Evil Offering V2 // Bike Review

Reviewer Stats: 5’11” & 215 lbs
The Evil Offering fills an important hole in the Bellingham-based company’s 29er lineup-sitting squarely between their nimble 120-millimeter-travel Following and the root-gobbling 166-millimeter-travel Wreckoning.
One of my biggest takeaways with the new Offering was just how much confidence it provided on loose corners. I always felt like I was in control, even when the rear end broke free. The rear suspension kinematics are in line with Evil’s classic Delta System on descents: The shock moves into its travel like butter, then ramps up slowly in a stable, mid-stroke platform for pumping and finally ramps up enough at the end stroke in a way that minimizes bottom-outs.
In updating the Offering, Evil has put to market a bike that blurs the line between the bomber stability synonymous with longer wheelbases and the pop-and-jib attitude of shorter chainstays. Set up in its slackest configuration, the Offering boasts seemingly impossible cornering capabilities. Traction is plentiful, while also remaining lively and predictable. The Offering is an on-brand approach to modern geometry that provides amazing stability while keeping fun front and center like an Evil should.
*Geometry Specs reflect X-LOW Setting*
Wheel Size: 29"
Rear Travel: 140mm
Fork: 160mm
Wheelbase: 1237mm
Chainstay: 432mm
Reach: 486mm
Head Tube Angle: 65.3°
SEE FULL REVIEW HERE: freehubmag.com...
EVIL WEBSITE: www.evil-bikes...
#bikereview #eviloffering #freehubmag
--
Subscribe to Freehub Magazine: bit.ly/FreehubMag
Follow Us!
KZbin: / freehubmagazine
Facebook: / freehubmag
Instagram: / freehubmag
Twitter: / freehubmag

[@69Tonyro]

Such a good rider/reviewer! Don’t know how you can talk so casually while shredding at such high speed. Well done.

[@chadhelvey7827]

Lol, I thought the same thing. I'd of been like "ahhhhhhhhhhh, ohhhhhhhhh, looookk oooouutt"!

[@kolikjun]

Every of your reviews makes me wanna consider a bike you are just reviewing. I’m starting to be a little suspicious, that you could make me want to buy absolutely anything. Awesome riding skills!

[@tonykasunic1]

Yeah, same here!

[@ultimatist]

That's my gripe: great video, riding, details. But he's way too positive about everything. I want more critique.

[@IamSeafarer]

@@ultimatist I would agree but maybe there isn't much critique with the bikes themselves, they're always on top spec kits. At that point, bikes are so good these days that there aren't "issues" anymore with the actual bikes, it's just preference! Ideally we would all be able to demo every bike this guy demos to really understand our favorites. One can dream, lol.

[@ultimatist]

@@ark8tct that would be unfortunate, but not unheard of. Maybe if he can't directly critique aspects of the bike - and the flagship models are damn good, they better be - he could expound on "who this bike isn't for". Given local terrain, preferences, and experiences, some amazing bike may be a poor fit for the shopper.

[@hobmarg]

@@ultimatist you can infer critique from the style of bike and how he describes riding it: there are definitely downsides to 430mm chainstays on a 140mm 29er depending on your riding style re: stability.

[@aneczka2114]

I'm pretty sure I saw my life flash before my eyes when you came up to the first tree! 😅👍

[@paulevans1278]

Such a cool video. Just bought a v2 on the strength of your positive vibe. Keep charging mate. 🇬🇧✊🏻❤️

[@wfpbwfpb]

This is the exact bike I have but I recently upgraded to the push suspension system…front and rear. Imagine everything he said in this review…then multiply by 2. I would say by 10 but I don’t wanna exaggerate. I’ve had a few other high end bikes in the past few years and nothing, and I mean nothing, is better feeling. There no doubt are some as good but please, do yourself a favor and rent one. But be prepared to buy one ‘cause you’re gonna want it! I’ll sum it up by just saying……planted!

[@VanCan]

It was definitely a hard choice between this and the Wreck!

[@fademasterfade227]

I think for Sea to Sky terrain you made a good choice.

