 I prefer a sized down bike. If you can be confident in its stability why wouldn’t you want a smaller more manageable reach and wheelbase
  • 8 11
 Why so much hype about evil bikes?
Nice looking bike, but no more than that
  • 5 1
 Have you ever ridden one?

The rear suspension linkage and characteristics are really good.
  • 2 5
 Finally a mtb that looks like an emtb, even without a pinion gearbox
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