Review Options:
Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating |
|
Reviews 1 - 3 (3 Reviews Total)
| |
User Reviews
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
ROY Squared
a Cross Country Rider
from ChicagoDate Reviewed: March 12, 2011
Strengths: Lightweight bike, beautfully crafted front triangle, ICT suspension rides as advertised.Weaknesses: Rear end is a noodle.Bottom Line: 2011 model year -
It's light, it looks great, the front triangle is outstanding, the ICT suspension works as advertised. It handles well though quickly with one caveat. The rear end on this thing is all over the place. I rode this with a 20mm fork up front, 10mm DT swiss rear skewer in the rear clamped down tight. I kept feeling like I had a low rear tire as I rode this bike. So I would check it and it was fine.
After riding it more I kept having that same feeling so I would check again, and it was fine. Retightened the rear skewer, checked for bearing issues, checked spoke tension - everything was fine. Finally took the rear wheel and rocked it back and forth - it sure seemed like the rear end was allowing it to flex back and forth.
I think it's a combination of things. First, I think the rear is just built too light. But, that is the intent of this frame. Second, there is an odd way the triangle comes together on the bearings up at the linkage, it almost comes together on an axis as opposed to being flat. You have to look at it to see it.
So for me, it meant a pass on this frame. Others mileage may vary. I would just strongly urge a test ride on this bike before buying. I can tell you that the Racer X 29er my previous bike was much stiffer in the rear end in this regard.
It's also really pricey for it not to be darn near perfect. I really think that this bike is 1/3 - 1/2 lb of more weight away from being an awfully nice bike. That extra material in the rear end might really help this bikes riding characteristics.
For reference, I am 190lbs.
Duration Product Used: Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$2150.00
Purchased At: demo
Similar Products Used: Racer X 29er, SC Tallboy, Niner Jet 9 and Rip 9
Bike Setup: XT/XTR mix, Stans flows wheelset, Reba 29er tapered 20mm fork.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Terry Buccambuso
a Racer
from Twin Falls, IDDate Reviewed: May 24, 2009
Strengths: Nice finish and weld appearance. Rocker is nicely polished cnc work.Weaknesses: top tube cable guides are a little ambiguous and confusing. the rear der crosses adjacent to the tire.Bottom Line: very plush ride, feels a little whippier than the titus but has better ride quality. 3 inch titus vs 4 inch ellsworth. feels very confident on rough stuff and descents. not too bad a climber either, the light wheels help a lot. total wt is 6.9 # for frame and 27.5 for bike. Titus (with similar build) is 25.5# total and 5.5 #, but is titanium and more $. I am concerned over all the posts about breakage since I weigh 185#. Another friend used to ride and love them, but had a frame break and was unable to get warranty coverage so I feel like I am taking a chance. I have read about Tony E. and his company and philosophy and want to support a green and responsible company. I hope to repost in a year and give glowing reviews and praise the reliability.
Favorite Trail: United States
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At: mtbr
Similar Products Used: titus, intense, gary fisher
Bike Setup: SRAM and magura martas, am classic wheels, fox fork
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
TLdIRT
a Racer
from San Rafael, CA, USADate Reviewed: August 11, 2008
Strengths: Very smooth, and very agile. Not too heavy, either. Really quick around singletrack. Could also handle tight switchbacks...hopping around on it was very easy to do. For was great, uphill and downhill. Rear shock was great for downhill...and anything but climbing. XT BRAKES RULE!! I am going to buy a pair sooner or later because they are some of the best I have ever used. The XT derailleur is about the same as my Sram X9...maybe a little better because my bike is currently due for a tuneup.Weaknesses: CLIMBING. The evolve that I demoed had a fox float R on the rear. That means NO PROPEDAL OR LOCKOUT. If you are going to get this bike, make SURE that you get a shock with one or both of those features, or youll regret it more through each pedal bob you get when you climb with it. The bike is also not the lightest...average build will be about 28 lbs. Dont get the bontrager tires if you want to be in control of where the bike goes when youre flying down a fire road and have to turn...they will not have enough traction and you will start to silde....then again the XT brakes are always there to slow you down.Bottom Line: I wouldnt recommend the Evolve as a racing bike but it could CONQUER anything. Being that I am a downhiller as well, and have ridden northstar, theres nothing, (if youre an adequate rider) that this bike couldn't handle on the trails such as live wire or karpiel. Dogbone and Boondocks would probably be a little difficult.
This bike is EXPENSIVE!! If youre on a budget you might as well forget about it cause this will put a very big hole in your wallet. If your some rich guy with a lot of cash, or work in a bike shop and can get good deals on such things, then go for it!
Just remember, Ellsworth is ALWAYS expensive so if you cant afford one of these, perhaps you should check out the Gary Fisher Hi-Fi 29ers, they cost about half the price and Fishers are GREAT bikes. I currently own one and love it.
Favorite Trail: Solstice
Duration Product Used: Tested or demo'ed only
Similar Products Used: Kona Stinky, Gary Fisher Paragon, Ellsworth Epiphany
Bike Setup: Fox f29 fork, Fox Float R shock, Bontrager bars, stem, etc...Shimano XT Brakes, Derailleur, shifters..WTB laserdisc wheels...Bontrager Tires
|
Reviews 1 - 3 (3 Reviews Total)
| |
Review Options:
Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating |
