Evil Bikes The Calling Ridden and Reviewed

[@BranGrizz]

those honking brakes triggered my ptsd from when i used to have avid elixirs

[@Subboxstoker]

i appreciate the way you two did this review,shows both of you riding it i dont like bike reviews when the camera is chest mounted for a shakey video and you cant see the bike, then you talk about it with it being there with you,good job guys i cant stand being out of the northwest anymore

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Hey Jose, thanks for the feedback, it's much appreciated. The PNW ain't going anywhere, although it is getting more crowded :D Best, Dan at Fanatik

[@doswheelsbetter8292]

come to the mid atlantic or NE. nobody around here and plenty of trails.

[@abshireshane]

Fanatik Bike Co. Is that trail on galby, looks amazing, would love to ride it.

[@MrSandieman666]

that trail steals the spotlight completely!! god damn that looks fun;)

[@bkxc]

Solid!!

[@Johnroberts2013]

HAI

[@khyrenhoskovec2584]

BKXC Get one bro

[@mtadams2009]

So Brian, Thinking of switching over to Evil or just adding to your fleet. If I could do it I would love this bike and have a long travel bike for those times when its needed. That said I think the Following would be a great bike, as you know its Phil"s ride and he is much better than I would ever hope to be. Take care

[@dippitydooda7141]

I love your bike builder, and your channel, keep it up!

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Thanks!! We will!

I have a set of HOPE M4 brakes with HOPE rotors that I got back in 06. They have never squawked like your bikes do. That's gotta bug...

[@asselinpower]

doopy noo you re right, these must be Sram brakes.... I can t stand the noise. Unfortunately it seems like al lot of 2018 bikes come standard with Sram Guides which will make that noise and impression of weakness.

[@onetime242]

So only 140mm travel? And what a the frame and shock weight? I'm currently riding a 13 Uzzi, 180 f/r with 26+. And I love it. I'm under 29lbs now but could likely drop another # or 2 with a carbon frame.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

The Calling has 131mm rear travel, and most folks will build it with a 140mm fork. Frame weight is about 7.5 lbs with shock, axle, and headset.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

The frame with shock (size medium) weighs in at 7.57 lbs. Best, Dan at Fanatik

[@Hawlkeye-e9p]

27.5 front 26er rear add 20 mm to the front fork. now you have a beast. 35 mm id rims minion 2.5 dhf front, 2.35 rock razor supergravity snake skin trailstar on the rear. coupled with crankbros new large stamp pedal. 780 mm w 20mm riser carbon Rollin withouta colon!!!

[@Goodman-4525]

26 plus has been here before 27.5. Anyone remember the Surly instigator 2.0 ?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Remember!? I rode one set up with 26+ all last winter :D A very fun bike indeed. In fact my time spent on that bike was the impetus for us running Surly's Dirt Wizard tires on the follow up video to this one, where I take the Calling out in the snow... check that out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opi0eqmXrLSVn9U Best, Dan at Fanatik

[@TheMediocreMountainBiker]

Was this tested in 27.5 or 26+ configuration? I'm curious what the fork/wheel/tire spec is for this particular review.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

The Calling in this video was built up with a 27.5," Ibis 738 Boost XD wheelset, (www.fanatikbike.com/products/ibis-738-27-5-xd-boost-wheelset), a Fox 36 Float RC2 at 140mm, and a minion DHF/DHRII WideTrail tire combo. We have medium frames in stock, both colors, and are taking pre-orders for the following sizes. Custom builds are also live, so check out our custom bike builder! Best, Dan at Fanatik [e-mail]

[@FanatikBikeCo]

This was tested as 27.5, running this alloy Ibis wheelset (www.fanatikbike.com/products/ibis-738-27-5-xd-wheelset), and minion DHF/DHRII WideTrail tires. That is a Fox Float 36 RC2 Boost fork at 140mm. Let us know if you have any more Qs. Dan at Fanatik

[@andyramz2703]

Fanatik Bike Co. ur link its blank

[@robertbullard7275]

Hey guys love the video wondering if you could give me some advice please ?I have an evil insurgent and love it on the downhill, but is not the best up hill. is the calling better at climbing? or would you say a santa cruz Bronson cc would be better? cheers

[@FanatikBikeCo]

According to Jadyn, who has owned all of Evil's current line up, "when it comes to pointing the bike uphill and putting the pedal down, I found the Calling to be the best climber of all the Evil bikes." If you want a more in depth review, check out Jadyn's write up on our blog, here: www.fanatikbike.com/blogs/engage/evil-calling-ridden-and-reviewed Best regards, Dan at Fanatik

[@TheSHARCRASH]

It's nice to see that another brand is interested in 26+! In my opinion 27.5+ overall wheel diameter is again way too much, just like the 29er.

