Issue #030, Review - November 10, 2017

Pole EVOLINK 140 29 Review

Long, longer, Pole EVOLINK 140 29. In comparison to this bike, all other bikes in the test look like children’s bikes. It’s clear that with its super-slack head angle and the enormous wheelbase, it is immensely stable. But can you get it around tight turns, and how fast is it really?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: Let’s go Racing! – The 10 fastest enduro bikes in test

With the Pole at your side you’ll be sure to win the question of whose is the longest. After all, the reach in size L measures 510 mm and the wheelbase is nearly 10 cm longer than most of the competition at 1,314 mm. With geometry like that, the components quickly become peripheral. But they needn’t: the RockShox Lyrik RCT3 fork has not disappointed, and neither have the DT Swiss EX 1501 SPLINE ONE wheels. The BikeYoke REVIVE dropper post works silently and has the most beautiful remote lever on the market. Unfortunately, Pole only installed the 125 mm version – we would have preferred the 160 mm version. Huck Norris inserts were installed in both the MAXXIS Minion DHR II in the front and the Minion SS at the rear to protect the rims from the savage rocks of Liguria.

If you believe the preconceptions, the Pole shouldn’t have been very fast on our test track – especially the narrow sections, where this monster should have been stopped in its tracks. Also, the extreme geometry would have required hours of getting used to – but far from it. “Get on and feel at home” is the motto. Obviously the enormous length of the bike can be felt on the trail, but not in a negative way.

On board you have a massive range of movement and the EVOLINK forgives almost all mistakes. The wheelbase ensures maximum stability, and the long chainstays distribute the rider’s weight evenly, which becomes especially evident on open turns. Without having to shift their weight, all our testers had enough pressure on the front wheel. Even very tight turns can be mastered with the Pole, though they require a bit more effort. Particularly striking is how the Pole saves your energy. Unfortunately the 150 mm RockShox Lyrik does not quite match the potential of the bike – a 160 mm version would have been a better choice. With a super-steep seat tube angle you sit very centrally on the bike and pedal in a relaxed position, but you won’t win any sprints on the EVOLINK 140 29.

The Pole EVOLINK 140 29 in Detail

Fork RockShox Lyrik RCT3 150 mm
Rear shock RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 140 mm
Brakes SRAM Guide RS
Drivetrain SRAM XX1 / X01
Seat post Bikeyoke Revive
Stem Race Face Atlas
Handlebar Race Face Sixc
Tires Maxxis Minion DHR II / Maxxis Minion SS
Wheels DT Swiss EX 1501 Spline One

The geometry of the Pole EVOLINK 140 29

Size	XS	S	M	L
Seat tube	420 mm	440 mm	460 mm	480 mm
Top tube	? mm	? mm	? mm	621 mm
Head angle	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°
Seat angle	77.5°	77.5°	77.5°	77.5°
Chainstay	456 mm	456 mm	456 mm	456 mm
BB Drop	20 mm	20 mm	20 mm	20 mm
Wheelbase	1224	1254	1284	1314
Reach	420 mm	450 mm	480 mm	510 mm
Stack	630 mm	630 mm	630 mm	630 mm
Wheelsize	29″	29″	29″	29″

Conclusion

The Pole EVOLINK 140 29 is the most radical, and at the same time the most benign bike in the test. It impressed us with its confidence-inspiring composure and immense stability. Despite (or because of) the long geometry, it’s also suitable for less experienced riders and reveals its full potential especially on long, hard stages.