The all new 100mm travel Evolve sst.2 with ICT Technology is dialed in to maintain the legendary efficiency, handling and ride of a nimble full suspension cross country bike while harnessing the rolling efficiency and feel of the 29" wheel. The new Evolve hammers up and down hills with geometry characteristics and suspension functions designed from the ground up to optimize the fast rolling, higher stability of the larger wheel, eliminating the ill handling commonly associated with the 29" wheel bikes. The new super formed pivot integrated seat tube is lighter and stronger while the new semi-integrated tapered head tube is stiffer and more responsive. The wheels afford you the surefootedness of an XC Trail bike that will feel like an old friend and soak up mistakes at the start and finish of any ride. Fast and agile, aggressive and plush - destroy your inhibitions with the Evolve.
Submitted by
spinmonkey37
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, OR
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2011
Strengths: This is for the Evolution. Absolutely amazing, versatile, smooth, well balanced. Gobbles up pretty much anything.
Weaknesses: BB may be a touch high, cost of the bike is way up there, but worth it
Bottom Line:
There is not a category for the Evolution (not evolve), but since it's the same frame anyhow, I suppose this will work fine.
I have only had this bike for a few rides (week or two), but have been looking for a while for that perfect ride. I will follow up later with a review after more miles have been consumed.
This bike is amazing, and is my new swiss army knife! It does it all - there are bikes that do things better - for example, the Jet 9 climbs like a hardtail and is really amazing at the race-y type aggressive feel, but does not have the comfort or downhill feel that this bike does. I laugh when I ride this bike, and at the end of the day, that is what I am looking for! I also will mention that this is a complimentary bike to my quiver, and although this is a well rounded bike, for where I live (flat and fast) I think the Jet 9 would work best as a single bike, but the evolution is the king when paired with a SS for those days when you just want to blow off some aggression.
The Evolution pedals better than my old Epiphany, which surprised me, I think the ICT actually works better on a 29'er for some reason, and you can feel it. SO smooth! So sexy - really, this bike is a piece of art, and made in the USA! Ellsworth has not (really) made the jump to carbon yet, or may not, but this bike is pretty much in the price range of it's competitor's carbon version, so that is something to consider when shelling out this much cash.
The geometry is also spot on, for me and where I ride, and I have to give it to ellsworth for sticking to what they do - they have had this figured out for quite a while, and keep fine tuning it for the current model and it just works, very well. I am looking forward to longer rides / races, as this bike will destroy terrain on long rides.
Ellsworths do take a different style of riding, which I am used to and love, but many would call less efficient. As long as you are seated, this bike climbs as good or better than anything else out there. For standing, not quite as strong, but still pretty darn good. Teh good news is that if you are climbing, that should mean you will be going down soon, and where it really shines.
Similar Products Used: Jet 9, Epiphany, Evolve, Selma, Kona Kula 29.
Bike Setup: Full XTR, Fox front and back, DT / Stans wheels, other good stuff.
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Submitted by
Biker Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Pinehurst, NC
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2011
Strengths: Fast, nimble, well built, solid construction
Weaknesses: Expensive...but worth every penny!
Bottom Line:
This is a big boy bike, I'm 6' 4" and weigh in at a svelte 245 Lbs. and every bike I have owned up to now has always felt a little tight or I had to really baby them on the trails for fear of breaking something. This bike is fantastic!! It is nimble, quick, and so much fun to ride! I have over 1800 miles on it and it still looks brand new. The 29" wheels soak up bumps, rocks, and logs like they are not even there. I'm very confident riding any trail on this bike, from technical to single track this bike rocks! I just love it! This is one bike Tony Ellsworth and his folks got right!!
Similar Products Used: Ellsworth Isis, Trek, Diamondback
Bike Setup: Fox forks, stans no tube, hope hubs
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Submitted by
cmotto
a Weekend Warrior
from lewiburg PA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2011
Strengths: unbelievalbe susspension, incrediblly built, fast, very fast
Weaknesses: none really, maybe weight a little
Bottom Line:
yeah its worth it, this is my first 29er, I have only about 50 miles on it but now that I am getting used to the geometry I can't imagine riding anything else. I will post again in about a year for an additional review, but the early result is this is a fantastic bike/.
Submitted by
hardreef
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2011
Strengths: Handling, suspension, build quality.
Weaknesses: Price (bought this frame on closeout for $1600)
Bottom Line:
This is an all around fantastic bike. Has enough suspension that it's fun in the rough stuff yet doesn't wallow. I have the 120 in the front which relaxes the head angle a bit making it nicer for the technical stuff and downhills. Overall, the bike handles extremely well and is extremely fun to ride. I know there may be other 29ers out there that are better in one area or the other but the Evolve seems to do everything well with no big weaknesses. I absolutely love this bike and think it will be quite a while before another 29er comes along that will tempt me to upgrade.
