Tried a few geometry changes on mine and settled on lowest BB with the steepest steering. In this configuration the bike is an absolute flow trial whip! HT is still plenty slack at 65, and the lowest setting rails the turns. I parked my Ripley, this evo is something else
@@dustinbjohnson I just had fanatik build me an s5 evo blacked out with the sworks frame ride wrapped, float x performance elite, 21’ lyric ultimate, GX AXS drive train, took the saved cash and got WAO unions with i9 1/1s, saved a lot and imo much better for Marquette/copper harbor MI. I have a built up 21’ epic evo for a short travel and a studded fat bike and love them all. The ripley is sick and I wanna try evils but I’m all set buying for a while 😂
I can definitely see why you went back to the following with those trails. Definitely a great bike for the trail system you are riding. SJ Evo seems like a great bike, awesome review.
Upgraded my 2021 Stumpy Evo's shock from a DPX2 to a RX-tune Float X and it has made a world of difference. Feels so much more plush, and yet bobs less. That said, have been riding the Following (with a -1deg angleset on) more frequently lately, as it's better suited for my local trails. It's quite ridiculous how well the Following pedals for how plush it feels.
Oh hell yah! The following is my favorite bike of all time hands down! I haven’t tried at -1 but been running mine at 140 on the fork and man it’s so fun!
@@dustinbjohnson Was curious to try out bringing the fork up +10 to 140mm, but a little concerned that it might be taking it too far (combined with the -1 HTA) and slow the steering down too much. But recently took a token out of the Pike and super happy with how it feels now, so no longer feeling the need to increase the fork's travel (130mm, 1 token, 64PSI - weighing about 150lbs kitted). The -1 deg angleset makes the bike feel suuper nice. Knowing how much you enjoy tinkering, I think it's worth giving it a try!
Secret to the Fox grip 2 forks is to open up the high speed compression and rebound all the way out and in one to 2 clicks I’ve found it’s the same with the X2 shock
I love my 2021 evo comp. It rode amazing in Anchorage Alaska. The only thing I notice down here in New Mexico is with the big chunky rocks I pedal strike a lot on the climbs. This can probably be fixed with practice on line choice and carrying more speed.
Thanks for the review! I’m on an SB130 right now and thinking about pulling the trigger on one of these. It sounds like it would work really well for me.
@@dustinbjohnson it’s weird to think that an S-Works Evo is “cheap”, but the Yeti prices have gotten out of control. I definitely want that SWAT box, and I don’t think I’ll miss the Switch Infinity link. This could be an expensive week for me! :)
Great video! If you get a chance to try out the regular stumpy you should give it a shot. I've got an S-Works S5 with a Pike and DHRII coming in at 28lbs and I've been loving it.
Nice review and build Justin! I built the Sworks Stumpy Evo s1 for my wife last year with RS Lyrik Ultimate and RS Deluxe shock. GX AXS drivetrain, Enve wheels and cockpit at 29.2 lbs. If it had the same suspension as the one you built, it would definitely be in the 31 lbs range or more because my wife is running GX cassette with custom aluminum cranks (short adjustable but heavy cranks). I have the 2019 Stumpy 27.5 LT with Lyriks Ultimate 160 (weighs in at 27.4 lbs on Enve wheels). HA at 64.5° per my digital angle guage. Couple of years ago, I ran 29x2.3 with Pike 140 fork on that Stumpy and I never felt it like an XC bike but I know what you mean, because the Stumpy 29 LT has a HA of 66.5° with Pike. I think the Epic Evo now has 67° HA. *edit: Never mind. I just checked, the Epic Evo also has 66.5°.
Awesome review, thanks for sharing. I’m getting the 2020 Troy Lee Designs 29r in a couple weeks time. I think this video just solidified my decision a bit more.
Another great review and timely too. I’m struggling with deciding which 150 mm travel bike to marry with my Spur… this SJ Evo or the Sentinel. Love the different geo possibilities with the SJ Evo but I bet your buddy had to drop a large chunk of coin to get it sub 31lbs.
Ya dude. I haven’t rode the sentential. But I hear it’s more Dh oriented then the evo. If I had a spur I’d def go sentential. If I only had one bike I’d go evo! She wasn’t cheap.. think we were right around 11-12k 😬😬
I mostly ride around town but there is some local trails 5 miles away. I would be coming from a old school hardtail stumpjumper. Would I hate it and miss my old bike if I made this my daily ? Is it really a big deal? I liked and subscribed…
I mean it definitely wouldn’t be my first choice for commuting and riding around town but you could definitely do it! But on the trail this bike kicks butt!
Hi Dustin, You said it pedals better than the offering off the saddle but how does it compare to the offering while sitting down and pedaling up long climbs? I have demo'd the Stumpjumper (loved it!) and not the offering (only rode it in the parking lot of the shop but had a great first impression) but I am trying to find out more about the offering's characteristics. Thanks!
