2020 Evil Following X01 // Bike Review

[@johnwoeste5677]

Finally, a professional review of this amazing bike. Great review. I bought one a month ago and have over 200 miles on it. Hard to believe, but I'm getting to the top of climbs here in the Utah Wasatch as fast and sometimes faster than on my Cannondale Scalpel. The upright seat post, comfortable cockpit and firm pedaling platform are outstanding. I demo'ed an Ibis Ripley and this bike climbs and handles the twisty bits just as well. It's much better than the Ripley on the downhills. The climb up Alta ski resort yesterday was my fastest. It was big fun on the Big Mountain Trail descending Hidden Peak at the Snowbird ski resort. I've been mountain biking since '86. This is the best bike I've ridden.

[@ArmorOfZeus]

Yuppers. I'm set up 120/130 with 4 piston hopes 180 front and back and there's not much I'd shy away from. This bike is special. This bike is for people looking to have fun on the trails. It's that simple.

[@almachao557]

Agree with you guys. I’ve had mine for 3 months now and it’s been amazing. The only thing that’s been annoying has been the creaking while pedaling. Have you guys noticed it on yours? You can hear it in this video while he’s climbing. I’ve cleaned, regreased, and retorqued the BB, cranks, and chainring, and that’s helped so it’s not as bad as it is in this video but still annoying to hear a slight creak.

[@johnwoeste5677]

@@almachao557 A small noise has developed a couple times. I've been able to eliminate it by simply listening and retightening the linkage bolts.

[@almachao557]

@@johnwoeste5677 finally tracked down the new creak coming from cassette lockring. retorqued it, and now bike is silent again

[@johnwoeste5677]

@@almachao557 what a relief!

[@rekamniar]

That was so enjoyable to watch!

[@alejandroWar23]

This is how all bike reviews should be done, you're touching all the bases and showing us how it rides instead of just standing next to the bike

[@abassi1173]

Would love to see a review of the Offering!

[@bikes2467]

Little late but as of recent there is !

[@WoodsRydah]

FINALLY!! A review on this bike. Sounds like everything I was hoping for .

[@treycox706]

I bought that bike in May and I absolutely love it. So much more capable and plush than I had even hoped (and I had very high expectations for my XT kit) I have the 130 mm fork and I have upgraded the rear to a custom tune ohlins TTX air from fluid focus. Only got 2 ride it a get times with the new shock but it has been amazing. I highly recommend this bike. I have done days at the bike park with it and also some nasty chunky trails and it does Fantastic. Makes a perfect 2 bike quiver with my YT Capra.

[@marcusricardoflores6455]

Should i still get an evil insurgent? Saw a video from vancan mtb, cracked his frame on a huge compression....

[@treycox706]

@@marcusricardoflores6455 all bike frames can crack, every brand. I am not worried about cracks because it most likely won’t happen, and I don’t need to worry about it till it happens. Id say yes to evil for sure, but I’d go offering or Wreckoning over insurgent as they both pedal a little bit better. But if I had to wait a long time for either of those, or get the insurgent now, I would get the insurgent. All are awesome

[@tomaspel7906]

I'm just about to order mine - I was already excited to get it but after seeing this brilliant review I can't wait! My Santa Cruz Hightower was stolen a couple of weeks ago, I loved it but Evil has always been a brand I felt that were just a bit 'different'. Amazing review - awesome riding!

[@russman109]

Dude hell yes. Absolutely excellent review(s). You need to get an Evil Offering on your review here...

[@TylerBoothGolf]

Awesome review, as per usual! Would love to try this out against the Transition Spur & have those 2 go head to head.

[@bartmikel]

+ 1000

[@symmetricon1982]

Love your reviews. I'd love to see a Revel Rail review.

[@brettneuberger6466]

Incredible review...narration, riding, and video. I’d LOVE a review of the new Hei Hei CR/DL if you’re looking for something to do. :)

[@vonrunner]

Another great ride review! Would love to see some Revel and Ibis reviews (Ranger, Rascal, Ripley, Ripmo, etc.)

[@johnsospencer]

New Mojo review is up. Check it out!

[@dank3823]

120mm and ripping those sweet trails. Defies mountain bike logic. 🖖

[@CalgaryDynastar]

Buffed flow trails require more than 120mm?

[@DnBQemist]

Got this bike a few weeks with Shimano Zee upgraded brakes and holy f*ck this thing rips!! Soooo much fun and way more capable than I was expecting

[@iLLGT2]

you looked telepathic on that thing, cant believe how fast and fun you are, the bike and that looked wow

[@Heslip01]

That rear hub would drive me bonkers

[@PickledShark]

🤯 I can’t believe what you just made that bike do. I ride a following and I was starting to think it wasn’t enough bike for me. Turns out I just need to be a better rider.

[@Kollingl]

what a sweet trail, cheers from brazil

[@robp3431]

Cool review, great riding and not-the-usual-insight......much appreciated !!!

[@EnduroFuss]

With this bike being designed, tested, ridden, and reviewed in Bellingham... I would love to hear how to rides in something more chundery like the the rocks of Colorado or the roots of Pisgah... cause if it is the 29er Dirt Jumper like this hombre says it is... it won't likey be an all day machine on non-buff trails. I've learned that you have to investigate where companies design, test, and ride their products... I love Ibis's wide rims but they are soft as melted butter in grits cause they design, test, and ride them in Santa Cruz where the rocks are negligible which has led to me denting rim after rim of theirs.

[@danielstewart1953]

Been riding the new following all over pisgah, been pretty impressed with how capable it feels for a 120mm bike. Gotta be a little more conscious of line choice vs the enduro bike plow but my fear of feeling under-biked has yet to manifest. Funny enough also just got back from a 2 week trip to Salida - enjoyed it there too. Monarch to greens creek was a blast on it.

[@EnduroFuss]

@@danielstewart1953 Hell yeah dude! thanks for the info!

[@Gabeborder84]

I'm on a 2015 Evil insurgent. With 2015 ibis wide carbon wheels (still running strong 1000+ miles). Love the bike, I live in Idaho with lots of rough (look up tamarack NWDH cup). I can only imagine the newer evil's are amazing.

[@davefarrell24]

@@danielstewart1953 Did that ride on my Following MB two years ago. Felt like a pro downhiller. So much fun. Looking forward to riding this new version.

[@PickledShark]

I live and ride the following MB in Sedona and Flagstaff. Lots of chunder and she handles it like a champ. There are still some trails that I feel shaken on by the end, but with good line choice, she really does shine. I’m dreaming of picking up a Wreckoning v2 at some point as a big plow for the real gnarly stuff, but even then, the following will be the bike I ride 9 days out of 10 I’m sure. It’s just more fun than a big bike, and that’s all there is to it. Also, I took her to an XC race a few weekends back, and while it’s not my style of riding and she’s a bit heavy to be considered an XC bike, she’s rideable I that type of event, and really outshined the competition in the technical segments.

[@TheMTBRider96]

i hope to see an Offering v2 review soon!

[@TrailDogsMTB]

Come on man! I just bought the wreckoning v3 because of your video! Don’t make me get this bike too!!

[@joshinaction2340]

How do you like it? I’m heavily debating between these two. I only ride about 5-10% park but we have a ton of great all mountain trails so it’s a tough choice.

[@TrailDogsMTB]

Josh In Action Ohh man where do I start! I’m not a huge fan of 29ers but the wreckoning feels more like a 27.5. I have the evil calling too it feels like a more composed calling! I ride it on local trails and it pedals better than my calling. Super whippy, playfully, yet ready to charge the gnar! Great bike! I have my first ride on it on our channel and It’s fast! I’ll have a full walk through coming up on my channel about what I like/ don’t like coming out soon 👍🏻

[@joshinaction2340]

Trail Dogs MTB that sounds rad!!! I appreciate the insight and will check out your video for sure🤙🏽 The playability it seems to have is what really intrigues me. It seems like the perfect bike for most everything!

[@gpearce11]

@@joshinaction2340 While I have no personal experience with it, if you can't decide between the Following or Wreckoning, have you considered the Evil Offering, their 140mm mid-travel trail bike? I've seen/read anecdotal reports online that's it's damn near as fast uphill as the Following, but would be a bit closer to a Wreckoning on bigger stuff and bike parks (especially if specced with a 150mm fork). Of course, if you can stretch for both, I know personally that both a Following and Wreckoning would be in my shed right now, but if you can only afford one (and at these prices, just being able to buy one is pretty good), a compromise between the two might be in order. It would obviously be best if you could demo them first, but that may be a little difficult at the moment...

[@joshinaction2340]

@@gpearce11 I definitely have! I will probably wait until they launch a V3 with super boost at this point. If I just had one hobby I’d probably have two mtn bikes but with dirt biking, snowboarding and cars I don’t think my wife would like 2 7k+ bikes in the garage haha.

[@mtskibum16]

Can we get some thoughts on the V3 Following vs V2 Offering for an everyday trail bike on the west side of WA? Is the Offering more of a small Wreckoning or big Following? How much of the good pedaling characteristics does the Offering give up to the Following?

[@thegriff9425]

Another great review. Considering you just rode the Norco Optic, how do these compare?

[@mtskibum16]

I’d like to get some feedback on how they compare as well.

[@Hardcaslte]

Please get a YT Izzo! I love my Izzo and it would be super cool to finally see someone ripping a real trail on KZbin on one.

[@bimmerfan729]

Another awesome review as usual!

[@broadside11]

Which ride did you prefer more for the “fun” factor? the new Evil following vs Pivot trail 429??

[@ethanbenton6676]

seems like a solid competitor with the transition spur

[@awdturbo1746]

Been subscribed for a while and enjoy the quality content and reviews. Any chance you can review any trail bikes under the $3,000 price point? Looking into getting a new bike sometime soon and would like your thoughts and reviews on bikes around that price range. Cheers 🤘

[@TheRicardoSanchez]

Best demo/review vids on the utubes!!! Please review the Sight and Ripmo

[@TheGreaterU]

Great review and amazing riding as always. I did hear creaking noises when you pedaled. Is that a common problem with evil linkage?

[@GeorgeFarrowGreen]

Very nice to watch, kudos!

[@StraightLine_MTB]

Great video and information. Any feedback on this vs YT Izzo?

[@popoypoop]

Awesome video! Whats the weight of the bike with that build?

[@jeffspencer8826]

How tall are you riding the large frame? I'm 5'11" and trying to decide between the M and L.

[@caseyschiner6038]

I’m 5’10 & 1/2” ~170lbs. The M fits me wonderfully. Compared to the V1 following, this new bike is everything I wanted changed from the V1

[@michaelfarrell5774]

Sounds like some creaking on the climb

[@tristram6395]

I can hear it creaking already in this review??

[@jsfpv]

You should review the offering!!

[@Bikesands]

I bought a Following MB on close out when they released this bike. It is an awesome ride. I’m still trying to get the rear suspension feel just right. 30% sag feels a bit soft and to active. How much sag are you running and what’s your weight and shock pressure ?

[@johnwoeste5677]

I'm at 172 psi for 30% and weigh 175.

[@Bikesands]

John Woeste I currently have 30% sag with 215psi and I’m 155 before gear and a Camelbak.

[@Hikebike365]

@@Bikesands I just sold my MB. I'm 175w gear and was running 180 psi on a large Are you using the built it sag indicator? Don't, use the O ring. The placement of the shock makes it hard to get a good reading.

[@Bikesands]

ski kite bike I’m using the built in sag indicator.

[@Hikebike365]

@@Bikesandsmy earlier post wasn't clear. Don't use the built in indicator. Use the old school O ring. My shop and my personal experience was that the built in indictor isn't reliable way to set the sag

[@danielchiaravalle]

Great video. Which was more fun ? Mojo4 or the following 3? Thanks

[@joshinaction2340]

Great Review! This looks like such a fun bike. Compared to the new Wreckoning and Switchblade what would you recommend for a 1 quiver do it all bike?

