[Closed] Evil The Following - anyone got one?

A chap I ride with regularly has one. It looks ace and if I had the cash I'd be tempted to get one even though it's quite different to my 160 travel 650b.

He really rates it and is riding faster, especially uphill. He's had it around six months and rides at least once a week, and we were only saying last night that he's not spent a penny on it yet or had any issues.

I would't worry about the linkages wearing, I'd be more concerned about the rear triangles cracking and Evil not being very helpful honoring warranties! Use the search function on here, plenty of comments about them. QC seems to be woefully lacking sadly.

Edit - here you go: http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/evil-bikes-frame-failures

According to one guy on here (who has one and sells them i think) 'it's a game changer'. If it could iron your clothes or pick up dog poop i would consider it a game changer, but it's a bike and only does something if you are riding it. Much like any other really.

2 of my mates have them and I've test ridden one.

Very nice, clever feeling rear suspension.

Game changer?? hmm, nice bike but so are lots of others and I managed to pick up a bike that I think is also pretty awesome and I got the complete bike for less than the Following frame only price.

Key thing putting me off is unproven customer service after their last screw-ups. Sure these might be better but if their attitude was 'sorry your bikes broken, nothing we can do' they don't seem like the kind of guys I would like to be in bed with for a 4K bike.

Mboy is having an affair with one; I [i]hear[/i] he's planning on marrying it.

Probably because he's made it pregnant.

A mate had one, said it was great, best bike he's ever had, best thing ever, all the way through until it cracked.

I've no doubt its a great bike, I'm sure they've improved their QC , but stuff I've read on the web and having spoken to a very bitter owner of one of their earlier bikes id say no, customer service sounds dreadful considering the cost

1 word... Marmite

You either get this bike or you don't.

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It's not perfect, but for what I ride and the way I ride, it's the best I've ridden by some margin. Have ridden most of the Following's direct competitors, stands out above the crowd for being so good at so many things. It's a real Swiss Army Knife of a bike, but one on which the tools are such good quality you don't need to reach into your tool box to get the pukka "Snap On" equivalent for that specific job.

I won't even begin to try to convince anyone that is turned off by them, there's enough history with the brand to make anyone wary, but then my experience (and we've sold a good number of them now, 7 at last count) has been nothing but positive. Not saying there haven't been any issues for anyone who's had one, but none of those that have come through our hands have had any and it seems the switch to VIP for manufacturing has made the difference between the company going down the pan and it beginning to be taken seriously again.

All that crap aside... My bike has been ridden by a lot of people now, every single one of them came back with a big smile on their face. A few have stuck their hands in their pockets since, and most of the others said that they would if they could actually afford it (no getting away from the pricetag to be fair, though it's 20% cheaper than a Yeti or Nomad CC!).

If you're anywhere near the midlands, mine can be available for a demo at fairly short notice. It's a Large, MRP Stage fork, 1x11 SRAM etc. Email in profile if I can be of help at all...

I get it, and I'd love an evil. The following is the only 29er that has turned my head and made me wonder if I could live with it. I just can't reconcile the evil CS with a spend that large, at least not yet.

I have one, had it since June, game changer? What would I know, the geo looked good & hadnt like the other options I'd tried. I like it a lot, ran it with 120mm up front initally then 130mm, in the low suspension setting & it's hoot. Very confidence inspiring, suspension took a while to get right for me, but then loaded up I am at the upper limits for the monarch shock. Though I'm hardly shredding gnarly line, I have beaten all my strava records, and not just on the downs, which surprised me no end. No pictures lately, as it laid up for while it wet.. Only because I don't see the point of running a FS in the slop round here, not being protective of the frame or bearings, a HT just makes more sense.
As for the busy rear suspension, not a issue, some crap will sits round the lower eyelet but it all washes out without any need for poking at it. Had the more mud fill up in front of the rear wheel, but then so did everyone's bike on the ride & it wasn't stopping the bike.

Mboy, how have you mounted your water bottle cage? Didn't think there were mounting holes and it's the only thing stopping me getting my wallet out!

It's an outstanding bike. I've got nearly 10 years of GPS data on my regular rides and I have been taking massive chunks out of previous fastest times both up and down, those were times set on 150mm+ 26" bikes on the downs and my hardtail on the ups so no mean feat. And its fun and looks ace in orange.