[@eljefespeaks9734]

Did you choose Wrecker? I've run various versions of Wreckoning and more recently Offerings, and am now back on the Wrecker V3 for Whistler trails - steep up and steep down. Happy with the choice! (Altho new Insurgent MX! hmmmm)

[@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?

[@badd_joke475]

The one I've been waiting for! Now if only I can find an Offering.

[@freehubmag]

Competitive cyclist might still have bikes....www.competitivecyclist.com/evil-bikes?show=all

[@barathmuthusamy]

Check your local Evil Dealer, evil had a special promo for the V1, that is slacker than the new one, with not so extreme reach numbers. 457 on a med. Rockshox Ultimate suspension, gx, guide re, crankbrothers wheels for 3899. It won't on be on their website.

[@MrMuggsly]

I was able to order my frame from Fanatik and then I built it up. I absolutely love this little ripper.

[@23vicjoe]

@@freehubmag I laughed out loud

[@feliperiosutube]

What a Badass review. The real deal 🔥🔥💪🏼💪🏼 That's what I needed to see and hear to upgrade my V1 badass following the the new offering v3

[@offroadrepairman]

Your review of the wreckoning was final reason I chose it as my new bike. I’m totally satisfied that I did, it’s the most capable and fun bike Iv ever rode. I live in Colorado, and most of the trails I ride are very chunky and fast. If we had more flow jump trails, I’d probably have waited for the Offering. It’s probably ideal if riding Galbraith and chuckanut regularly, Great review as always! Can’t wait till my summer trip to shred some pnw trails again

[@tonykasunic1]

I keep coming back to watch your videos again and again, looking to pickup another bike and you have the best reviews out there. Thank you.

[@freehubmag]

🙏 Thank you Tony! Good luck hunting for a new bike

[@felixre7]

Just discovered this channel and website and i'm blown away. keep up all the awesome work

[@dman5703]

I don't think I've ever seen anyone ride double down that good

[@RadarRS1]

Love the channel and the bike! Must have watched this almost a dozen times now even after having owned one for a bit lol. I am interested in that WAO Arrival tho, would be cool to see a video on it!

[@zachperez6940]

Well I want to say thank you because I just bought one of these today! Your video was a big motivator! Awesome riding.

[@freehubmag]

Thanks for watching 🙌 Happy we could help!

[@georgehliston]

Beautiful bikes, I'm lucky to have the privilege of building and maintaining them. Occasionally I get a ride on one. Awesome company.

[@MillerRL96]

I own the offering v2 and this review is spot on! Such a fun but also so confident bike! I now see why evils have such a cult following. Once you ride one its hard to not want to only ride evil bikes!

[@christianespino2422]

I had to check that I didn't have my playback speed to 2x. This guy is quick.

[@thesunbow8217]

It's an amazing good video as always! Thanks for this review 👍 Keep going :)

[@rekamniar]

10:14 surprised you didnt slip out. That was so cool

[@misterhulk]

great review! I'm definitely seeing a lot more hikers/trail runners going up that trail now!

[@ThePoohdini1]

Great riding and review as always! Question - how would you compare this bike vs 2021 Stumpy Evo as a "one bike do it all"? If you had one bike to choose, which one would it be?

[@andrewfehr2223]

I bought my Offering V2 in January. Love this bike, now just need to be able ride it as easily as you make it look, I have the falling down part better than you do. Mine came with the rockshox lyrik ultimate, all that’s on Evils site now is the fox 36, must be a supply issue. 🤕👍

[@asceticscorpio972]

This or the Forbidden Druid, both with your choice of components under the tree from Santa this year . . . Which do you choose and why?

[@bc.oO0Oo.]

Great reviews dude...Love Evil 4 a long time xxx

[@flyingnorseman]

Very unique video. A wreck and we saw your face for a brief second.

[@dasanoneia4730]

Freehub ride review YES! love your riding

[@watsonlee6798]

How does it compare to the switchblade? Which do you prefer?

[@LikerVann]

I have the same question!

[@joshinaction2340]

Agreed!

[@johnsospencer]

The offering felt a lot more planted and stable than the switchblade - and maybe a little less playful. There is a lot more Reach length on the offering. Which is probably the biggest difference as I recall.

[@sushantuprety3788]

@@johnsospencer how much sag did you run front and back ?

[@AdrianVall]

I tortured myself trying to decide between these two bikes. Rode both back to back and then again. I wanted to the Evil offering for looks, brand culture, and the i9 wheel set. I wanted the Pivot for the quality and suspension. Both felt very similar in my parking lot ride. The Switchblade pedal efficiency felt instantaneous and immediately responsive. The Evil did too, just not as quick. The Evil felt a little longer, but that may be in due to the slightly longer reach. After a couple hours of mulling over the decision, I just couldn't get past how the Switchblade just had graphics and decals everywhere and I wasn't crazy about the Green or Blue colors available, so I went Evil the Offering. Very content and ecstatic with my decision. I probably would have been happy either way, but I love the brand culture of Evil.

[@jasonpocsatko]

Great review! The Offering v2 and Switchblade v2 seem similar in many ways…almost identical suspension travel, short chainstays. Which is better at pedaling through tech?

[@persistentconsistency]

I've narrowed its down to these two based on geometry, leverage curve, my weight, and intended usage. Found a dealer that does demos for Pivot, but won't be able to test the Offering before making a decision. Let me know if you found anything a bout these two in the 3 months the since your post, please!

[@treycox706]

Dude these are the exact same ones I am deciding between. What did you go with?

[@kyleottosen1021]

2nd bike I've bought based off your review

[@justinonyt]

I know its asking for too much but I kinda wish this review was done with dryer conditions just so you wouldn't have to hold back on the descents. Good review as always though

[@AOL0321]

Who is doing these reviews? He's a spectacular rider and tester!

[@johnkentjose]

Hey man, been wondering when you'll upload a bike review for Santa Cruz Tallboy? Nice review as always! Cheers!

[@freehubmag]

Thank you! A Santa Cruz review is in the works for this summer.

[@samgriffmedia]

How does this bike compare to the pivot switchblade. I need to choose between the two by next week... help!

[@persistentconsistency]

What did you choose and why?

[@samgriffmedia]

@@persistentconsistency I went with the evil. I was able to ride the pivot around a parking lot, and the evil at trails. Both are great options, but the evil feels a bit sturdier. I just meshed with the delta linkage more, personal preference. But I can see why someone would like the pivot better.the best way to sum up the feeling of deltalink is to pedal and get doing really fast, then mail up a chunky uphill and not be phased at all. It is so mature, but begs to be tossed around on the downhill. The harder you push it, the more you get from it. The pivot fells more like an efficient pedeler, and wants to be jumped and popped all day. It holds it own on the rough stuff, but it didn’t suite my riding style as much.

[@persistentconsistency]

@@samgriffmedia Man it seems so tough to know what I'd prefer without being able to demo both. I've got the drop on a GX Offering build, but no ability to demo. That super slack STA is what bugs me, especially without being able to demo it. How are they both on flat ground, whether trail or pavement? Both are touted as efficient peddlers, but do they feel funny on the flats? What height are you and what size did you go with? Also, how much do you weigh? I wonder if the Pivot feels less planted to many but would feel more planted to someone a bit heavier (I am 210-225 lb throughout the year). Thanks again!

[@samgriffmedia]

@@persistentconsistency I am 5’8 135 lbs and went for a size medium. I will grow into it more with time. both ride good on flat ground. There is a very slight pedal bob in the evil, nothing to noticeable but that might be extended by a larger rider. As for pedaling you may feel more planted than I do on the pivot, but the evil will give you a bit more to push into. However if you aren’t the type of rider to be pushing hard steep decents and out for a more single track pedaling trails I would go for the pivot. It still eats up the rough decents and takes a lot to find it’s limit. It depends on how/what you ride. If you want a bike that you can really push as hard as possible go with the evil. The seat angle on the evil is to compensate for the long reach so it balances itself out nicely. It’s takes a sec to get used too but comes in clutch on steep climbs without sacrificing much at all on the flats. However if you aren’t riding steep trails I would go for the pivot. It has a more relaxed feel and will excel on longer climbs, and still performs extremely well in the chunk. All in all it depends on what your intended use is and how you ride. You really can’t go wrong. Both are beautifully thought out bikes and make for great daily drivers. Good luck!

