Evil Following Mini Review
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Have had this blaze orange destruction bike for about a month now. Short story: as good descending as any of the 160 mm bikes I've owned with a significant improvement in climbing abilities and carrying speed on mellow trails and mellow climbs.
120 mm rear end really does feel bottomless, still haven't set up the Pike to best match it but don't feel like I need more travel on other end for Jackson riding. Even riding Lithium felt really comfortable; the big wheels and slack head angle just never feel like they're getting caught up in anything. The increase in traction is noticeable too, both up and down.
I was expecting a decent boost in climbing ease with the bigger wheels but The Following really encourages you to get out of the saddle and stand on it; I really cannot feel an ounce of pedal bob with the shock wide open. It's a very efficient feel going up and probably the most exciting improvement for me over past bikes, as I've always been a shit climber. Way more excited for XC rides now.
Phenomenal in the air. Such a fun and balanced jumper, and really boosts.
Drawbacks: slack seat tube angle will be tough for long legged riders. Not sure why this bike doesn't ship with an 800 mm bar. The 760 is fine but I'll end up getting something slightly wider. Vigilante tires are awesome in fast, loose, chunky conditions but feel a little vague otherwise. Will probably switch to a chunky front/semi slick rear sometime. Otherwise the bike comes in the box literally in parts, so if you're not having a shop build it it'll take a nice chunk of time to put it together.
Anyways, got what I hoped for here, which is a bike that is as filthy on the descents as most any other 160 endurbro bike but much faster in any situation requiring pedaling, at least for my non-human-lung abilities.
