Climbing
Descending
Soak - Suppleness and Bottomlessness of the bike feels unique.

Weight
Fork and Shock lockout is not a 100% lockout.

Started biking back in 1994. Until 2016, I was still riding my old Proflex 957 and loving it. Demo'd The Following and it was a done deal. Right after I bought the bike, I did some demo days at local bike trails. Rode (all 2016 models) a large Bronson, large Pivot 429 Trail, medium Pivot Switchblade (29"), Pivot Mach 6 (AL and Carbon), large Felt Trigger?, and Devinci Django. All of these bikes were specifically set up for my weight at the demo ride. However, to be fair, I wasn't able to really push any of the demo bikes with regards to downhill gnarly. The trails were mostly x-country style riding in and around Seattle Washington in wet or soggy conditions.

I just started riding 29's this year, so my life's experience has been on 26's. Some of the demos were 27.5's and some were 29's. It's been my consistent observation that the 27.5's turn quicker, but the 29's are more efficient and plow better and I have more confidence bombing down stuff. With the 29's, you just have to use more body english and commit sooner on turns.

Compared to all these bikes, TF suspensions seems to have the best combination of soaking big hits and high frequency suppleness. The closest was the Pivot Switchblade. The Pivot 429 and Switchblade climb a touch better, but the 429 had a carbon wheel set (making it feel super light) and I rode the Switchblade with the shock in the "pedal" position. So while the Pivot bikes climbed like mountain goats, neither had the shock performance of TF (which I also ride in the "pedal" position). None of these bikes climbs like my Proflex 957, so I suspect that weight has a big influence on how wellI feel the bike climbs.

If there's any complaint, it's that the tires I got with the build kit--WTB Vigilante 2.3 Tough-- are a bit heavy.

Similar Products Used:

Bronson, Pivot 429 Trail, Pivot Switchblade (29"), Pivot Mach 6 (AL and Carbon), Felt Trigger?, Devinci Django.

Remarkable pedaling performance on the flats and climbing. Then, watch out on the downhills and in the rough. Fastest trail bike I have ridden. Fits my aggressive riding style very well.

Nothing of real importance. Should it have a Boost rear end?

Best bike owned in 15+ years of MTB. Pedals/climbs close to a cross country bike with great handling and amazing speed. So far quite happy with the Rock Shox Monarch Debonair rear shock. Looking forward to experimenting with the rear suspension/head angle settings.

Similar Products Used:

Salsa, Ibis, Turner, BMC

Where to start - had a Ibis Ripley (Great Bike) this one is perfect! Geometry is dialed in on this bike. I have it set up in the high setting - you can change the bottom bracket hight and head angle to be lower and more slack if you are more inclined to downhill riding. It is a very balanced bike in the air, wants to pop off of every little hit. It is a great trail bike with an almost bottomless feel to the rear suspension. It is a great climber but an even better descender. Almost no suspension bob at all. Can't say enough good things about this bike. I have owned a few 29ers and this one is by far the best. I have bested all my times with this bike even though it is a little heavier than my old Ripley.

Can't think of one. I was a little nervous going with EVIL after hearing some of the issues they had in years past with quality control but I have given this bike a good beating with no issues so far. I was not able to demo this bike due to no local dealers in NC. I tried to have my local bike shop order one for me but EVIL would not sell to them. I alway try to support my local shops but was forced to buy mine online. EVIL - if you are listening - support our local shops!

If you are looking for a all around trail / light downhill 29er, this is it! You may be able to get away with a few CC races but it would be best suited for a light ENDURO race. The way this bike handles is amazing! I would put it on par with my Ibis HD3, it is that good - and for being a 29er - I can't think of another bike that handles like this.

Similar Products Used:

Santa Cruz - Tallboy, Ibis Ripley, Niner RIP9 RDO, Yeti SB66, Santa Cruz Bronson-C