In its second year, the "Evo" gets a striking yellow Öhlins steel spring shock with special tuning and a lightweight 1x11 drivetrain instead of the CaneCreek "Double Barrel". Otherwise, the bike starts the season unchanged. Thanks to the drive-neutral rear triangle and its geometry (long top tube, steep seat angle), the bike climbs well. However, the slightly higher weight is noticeable.
It doesn't have the enduro-like riding characteristics of a "601", but nothing really stands in the way of an extended mountain tour. The blue button can be used to close the low-speed compression stage of the shock and harden the rear triangle on long climbs. Last year, the bike already impressed us with its mini downhill riding characteristics. And nothing has changed in 2014. Or maybe they have - they have improved again. Aaron Gwin provided the proof in South Africa when he won the DH World Cup with the "Enduro Evo" (albeit with a double bridge fork). The rear suspension is plush and works extremely smoothly and defined in the stroke. Zero bottoming out, maximum control and comfort - on our Brutalo test track in Bolzano, we were able to keep up with riders on downhill bikes without any problems.
Amazing: The "Enduro Evo" offers a lot of safety, yet it rides more playfully and manoeuvrable than any other bike in the test. A downhill-orientated, but still widely usable freerider with sensational suspension and perfect equipment, although we recommend a small chain guide from our painful experience with a worn "XX1" in the mud.
Conclusion: The update with 1x11 gears and motocross shocks has made a very good bike even better. Still suitable for touring and with sensational downhill performance. Ideal handling for this bike category. Top.
This test was published in FREERIDE issue 2/2014.
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