Bike Setup: Reba Team 120mm
SRAM X9 front/rear
Shimano Deore XT crank
Avid Elixir CR
Thompson stem/seatpost
WTB Devo seat
Mavic Crossmax C29SSMAX wheels
Racing Ralph
Ragley Carnegie bars
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Submitted by
disco8262
a Cross Country Rider
from miami springs
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2010
Strengths: Lightweight, climbs like a mountain goat, suspension is the best ever ridden. As nimble as any 26er that I've ridden.
Weaknesses: Too much trail time will put a strain on your family life.
Bottom Line:
This bike is an absolute pleasure to ride. the suspension is the best i've ever ridden. this bike handles very well. you will not miss your 26er at all, in fact you will actually sell all other bikes owned because once you ride an evolve everything else seems like a huffy. Just get it.
Similar Products Used: titus rockstar (which,btw' is an awesome bike too), salsa big mama
Bike Setup: xx group, american classic wheels. weighs in at 24lbs.
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Submitted by
goatspeed
a Cross Country Rider
from Elk River, MN
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2010
Strengths: Suspension. It's full of strengths, but the suspension is incredible. It rides rugged trail like a very nice motocross dirtbike...fast, total confidence inspiring.
Weaknesses: I suppose price, but given how much better this is than any Fisher or Specialized I've ridden, it's probably worth it.
Bottom Line:
As I noted in strengths, the suspension system on this bike is so incredible. All at the same time, it is agile, responsive, plush, and aggressive. I can hammer up hills and only feel power loss to the front shock...which is inevitable. I can blast through absurd rock gardens knowing it will dance through. It's probably inspires too much confidence. I will probably wipe it out badly soon. But in the process of inspiring that confidence, I've cleared obstacles and hit times that I've never done before.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Stumpjumper FSR 29er, Gary Fisher Supercaliber 29er, Salsa Big Mama 29er.
Bike Setup: Fox FIT RLC 120mm front fork
XT brakes, XT crankset
SRAM X9 drivetrain
Easton Haven wheelset
Maxxis Ardent 2.4" 29er tires
Salsa Pro-Moto carbon 17deg sweep bar
Bontrager RXXXL stem
FSA carbon seatpost
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Submitted by
s4tom3
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2010
Strengths: Suspension, stiffness, standover height, endurance racing machine, climbing and descending abilities, and without a doubt Ellsworth bad ass looks.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I have been riding my Orbea Alma 29 for the past 3 years and decided to build up an Evolve after owning 3 Truths for the last 15 years. All I can say is it is a real game changer. I raced the 24 Hours of Adrenaline on the Orbea and thought this was the best hands down 9er until putting some saddle time on the Evolve. This is the best climbing bike I have ever ridden. There is zero energy loss with the RP23 rear shock and the ICT design. I do prefer to switch to Pro Pedal on the climbs and open it up on the descents. Perfect combo for all out weekend assaults. The Ellsworth wheelset and amazing build make this my favortite ride to date. Still love the Orbea, but must say the Evolve has it beat. FS 29er buyers should without a doubt have the Ellsworth Evolve on the top of their list!!
Similar Products Used: Ellsworth Truth, Orbea Alma 29, Specialized Marathon Epic 29
Bike Setup: Full XTR, Ellsworth 29 wheelset, 15mm Fox F29, RP23, Maxxis Ignitor, Crossmax Tires
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Submitted by
Ziegelman
a Weekend Warrior
from Poway, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2010
Strengths: Suspension, geometry and overall ride characteristics.
Weaknesses: Absolutely none.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a GAME CHANGER! Incredibly nimble. Tracks so cleanly over incredibly rough terrain. As a former racer and now (an out of shape) weekend warrior, I remember why I love this sport so much. Getting out somewhere beautiful, hilly with some wicked single track. This bike is so amazing, you almost forget about the machine propelling you through space. It climbs predictably with a direct transfer of effort into the rear wheel with the front tracking well. The big ole 29rs roll over obstacles that I would brace for the impact and be surprised as I cleaned them - one after the other. The big footprint in back also grabs the terrain so effectively, I may just get in better shape to motor up those "impossible" ascents now made possible. Descents are incredible. Ellsworth geometry is so dialed. Some of the hairiest technical downhills, I can now clean and my aging back doesn't, well, feel its age. I just love this bike. The folks at Ellsworth are obviously doing their homework and their attention to detail is unparalleled. The paint (nebula blue) is actually anodized and is over-the-top beautiful. Grip collars, and seat post quick release all anodized to match. The 15 mm front skewer/fork set up is rock solid and the 4 inches of travel front and rear is so plush! At 27.6 lbs for the XL frame, it is the perfect combo of lightweight yet fully suspended bike. I've been an avid mountain biker for 20 + years (ouch I'm old!) I've ridden, tested or trialed dozens of bikes. Nothing even comes close to this rig.
