Liam's Evil The Offering (Bike Check) [Video]

Overview:

Because Liam is one of our main test riders when it comes to new bikes, parts, and riding gear, and being one of the shop’s mechanics, he often builds bikes with new and pre-released parts. Yes, he knows his job is amazing. This time around, the new Evil The Offering was up for a long-term test and fit into the bike specs he likes. Some of the cool products on this particular build include Push Industries suspension, Box Components drivetrain, and WTB tires.  

Evil The Offering:

Evil recently released a new 29er bike that fits right in the middle of their other 29" models, The Following (120mm) and The Wreckoning (161mm). The Offering has 140mm of rear wheel suspension travel driven by Evil’s own DELTA suspension design. As a long time fan of the DELTA linkage system, I was super stoked to get a long term feel of this layout. Other highlights of The Offering are longer reach numbers at 477mm for a size large, a steeper seat tube angle than other Evil bikes at 76 degrees, and a short chainstay length at 430mm.  

Preferred bike setup:

For my personal bike setup, I like a bike that strikes a balance between efficient and ready to send. I prefer something that can handle 3k-6k foot climbing days, but also handle some rough trails on the way down. Decent drops, jumps and chunk will be on the map. Previously some of my favorite bikes that matched up well with my riding preference are the Yeti SB5.5 and a beefed up Transition Smuggler. Normally about 130-140mm ish travel in the rear with a 150mm-160mm fork seems to be the right numbers. Also looking for good geometry numbers since I almost always earn my turns (climbing not shuttling), I prefer a bike with a comfortable climbing position. Along with that, a headtube angle that gets along with steep chunk, 66-65 degrees is my sweet spot. The Offering is looking really good so far!

Push Industries 11.6 Rear Shock:

Push tunes their shocks for every bike and The Offering is no different. Also, Push sent us a few spring weights to dial in what we really wanted for this bike.  

Push Industries ACS3 Coil Conversion Kit:

The 2019 Rockshox lineup makes up some of the best forks I've ever ridden, and to add a coil into that fork with ramp up control just takes it to the top. Small bump compliance without any harsh bottom out is insane!!

Box Components Two Drivetrain:

New to this market, Box Components are coming in HOT! An 11 speed derailleur with an 11-50t range, Box Two gets you up the hills without any issues. The best part: lifetime warranty! No other company can offer that!

WTB Judge Tires / Industry Nine Enduro 305 Wheels:

While the Judge tire from WTB is listed as a rear tire, the tread pattern is very similar to the Maxxis DHR II and that is one my favorite tires to run up front so I thought I would give it a try front and rear! I went with their Tough casing front and rear, with the High Grip compound in the front and Fast Rolling in the rear. There is tons of grip, I’ve had no flats, and the tire tread is wearing good but not too fast! As far as the Industry Nine 305's, by far my favorite wheels. Nothing new with these wheels, just a favorite of mine and the shops.

On all of my bikes I use ODI Elite Pro grips, Yeti Handlebar cut to 740mm width and Fizik Antares saddle.