Mines been trouble free, linkage no problems. They seem relatively reliable generally, reports I've read of problems seem no more commonplace than any other bike, but the history from previous models aint great so you do need to go into it with your eyes wide open and for me it was a bit of a purchase with the heart rather than the head, which is rather unlike me but so far its been worth it.

Buy from a trustworthy LBS, pay on your credit card in case things go really wrong. As long as you don't get a lemon I can't recommend it enough!

Mboy, how have you mounted your water bottle cage? Didn't think there were mounting holes and it's the only thing stopping me getting my wallet out!

Hi

I'm an Evil Bikes stockist, SlickShifts, and I have a Demo bike in a Medium size if you're interested in trying one?
I've only just put it on Demo & had 1 ride on it so I can't comment on stuff like reliability or bearing wear as yet!
Yes it does look a bit 'busy' as you say but I don't think it's anymore complicated that most modern full sus designs.
Anyway, you're welcome to come n try if you're in my area, Sheffield.
Plus we have a bit of a deal on them at the mo........

Cheers
Leon

It's an outstanding bike. I've got nearly 10 years of GPS data on my regular rides and I have been taking massive chunks out of previous fastest times both up and down, those were times set on 150mm+ 26" bikes on the downs and my hardtail on the ups so no mean feat. And its fun and looks ace in orange.

That's the thing, I expected I might be a [i]bit[/i] quicker on the descents than on any of my previous bikes, but I didn't expect to be quicker up the hills too!

For anyone that know's the FoD's Y2K trail, which is (when it's dry) possibly my favourite bit of Singletrack in the UK, I rather surprised myself one day last summer... Suffice to say, I took a chunk of time off my previous best down there, and I'm sitting 13th out of 800 on there, sharing the spot with no less than Chris Porter of Mojo! Haha. Now I've ridden that trail dozens of times, so will concede familiarity (I am not saying I am anything like as quick a rider as Chris Porter, just on that day I matched his fastest time down that trail), and conditions were definitely optimal too. But it was still a huge chunk faster than I'd ever been down there before, much of which I have to attribute to the bike...

Mboy, how have you mounted your water bottle cage? Didn't think there were mounting holes and it's the only thing stopping me getting my wallet out!

The Insurgent and the new Wreckoning don't have room for a bottle cage, mainly because of the large linkage and the longer shock required to provide the extra travel. The Following has a bottle cage mount which I make good use of on shorter rides in the summer when I CBA to carry a backpack... The Following (again unlike its siblings) even has a Front Derailleur mount too should you be such a heathen and want to fit such a device! 😉

Buy from a trustworthy LBS

Always sage advice, but you'll appreciate that whilst there's some shops out there that can maybe get hold of a frame for you, there's other shops that have run them in a demo fleet and have plenty of experience riding and living with the bike. I'd wage mine has done more miles than most, whether under my own power or other customer's, and like I said, we've sold a good number off the back of that...

Anyone tried 27.5+ on the following? Figure it might be pretty nice with bigger tyres.

Doesn't fit apparently!

http://forums.mtbr.com/evil-bikes/following-27-5-plus-fail-996545.html

Anyone tried 27.5+ on the following? Figure it might be pretty nice with bigger tyres.

Doesn't fit. The swing arm bulges right where you'd need the clearance for the smaller dia tyre and rim...

Personally I think it would dilute the Following's character anyway, it's a sharp and responsive bike that's best with a really quick read tyre and the suspension set fairly firm and progressive. It's all about acceleration and agility where a 29er traditionally falls short, big/heavy/slow rolling smaller diameter tyres would dilute that IMO.

I have one too, bought mine in November its been ridden in FOD lots of mud and dry dusty Spain, brilliant bike as far as im concerned, couple of mates who are far more competent than me have tried it and have been mighty impressed.

[url= https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1594/23899457644_2076d76af9_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1594/23899457644_2076d76af9_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/CpUY7y ]Following in a view[/url]

Spanish Rock
[url= https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1615/24159861949_b7f592bcf5_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1615/24159861949_b7f592bcf5_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

xelr8, can't see your address on your website, where are you?

Anyone know of a shop with an XL don't shoot me orange in stock?

Would need forks/wheels as well.

They are certainly a cracking prospect...

I'd have more faith in it, if it was made literally by anyone other than Evil. Yeah, they might use a decent factory now to make them, but the factory will only follow the process dictated by Evil when making them.

