Description:The EVO sets a new standard in the 6" travel category. Utilizing the patent pending FCC suspension linkage, the EVO pedals like a cross country bike, but can take hits like the worthy long travel competitor that it is. This revolutionary new combination of cross-country pedaling efficiency and downhill-inspired descending takes the trail riding experience to a whole new level.
Submitted by
caverdude
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: June 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Chiva Falls
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Chumba Racing
Strengths:
Wow, this bike is incredible to ride!! Let's see...balance, handling (just point the bike and it goes there), price, very plush ride, climbing even though it would be considered a "heavy bike" (34lbs my build), craftsmanship (handmade frame is superb), customer support (the guys at Chumba Racing are great), rides fast like a xcountry rig on the open stretches but gives you 6 inches of travel for the rough stuff.
Weaknesses:
The biggest weakness is the fact this bike handles so well, you'll try to ride things you're not ready for! So the biggest weakness is the "loose nut" behind the handlebars!
Similar Products Used:
01 Kona Stinky (not bad, just heavy, and doesn't handle even close)
04 Epic Marathon (not similar crosscountry rig, trust me it's not even worth riding)
Bike Setup:
Chumba Racings All mountain build for the Evo:
FORK Fox 36 Talas RC2
STEM Truvativ Team
SEATPOST FSA Gravity Lite 31.6mm 350mm
CASSETTE SRAM PG-970 11-34
SHIFTERS SRAM X.9 Trigger
CHAIN SRAM PC971
HANDLEBAR Truvativ Hussefelt
BRAKES Avid Juicy 5 185mm
WHEELS CHUMBA 20mm front axle, 10mm rear SADDLE CHUMBA Zulu
This bike is the best money I've spent on mountain bike ever. You will not be disappointed with the ride, especially for the money. I was concerned about buying a ride w/o demoing it, but most high end bike companies don't make it easy for you to demo, unless you live in a big metro area. I asked the guy at Chumba what their return policy was. He told me they've never had one returned so he wasn't sure what the policy was. I now know why. I think even the pickiest dude out there would be happy riding a Chumba!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BMJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Gloucester, MA, USA Date Reviewed: April 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Lynn Woods & B&T's
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
RBikes.com
Strengths:
This thing "ROCKS!!!!" I've been riding it for less than three months and "I'm dumbfounded!!!!" This thing rolls through the rocks and roots like they weren't there! Drops..."Plushhhhhhhh!!!!" I know that the EVO isn't marketed as a climber, but hold on! If you can muster the energy to get to the top, I haven't found a climb yet that it won't outclimb any thing I've riden in the past or my buds are riding now. It makes me feel as like I've waisted the last two years on my Nomad.
Weaknesses:
Hmmmmmm....Let me think.
Nope, can't think of any.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Nomad for the last two years.(VPP hype) Cannondale Jekyl single pivot (Good sprinter) GT LTS Horst four bar (Closest to the EVO)(I've missed it til' now!)
Bike Setup:
Light AM build. Duc32 fork, Syncros DS28 rims, DT/Swiss 240 rear hub with through bolt, 08 XT cranks with DX clip-in pedals, X-9 drivetrain and triggers, Hope M4s w/185mm & 160mm rotors, and finally a Speedball seatpost (Gotta Havit!!!)
Bottom Line:
"WOW"
Need to read more? Check my review on the Chumba forum...
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=403246
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ronny
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta Date Reviewed: April 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Coxhill, MM trails, Seven Summits
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Chumba
Strengths:
Suspension design is very plush, Strong, burly frame, excellent pedaling characteristics for a 6" bike. Craftsmanship/machine work is top notch and as good or better than other frames that cost 500.00+ more than the Evo.
Weaknesses:
Stand over. Not a deal breaker, but the tt is up there. One of the heaviest in it's class, but you won't break it. The Evo is burlier than a Turner RFX but not as portly as the Knolly DT. E-Type front derailleur is not ideal.
Similar Products Used:
Heckler, Turner 6 pack, Transition Preston.
Bike Setup:
Z1 light and Pike. XM dt swiss 340 wheels. Fox DHX 5.0 air. yada.