[@jonfrisch3891]

I did a parking lot of test of this and a Switchblade. I ended up on getting a Switchblade to complement my hard tail, but curious to hear how you would compare the two. I got the sense the Following with a 130 fork would be great on smoother stuff or descending, but the Switchblade would be a better fit for very rocky technical climbs around New England.

[@SlowDriverSean]

Great review! Have you been able to get your hands on a new Offering for review?

[@freehubmag]

Stay tuned for Offering review...in the works!

[@SlowDriverSean]

Awesome. Not to be a nudge... but does the Offering lose any pop over the Following? I can't decide between the two on paper. :) Thanks for the awesome videos.

[@SlowDriverSean]

Responding to my past self here after I bought one. yes, yes it does lose pop.

[@anewperspective247]

Nice work dude!

[@eostil]

Nice review and trail looks fun, where is it?

[@DnBQemist]

I see the note in the description about the geo settings being in X LOW mode...was this demo performed in X LOW as well?

[@freehubmag]

Yes the bike was in X-LOW for the video.

[@DnBQemist]

@@freehubmag thanks. have you ever tried it in Low? curious on the comparison

[@tyschafer410]

my next bike will be evil offering I've heard my giant trance pro rides just like this following have you had a chance to review giant trance

[@markjensen4393]

More powerful brakes??? Is Mach 2 too slow for you?

[@cooperandrus1443]

How are the bearings in the linkage holding up? I am sue fine because of who they were designed by😂 great vid!!!

[@austinmcguff1898]

How tall are you for the Large? I am 5’11” and leaning Medium but people always say to go big

[@StrugeLabs]

nice riding man

[@alex1231235]

Great review and trail. Have you ridden this one a thousand times?

[@johnsospencer]

....yes haha

[@alex1231235]

Spencer Johnson thought so. The speed you took through it was impressive. If that trail was in my backyard, I would be riding it every day!

[@matthewgianutsos3155]

I just got mine and we weigh about the same. How did you set your pressures in your suspension? Thanks.

[@judsonvanbenschoten2412]

What shoes are you riding with?

[@schinagldaniel7752]

Which has bigger fun factor? Following or mojo4? which is better to jump?

[@kylemoore6417]

Where is this at? A lot of his reviews are on this trail

[@trailladymtb7700]

Wow, Warp Speed! When you say little bike and big bike, do you mean in travel?

[@jarvs8630]

Do The first pro review on Intense Sniper T. Cheers

[@williamkerr8836]

How do you feel about this vs the Transition Spur for Galby?

[@michaelpolitz1144]

When will you review evils Offering?

[@darrenpalmer8205]

2021 santa cruz 5010 review

[@AOL0321]

Which would you take, this or the T429?

[@badenmanson8502]

Could u do a Norco range soon

[@aglasser7205]

What trail at Galbraith is this?

[@dustinbjohnson]

how much compression you running on the fork and shock?

[@shaaylaloxton]

How tall are you and what size bike is this

[@iitsluciano]

It would be great if you use the speedometer in post processing, so we can see also the speed in your vids. It seems like u are going on the moon ahah

[@rondre3000]

Hey Spencer - how tall are you, so we get an idea of the size of the rider on this size Large frame.

[@freehubmag]

Spencer is 6'1

[@outphoxed91]

my friend is 6'4 but rides this bike in a large for some reason lol (i.e. RAD sizing)

[@MooseModePXL]

Im torn between the Following and the Wreckoning.... your great reviews of both are not helping any. Is the 5lbs extra weight of the Wreckoning worth the extra suspension on the heavy roots??