Couple of guys in the SH Massif had them. Broke them. Said they were great, until they broke. Maybe they are good for the, erm, softer riders out there.

My take was it was a decent bike, let down by the stupid slack seat angle. Being of taller stature it felt like I was pedalling a recumbent. 2 minutes on Google tells me those who arnt trying to justify purchases, or selling them seem to have a common complaint.

Meh, plenty of other bikes out there just as good that won't make you want to rip your own face off when trying to warranty something.

Marmite

You either get this bike or you don't.

I don't think it's the bike that's Marmite, rather the company....

As above. It's not the bikes ability that's the issue. It's the company's woeful attitude and terrible cs that would guarantee them not getting my money.I sincerely hope the owners on here have a great experience with them and don't get any issues,I just didn't have the cojones with parting with my hard earned.

My take was it was a decent bike, let down by the stupid slack seat angle. Being of taller stature it felt like I was pedalling a recumbent. 2 minutes on Google tells me those who arnt trying to justify purchases, or selling them seem to have a common complaint.

I've had one for 6 months. I think it's an awesome bike; shed loads of fun to ride.

The rear can get full!! I switched to proper mud tyres for the winter, so it doesn't clog as much. Just need to brake less with the rear!!

I found you need to wash it upside down to get all the crap out.

I've not noticed the slack seat angle; maybe because I sized up.

[img] [/img]

xelr8, can't see your address on your website, where are you?

Hi andycs
Not sure if I can post it on here.
So it's in the very bottom RH corner of every page on the website.

Cheers

Anyone know of a shop with an XL don't shoot me orange in stock?

Would need forks/wheels as well.

Hi beer247

I think you'll struggle to find certain size stock in shops. If you've made your mind up you'd be better off placing an order to ensure you get one!
Silverfish currently don't have any stock of this bike at all!

Cheers

Anyone know of a shop with an XL don't shoot me orange in stock?

You mean like this one...?

[img] ?oh=99be1b52d324527a7de0426aeeff92fe&oe=56FB8AB0[/img]

Sadly I think we had the last free stock in the UK a couple of weeks ago, they're on back order at the moment...

I think you'll struggle to find certain size stock in shops. If you've made your mind up you'd be better off placing an order to ensure you get one!

I concur... Get your deposit down with your chosen dealer ASAP otherwise you won't guarantee you will get one. Supply has been in fits and starts at times to be fair.

My take was it was a decent bike, let down by the stupid slack seat angle. Being of taller stature it felt like I was pedalling a recumbent. 2 minutes on Google tells me those who arnt trying to justify purchases, or selling them seem to have a common complaint.

I've owned 2 Mavericks! The Evil isn't slack by their standards...

To be fair, if you've got long legs and a short torso, the seat angle isn't ideal. The problem isn't that it's that slack, it's just that it gets slacker the more you raise the saddle. If you've got especially long legs, it probably isn't going to be the bike for you to be fair (for reference, I tried the Transition Smuggler, which to me felt like it had a ridiculously steep seat angle, putting my weight too far forwards on the bike, but then if you're very tall and/or long in the leg, that would work quite well).

I've not noticed the slack seat angle; maybe because I sized up.

Looked at the geometry, decided that at 5ft10 I could ride the medium, but I'd have to run a 60mm stem and the saddle back a bit on the rails. Went for the large, running a 45mm stem and the saddle shunted forward on its rails and it feels spot on to me. The relatively short seat tubes mean that although I've only got a 125mm dropper on my large, I could still fit a 150mm drop if I wanted to even though I sized up!

That said, if Evil bring out a Following Mk2 at all, a slightly steeper seat angle would be nice, and as it's effectively just a seat mast and doesn't have any pivots or anything located on it, wouldn't be hard to redesign it so it's a bit steeper and doesn't put the longer legged riders off.

The rear can get full!! I switched to proper mud tyres for the winter, so it doesn't clog as much. Just need to brake less with the rear!!

I've found it has more clearance than most full sus bikes ironically, but yeah fitted with 2.3's and ridden through the slop, it will clog up a bit. I ride my HT more in the winter though.

I found you need to wash it upside down to get all the crap out.

There are a couple of bolt holes where the mud/water collects, especially underneath the shock and by the front mech cable exit point, but you quickly learn where they are. It's not the easiest bike to clean (buy a rigid singlespeed if that concerns you!) but I've owned worse (Giant Reign X to name one).

