Already the motorless bikes of the US cult brand Evil are real eye-catchers. Carbon fibre as far as the eye can see, plus the blatant rear triangle construction with the brute swingarm. However, Evil took a long time to switch to the dark side of the Force. But now the Americans are presenting their first E-MTB. The Evil Epocalypse.
- Carbon frame: Sizes S to XL
- Motor: Shimano EP8 (85 Nm)
- Battery: 630 Wh, removable
- Suspension travel: 170 millimetres at the front, 166 millimetres at the rear
- 29er wheels
- Price: 2 models for 11,999.99 euros and 13,999.99 euros
Evil Epocalypse: E-MTB with Shimano EP8 and Delta rear suspension
Firstly, the conventional part of the new Evil design. The frame of the e-MTB contains a Shimano battery with 630 watt hours and the familiar EP8 drive (85 Nm). Although it can be easily configured via the app and doesn't weigh much, it loses out to the competition in terms of peak performance.
Thanks to its compact design, the Shimano drivetrain gives the engineers a lot of freedom in terms of geometry and rear triangle construction. And Evil makes full use of this. Despite the motor, the Epocalypse has Evil's typical beefy rear triangle design, which was developed together with suspension guru Dave Weagle.
Not too long: The geometry of the Evil Epocalypse
The chainstays are longer than on the non-motorised Evil bikes, but at 442 millimetres they are still relatively short for a 29-inch E-Enduro. To keep the bike manoeuvrable, Evil has opted for a moderate steering angle of 65.3 degrees. However, the seat angle (77 degrees) and reach (482 mm in size L) are modern. This means that the Evil should climb decently and convince bikers with a lot of playfulness, especially downhill. If you want a smoother ride, you can use a flip chip to flatten the head angle by half a degree and thus lower the bottom bracket further or use the in-house angled headset.
Stylish, quiet, user-friendly: the details of the Epocalypse
The details on the new Evil-E-MTB are just as well thought out as the geometry. A specially designed carbon handlebar accommodates the cable to the U-step shifter and thus ensures a tidy cockpit. The frame offers space for a water bottle and plenty of room for long dropper posts. A thick rubber guard absorbs chain slap on the chain stay and seat stay of the rear triangle. The motor itself is also protected by an underride guard, and Evil has also reinforced the battery cover.
Only the so-called Superboost standard at the rear might not please everyone. Although the wide 157 millimetre dimension is good for stiffness, it severely restricts the choice of wheels. Contrary to what the name suggests, Superboost is anything but standard.
Evil Epocalypse is available from 11,999.99 euros
Unfortunately, the price of the new Evil-E-MTB is extremely high. Even the cheapest model, the Rockshox XT I9 Hydra, costs 12,000 euros less than a cent. However, the equipment is beyond reproach with Rockshox Ultimate suspension, XT components and high-quality aluminium wheels from Industry Nine - the bike's target group will still remain small. The Fox XT Loopholes Hydra model is even more exclusive. With carbon rims and Fox Factory suspension, it will cost a whopping 13,999.99 euros.
Also nasty but not motorised. Click here for the test duel of the Evil The Following MB against Santa Cruz 5010 CC X01 Res
Adrian Kaether
Editor