Bottom Line:
This is a review for the 06 Evo with the original geometry. Chumba came out and cemented a place in the very competitive am/heavy duty trail bike category with this frame. I used this frame over the past two seasons as my "one" bike and it has performed admirably in all types of riding conditions. Depending on the build, you can use this frame for everything which many companies claim, but tend to fall short on in the real world. It is strong enough for big hucks and pedals very well, exhibiting very little, if any brake jack. I was surprised how well this thing pedaled on the flats without bobbing at all. No real need for pro pedal, but it does help when you are really cranking on the steeps.
The suspension design is super plush and soaks up all manner of trail obstacles with nary a whimper. There is plenty of traction for technical climbing, but make no mistake, this is a bike that needs to be pointed downhill to get the full grin factor going. The Evo bombs the most technical lines with authority and does it better than any other 6" "do it all" bike that I have tried.
The only gripe I had with this frame was the slack seat angle and I moved my seat forward to compensate and it worked quite well. The new models have the option of more "am" geometry which helps with climbing. The TT was higher than I cared for, but the Evo rides well enough that I got over it. I loved how this bike descended and flowed the trails. An adjustable fork is a must, but the Evo climbs quite well.
If you are looking for the one bike that can handle the big stuff and trail riding, this bike should be on your radar. The customer support at Chumba is top notch and you won't be just another number.
Even with my minor gripes with this bike I have to give top marks. The Evo is offered at a price point much cheaper than many other companies, but both the ride and build quality are right there with the big boys.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from charleston, SC USA Date Reviewed: February 1, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3800.00
Purchased At:
adrenaline
Strengths:
plush, solid, this bike is made to be ridin
Weaknesses:
chumba saddle hurts me butt
Similar Products Used:
ibex apogee xt, klein pulse, bmc fourstroke(demo very sweet)
9
Bike Setup:
fox float rc2, chumba wheelset, sram x-9, xt brakes, thomson post and stem, fsa afterbuner
Bottom Line:
all i can say is wow excelent product. this bike just screams ride me took it for its first ride today did about ten miles all xc and it ate it up peddles as good if not better than my apogee which is more of a xc bike. very solid feeling and screams around corners. cant wait to hit some trails that will match the evo. Not much in charleston for trails and the evo is probably more bike than needed here but if your going to go, go big
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Kraus
a Weekend Warrior
from Truckee CA USA Date Reviewed: November 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Hole In The Ground
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
AdrenalineBikes.com
Strengths:
Unbelievably strong. Super Stiff. Handles like a Karpiel DH but only 30# uphill.
Weaknesses:
Fox DHX Air 5.0 stuck closed after my 1st ride. Had to rebuild.
Similar Products Used:
There is nothing else like this bike on the planet.
Bike Setup:
Rear Shock: Fox DHX Air 5.0
Fork: Manitou Nixon Super 145mm
Stem: Race Face Evolve XC 100mm
Handlebar: Race Face Carbon Next Sl Riser Bar
Grips: Rtichey True Grips
Brake Levers: Avid Juicy 3's
Brake Calipers: Avid Juicy 3's with 160mm Rotors
Shifters: SRAM X-9 3x9
Front Der: Shimano XT E-Type
Rear Der: SRAM X9
Crankset: Race Face Evolve and Race Face BB with outboard bearings
Seatpost: Truvativ XR
Saddle: WTB Pure V
Wheelset: Mavic Crossrides 32H
Tires: Kenda Nevegal 2.35 DTC
Bottom Line:
Well I've only had this bike for 5 days and have already put well over 200 miles on it. I can not believe how well this bike handles. I've been away from the sport for 3 years and this bike is my return! I dont know any fancy terms for what it feels like technically, but I'll just say I could crank this thing up Everest and coming down is like riding a lazy boy. Chumba Racing must know that they have put me back into the sport. I'll continue to ride these as long as they continue to make them. Nuff Said!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Baltazar Franco
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Altos, CA. Date Reviewed: September 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
420's
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
various shop
Strengths:
PLUSH!! Handles incredibly well!! pedals very well, strong, looks killer
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
too many to list
Bike Setup:
same as listed in my review before except I went with an 08 shimano XT crankset
Bottom Line:
This is an update to my review before. First of all I apologize for my typo's I am not a very good typer. I did have some problems finding a shop that could correctly set up the E-type derailer, but Jason at Chumba hooked me up( great customer service once again).I wanted Trailhead Cyclery( best shop in the bayarea ) to do all the work but they were backed up a month on service. This bike exceeded my expectations as all mtn ride. You just feel like ripping on this bike. It pedals very well. You want to bomb any DH section as fast as you can. The weight is never an issue pedaling unless you ride with a bunch of XC guys that try to beat each other out the whole ride ( not my style of riding ).Since I have bought the bike I approached Chumba about being a sales rep and should have a demo fleet by the end of Oct. Please contact me if you are interested in riding one of these incredible bikes! bfranco7@sbcglobal.net
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Baltazar Franco
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Gatos, CA.,USA Date Reviewed: June 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
I don't have jusy one
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
Adrenaline Bikes
Strengths:
Extremely well made in the USA...NOT CHINA looks killer, Customer service is the best of any company I have ever delt with(Alan) Frame price was only $1199.00 plus tax and shipping from Adrenaline bikes is half of similar quality frames
Weaknesses:
X-type derailer I guess
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Bullit, Iron Horse SGS and Hollow point, Trek VRX
I haven't even ridin this bike yet, I just finished buying all the parts and wanted to get the word out about these bikes and the company. You will not find a better frame/company at any price. See you can build high quality in the USA and keep the price resonable. Look at the reviews all 5 chilis. You would be stupid not to at least consider one the frames for your next All MTN/DH ride. I will update this review when I put this baby together.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith
a Weekend Warrior
from Asheville, North Carolina Date Reviewed: June 5, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Chumba Racing
Strengths:
Strong Frame, no Flex, super plush, pedals great with very little pedal bob.
Weaknesses:
Takes a little riding adjustment to keep the front end down on really steep climbs.
Similar Products Used:
1999 Max Backbone with Risse rear triangle and pushed shock.
Bike Setup:
Frame: M/L Shock: DHX-A Fork: Lyrik 2-Step Brakes: Juicy 7 Shifters: X.9 RD: X.9 FD: XT E-type Rims: XM321 Front Hub: White industries 20mm Rear Hub: DT Swiss Onyx Tires: Minion 2.3 front and rear Bars: FSA Gravity Lite Crankset: Hone Seatpost: Gravity Dropper Saddle: WTB Pure Stan's rim strips Weight: 34lbs
Bottom Line:
This thing is just a hoot to ride. Climbs great although on really steep climbs you need to get on the nose of the saddle. Going down? Just hold on and let it go. This bike is so balanced that all you need to do is drop the saddle and stay centered and let the suspension do the rest. Even on jumps where you mess up the landing, the bike is very forgiving. It holds in corners where other bikes I've ridden will break loose. As good as this bike is, the customer service is just that much better. I dealt with Alan at Chumba and he is just a wonderful person to do business with. This is a great company that produces a quaility product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crash
a Racer
from San Clemente, CA, USA Date Reviewed: March 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
fullerton loop
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Handles and pedals great!
Weaknesses:
A little heavy. (this however, is a contributing attribute for feeling very smooth and secure when hitting the rough stuff). Give a little up in wieght and gain much more in return.
Bottom Line:
I've been racing Chumbas since 99 and the bottom line is: Ted's designs work well. The bikes just feel smooth, fast and secure. Also, they look completely TRICK. When the EVO hits a coner at speed both the front and rear suspension do their job very well, keeping the wheels from going out on you. I've won quite a few Super-Ds on the EVO's predisessor which was a few lbs lighter and had only 5" of suspension. I've also claimed a couple good results in some 12 hour solo races (you can't beat the comfort on a long ride). I ordered my 1st Chumba after riding Ted's personal bike in a 12 hour solo race. Can't wait to build up my new EVO that I just picked up yesterday. Ride Fast and Take Chances.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines Date Reviewed: December 13, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
Adventure Bikes
Strengths:
Looks and is built strong and tough Climbs with relative ease, adjustable travel fork is ideal for XC/AM riders. Four bar design works really well and you can feel PLUSH in capital letters. High bottom bracket shell position is great for clearing obstacles. Solid flex free feel all around. Goes down like water flowing down a brook. Just go and go fast! Cool design. Great team of dedicated and passionate people behind the brand Good value for money
Weaknesses:
Frame accepts only XTR E type front derailleur.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Bullit, Ellsworth ID, Moment, Epiphany
Bike Setup:
Fork - Rockshox Lirik Groupset - XTR Brakes - AVID Juicy Carbon Hubs - Chris King Headset - Chris King Seat Post / Stem - Thompson
Bottom Line:
This is a FUN bike. No cross country race medals here but lots of good climbing and payback bombing down runs with smiles from ear to ear.