The problem isn't that it's that slack, it's just that it gets slacker the more you raise the saddle

The angle remains the same, whatever the saddle height - slack. There's no way I could ride that.

The angle remains the same, whatever the saddle height - slack.

No it doesn't... That's the point!

The interrupted seat tube design means that you've got 2 angles... An actual seat angle (which doesn't change, but means naff all as it's about 68 degrees but starting inches in front of the BB) and an "effective" seat angle, which is the one that matters. Due to the design, the effective angle slackens as you raise the saddle. Drop the saddle as far as it will go into the frame, and the effective angle will be something like 74 degrees. Raise it all the way to the limit on a 420mm post, and the angle will drop to something like 71 degrees.

The angle remains the same, whatever the saddle height - slack

It would if it was a straight seat tube originating from the BB, but it's probably neither.

I have a friend here in town who is a notorious bike breaker, been through several Nomads (Carbon and Alu), Rocky Mountains and a Specialized and so far his has lasted three months with no issues. For reference Nomads would usually last a year or so under him. He also really rates it, says it is the best he has ridden. I hope to bum a ride when the weather clears a little to see what the hype is all about.

No it doesn't... That's the point!

The interrupted seat tube design means that you've got 2 angles... An actual seat angle (which doesn't change, but means naff all as it's about 68 degrees but starting inches in front of the BB) and an "effective" seat angle, which is the one that matters. Due to the design, the effective angle slackens as you raise the saddle. Drop the saddle as far as it will go into the frame, and the effective angle will be something like 74 degrees. Raise it all the way to the limit on a 420mm post, and the angle will drop to something like 71 degrees.

Whut? THat stupidly slack seat tube and "effective" angle only make sense if you're running an "average" height saddle?

As can be seen by the orange one pictured above, if you need a "high" saddle because you're tall, you'll end up with the saddle way behind the BB. The setback looks more like what you'd find on a road bike, not an MTB (where I thought the current trend is to go really steep in the seat angle so you've got more weight over the front for steep climbs?)

On the seat angle thing...

Had one of these back in the day...

[img] [/img]

Similar design in principle, and Spesh have continued to use ever since.

But in a "that's not a knife, this is a knife" kinda way... I owned one of these for a while too...

[img] [/img]

Even tried to pedal it up a slight gradient once (unsuccessfully)! Bit of a specialist machine though but hey.

As can be seen by the orange one pictured above, if you need a "high" saddle because you're tall, you'll end up with the saddle way behind the BB. The setback looks more like what you'd find on a road bike, not an MTB (where I thought the current trend is to go really steep in the seat angle so you've got more weight over the front for steep climbs?)

You've just regurgitated my point entirely, but tried to make me look like I don't know what I'm talking about at the same time?

[img] [/img]

TBF I didn't really read/understand your post, so I just assumed you were wrong and I was right. As I usually do 😀

I have an XL one of these, which I got from mboy in June or something last year, I am also reasonably tall at 6ft 3 and have long legs (36inch inseam). I find the bike spot on and don't really get all these arguments about seat angle as I don't find it a problem at all (i'm sure in theory its a problem but not for me). I also have 140mm Pikes on it and run it in the slack setting, both of which should make it worse.

Previous bike was an SC Tallboy Ltc (XL too) which got nicked, I ride the Peak, Lakes and Cannock when I'm allowed out, when I'm not allowed out I ride the road bike.

Can't say I've found the Following any worse at climbing than the TBLtc, if anything the suspension is a little less wallowy on the Following and therefore easier to get out of the saddle and power over an obstacle. maybe I have to sit on the front of the saddle on real steep stuff (I'm talking about things like the top of Fermington edge in the Dales, where judging by the 'ard rock, most people walk anyway) a little bit more but the forks are longer than they should be.

It has less travel than the TBLTc but I'm faster downhill and round corners - once you get how to ride it, it corners very well. I think the faster downhill thing is the additional confidence due to the slacker head angle.

Its heavier than the TB but not by much.

Thats my experience, I love riding it and I feel it makes me better than I am.

Can anyone comment on the bikes ability to do longer, flatter rides? I'm considering one but would need it to be good over longer distances on less steep terrain to warrant changing the Capra for.

I'd be holding off until i see the new SC 29er which is promised to me long, lo and slack. And they won't leave you high and dry if it breaks.