[@michael1617]

What would happen in I slap on a 160mm Lyrik or 36?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

It would raise your bottom bracket, slacken your bike's head-angle, decrease the reach, etc. Cheers, Dan at Fanatik

[@rolux4853]

Would you still buy the Evil Calling in 2021? I was offered one for 3200€ and I want a fun do it all bike. I recently sold my Nukeproof Mega because I felt it’s too much bike for me. My biggest concern is the geometry that seems dated to today’s standards. I need a very upright riding position since I have back issues and I’m afraid the 74.5 deg seattube angle isn’t enough for that. Should I get a newer bike with a seattube angle like 77deg or would the calling be fine?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Slacker seat-angles tend to be more problematic for taller people, where the effective seat angle becomes smaller and smaller. As far as whether I'd buy it, that depends on what I could find. Right now the supply of bikes is pretty slim across the board, so if I wanted a bike soon, I would, yes. It is still an exceptionally fun, enjoyable bike that you'll have a blast on. Cheers - Dan at Fanatik

[@coreymclernon]

Great review except not a lot of descriptions on pedaling, climbing or cornering? And wtf is up with more wheel sizes and metric sizing on shocks?!........ does this mean I better wait a couple more years before I buy a bike? Boost, plus size wheels, 12 speed. Now if I buy a bike this year, what's going to happen next year?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Hi Corey, Thank you for watching! All of your questions are completely valid, and when it comes down to it, the whole point of mountain biking for most of us is to have fun, so if you are having fun on your current set up, then who cares if 26+ is a thing! If you want some explicit answers to your Qs, I'd like to steer you towards our full review of the Calling, which you can read here: bit.ly/2iJ2CAf . These videos often times accompany a full review, and don't cover everything. If you do read that, and still have more Qs, please do let us know! Best regards, Dan at Fanatik

[@adrnln_jnke]

Hey Guys, great video. I am actually in the market for a new bike and I just watched your other video on the Insurgent VS the Wreckoning. Out of the 3 bikes, which you say is geared more towards enduro racing? I race and ride in the NE, mostly in NY and VT. Also, what improvements would you recommend? Keep up the awesome work!

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Hi Chris, I personally have owned the Insurgent and the Wreckoning, which at 151mm and 160mm travel respectively, are the most aggressive of Evil's line-up. If you are riding and racing aggressively in the chunky, rocky East coast, I'd say one of those two would be your best bet. Although I loved both bikes, the Wreckoning is the faster of the two, simply because of those big ol 29" wheels. It takes a little more effort to corner and throw around, but it is simply faster. If jumps and air-time are your jam, the Insurgent would be the way to go. You won't be disappointed with either though. Check out our build gallery (bit.ly/FanatikGallery) for some inspiration, and shoot us an email at [e-mail] if you have any questions! Best regards, Dan at Fanatik

[@adrnln_jnke]

Thanks a ton for the input Dan!!

[@cristiangiron2635]

Awesome review! Greetings from Guatemala, could you guys tell me what brand of mud guard are you using for this bike?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Hola Cristian! It is actually a promotional guard from the wheel company Industry Nine, but it is very similar to these MuckyNutz brand guards (www.fanatikbike.com/collections/fenders/products/mucky-nutz-face-fender). These are actually a little nicer, as they include velcro straps to cinch it down. Thanks for watching! Dan at Fanatik

[@andyramz2703]

Awesome video great job , quick question buying this bike of ebay im 5,7 newbie bike the evil calling im buying its medium , im about to cancel the order as i feel might be to big for me seller keeps telling me hes 5,6 and work out great for him 😫😫 any input greatly appreciated as non shops around me to try it here in nyc

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Hey, sorry for the slow reply! I imagine you'll have made some decision by now, but if not, YES, the medium will fit you great! - Dan at Fanatik

[@andyramz2703]

@@FanatikBikeCo thanks for reply man , yes i made the purchase just got it few days ago an oh man im glad i love it the looks are sick and rides like a dream 🤓 thanks man and be safe i sub ya

[@tubhawj]

How tall are the riders in this video? What size frame?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

This is a medium frame. Jadyn is 5'7," and Brian is 5'11." Jadyn typically rides small frames, and Brian floats between medium and large, depending on the bike. Best regards, Dan at Fanatik

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Hi Tou, the riders are 5'7" (Jadyn) and 5'11" (Brian). That is a medium frame. Best, Dan at Fanatik

[@7Tfour]

Fanatik Bike Co. Hi Dan. Just to clarify, would Jadyn ride the small Calling at 5'7" or does he prefer the fit of that medium he was sharing with Brian. I'm 5'6 1/2" and about to put an order in for one. Thanks mate!