Years of use and satisfaction from a tough and well built frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange County, CA Date Reviewed: July 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
- Built strong, solid, beefy. No lack of strength - Extra gussets encourage harder riding - Massive rear triangle minimizes/eliminates rear flex - Smooth climber, no noticeable bob - Very solid, no rattles, flex or loose feeling - Descends very well, smoothes out the roughest downs - Good center of gravity for drops, jumps, cornering, etc. - Ground clearance good - 6” travel felt like 8” – very smooth/plush
Weaknesses:
- Occasional heel strike on seat stay, mainly drive side. - Front lifts easily on climbs- an adjustable fork is a must (caveat: the demo bike was set up for freeride) - Difficult to fit any tire larger than a 2.35 in the rear - Tight stand over
Similar Products Used:
5 Spot (current ride), Intense 6.6, Ellsworth ID
Bike Setup:
Frame: M/L Fork: Marz Z1 Lite Shock: DHX-A (2007 version) RD: X.9 FD: XTR Brakes: Juicy 7 (7” R/8” F) Wheels: DT Swiss 5.1d, 340 hubs Tires: R - WTB Motoraptor 2.4 F - Kenda Nevegal 2.5 stick-e DH Weight: ~35 lbs (set up for free-ride use)
Bottom Line:
First, let me say that the guys at Chumba (Alan, Ted & David) are top notch. They were completely tuned into the type of riding that I was going to be doing with their demo bike (Whistler and North Shore) and made every effort to set the bike up accordingly. They hit it spot on.
That being said, I took the bike to Whistler for some weekend fun. (1st time at Whistler for me) I was pretty impressed with the bike on the first run of the day. It only got better from there.
Once I got used to the rear biased geometry, the bike felt very comfortable. Coming from a 5 spot, I am used to more of an upright XC feeling and the EVO was a bit slacker and my rear was over the rear tire a bit more. This is actually a real good set up for free-riding. Jumps = no problem; gap jumps = no problem; drops = no problem; burms = no problem. In fact, the EVO ate up everything in its path. Mid-way during the first day, I was hitting 4-5' drops (never done that before) and clearing many table top jumps. I even landed a jump after catching about 6 feet of air (according to my buddies) without major incident. It has 6" of suspension but it feels like 8". It really is that smooth.
The locals at Whistler that we were riding with were very impressed with the EVO and the fast that a SoCal XC schmuck was able to keep up with them on their 8 and 9" travel bikes. I owe that to the EVO, not my riding skills. This bike made me a better rider.
With a shorter fork and a couple of minor adjustments, (lighter wheelset maybe) this bike would be great for all-mountain use.
Even with a few minor weaknesses, I'd still rate this bike a 5 out of 5. Yeah, it's that good. I think Chumba may have a winner on their hands.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Henry G.
a Racer
from San Diego Date Reviewed: July 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
ChumbaRacing.com
Strengths:
Corners,Corners, And Corners very well, other cool features is that it climbs, rides, and feels well balanced. Light at only 32 pounds
Weaknesses:
None maybe component upgrade, but that is mostly perseonal preference.
Similar Products Used:
specialized Stumpjumper Pro
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi all mountain 2 and fox DHX 5.0 Air
Bottom Line:
Great bike all around and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good all mountain bike that can do very well in every part of biking like climbing, handling, cornering, and anything that you might encounter when you ride.
Look at all the reviews, websites, and magazines they don't lie when everything matches up and has consistent reviews from everyone. Pretty much what i mentioned seems to be true for everyone else. Which is pretty wierd for that to happen.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Messina
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal Date Reviewed: June 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
*Laterally, the stiffest bike I've ever ridden *Absorbs bumps like they weren't even there *Climbs almost as well as it descends!! *Unique look that sets it apart from other manufacturers
Weaknesses:
*Decals could use some work...I guess I'm nitpicking ;)
Similar Products Used:
Titus Moto Lite '06, Turner Flux '06, Stumpjumper FSR 100 '04, Giant NRS '04, Stumpjumper FSR '02.
