EVIL Bikes Presents a New, Aggressive 29er: “The Following”
With their newest model, named “The Following” EVIL bikes wants to prove that the suspension travel of a bike isn’t what defines its type of use. Even with just 120mm rear travel the bike is said to be ready for any type of misbehaviour. The trick of “The Following”: an aggressive geometry, a progressive suspension system and a coherent parts spec.
A bike with “monster truck wheels and a sports car feel” is what the team at EVIL bikes wanted to create. The route to success – big 29″ wheels paired with 120 mm and an aggressive geometry. The bike is offered with two spec levels both using a 1×11 drivetrain. Whilst the classy top model for US$ 6.599 has SRAM X01-gears, finest Race Face-Parts, RockShox suspension and high-end e*thirteen wheels, the cheaper alternative at US$ 4.999 $ also knows how to please. Here the spec is just as well thought out and high quality. The carbon frame incl. RockShox Monarch Debon Air RT3 costs US$ 2.599.
It’s not just the curved tubes of the design form, which makes Evil’s newest creation remind you of their other models “The Uprising” and “The Undead.”
The rear suspension system is also based on the same system. The Delta-System used whereby the shock is mounted above the down tube and is activated by a sophisticated system of levers was developed by suspension legend Dave Weagle.
In order to protect the carbon frame “The Following” is fitted with protectors on the down tube and chainstay. Cables are mostly channelled through the frame with just the gear cable running underneath the top tube before entering the seat stay.
Along with the robust parts the aggressive geometry also proves that in-spite of the short travel no compromises need be made on the trail. The slack 66.8° head angle (with 130 mm fork) ensures stability whilst 432mm short chainstays promise a high degree of agility. At 439mm in size large the reach of “The Following” could be described as short by today’s standards, this is also reflected in the short wheelbase of 1163mm. The rider also has the option to choose between two basic geometries determined by the rear suspension.
Geometry chart with 120 mm fork
Geometry chart with 130 mm fork
Our opinion
If you know us you’ll also know that we are convinced that the concept of short travel, aggressive geometry and robust parts really works. These types of bike mostly combine a high degree of efficiency, agility and fun while inspiring confidence.
So no surprise then that the editors are already hotly discussing who can test this bike first. After all the EVIL “The Following” impresses on first sight in every technical aspects as well as in its chic design. How the bike actually performs on the trail is what we will try and find out for you as soon as possible.
Words: Christoph Bayer | Pictures: EVIL Bikes