[@persistentconsistency]

@@samgriffmedia I really appreciate this thorough reply! It seems to confirm everything I am reading and hearing. Living in very flat Houston, I feel like the Pivot makes more sense. Surrounding areas like Austin and San Antonio have a bit more chunk and steeps, but overall, the central TX terrain is made for an efficient bike that can still be versatile, yet excels in the flats. Still, the idea of being able to get an Offering in a month is soooo tempting. And the bike is much more affordable than the Switchblade. I'm gonna go demo the Switchblade and if I love it, just pay up and get it done. If I don't love it, I may just grab an Offering since I can get a good price on it and take the gamble lol. Bike are fairly easy to sell at this point anyway, and I wouldn't give up on a new bike for several years, so I'm sure I could grow into and get used to anything solid! Thanks again!

[@brettv576]

How did this evil offering ride compared to the pivot switchblade?

[@AdrianVall]

I tortured myself trying to decide between these two bikes. Rode both back to back and then again. I wanted to the Evil for looks, brand culture, and the i9 wheel set. I wanted the Pivot for the quality and suspension. Both felt very similar in my parking lot ride. The Switchblade pedal efficiency felt instantaneous and immediately responsive. The Evil did too, just not as quick. The Evil felt a little longer, but that may be in due to the slightly longer reach. After a couple hours of mulling over the decision, I just couldn't get past how the Switchblade just had graphics and decals everywhere and I wasn't crazy about the Green or Blue colors available, so I went Evil the Offering. Very content and ecstatic with my decision. I probably would have been happy either way, but I love the brand culture of Evil.

[@jaybartlett2561]

@@AdrianVall any update on your experience? I’m on a V1 Switchblade and considering the Offering. Thx!

[@adrianvalldeperas85]

@@jaybartlett2561 This is by far the best bike I've ever ridden. This thing is poppy and playful, it's fast, it's stable. It feels very good. Highly recommend it!

[@andrewleighton472]

So you are human 😂

[@ehvoslef]

Yesss another review

[@danbraden6179]

Have you gotten a chance to ride the new Pivot Trail 429? I think it is between this and the Pivot.....

[@freehubmag]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3OniX-bicmrjKc

[@danbraden6179]

@@freehubmag Which one wins?

[@matt-g-recovers]

Where are you in the world??...where January offers riding like that??

[@chickenclips]

nice riding

[@mountainbiker8904]

Pedal strike in X-Low setting?

[@takumajolliff9056]

My man is shredding in slip-ons

[@freehubmag]

Spencer is wearing the Shimano clip shoes that have a cover over the laces. Slip-ons would be impressive though!

[@iamjmp]

I love these review rides. Now how can I get one of these bikes?

[@StraightLine_MTB]

Great review again. How would you rate this vs the Spectral 29?

[@fetiljosh]

Hey man im looking for the best evil bike what do you recommend the best for climbing & descending im more of a agrressive rider and urban rides

[@mountainbiker8904]

I’ve heard this can be a 27.5+. Any input?

[@davidberger3551]

what is the name of the hub i love it

[@VredesbyrdNoir]

Just curious, what sort of camera captured the riding footage? Was it one of the newer GoPros? It handles the bumps and the speed really nicely!

[@freehubmag]

Hero 7 with karma gimbal on chest mount. 4K 24fps, Superview, low sharpness, and auto shutter for the woods.

[@VredesbyrdNoir]

@@freehubmag Awesome, cheers! I can definitely see an improvement to the quality watching this compared to the Switchblade review (which is my current ride!).

[@energ8t]

Cool trail

[@wolfura]

This is such a cool bike. Would just buy it to hang it on my wall as art.

[@douillette009]

This or the jeffsy idk 😩 if anyone had insight on which to get let me know!

[@livefreeandshred9818]

What are you using for a gopro set up ? Hero 9 w max lens and horizon leveling ? Or a gimbal?

