STR | SocalTrailRiders.org

Winston · 09-13-2007, 07:59 AM

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Tuesday night I had the pleasure of demo-ing a medium Ellsworth Evolve from The Path. It was probably the nicest and best functioning demo I have ever ridden. (Zero problems, rubs or annoying noises on the ride.)[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]The Evolve had a X-9 drivetrain, Sun Ringle wheelset, Bontrager Jones XR 2.2 tires, Reba fork, tuned Float shock and setback seatpost.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]A little background: I’m just under 5’11, weigh 205 and have a 31” inseam. I have never ridden a 29er before. I ride an Iron Horse 7Point7 95% of the time and an Elsworth ID (6”) the rest. (As you can see, XC riding doesn’t really appeal to me these days.)[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]My interest in riding a 29er started last year when Elrod returned from Interbike saying he had a blast riding a Turner Sultan. Knowing Elrod I assumed he would have returned from the dirt demo saying that such and such freeride bike was his favorite.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Fast forward to this year. A combination of Chirs and I rehabbing from injuries and our loss of interest in Santiago Oaks has lead us to doing a little XC riding with Danno on a variation of the Whiting Ranch/Luge loop. I’ve been riding my ID and Chirs has still be riding his 39 pound 7Point7. (From the speed he climbs at you would think he was on a 5 Spot or a MKIII type of bike.)[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Monday afternoon I stopped by The Path and asked Tani if the Evolve demo was available. He checked his books and sure enough it was. He had one of the expeditors bring it down and handed it off to Brad to get the bike setup for me. They asked me my weight and what type of pedal I used. I told them not to worry about the pedals, that I would put my Time Z’s on. (It was nice to know that I didn’t have to.)[/SIZE][/FONT]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Here are the terms of The Path Demo/Rental Program:[/FONT][/SIZE]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]1. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Daily Rental Fee is $55.00. (If returned by COB the following day.)[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]2. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Photocopy of Driver’s License and valid major credit card is required.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]3. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Rental fee applied to new bike/frame purchase for 60 days after bike is returned.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]4. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]If picked up and on Saturday, bike is not due back until the following Monday, at no additional charge.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]5. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Rental Form MUST be completed in full before bike can leave the building.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]6. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Renter/test rider/loanee responsible for damage to bike and/or loss of bike due to theft or negligence. The bike shall be inspected for damage upon return.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]7. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Renter/test rider/loanee SHALL NOT hold The Path Bike Shop liable for personal injury and a waiver must be signed.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Of course, the terms are subject to change. [/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I test rode the bike in the parking lot and everything felt good. I was surprised that the bike didn’t make me feel like I was doing a hand stand. Most XC bikes give me that feeling these days.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Loaded up and ready to go home:[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]

[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Before the ride Tuesday I inflated the tires to 37 psi. (Minimum is 35 psi.) I picked up Chirs and headed to Wahoos. When we got there Danno and Doublewide had already taken off. Chirs and I got ready then started to play catch up. We weren’t riding all out or anything as we climbed through the neighborhoods. I was a little disappointed that the Evolve didn’t climb itself, but it was climbing pretty easily. Soon enough we were on Water Tank trail and I passed by Doublewide like he was standing still. (Ok, he really was standing still.) Not long after I caught up to Danno who was waiting for us at the intersection of Water Tank and Dreaded Hill. Danno took a quick spin on the Evolve while we waited for Chirs and Doublewide. Danno’s commented that his toes were real close to the front tire. (He wasn't able to clip in since he runs different pedals.) I never had a problem with that on the ride, but I only remember encountering maybe two or three switchbacks.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Once regrouped we dropped down to 4 Corners and took Cactus down. I fell to the back and the Evolve handled like I expected. It felt like a XC bike. (Cactus has some huge braking bumps.) My worries of the tires breaking loose in turns were quickly put to bed. They gripped surprising well. Dare I say better than the Maxxis Ignitor that is on my ID? When I got near the bottom of Cactus were the downhill is less severe and the trail is smoother the Evolve really took off. It was a nice unexpected sensation of speed. Probably my first sensation of “Hey I’m on a 29er!”[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Next we rode up the singletrack to the horse stables. Across Santiago Canyon Road and up Modjeska Grade. I took the lead and the Evolve was definitely easier to climb up the road. Near the top I began to hear some competition. Sure enough it was Danno putting the hammer down on his 40 pound 6 Pack. I stood up and just edged him before the top. Once again Danno and I waited for Chirs and Doublewide to catch up before starting our climb up the Santiago Truck Trail.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]On the climb up the Santiago Truck Trail I noticed that the Evolve really moved when the trail was smoother and momentum was my friend. When I hit a rough patch, I would loose momentum and loose ground to Chirs and Danno. Chirs made a strong comeback and reached the top of the final climb before The Luge first, followed by Danno and myself. The descent down to the saddle was a blast on the Evolve, the bike was really moving. From the saddle down to the top of The Luge I took it easy, but it was still fun.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]For the descent down The Luge I took up my normal position in the back. I don’t enjoy The Luge on my ID so it should come as no surprise that I didn’t enjoy it on the Evolve either. (No knock on the Evolve.) I did wish that stem was a little shorter. (Probably from a 90mm to a 70mm.)[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I did win the race down Live Oak Road. (29er power!)[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]We turned right on Santiago Canyon Road headed back into Whiting Ranch via the stables. Turned left and continued the clockwise loop. The upper section is rough like The Luge. Poor Doublewide didn’t know about the T intersection/hole that you have to go left around. Fortunately he was able to ride through it and up the other side into a bush. Phew!!![/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Once we hit the fire road and the under the trees portion of singletrack the Evolve was a total joy to ride. Nice smooth flowing trails. She felt like a rocket.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Would I replace my ID with an Evolve? Absolutely! Of course I would probably want to try a Sultan or a Niner RIP9. Am I going to? Not yet, just bought a 2008 Fox 40 RC2. Priorities man![/SIZE][/FONT]

Code Blue · 09-13-2007, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winston

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Tuesday night I had the pleasure of demo-ing a medium Ellsworth Evolve from The Path. It was probably the nicest and best functioning demo I have ever ridden. (Zero problems, rubs or annoying noises on the ride.)[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]The Evolve had a X-9 drivetrain, Sun Ringle wheelset, Bontrager Jones XR 2.2 tires, Reba fork, tuned Float shock and setback seatpost.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]A little background: I’m just under 5’11, weigh 205 and have a 31” inseam. I have never ridden a 29er before. I ride an Iron Horse 7Point7 95% of the time and an Elsworth ID (6”) the rest. (As you can see, XC riding doesn’t really appeal to me these days.)[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]My interest in riding a 29er started last year when Elrod returned from Interbike saying he had a blast riding a Turner Sultan. Knowing Elrod I assumed he would have returned from the dirt demo saying that such and such freeride bike was his favorite.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Fast forward to this year. A combination of Chirs and I rehabbing from injuries and our loss of interest in Santiago Oaks has lead us to doing a little XC riding with Danno on a variation of the Whiting Ranch/Luge loop. I’ve been riding my ID and Chirs has still be riding his 39 pound 7Point7. (From the speed he climbs at you would think he was on a 5 Spot or a MKIII type of bike.)[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Monday afternoon I stopped by The Path and asked Tani if the Evolve demo was available. He checked his books and sure enough it was. He had one of the expeditors bring it down and handed it off to Brad to get the bike setup for me. They asked me my weight and what type of pedal I used. I told them not to worry about the pedals, that I would put my Time Z’s on. (It was nice to know that I didn’t have to.)[/SIZE][/FONT]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Here are the terms of The Path Demo/Rental Program:[/FONT][/SIZE]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]1. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Daily Rental Fee is $55.00. (If returned by COB the following day.)[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]2. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Photocopy of Driver’s License and valid major credit card is required.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]3. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Rental fee applied to new bike/frame purchase for 60 days after bike is returned.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]4. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]If picked up and on Saturday, bike is not due back until the following Monday, at no additional charge.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]5. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Rental Form MUST be completed in full before bike can leave the building.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]6. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Renter/test rider/loanee responsible for damage to bike and/or loss of bike due to theft or negligence. The bike shall be inspected for damage upon return.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]7. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Renter/test rider/loanee SHALL NOT hold The Path Bike Shop liable for personal injury and a waiver must be signed.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Of course, the terms are subject to change. [/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I test rode the bike in the parking lot and everything felt good. I was surprised that the bike didn’t make me feel like I was doing a hand stand. Most XC bikes give me that feeling these days.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Loaded up and ready to go home:[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]

[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Before the ride Tuesday I inflated the tires to 37 psi. (Minimum is 35 psi.) I picked up Chirs and headed to Wahoos. When we got there Danno and Doublewide had already taken off. Chirs and I got ready then started to play catch up. We weren’t riding all out or anything as we climbed through the neighborhoods. I was a little disappointed that the Evolve didn’t climb itself, but it was climbing pretty easily. Soon enough we were on Water Tank trail and I passed by Doublewide like he was standing still. (Ok, he really was standing still.) Not long after I caught up to Danno who was waiting for us at the intersection of Water Tank and Dreaded Hill. Danno took a quick spin on the Evolve while we waited for Chirs and Doublewide. Danno’s commented that his toes were real close to the front tire. (He wasn't able to clip in since he runs different pedals.) I never had a problem with that on the ride, but I only remember encountering maybe two or three switchbacks.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Once regrouped we dropped down to 4 Corners and took Cactus down. I fell to the back and the Evolve handled like I expected. It felt like a XC bike. (Cactus has some huge braking bumps.) My worries of the tires breaking loose in turns were quickly put to bed. They gripped surprising well. Dare I say better than the Maxxis Ignitor that is on my ID? When I got near the bottom of Cactus were the downhill is less severe and the trail is smoother the Evolve really took off. It was a nice unexpected sensation of speed. Probably my first sensation of “Hey I’m on a 29er!”[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Next we rode up the singletrack to the horse stables. Across Santiago Canyon Road and up Modjeska Grade. I took the lead and the Evolve was definitely easier to climb up the road. Near the top I began to hear some competition. Sure enough it was Danno putting the hammer down on his 40 pound 6 Pack. I stood up and just edged him before the top. Once again Danno and I waited for Chirs and Doublewide to catch up before starting our climb up the Santiago Truck Trail.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]On the climb up the Santiago Truck Trail I noticed that the Evolve really moved when the trail was smoother and momentum was my friend. When I hit a rough patch, I would loose momentum and loose ground to Chirs and Danno. Chirs made a strong comeback and reached the top of the final climb before The Luge first, followed by Danno and myself. The descent down to the saddle was a blast on the Evolve, the bike was really moving. From the saddle down to the top of The Luge I took it easy, but it was still fun.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]For the descent down The Luge I took up my normal position in the back. I don’t enjoy The Luge on my ID so it should come as no surprise that I didn’t enjoy it on the Evolve either. (No knock on the Evolve.) I did wish that stem was a little shorter. (Probably from a 90mm to a 70mm.)[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I did win the race down Live Oak Road. (29er power!)[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]We turned right on Santiago Canyon Road headed back into Whiting Ranch via the stables. Turned left and continued the clockwise loop. The upper section is rough like The Luge. Poor Doublewide didn’t know about the T intersection/hole that you have to go left around. Fortunately he was able to ride through it and up the other side into a bush. Phew!!![/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Once we hit the fire road and the under the trees portion of singletrack the Evolve was a total joy to ride. Nice smooth flowing trails. She felt like a rocket.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Would I replace my ID with an Evolve? Absolutely! Of course I would probably want to try a Sultan or a Niner RIP9. Am I going to? Not yet, just bought a 2008 Fox 40 RC2. Priorities man![/SIZE][/FONT]

I was really close to getting the Evolve. Demo'd the El Rey and it wasn't for me.

Last week I purchased a Sultan from the Path and taking it to Utah today! When I get back maybe we can hook-up and you can take it for a spin.

Jordansrealm · 09-13-2007, 08:11 AM

Great review would love it if more of us did a full review like this!

Schecky · 09-13-2007, 09:00 AM

My bud has a Wiley that I didn't like much at all, and a Sultan that I loved. I still want to try the El Rey, and after this write up - the Evolve.
Nice review Winston! Great detail.

guero · 09-13-2007, 09:41 AM

great write up and review winston!!!

Marshall Willanholly · 09-13-2007, 09:51 AM

Good stuff Winston. I've been itching for something different so I'm building up a 29'er SS hardtail. I'm getting lazy on my squishy bikes!

allison · 09-13-2007, 09:52 AM

Cool write-up.

Don't ever take a HT or ST on Luge then

I actually had a good time on my Dos, but the more I ride my Demo and Enduro the more I notice every little jolt on the Dos. Hrm...

Glad you enjoyed it, though. It definitely looks like a sweet bike.

Also $55 for a sweet bike like that for 24 hours?! That's a great deal.

cjwally · 09-13-2007, 10:04 AM

Thanks for the review. I rode the same demo bike! I loved it also...

I wish that it had more of an AM fork like a Pike. The Reba fork didn't really match the suspension feel of the rear. Maybe in a few years...

Winston · 09-13-2007, 10:06 AM

MW - If I had tried out an SS 29er, the review probably would have started out..."Man 29ers suck! I don't get it."

Allison - To think I used to ride my Trek 7000 down The Luge.

Winston · 09-13-2007, 10:18 AM

The Reba felt fine to me. (My first time on any version of the Reba fork.) Funny story about the Reba. I used the compression lock on some of the climbs. Get to the top turn if off and I would hear a "pssssst." "Crap, do I have flat?" Nope just the fork. It fooled my twice. DOH!

My biggest grip descending the Luge was that the handlebars were too far forward for my personal taste. A shorter stem would fix that right up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjwally

I wish that it had more of an AM fork like a Pike. The Reba fork didn't really match the suspension feel of the rear. Maybe in a few years...

Frenchy · 09-13-2007, 10:46 AM

Winston, you sure rode that demo bike real well. You were climbing the hills with ease. You were also doing just fine on the downs, I remember a couple of down sections where you were just right there. That made me wanna demo that bike. I am not sure I could handle the 37psi

.

You are right the geometry of the bike is important when pointing down the hill. A short stem is definitely a big plus for that.

Code Blue · 09-13-2007, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mechmann

the reba is too flexy. 29ers have lots more flex up front due to the wheel diameter so every little bit of flex is amplified. i wouldn't mind a Reba with 100mm travel and thru axle.

a 9mm thru bolt on mine and it really helps.

QR's were designed for Euro road racers not m-bikes

Code Blue · 09-13-2007, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mechmann

i do too (Hadley bolt ons front and rear on my Niner), but i don't think that it helps enough when you talk about 100mm + worth of travel. i run my reba at 80mm. on allison's Dos with 80mm travel and a flexy front wheel with a QR, i get scared trying to trackstand. i swear if i were to ride that thing the front end would just fold up.

[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]yep I run Hadley's F&R. I agree that 35mm or 40mm [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]Sanctions (sp?) would be great and a 20mm hub would help. But to tell you the truth I feel flex in wheels more than any fork…….well except for the SID that thing was freak’in scary![/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]IMHO 29ers……and 26er forks should be widened to at least 135mm or 150mm vs. 110mm (again Euro road race). Thicker sanctions would also help.

[/SIZE][/FONT]

Von-Diggity · 09-13-2007, 11:18 AM

Quote:

I picked up Chirs and headed to Wahoos

Would that be the infamous Chirs from French? I did not know he rode with anyone that has a bike with less then 5 inches of travel.

Winston · 09-13-2007, 11:27 AM

I got a special exemption from the embassy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Von-Diggity

Would that be the infamous Chirs from French? I did not know he rode with anyone that has a bike with less then 5 inches of travel.

allison · 09-13-2007, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mechmann

i do too (Hadley bolt ons front and rear on my Niner), but i don't think that it helps enough when you talk about 100mm + worth of travel. i run my reba at 80mm. on allison's Dos with 80mm travel and a flexy front wheel with a QR, i get scared trying to trackstand. i swear if i were to ride that thing the front end would just fold up.

I thikn the front end wants to fold up when you look at it... It's scared just thinking about you being near it

09-13-2007, 07:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
Winston Bad 5%	Path Demo: Getting My XC On - Evolve [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Tuesday night I had the pleasure of demo-ing a medium Ellsworth Evolve from The Path. It was probably the nicest and best functioning demo I have ever ridden. (Zero problems, rubs or annoying noises on the ride.)[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]The Evolve had a X-9 drivetrain, Sun Ringle wheelset, Bontrager Jones XR 2.2 tires, Reba fork, tuned Float shock and setback seatpost.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]A little background: I’m just under 5’11, weigh 205 and have a 31” inseam. I have never ridden a 29er before. I ride an Iron Horse 7Point7 95% of the time and an Elsworth ID (6”) the rest. (As you can see, XC riding doesn’t really appeal to me these days.)[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]My interest in riding a 29er started last year when Elrod returned from Interbike saying he had a blast riding a Turner Sultan. Knowing Elrod I assumed he would have returned from the dirt demo saying that such and such freeride bike was his favorite.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Fast forward to this year. A combination of Chirs and I rehabbing from injuries and our loss of interest in Santiago Oaks has lead us to doing a little XC riding with Danno on a variation of the Whiting Ranch/Luge loop. I’ve been riding my ID and Chirs has still be riding his 39 pound 7Point7. (From the speed he climbs at you would think he was on a 5 Spot or a MKIII type of bike.)[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Monday afternoon I stopped by The Path and asked Tani if the Evolve demo was available. He checked his books and sure enough it was. He had one of the expeditors bring it down and handed it off to Brad to get the bike setup for me. They asked me my weight and what type of pedal I used. I told them not to worry about the pedals, that I would put my Time Z’s on. (It was nice to know that I didn’t have to.)[/SIZE][/FONT] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Here are the terms of The Path Demo/Rental Program:[/FONT][/SIZE] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]1. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Daily Rental Fee is $55.00. (If returned by COB the following day.)[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]2. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Photocopy of Driver’s License and valid major credit card is required.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]3. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Rental fee applied to new bike/frame purchase for 60 days after bike is returned.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]4. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]If picked up and on Saturday, bike is not due back until the following Monday, at no additional charge.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]5. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Rental Form MUST be completed in full before bike can leave the building.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]6. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Renter/test rider/loanee responsible for damage to bike and/or loss of bike due to theft or negligence. The bike shall be inspected for damage upon return.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]7. [/FONT][FONT=Arial]Renter/test rider/loanee SHALL NOT hold The Path Bike Shop liable for personal injury and a waiver must be signed.[/FONT][/SIZE] [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Of course, the terms are subject to change. [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I test rode the bike in the parking lot and everything felt good. I was surprised that the bike didn’t make me feel like I was doing a hand stand. Most XC bikes give me that feeling these days.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Loaded up and ready to go home:[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Before the ride Tuesday I inflated the tires to 37 psi. (Minimum is 35 psi.) I picked up Chirs and headed to Wahoos. When we got there Danno and Doublewide had already taken off. Chirs and I got ready then started to play catch up. We weren’t riding all out or anything as we climbed through the neighborhoods. I was a little disappointed that the Evolve didn’t climb itself, but it was climbing pretty easily. Soon enough we were on Water Tank trail and I passed by Doublewide like he was standing still. (Ok, he really was standing still.) Not long after I caught up to Danno who was waiting for us at the intersection of Water Tank and Dreaded Hill. Danno took a quick spin on the Evolve while we waited for Chirs and Doublewide. Danno’s commented that his toes were real close to the front tire. (He wasn't able to clip in since he runs different pedals.) I never had a problem with that on the ride, but I only remember encountering maybe two or three switchbacks.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Once regrouped we dropped down to 4 Corners and took Cactus down. I fell to the back and the Evolve handled like I expected. It felt like a XC bike. (Cactus has some huge braking bumps.) My worries of the tires breaking loose in turns were quickly put to bed. They gripped surprising well. Dare I say better than the Maxxis Ignitor that is on my ID? When I got near the bottom of Cactus were the downhill is less severe and the trail is smoother the Evolve really took off. It was a nice unexpected sensation of speed. Probably my first sensation of “Hey I’m on a 29er!”[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Next we rode up the singletrack to the horse stables. Across Santiago Canyon Road and up Modjeska Grade. I took the lead and the Evolve was definitely easier to climb up the road. Near the top I began to hear some competition. Sure enough it was Danno putting the hammer down on his 40 pound 6 Pack. I stood up and just edged him before the top. Once again Danno and I waited for Chirs and Doublewide to catch up before starting our climb up the Santiago Truck Trail.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]On the climb up the Santiago Truck Trail I noticed that the Evolve really moved when the trail was smoother and momentum was my friend. When I hit a rough patch, I would loose momentum and loose ground to Chirs and Danno. Chirs made a strong comeback and reached the top of the final climb before The Luge first, followed by Danno and myself. The descent down to the saddle was a blast on the Evolve, the bike was really moving. From the saddle down to the top of The Luge I took it easy, but it was still fun.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]For the descent down The Luge I took up my normal position in the back. I don’t enjoy The Luge on my ID so it should come as no surprise that I didn’t enjoy it on the Evolve either. (No knock on the Evolve.) I did wish that stem was a little shorter. (Probably from a 90mm to a 70mm.)[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I did win the race down Live Oak Road. (29er power!)[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]We turned right on Santiago Canyon Road headed back into Whiting Ranch via the stables. Turned left and continued the clockwise loop. The upper section is rough like The Luge. Poor Doublewide didn’t know about the T intersection/hole that you have to go left around. Fortunately he was able to ride through it and up the other side into a bush. Phew!!![/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Once we hit the fire road and the under the trees portion of singletrack the Evolve was a total joy to ride. Nice smooth flowing trails. She felt like a rocket.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Would I replace my ID with an Evolve? Absolutely! Of course I would probably want to try a Sultan or a Niner RIP9. Am I going to? Not yet, just bought a 2008 Fox 40 RC2. Priorities man![/SIZE][/FONT]