[@andyramz2703]

Please guys need this answer as im same shoes about to order the medium size from ebay , so jadyn its medium ok for us 5,7 guys or should we stick to small size

[@asselinpower]

Do you have a 140mm fork on this video? Can the Pike be extended to 150mm? Rad video and bike !

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Here's Joe's video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGnUioSMopmeb7s&lc=UgzeARHuaiSFUIjTHH14AaABAg He is running a 150mm fork (the Pike can be bumped up to 150 with this air shaft www.fanatikbike.com/products/rock-shox-pike-solo-air-shaft-2014-2017?variant=35263167747 ) and uses that bike for everything. Cheers, Dan at Fanatik

[@asselinpower]

I m interested in the Calling , but I m wondering if it s enough travel or if the Insurgent is a better « do it all » bike ? What do you think?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

The Calling is a better "do it all" bike, since it is much more pleasant to pedal. If you are concerned about it not being aggressive enough, you can always run it with a 150mm fork. We are dropping our mechanic Joe's bike check later today, that's exactly what he's done. He rides that bike down some incredibly gnarly stuff. Best regards, Dan at Fanatik

[@matteusquine]

What trail is that

[@rossyrocks5952]

I thought you were gonna bend the wheels way out of whack at 0:54

[@robygoncalves4348]

Just wheel manufactures trying to make more money, what next, 24+ or 32ER ?

[@csnyder400]

I would have liked to hear what Jaden thought about the bike compared to the other Evil bikes.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

He said that this bike climbs extremely well, on par with the Following, and that it is the most snappy of the bunch. Or, as Evil chooses to describe it, "a bike shaped skateboard." :D I guess for that analogy to be relevant you would have to be good at skateboarding though, which I most certainly am not. Shoot him an email at sales(at)fanatikbike.com, he can answer any specific questions you might have. Best, Dan at Fanatik

[@xcrack6364]

Looks good. Really like the evil bikes look and design. But the brakes are so squeaky

[@FanatikBikeCo]

They're pretty rad. Regarding the brakes, it was a bit wet out that day. That's a normal occurrence in those conditions, doesn't matter what brake you're running. Cheers - Dan at Fanatik

[@tbisket6975]

26+ or it didn't happen... (...but thanks for showing; met you guys at Seattle Swap, very cool, good luck! )

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Hey T, having spent a good bit of time on a Surly Instigator (26+ hardtail) and the Ibis Mojo 3 (27.5+, similar bike to this, although less aggressive), the benefits of plus size vary from person to person and trail to trail. To get optimum grip on very high speed and jump trails, you have to run a bit higher than the recommended 18-19psi, which makes for a bit of a bouncy feel. Where I felt they really excelled was where on slightly more technical trails with off camber turns and loose dirt (hard pack with loose dirt over top), where the large contact patch was really beneficial. Thanks for watching, and please do subscribe for more bike and product reviews! Best, Dan at Fanatik

[@bikeundzubehoer4701]

The Trails!!!!

[@tasteegold7772]

26+ is too small 27 1/2 was the baby bear juuuuuuust right imo

[@TheSHARCRASH]

A 26'+ wheel has roughly the same diameter as a 27.5' wheel. so indeed it's just right compared to a 27.5'+ wheel diameter, which is closer to a 29' wheel. And yeah 29+ is bigger than the normal 29er.

[@mikebussart2575]

26+ interesting

[@Mediarahan003]

That trail looks D A N K

[@TheBossssssssssss]

29er for life

[@Johnroberts2013]

Holy fuck

[@CookieMonster-nt8hh]

wrong color!!!! the angry dolphin is soooo much better imo

[@YoKave]

nice indepth review/comment, but im sorry i cant stand that dudes voice.

[@jeepnypitpits]

we want to see the bike not u guys

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Noted! Thanks for watching.