Ellsworth Evolve – Project Pink 29er – Review Update

Photo by Joe Cattoni (aka. epoJoe)

I have had some serious ride time on the Evolve over the past couple of weeks. I figured it was time to update you guys on the progress of the review, so here is what I have found so far.

Ellsworth Evolve – The Ride

The momentum that 29ers create is well documented. On my local trails, the larger diameter wheels are incredible. Locally, almost everything is typical rolling cross country loops with rocks and roots, but there are no major drops or typical “all mountain” riding. The low top tube of the Evolve really gives the bike a lower center of gravity causing you to feel in-between the wheels instead of on top of them. I have ridden other 29er frames that feel top heavy in comparison. This lower center of gravity makes the bike more maneuverable in tighter situations. In tight, twisty sections where trees are extremely close to the trail, the 29er wheels are harder to maneuver than your typical 26″. After some riding style adjusting, this can be limited but not eliminated.

Ellsworth Evolve – Gravity Assisted Riding

On the downhills, the larger diameter wheels help with obstacles, but this is still a cross country rig. The few drops and really steep downhills that I have taken were sketchy. This frame is rated for a 4″ fork, so some of this is to be expected. When you add the 4″ fork with the 110mm stem, it makes a great cross country machine, but not the most capable downhiller. I switched the 110mm stem out for a 90mm and the downhill abilities greatly increased, but in the end…you are still landing on a 4″ fork.

Ellsworth Evolve – Climbing

This bike climbs for days! I don’t even get tired. For a fully active suspension, the ICT linkage has very little pedal induced bob while climbing. The Float R that was included with the frame does not have a ProPedal switch, but that was fine by me…I wouldn’t have used it anyway. The larger diameter wheels are a huge benefit on extended climbs. Once you get the bike moving, it just carries the momentum all the way to the top. If you are looking for a rig that will climb effortlessly…this just might be the one you are looking for.

Ellsworth Evolve – The Flats

All of those great characteristics that you find while climbing directly correlate to the flats. The momentum just carries and the 4 bar linkage sucks up all of the bumps with ease. I find myself shifting into harder and harder gears with the urge to just keep going faster.

Ellsworth Evolve – The Bad News

I am having trouble giving the frame a complete review at this point because of the wheels. They are extremely weak for 29er use. With only 28 spokes, I can feel the wheels flexing from under the frame. I even posted a video of what the rear wheel looked like after just one ride. I have emailed WTB, and as of this post…they have not answered.

Also, the Ellsworth saddle that was supplied with the bike is very comfortable but with inadequate support through the the middle…it squeaks constantly throughout the ride. Not a deal breaker by any means, but it is an annoyance.

And lastly, the Fox F29 blew up during the first ride. There will be more on this later, but it appears the shock was not shipped with enough fork oil. This made the seals dry so the air escaped the chamber and blew the dust seal up the leg. Luckily, I know how to rebuild Fox forks, so after a quick oil change and inspection…the fork is working perfectly.

Ellsworth Evolve – Overview

So…these are my notes on the bike as of this point. I still need to take it up to the Pisgah Forest area in North Carolina with the Industry Nine wheels attached to really get an overall review of the bike. The stiffer wheels should isolate the frame and suspension more than it is now. So far…it is proving to be a very capable and fast cross country rig.

Stay tuned for more updates on this review as it gets wrapped up. As of right now, I am swapping out the wheels and riding more aggressive NC style trails.

Leave a Comment

Related Posts

Copy link
Powered by Social Snap