09-13-2007, 08:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
Jordansrealm www.lostmanifesto.com	Great review would love it if more of us did a full review like this! __________________ "Gene, let me hold on to your nuts for you" - CC "You think you're smart cuz you know words" - Benchwarmers

09-13-2007, 09:00 AM	#4 (permalink)
Schecky SoCalMTBubbs	My bud has a Wiley that I didn't like much at all, and a Sultan that I loved. I still want to try the El Rey, and after this write up - the Evolve. Nice review Winston! Great detail. __________________ tkblazer: it was Steven Jackson that led me to STR... http://www.ventanausa.com/

09-13-2007, 09:41 AM	#5 (permalink)
guero i'd rather be fraggin'	great write up and review winston!!! __________________ tkblazer: i just want to bury my face in her tits. sprockethead: I've gotten 3 rides in on one lubing 1x1clyde: you should bring your balls.

09-13-2007, 09:52 AM	#7 (permalink)
allison Gone ridin'	Cool write-up. Don't ever take a HT or ST on Luge then I actually had a good time on my Dos, but the more I ride my Demo and Enduro the more I notice every little jolt on the Dos. Hrm... Glad you enjoyed it, though. It definitely looks like a sweet bike. Also $55 for a sweet bike like that for 24 hours?! That's a great deal. __________________

09-13-2007, 09:51 AM	#6 (permalink)
Marshall Willanholly on a routine expedition	Good stuff Winston. I've been itching for something different so I'm building up a 29'er SS hardtail. I'm getting lazy on my squishy bikes!

09-13-2007, 10:04 AM	#8 (permalink)
cjwally	Thanks for the review. I rode the same demo bike! I loved it also... I wish that it had more of an AM fork like a Pike. The Reba fork didn't really match the suspension feel of the rear. Maybe in a few years...

09-13-2007, 10:06 AM	#9 (permalink)
Winston Bad 5%	MW - If I had tried out an SS 29er, the review probably would have started out..."Man 29ers suck! I don't get it." Allison - To think I used to ride my Trek 7000 down The Luge.

09-13-2007, 10:46 AM	#11 (permalink)
Frenchy Junior Member	Winston, you sure rode that demo bike real well. You were climbing the hills with ease. You were also doing just fine on the downs, I remember a couple of down sections where you were just right there. That made me wanna demo that bike. I am not sure I could handle the 37psi. You are right the geometry of the bike is important when pointing down the hill. A short stem is definitely a big plus for that.

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