How can raising/lowering the saddle change the angle? Unless you have a curved seat tube/post the angle remains the same - the reach/position over the back wheel change more, the slacker the angle. The angle however stays the same. If it's 70 degrees with the saddle slammed, then it's 70 degrees with the post extended.

Am I missing something?

SA is measured assuming intersection with the bb, so when the seat tube doesn't actually line up with the bb that all goes out of the window

Ah, right, I get it - it's still stupidly slack regardless

Rosss - Member
Can anyone comment on the bikes ability to do longer, flatter rides? I'm considering one but would need it to be good over longer distances on less steep terrain to warrant changing the Capra for.

Have used mine on 60k rides using say 10km of road to get to the unmarked trails in the FOD and or Wye Valley, with up to 1200 meters of climbing. I have ridden a Capra (not owned one) and two Capra owners have ridden the Following, both like the Following a lot but its not the same weapon a Capra is..., at the end of the day its what you like to ride for a given terrain...

I could have bought a Capra but preferred the Following for the riding I do..

uselesshippy - Member
A mate had one, said it was great, best bike he's ever had, best thing ever, all the way through until it cracked.

butterbean - Member
Couple of guys in the SH Massif had them. Broke them. Said they were great, until they broke. Maybe they are good for the, erm, softer riders out there.

How did these people get in with getting their frames sorted?

Ta

Just an amazing bike. Best bike ive owned. Reliability has been spot on and the Evil Europe guys are brilliant

Oli

Genuine question, what makes the bike so good? The geometry isn't particularly radical so is it the funky suspension?

Geometry was certainly one of the lowest and slackest and shortest of chainstay for a 120mm 29er when it came out. Suspension has a ton of anti-squat, too much really unless you're running a larger chain ring, so it's an efficient pedaller and the leverage curve ramps quickly in the first 1/3 of travel and then more slowly, so it has very good small bump sensitivity, and is hard to bottom out without ramping so fast that it gets harsh in the last 1/3 of the travel or is very difficult to get a decent damping tune.

It's definitely a very well thought through design, which is why it appears to be selling well despite being both expensive and Evil...

Sometimes I wish these forum responses could be limited to those people have either direct experience of a bike or they have at least test ridden one. It's a sad fact that this is not a cheap bike. And many people will not be able to afford it but rather than admit that they justify owning a lesser bike by bad mouthing others.

It's also true that most people don't have the imagination or confidence to try something new, preferring to get the same bike as all there mates and there is nothing with that. I've always been happy to try new bikes if I think the it will make riding easier and more fun. Hence I've had lefty forks, Bionicon etc.

Personally I hope most people reading this thread don't buy an evil following. I've had mine for a month and in my view it's the best bike I've ever had, and I've had some nice bikes. Yeti asr5c, spez camber Carbon Evo, spez enduro etc. I have also just come back from 6 months not riding following a nasty triple break in my wrist. Anyone who has had a big accident on a bike knows the effect that has on your fitness and confidence. My local riding is very steep technical trails and right now the tracks are deep with mud and greasy roots.

Despite lack of fitness, confidence and skill I broke 2 strava downhill segments on first ride. Today I set 4 pbs including a top 5 place on one of local Knarly tracks that was 6 inches deep mud in places. I'm beating my best summer times!

I'm 6ft 3, 35" inside leg. No issues with seat angle, love it. Perfect up and down. The bike gives so much confidence!! Uphill I haven't taken shock out of descend setting, can't wait for summer and better fitness.

I don't want other people to buy this bike because it makes me look a massively better rider than I am, I have a huge unfair advantage over my mates lol. And I like having a bike that's different to the crowds.

There is a reason this bike is called the following - that's what most of your mates will be doing!

And on warranty issue this bike will make you try stupid stuff, it's a 120 29er but you will be wanting to do much more. Mountain bikers do stupid stuff and bikes break. My last spez Evo broke frame after 4 months on a 3ft drop.

On price I think then evil is good value, £4.5k for full carbon beast. Same price as half carbon version of most other top end bikes. If you want a bike that's fast up, awesome fast down, and different from the crowd then get a test ride and decide for yourself.

^^^

On the other hand some who have bought one just want to justify the expense and downplay the stories of dreadful customer service.

Coming onto a public forum and stating an opinion that you wish others didn't have an opinion is both ridiculous and futile. Everyone has them and everyone is entitled to them.

