Evil Wreckoning X1 | 29er Test Teaser | MBR

Evil Wreckoning X1 €5,999.99

Evil isn’t like other brands. It doesn’t follow specific model years; it doesn’t make road bikes or kids bikes; hell, it doesn’t even write the model names on its frames – which is confusing to say the least, given that its full-suspension bikes are all based on the same Delta System suspension design and all share a very similar profile.

With such disregard for convention, it should come as no surprise then that the longest travel bike in the Evil fleet is actually a 29er. With 161mm of travel, the Wreckoning is second only to the Specialized Enduro in terms of suspension firepower, but it has another weapon up its sleeve: asymmetric mounts on the carbon swingarm let you push the head angle and BB height of the Wreckoning well beyond current norms. In the lowest setting the head angle measure a slack 65.4 degrees and the BB drops to a ground scraping 334?mm.

Changing the geometry isn’t as straightforward as on the Trek, but thankfully the four bolts that attach the asymmetric mounts to the swingarm and Dog Bone are all the same size, so you can’t screw it up. The links are also marked Low and X-Low, so there’s no confusion over which geometry setting you’re in.

And if you can’t find your preferred geometry with the flip chips, the oversized head tube on the Wreckoning will swallow an angle adjustable head set so you can mix and match you’re preferred BB height and head angle.

Suspension
Set up on the Evil couldn’t be easier. A small sag indicator on the Delta System linkage makes dialling in the sag a breeze, while the three-position compression lever on the RockShox Monarch RC3 shock means your head won’t spin out trying to find the optimum damping settings. It’s very much set and forget, and a totally different approach to the four-way adjustable Fox Float X2 on the Trek.

Keeping it RockShox up front is the 160mm travel Lyrik RCT3. And while it’s not quite as compose as the Fox on high-speed square-edge hits, it transmits less force to into you hands than the Ohlins fork on the Enduro. It’s greatest strength though is that it’s super easy to get a good set-up.

Components
With a SRAM X1 drivetrain, the Wreckoning can’t compete with the Specialized or Trek in terms of available gear range, but there are other aspects of the build kit that are streets ahead.
Take for example the 170mm drop RockShox Reverb on the L and XL frame sizes. Yes, the seat angle on the Evil is so slack that to get the WTB Volt saddle level, the head of the post is right at the end range of angle adjustment and there’s no avoiding the nose of the saddle pointing up slightly when you drop the geometry into the X-low setting. Fortunately, the profile of the saddle helps clock your pelvis forward so you never feel like you’re hanging off the back of the bike. In the X-low geometry setting the Race Face Chester handlebar feels a little too high, so it’s the only component we’d even consider changing.

Performance
When it comes to riding fast, confidence is everything, and no 29er we’ve ridden has instilled us with more confidence than the Evil Wreckoning. Blast down into a pile of rocks and the Evil shoots you out faster than it entered. It’s no monster tuck though, as it’s equally adept at slicing through corners and you can pump terrain to build speed when the risk of pedal strikes are simply too high with the ultra low BB.
Its extra weight, and the limited 1x11 gear range of the X1 drivetrain, will make you work harder on the climbs for sure, but don’t sweat it as the payoff is huge.
Our only gripe is that clearance on the swing arm is limited, so you’d be lucky to squeeze a 2.5in tyre in the back let alone consider going Plus. This lack of clearance, combined with the integrated chain guide makes the Evil something of a mud magnet.

Verdict
The Evil Wreckoning isn’t the best specced bike in this test. It could also be argued that its uni-directional carbon frame doesn’t have the same level of damping as the woven fabric used on the Trek or Specialized. It’s not Plus compatible either and it’s certainly not the best value.
But how do you put a price on confidence? Not only is the Wreckoning easy to set up, it’s easy to ride and the geometry and attitude will instantly seduce you. In a crowed market were everything is pretty much the same, the Evil Wreckoning has managed to standout. And not simply because of the funky colours.

Rating 9 (test winner)

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