Bike Setup:
*Fox 36 TALUS fork *Fox DHX Air shock *SRAM drivetrain
Bottom Line:
In a nutshell, this bike floored me! As you can tell by the previous three bikes that I've been on for long periods of time in the past year, I pretty much lean towards the XC side of things so, when I got the opportunity to ride a 6+ inch travel "all mountain" (AM) machine that looked like it was built to take hits instead of climb hills I was expecting some really fun experiences on the descents and some haneous, pain filled climbing efforts going uphill; I was half right.
On the DH's, this bike more than lived up to my expectations and, in fact, actually inspired enough confidence in me that I was willing to ride in ways that I've never ridden before. While I was already pretty good going DH, I was now gapping guys who I'd previously followed and launching hits that were previously to frightening for me to consider. Without droning on with too much detail, the suspension setup (Fox 36 TALUS fork & DHX Air shock) coupled with some incredibly strong bearings create a bike that's so laterally stiff that it just begs you to push your limits (I have a broken helmet to prove how far I pushed! ).
Where the real surprise with this bike came in was in the climbs. As I said before, I expected this thing to be a tank going uphill and, on my first ride, I told my buddies (who are pretty fast climbers) that I'd probably be lagging that day because of the bike. Instead, after hammering up a couple of climbs I got this comment from my out of breath buddy: "I thought you said you were going to be slow today."
Instead of the tank I thought it was going to be, the EVO was actually a superb climber. While it's not as efficient as my MotoLite or my Stumpy, it blew the Flux away! With the shock dialed in, this thing had very little - if any - pedal feedback while seated and could even withstand some out of the saddle hammering (although the fork would squish quite a bit here) without an exhorbitant amount of rear shock movement.
Bottom line: This is one of the best bikes I've EVER ridden...period! While I don't own one yet, it is now at the top of my list for the "bigger bike" purchase I'm planning to make later this year (the Nomad and 6.6 were the previous front-runners). If you're considering an all mountain offering that can climb as well as most 4 to 5 inch bikes on the market then ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO PUT THE CHUMBA ON YOUR LIST. You would truly be doing yourself a disservice were you to not consider this bike...especially considering it retails for a couple hundred dollars less than either the 6.6 or the Nomad.
5 flaming poops for value because it's cheaper than the competition and 5 torched terds for overall because I can't think of a bike that I've had more fun on!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Valero
a Downhiller
from Corona Date Reviewed: June 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Red Box
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
6” inches of plush travel on a bike that pedals like a Full Suspension XC rig! I say thats all the strenghts I need!
Weaknesses:
If you find one, let me know. You have my email address
Similar Products Used:
Intense M1, Chumba XCL, Mamba,F4, and Specialized Stump jumper
Bike Setup:
Chumba EVO w/Fox 36 Fork, SRAM power train, Avid Juice brakes, Kenda tires,
Bottom Line:
I took the Evo out for an excursion at Aliso Woods. Anyone who has ever ridden Aliso would tell you that in order to play, you have to pay. There are some crazzzy descents, but you have to climb in order to come down. I was a little skeptical if this rig could really climb, but I was quickly surprised at how the bike pedaled. I found myself just powering up the climbs. There was no bobbing effect, just the passing of a few guys, which had full suspension XC bike, on the way up. I felt as if I had a motor on the bike. It was truly an amazing sensation being able to climb on this bike. The fun was about to begin. When I started my descent down Rocket, a trail that is covered with rock, the EVO just started to tease me. I could feel it telling me to let go of the brakes and drop the HAMMER. I did just that. The EVO descended like a downhill Champ. It eat up everything insight. I picked a line down the middle and the bike never deviated from the path. It just felt so awesome! I thought to myself, “Finally, a bike that can climb just as fast, as going downhill”. The guys at Chumba really did it this time. This bike fills the gap that I was searching for. Look no further. Don’t waste your money on anything else. If you have to have just one bike, the EVO is it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Macknish
a Racer
from Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada Date Reviewed: June 2, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1849.00
Purchased At:
www.lamacycles.com
Strengths:
Cornering and pedaling power of a hardtail with six inches of plush plush plush rear air shock travel. Incredible construction and geometry.
Weaknesses:
Some might say the BB height is too low but I can’t agree with that. The stability and cornering capabilities this feature gives the EVO surpasses any low BB inconveniences one could find.