Similar Products Used: Marin Mt Vision Pro, Trek Fuel, Gary Fisher Pro Caliber LTD
Bike Setup: XTR, Fox front 15 mm axle, Fox rear.
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Submitted by
guatbike
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2009
Strengths: Perfect geometry makes for a smooth but fast ride in just about all types of terrain.
Weaknesses: Expensive
Bottom Line:
I've had plenty of 26ers and one other 29er - Mamasita. I bought this bike because somebody stole my GT from my garage when I wasn't lookin. Now I'm glad it happened (the new bike anyway...not the $$ loss). Anyway, this bike is the all-around fast rider and fits perfect if set up correctly, which is easy.
Overall, it's a bike for exploring with confidence. Anyone that cares about XC riding in new places without having to worry about bike issues should have one. I love it and will keep it for a long time.
This is the one bike I take on the rides that mean the most to me. Rides on road trips where I don't really know what the trail conditions will be like - because this bike DOES IT ALL. And does it FAST. I ride a Carver 29er Ti Hardtail day in and day out and I take the Evolve out on the rougher trails or on any ride where I want to turn the brain off and just focus on FLYING. This framset RAILS and will soak up any mistakes you make and also climbs like the goat that it is!
Bike Setup: Five inch travel White Bros. coil sprung shock up front and many other goodies from Chris King and Sram
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Submitted by
bryan123
a Weekend Warrior
from Sonoma
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2009
Strengths: Frame stiffness, Suspension
Weaknesses: Initial customer service with Ellsworth was challenging (Trying to get a torque spec on a pivot bolt that kept backing out), but worked through the issue, and once I finally got a response, haven't had any issues with service on subsequent questions.
Bottom Line:
Of all the bikes I demo'd this was the best geometry for me. Not being a beanstock, I can assure clydesdales that this bike has little flex even with 250# aboard, which was one of the main selling points. My only issue to date is with the wheelset I went with, but that has nothing to do with the bike, other than it pains me not to be riding it.
Submitted by
turtlepaul
a Weekend Warrior
from Aaheim, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2009
Bottom Line:
An impressive bike.
To me it is not a debate that 29ers are better bike than 26ers. 29" wheels give you better rolling over rough stuff, and markedly improved traction both in climbs and cornering - especially valuable when riding in Southern California sand. I have never ridden Ellsworth before, but I have ridden my share of good bikes over past 10 years. Two things struck me about this bike. One is its impressive lateral stiffness. Pound per pound, I think it is the most laterally rigid full suspension bike that I have ridden. Many 29er bikes talk about their suspension technology and frame design, but the lateral rigidity IMHO should be just as important. Two is its efficient suspension. The ICT suspension is very efficient. It is not the most plush suspension, but it is efficient.
It is a great bike.
Similar Products Used: 29er:Gary Fisher HiFi, Rocky moutain Hammer 29
26er: Turner 5., Santa Cruz Blur, Giant, Kona, Bionicon etc.
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Submitted by
laithef
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, Arizona
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2009
Strengths: Climbing (little to no power loss in pedal stroke - even during out of the saddle climbs - don't waste your money on the RP23 - you don't need it). Descending (quality of engineering and fabrication is unmatched in the industry - absolutely none of the lateral flex that plagues most 29ers). Sticks in the turns. Build is rock solid.
Weaknesses: $ (though you should probably sell your car and buy this bike)
Bottom Line:
All other bikes are like child's toys in comparison. This bike is the basically the holy grail.
Similar Products Used: Previous rides... Blur LT & Fuel Test rode... Niner Jet 9, Gary Fisher HiFi 29, Surly Karate Monkey
Bike Setup: SRAM X.9, Fox F29 100 & RP23, XT Cranks, Juicy 7s, King Headset & Hubs, Twist Lace Spokes, Tubeless ZTR Flow Rims, Thompson Post, Brookes B17
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Submitted by
Docklobster
a Cross Country Rider
from Murrieta, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2008
Strengths: Strong climbing bike, plush descender, effecient pretty much sums it up!
Weaknesses: None so far...
Bottom Line:
I demoed the Ellsworth and the Intense 29ers along with some other research prior to deciding on the Evolve. Being 6' tall I debated over the Medium or Large frame and had a number of different opinions on both. I demoed the Medium but ultimately went with the large frame, which I am very happy with right now. I didn't like the amount of seat tube sticking out on the medium and I am a little long in the inseam and a bit shorter in the torso, so I set this up with a shorter stem and flat handlebar that sweeps back a little. Orignially I flipped the stem and moved the seat forward but this felt shifted too much forward and I didn't need the weight up front with the 29er setup. I put the 5 degree stem back to normal and moved the seat back and now it feels perfect.
Great ascending bike, strong on the descents as well. I need to work on my switchbacks a bit as I cannot move this around as quickly as my old 26er on the turns yet, but that is more the rider than the bike.
Overall this is a perfect setup for me and my lap times have dropped!
