Evil Bikes from the USA: Evil Epocalypse - high-end E-Enduro on test

The powerful Evil Epocalypse is a 29er bike and a real character head. The compact riding position with a high front is immediately noticeable when you start rolling. The climb is relaxed. The sensitive rear suspension also makes the ride comfortable. When the trail turns downhill, the Epocalypse invites you to join the party. It is extremely manoeuvrable and eager to jump, challenging the rider to dance with the trail. With its short frame, the e-bike prefers to make hooks rather than single-mindedly follow the ideal line. The suspension provides what feels like infinite suspension travel and still remains very poppy, great! This makes jumping easy.

With its plush suspension, the Evil Epocalypse also defuses nasty rock gardens, but the compact position and high cockpit limit the smoothness and riding safety if you really want to let it rip. The (too) light tyres are too weak-chested for enduro riding, but they promote a lively riding experience on shallow trails. The bike is easy to pull onto the rear wheel and get airborne on roots. The high front and compact design pay off here.

However, if you are looking for a precise trail blade for determined runs, you will be better served by the two rivals in our comparison. The Epocalypse E-Enduro with its short rear end and slack seat angle is not a climbing goat either. When things get really steep, the front wheel quickly loses its grip. It's a pity that the clear rattling of the Shimano EP8 motor is accompanied by a distinctive battery rattle on big hits. Our test bike was extremely loud as a result.

Conclusion on the Evil Epocalypse by Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB test manager:

Extravagant E-Enduro with a fun freeride character. Powerful suspension, bouncy geometry: this is the bike for anyone looking for a playful e-bike with plenty of reserves. Unfortunately very loud.

Technical data and notes on the Evil Epocalypse

Manufacturer information

• Price: 11,999 euros
• Sizes / frame material: S, M, L (tested size 45.5 cm), XL / Carbon

Measured values²

• Reach altitude¹: 1294 (+180) hm
• Speed: 13.6 km/h
• Weight²: 23 kg
• Centre of gravity height: 526 mm
• Handlebar width: 780 mm
• Crank length / Q-factor: 170 mm / 178 mm
• Ground clearance⁴: 480 mm

Equipment

• Motor: Shimano EP8
• Max. Torque³: 85 Nm
• Battery³ / weight² / price Replacement battery: Shimano BT-E8035, 630 Wh / 3693 g / 699 Euro
• Gear system: Shimano XT (12-speed)
• Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-51
• Display: Shimano SC-EM800
• Permissible total weight³: 132 kg
• Fork / shock: Rockshox ZEB Ultimate / Superdeluxe Ultimate Coil
• Front / rear suspension travel: 170 / 166 mm
• Telescopic seatpost: Bikeyoke Revive, 185 mm
• Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Shimano XT 8120 / 203 mm / 203 mm
• Wheels: Industry Nine Enduro S Hydra
• Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF EXO, 29 x 2.5"

¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight incl. equipment 90 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.

² Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.

³ Manufacturer's specification

⁴ Step test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel

⁵ The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.