Personally mine is that even if I could afford one the stories of owner difficulties would put me off buying one. If I was well off enough that losing 5 grand didn't matter to me then that might change.

You obviously love yours and I genuinely hope you and other owners don't experience the shoddy CS that some have reported.

many people will not be able to afford it

Despite lack of fitness, confidence and skill

I don't want other people to buy this bike because it makes me look a massively better rider than I am

full carbon beast

Full score on the bullshit bingo score card. 😀
Are you m boys other login.

Despite lack of fitness, confidence and skill I broke 2 strava downhill segments on first ride. Today I set 4 pbs including a top 5 place on one of local Knarly tracks that was 6 inches deep mud in places. I'm beating my best summer times!

Were you straight-lining all the corners, or just riding the fire road next to the singletrack segment? 😉

Woop, the willy waving has started. I suppose it had to at some point.

Were you straight-lining all the corners, or just riding the fire road next to the singletrack segment?

Like I said I really don't care if some of the chumps on here buy a following or not. I was just making the point for those open minded people that are actually thinking about a new bike that this bike really is as good as all the reviews say. I'm no Steve peat amongst our regular riding group I would be classed as average at best, but despite long time of bike the following is really efficient fast climber, with fantastic grip and confidence inspiring geometry on the way down. Think this is partly due to the MRP fork which lbs recommended and shorty front tyre.

Re after sale service Evil admit that original factory on old bikes was below par. Rather than hear say if anyone who actually owned and evil following has experienced a problem please post.

If you ride regular trails, marathon courses, trail centre etc as opposed to full down hill this bike is amazing and well worth a test ride. Personally I wouldn't touch the seat angle. Our local routes on the Malverns are about as steep as you can realistically pedal up in places and the evil climbs better than my camber, not quite as well as my dale flash carbon. But it would eat both on the descent, plus way more fun to ride.

Look forward to more BS from the people on here that don't actually own a following

Look forward to more BS from the people on here that don't actually own a following

As opposed to more bolleaux from people who do?

Our local routes on the Malverns are about as steep as you can realistically pedal up in places and the evil climbs better than my camber, not quite as well as my dale flash carbon

@psycorp 🙂

Your welcome to come and have a test ride Gary. I said It doesn't climb as well as my flash, but it's a lot closer than you would expect. The rear shock format is amazing. Almost no bob even in descend mode. I havent had to move the lever once. I'm running 140 fork and the dale has full lock out but back end on following is epic. Point I was trying to make is that I was taliking from the perspective of someone that has had broad range of bikes and an open mind.

There is a trend to the posts on this thread. Everyone that has a following things it's amazing, confidence inspiring game changing bike. Those that have not even ridden one slag them off, funny that. At the end of the day what makes a perfect bike is down to the individual and the riding you do. For me the following right now is that bike.

Keep smiling haters. See you on the trails.

As opposed to more bolleaux from people who do?

If I was looking to buy a new bike, I'd be a lot more interested in the opinions of those that have spent their hard earned on one, than I would those of people that have never even ridden one... Everything can be taken with a pinch of salt in this world, but when those who haven't even ridden the bike keep piping up, talking BS about how it must be crap or how anyone who buys one can't ride for toffee... Well... You might as well keep your gob shut, you're just turning people off quite frankly! The internet is a wonderful place where the anonymity of not talking to others face to face means you can be as rude as you like to others without any worries of comeback, but shout loud enough and people have no choice as to either agree or disagree with you...

Have you read the independent reviews on this bike? The opinions of the unbiased media that is... There is nothing but universal praise for this bike, it's not for everyone that's for sure, but for those who get it, it really is worth every penny!

Give it a rest son. That bendy bag of bollox up there climbs 'not quite as well' as a CDale flash carbon? Like there's even a comparison to be made.

2 questions... A) Have you ridden a Following? B) Have you ridden some of the more tech trails on the Malverns?

There's no doubt that a lightweight hardtail such as the Flash is gonna fly up smooth climbs, like fireroads and the like. It weighs naff all and is built for speed. The thing is though, the Malverns have some of the steepest and techiest XC trails you will come across in the UK, if you're not just riding the boring stuff that is. The Following is staggeringly good as a climber, way better than I ever expected it to be, in fact it has been the most surprising string to its bow for me. I expected it to be competent downhill, the fact it climbs better than anything else in its class is a bonus that I was never expecting.