[@freehubmag]

GoPro Hero 7 super view with the Karma Gimbal

[@Bohvey]

How does this compare to the Niner RIP 9 RDO? I've always wanted to try an Evil but have never been fortunate enough to have a dealer in my area. Thanks for the awesome content as usual.

[@bouldernelsonbigfoot]

thx

[@TheMrAlexGeorge]

Very similar numbers to a meta tr and sounds like it rides like one as well.

[@jessevernuccio6521]

Trail ID?

[@barathmuthusamy]

I find it funny that the V2 is has a steeper headtube angle than the V1. Although I heard the suspension design is a bit improved.

[@johnsospencer]

That Angle headset is pretty nice if you’re looking to slack the bike out. It’s a really solid press in design. Pretty burly! It took me some solid machinist hammer hits to swap it out.

[@barathmuthusamy]

@@johnsospencer I have a V1, but I have to see if it only fits the new V2 bikes, or the V1's also.

[@MrMuggsly]

The v1 is 66.2°, 65.6° and the V2 is 66.4°, 65.8° for low/x-low. You would be hardpressed to noticed that difference between the bikes. The reach is noticeable though.

[@barathmuthusamy]

@@MrMuggsly I rode both because my buddy has the v2. I don’t really feel a difference on the head tube . But that reach on the V2 med is huge. I’m a small guy so it’s way to big for me. But it rides good. I just find it funny that with all these slacker and longer trends. Evil just made it longer and not slacker.

[@MrMuggsly]

@@barathmuthusamy I went with a small myself and I find it to be perfect for my east coast trails. According to Evil I am on the cusp between small and Med but I happy with my small.

[@snussbeaster]

Im 5'10 and bought a medium. Praying its not too small

[@iamjmp]

Was it too small?

[@garrettpetersen7355]

What people think stable means.... 3:39 what a mtbr thinks stable feels like (voice shaking uncontrollably) 😂

[@abdelhuaman7096]

Nice

[@kamillajangirov6466]

Hold 400lb men ?

[@toetaster]

You don't even make note of the 16" diameter tree you hopped over at 6:50... Bruh.

[@serojarlo2059]

Yeti sb130 please

[@baddriversofcolga]

I wish they made aluminum frames, but alas...

[@supahflict]

The evil “trophy truck”

[@snowthugs]

I visually wrecked 7 times during this video..... When you think your fast then watch how slow you (me) really are.

[@rafaelgodoy903]

hahahahahaha can't believe you were still talking through the crash

[@TheMiguelosky]

monocross will be never better of a VPP or a DW Link...

[@EnglertRacing96]

Seat angle unrideable for a tall guy

[@bikes2467]

I am late to ask but what is considered “a tall guy? “ as well as what makes you say that. I was interested in this bike and am roughly 6’1” . Is that a limiting factor being STA?

[@EnglertRacing96]

@@bikes2467 when you have your seat high with a slack sta you end up over the rear axle. With a long top tube and slack front end you've got a ton of weight on the back while seated and none on the front end. Then the thing rides like a POS in seated sections where you might go a little fast like when a climb flattens out for a few hundred feet.

[@shawnborman4850]

I have an xl wreckoning and I’m 6’4 I got no problems pedaling it. I realize it’s a different bike but same seat tube angle I believe.

[@EnglertRacing96]

@@shawnborman4850 go ride something with a steep STA jamming along on flat or mild incline with lots of corners seat up seated. Then up some switch backs Then up the steepest thing you have ever climbed Then get back to me. Warning If you actually do this you will probably get rid of your frame... I find the little bit of extra front weight invaluable for seated handling (lots of motocross and supermoto riding may effect my prefrence). Back in the day with steep head angles the slack seat tube was to keep the front end light. With long ass bikes with generously slack head angles this is not only unneeded its downright counterproductive.

[@shawnborman4850]

@@EnglertRacing96 bro maybe it’s just not for you. I like my bike was all I was saying. For the trails/ style of riding I do it’s great. I do ride single track relatively steep uphills with switchbacks and the bike performs well. I’m sure there’s something that’s more efficient but to say it’s unrideable is not true at all.

[@leggoego]

Don't watch this video on shrooms.

[@JamesBond-wy6sb]

Seat tubes too slack! Again!!!