Similar Products Used:
Chumba Racing F4, Intense M1, Intense M3, Oryx DHO 1 and 2, Turner DHR
Bike Setup:
Chumba EVO Medium with fox DHX 5.0 air shock, Boxxer World Cup 2006, E-thirteen STS chain guide, Saint cranks, Maxxis DH minion tires
Bottom Line:
The Chumba EVO surpassed my expectations. Conceived as an all-mountain/freeride bike, this baby can most definitely handle hardcore downhill trails. The rocky terrain of Eastern Canada has given me a chance to test the limits of this new frame during the first two Canada Cups (Bromont, QC and Tremblant, QC). I must say it is a surprisingly agile bike that blows your mind away when time comes for cornering and pedaling. Basically, there is no pedal induced bobbing and it corners as if you were on a hardtail making it for an ever so quick bike around bends and on pedaling straits. The patent pending FCC technology was designed to channel suspension induced forces to the frame via the down tube. This results in a super plush 6 inch rear suspension that can handle some pretty gnarly scenery. I haven’t come across any obstacle on our Eastern downhill trails that have intimidated the EVO. I can only say WOW!! You must try one whether it’s for all-mountain, freeride or downhill riding. I don’t think I’m going back to a long travel downhill bike after this experience!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oliver
a Weekend Warrior
from Anaslime Hills Date Reviewed: May 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Ladies Only
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
Chumba Racing
Strengths:
light, strong, quality craftsmanship, FCC ("horst link") without the royalties
Weaknesses:
2 piece downtube looks flimsy, but rest assured it isn't
Similar Products Used:
nothing compares
Bike Setup:
05 66 RC, saints, Sun doubles, rollin' on High rollas
Bottom Line:
Keith Bontrager once said something along the lines of "Light, strong, cheap: pick two and build it". The Evo dares to challenge a mtb demi-god, because if you buy one you will have chosen three. With my previous bike being a Banshee Chaparral, my immediate thought was this bike was going to be a rocket; the Evo has slightly longer stays than the Chap, a lower BB, same travel, but 5 lbs lighter in the frame. And I was right, my first ride I was big ringing and charging through rock gardens laughing my arse off. This thing corners and takes the steeps and dh's like a factory breed dh racer. Drop the outside leg, push the inside bar, swivel the hips out and WHOOOSH right through the corner! Outperforms all the other high zoot "chi-chi" brands without the royalties...so I can have enough money to buy more riding shorts because I wear them like skivvies now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Duke
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange County, CA Date Reviewed: May 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Any dirt patch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Awesome craftsmanship, best geometry, super stiff under my 215lb fat A$$, super plush yet firm when pedaling, climbs like a mountain goat on Redbull, go around corners like a Porsche, and fly down hill like sofa in front of your TV and PS2.
Weaknesses:
To some people the BB height is a little low but that enables the bike to really rails around the corner. When hitting rocks and logs should ratchet anyways. A long lasting grin on your face after riding this bike may cause costly Botox treatment.
Similar Products Used:
Intense Uzzi SL and SLX, 5.5, Foes FXR, Giant AC1, Yeti 575...and bunch of others that I don't even remember.
Bike Setup:
Chumba EVO Medium/Large, Maverick DC32, SRAM power train, Magura Louise FR.....
Bottom Line:
When I firt jumped on the bike in the parking lot it felt weird, because when I stepped on the pedal this thing just took off. Then got it on the dirt and this thing just flew up hills, I even left people who always kicked my a$$ in dust. I jumped off and pressed on the shocks to make sure I have 6" front and back and I do! I mean this think pedals way better than all the XC bikes(intense SL, 5.5, yeti 575, Foes FXR) I rode before and I just could not believe my eyes. I point this baby down hill and it glides over rocks and roots effortlessly like they don't exist. What I am really really impressed with is how the bike feels and handles. It rails around corners with all the traction in the world and no need to force a counter steer or put your foot down. it handles so nature it feels like it's reading my mind, the bike just goes where I want to go, I'm no super seasoned rider and don't have good balance and yet this is the only bike I found myself leaning into the corner without knowing and without fighting the bike. I don't feel like I'm being pushed forward like the Intense or too laid back the the front wheel is coming off the ground when climbing. Even though I have not riden this baby that much(<100miles) it just feels like a nice warm glove and rode it for years. It's weird how good and comfortable this bike feels, simply unbelievable. Must ride it to believe.
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