One thing to note is that the haters are getting very caugh up in the bike... Those of us that own them know it's still 99% rider, 1% equipment. But when the equipment is good enough to give you an edge, well... It can almost feel like cheating!

At the beginning....

So im looking at buying an Evil Following frame to build up. Reviews are outstanding,

but the only thing bothering me is just how 'busy' the shock area looks...especially when it goes up against the good old British eather.

Has anyone been running one for a while?

How has it been for bearing wear and reliability?

There is a trend to the posts on this thread. Everyone that has a following things it's amazing, confidence inspiring game changing bike. Those that have not even ridden one slag them off, funny that.

I thought they were slagging off the company rather than the bike. It's obviously a sorted bit of kit, with generally good geo but that seat angle alone is enough to make sure it's not the bike for me. then there's the prospect of ever having to deal with any issues *shudder*

Yup Ive no doubt it's a brilliant bike, Its just Evil's rep that puts me off

If I was looking to buy a new bike, I'd be a lot more interested in the opinions of those that have spent their hard earned on one, than I would those of people that have never even ridden one... Everything can be taken with a pinch of salt in this world, but when those who haven't even ridden the bike keep piping up, talking BS about how it must be crap or how anyone who buys one can't ride for toffee... Well... You might as well keep your gob shut, you're just turning people off quite frankly! The internet is a wonderful place where the anonymity of not talking to others face to face means you can be as rude as you like to others without any worries of comeback, but shout loud enough and people have no choice as to either agree or disagree with you...

Have you read the independent reviews on this bike? The opinions of the unbiased media that is... There is nothing but universal praise for this bike, it's not for everyone that's for sure, but for those who get it, it really is worth every penny!

Ha, says the guy who sells a handful of them a year - vested interest much?

I don't think anyone has said the bike is crap - more the company.

It doesn't help when some goon turns up and claims it's turned him from a weekend warrior into Nino Shurter on the ups & Aaron Gwin on the downs. Please.

That gets filed in the same camp as the guy who claimed bolting some ENVE's onto his bike instantly made him 10% quicker.

Hang on, one of these + ENVE's = new EWS champion! What a plan!

For what it's worth, as you replied directly to me - I have ridden one. I don't really like 29ers. having owned a few so it wasn't for me. Even if I loved it, it wouldn't have been for me, as i'm not mental enough to buy an Evil 🙂

I think we need a race to sort this thread out.

Preferably in the Malvern's 🙂

Anyone good with a GoPro can come and film it for the forum.

Id be genuinely interested to see how one compared to a transition smuggler and kona process 111 etc, similar numbers and rave reviews

This is quite a good insight into the shorter travel yet gnarly 29er suspension designs:

http://linkagedesign.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/evil-following-29-2015.html?m=1

(If you understand the graphs!)

Quick simplified explanation - for the best pedalling efficiency you want 100% anti-squat at sag. Less means it'll squat, more means it'll jack up, so either way it'll bob. A progressive (downward sloping) leverage curve is almost always best for a bike designed to be ridden aggressively. Excessive pedal kickback can feel weird and excessive anti-rise will cost you braking traction. It's impossible to get all four main parameters to be ideal - you have to compromise somewhere, with many designs compromising most on anti-rise nowadays.

Id be genuinely interested to see how one compared to a transition smuggler and kona process 111 etc, similar numbers and rave reviews

I've ridden a Smuggler, albeit briefly. For those wanting a steeper seat angle than the Following, this is probably the bike to buy. It pedals very well too, I noticed the extra weight but then it wasn't as high end a build as my Following so not a fair comparison. Think there's about 1lb or so in the frame alone.

The bit I didn't like on the Smuggler though was the rather steep seat angle. It placed me further forward than I felt I wanted to be on the bike, and it also makes the wheelbase quite a lot longer than the following size for size. For the same reasons I didn't get on with as well as my Following, others will love it.

Haven't ridden a Process 111 sadly, did own a Whyte T-129 SCR though for a while before the Following. Great bike, only let down by poor rear tyre clearance and the Fox CTD shock. New 2016 models have more tyre clearance, a better shock, 1 degree slacker head angle and a lower price!!!

What makes this bike so good: It’s as maneuverable as a 26” bike (that’s what it feels like to me) with all the advantages of the 29 wheels.