[@dirtrocksandtrees]

Hey man, for what it’s worth, I have both... and I constantly reach for my Following. Following is set up w 140 Pike now. Wrecker has been tested is stock trim and now with Lyrik and Super Deluxe Air. (OE was Zeb and Coil). After I revalve/ tinker with Zeb and Coil a bit it’ll prob end up back that way. Weight difference between the two bikes in stock form was only 2 lbs. 30 vs 32. For Galbraith the Following would be my choice 99% of the time. I ride mostly in Santa Cruz CA... for the steeps and big hucks it’s the Wrecker. But man... If I could only have one it’d be the Following

[@MooseModePXL]

@@dirtrocksandtrees Great to know! Thanks man

[@JJ_MTB_15]

@@dirtrocksandtrees How do you like the Pike 140 vs the 130? I ordered a 140 for my build but now i’m second guessing it, I have an enduro bike to ride aswell so I want the following to climb well.

[@dirtrocksandtrees]

@@JJ_MTB_15 the 140 is way better than the 130. But.. I personally don’t care much about super precise climbing. I like my bikes to crush the downs.. and I could not get the 130 to be progressive enough to not bottom out on fun stuff. And honestly I didn’t feel any loss of climbing ability.. but again I run flat pedals so I some of my techy climbs are hampered by that now... easy to swap in a 130 spring when you want. It’s a 15 minute job

[@JJ_MTB_15]

@@dirtrocksandtrees Thanks for the feedback man 👍

[@MTBTexasBikeRider]

Wow awesome video great job 👍😎🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤘

[@wiljaq2773]

He keeps saying “light” and “little”… I have this bike and the suspension is small but it’s a BiG HeaveY MTB! That’s why it still blows through sh*it. I love the Following, especially after I popped I-9 Hydra Carbon wheels on it.

[@stevewmertz]

What tires were you running on this review?

[@freehubmag]

Check out the full review for all the details: freehubmag.com/reviews/2020-evil-following

[@fhrusnssk]

Nice

[@taunir713]

Can you get your hands on the new Sentinel?

[@freehubmag]

We got your covered already 🤘 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqrTcmV7hM57d8U

[@Stickybutton]

How 'lightweight' is it overall?

[@fcukgoogle9884]

the 5900 build is just under 31lbs

[@johnwoeste5677]

My XT build is 28.6 lb after putting lighter tires and carbon handlebar on it.

[@JJ_MTB_15]

@@johnwoeste5677 thats with the i9’s or carbon wheels?

[@johnwoeste5677]

@@JJ_MTB_15 i9's.

[@rynolindz]

Great review as always! I gotta know.. what is that opening tune you guys play? :)

[@johnsospencer]

It’s called seven swords by Oliver Michael

[@popoypoop]

How much u think the bike weighs?

[@johnwoeste5677]

My XT build dropped to 28.6 lb after putting on lighter tires and a carbon handlebar.

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

Where is that trail and name of it

[@johnsospencer]

All of these trails are on the southside of Galbraith Mountain in Bellingham WA

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

@@johnsospencer sweet

[@sha317]

noice🤘🏼🖤⚡️

[@Gothenburg85]

5:53 budAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH

[@datdudeinred]

Most overbuilt 120mm 29er. Period.

[@colemitchmtb]

Now do the YT izzo!

[@Matthieu260582]

best bike review ever. now i want to buy this bike (ready to sell all belongings) and ready to move out to Bellingham (ready to sell a kidney). I'm serious here, it is not just another comment

[@jacoblupien7420]

That creaking is questionable..

[@dirtrocksandtrees]

Both my Following and Wreckoning deceloped creaming in the 1st 20 miles. For each I removed the pivot hardware and linkage hardware, greased where it was needed, and reassembled in about 30 minutes of work. Both have been creak free ever since. I think the assemblers are lazy with their grease guns.

[@dirtrocksandtrees]

Creaming? Lol

[@schinagldaniel7752]

Isn't it a 130mm fork? It's not 120mm in the front

[@freehubmag]

The Following can be setup 120mm or 130mm

[@schinagldaniel7752]

@@freehubmag Which setup do you recommend?

[@cstudi]

That was one of the creakiest climbs I have ever heard. No judgement here, bikes creak sometimes.. But I hope this isn't sponsored, I bet Evil is cringing the entire first 4 minutes, wishes you would have not uploaded this, taken care of the creaking while pedaling and refilmed...

[@eostil]

Nice