I still prefer my Enduro 29 when the trail becomes open and rocky. But in the tight and twisty woods the Following is just awesome fun.

Only issue I've had; i snapped the head off a bolt and Evil Europe replaced it FOC. Silverfish wanted £90 for a bolt kit!

Out of interest those claiming to be aware of cracked Followings on the first page please could you point us to the thread this is on/put up photos?

I really want my next bike to be an Evil but will be spending 18 months weighing up whether the new bikes genuinely have a problem or if it's mostly internet fluster.

http://forums.mtbr.com/evil-bikes/cracked-following-990764.html

This is the well known thread on the matter with the crack, and i think it might be the one where they then also have to reject the replacement part (haven't read through it all again)> http://forums.mtbr.com/evil-bikes/cracked-following-990764.html

MTBR thread here - Cracked FOllowing

http://forums.mtbr.com/evil-bikes/cracked-following-990764.html
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Evil's view, based on photos provided by the importer, was that this was impact damage and therefore wouldn't warranty it. My LBS sought a second opinion from a local carbon repair specialist, who believed this was a result of a heavy twisting motion on the rear wheel, with the chain stay being flexed outwards and cracking as a result, i.e. not a direct impact. They also noted how thin the frame was at this point, easily being flexed by thumb pressure.
When the replacement rear triangle arrived, the LBS tested the same area and it also flexed with a "crackling" sound. A second replacement was then sent out - this one doesn't flex anywhere near the same amount so has been fitted.
UK law states that the warranty a customer has is with the retailer rather than the manufacturer. Further, in the first 6 months after sale, it is the retailer's responsibility to prove user damage rather than the other way round. Given this and based on the second opinion, plus the flex on the first two triangles, my LBS have decided to honoured the warranty. At this stage, it's not clear whether they will have to cover the cost.

PS For those suggesting I was stupid for posting a thread before sorting the issue with Evil were right - this thread was cited as "not helping my case" in the initial discussions. Thankfully UK law and a decent LBS outweigh such a response.

Evil must love that MTBR page 😉

OK, I'm aware of that one and have discounted it as a one-off. Thanks.

Its interesting to note that if you make a cool looking product and come up with an equally cool name you can still have a market.

Despite sh*t customer service and possibly dubious engineering.

i wouldn't describe it as cool looking or even good looking!

It does ride bloody well though

Just updated mine, finally added a bit of colour (mainly cos I haven't got new decals for the wheels yet!)... Off for a play tomorrow too... Whoop whoop!

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[img] ?oh=6cb172376958aecb0d03b4851355b144&oe=575C79C4[/img]

Didn't get much use on the sodden trails through the winter I'm sorry to say (but then I hardly did any road riding either to be fair!), but now the trails are starting to dry up again it's gonna get a lot more use soon.

I have one. I claim no special knowledge (I am a Surrey Hills MAMIB) but I see it as the quintessential 'trail bike', assuming trail bike means to you what it does to me.

It's fast up, fast along and fast down. Perfectly capable of XC. (Most rides around here are XC to trails - trails - XC home. Lots of time on the gas a good pace).

I'd describe the suspension as pushy rather than plush. Caveat, I think I've been running it a little over sagged, and I wonder if most people do. Shock pressure is quite high for the optimal sag I think. Anyway I still reckon if you're looking for feather pillow plushness out of the back of your bike, this is not the one. I have bottomed it out and I didn't feel it.

No regrets so far, and looking to keep it not switch it. It's been laid up for most of the winter, had it out for a couple of rides now and am enjoying it.

mboy said re b+:

Personally I think it would dilute the Following's character anyway, it's a sharp and responsive bike that's best with a really quick read tyre and the suspension set fairly firm and progressive. It's all about acceleration and agility where a 29er traditionally falls short, big/heavy/slow rolling smaller diameter tyres would dilute that IMO.

I agree with this, and speaking as someone who really enjoys b+ on my hardtail.

Fit: it did take me a while to get this sorted as I am the unhelpful long-of-leg short-of-body shape. Bumping the spacers below the stem from 20mm to 30mm has made a big difference.

Also don't overlook that it has 2 geometry settings. They really do ride differently, it's no gimmick. Very simplistically, low is sleddy-er, high is agile-r. It came in low and that's how I ran it for some time but I tried it in high and it's a no brainer for my local riding. I'd put it back on low for uplift days.