Good question. Keep in mind only have one ride on the Evo and had about 400-500 on the offering. Offering is a great climber in terms of body position and traction. It’s just not the fastest feeling. It climbs at a good pace but just not going to get you to the top the fastest. The evo feels like a bit lighter easier to pedal in the saddle. And more rewarding when really putting the power down
Hey man, where did you hear that the following V4 may be dropping in July? I’m about to pull the trigger and I’m gonna be so but hurt if the V4 drops in a few weeks
I've owned tons of bikes (evil, pivot, GG, ibis intense, etc.) And demo'd tons of others (yeti, SC, etc) and my evo has been the best quiver killer. I had a Ripley af and a following mb with a push coil but I kept bottoming those out. I didn't want another LT Enduro bike as I want my bikes to pedal well, feel lively and have great cornering. My evo has been the best all around bike I've ridden. I wouldn't mind trying the newer insurgent mx, mach6 and patrol
@@sisufitness659 good question. If Push has a shock for it on their website for the stumpy. I’m sure it will be killer! They know what they’re doing for sure! 🍻
Sick vid as usual. Talking about how the evo is a more “rewarding” pedaler than the Offering - do you think the Following with the shorter travel is more rewarding pedaler than the evo?
@@michaelauffant both are great in terms of body position. But I’d say the evo is more rewarding when hammering the pedals. Offering can become a bit tiresome on longer days .
Hi Dustin, Great great video. Big Q, I live in Michigan (flatlands) and looking at stumpy evo. I'm currently on a spectral M 27.5 160/150, I'm 5 9. Not afraid of the travel but maybe it will not pedal as good as the spectral. That's my biggest fear. I could go regular stumpy but my style of riding is definitely more EVO. Am I wrong on choosing the evo over the regular stumpy? It is my only bike. It will be the expert model. Also, I tried the S3 and I will try the S4. I noticed on the S3 the handle bars is really close to my legs and which it doesn't happen on the spectral, is this common with slack bikes with steep seat tubes? Anyways... I know it is long shot to have expert advice from you but I'm shooting my shot.
I’ve never rode a canyon spectral so can’t give any feedback there… but i personally would choose the evo over the standard stumpy. It’s super light for how much travel it has. And it pedals uphill exceptionally well. The regular stumpy has flex stays which scares me personally. It will pedal better but be harsher going down. Plus just never liked the idea of flex stays on a mountain bike. But that’s just me
Are you running that as a mullet? I just bought a 2022 s works evo because the 2023 came stock as a mullet and I’m not sure if I’ll like the mullet or not
@@dustinbjohnson Good to know. Long story short I have a new evo frame with an x2 out back. Still running the lyrik out front. Really like the x2 though
Tried a few geometry changes on mine and settled on lowest BB with the steepest steering. In this configuration the bike is an absolute flow trial whip! HT is still plenty slack at 65, and the lowest setting rails the turns. I parked my Ripley, this evo is something else
That says a lot that you parked the Ripley for the evo! I’ve never rode an ibis but hear good things
@@dustinbjohnson I just had fanatik build me an s5 evo blacked out with the sworks frame ride wrapped, float x performance elite, 21’ lyric ultimate, GX AXS drive train, took the saved cash and got WAO unions with i9 1/1s, saved a lot and imo much better for Marquette/copper harbor MI. I have a built up 21’ epic evo for a short travel and a studded fat bike and love them all. The ripley is sick and I wanna try evils but I’m all set buying for a while 😂
I can definitely see why you went back to the following with those trails. Definitely a great bike for the trail system you are riding. SJ Evo seems like a great bike, awesome review.
Yah man. Following is just a killer for the trails I ride ! 🍻
Upgraded my 2021 Stumpy Evo's shock from a DPX2 to a RX-tune Float X and it has made a world of difference. Feels so much more plush, and yet bobs less. That said, have been riding the Following (with a -1deg angleset on) more frequently lately, as it's better suited for my local trails. It's quite ridiculous how well the Following pedals for how plush it feels.
Oh hell yah! The following is my favorite bike of all time hands down! I haven’t tried at -1 but been running mine at 140 on the fork and man it’s so fun!
@@dustinbjohnson Was curious to try out bringing the fork up +10 to 140mm, but a little concerned that it might be taking it too far (combined with the -1 HTA) and slow the steering down too much. But recently took a token out of the Pike and super happy with how it feels now, so no longer feeling the need to increase the fork's travel (130mm, 1 token, 64PSI - weighing about 150lbs kitted). The -1 deg angleset makes the bike feel suuper nice. Knowing how much you enjoy tinkering, I think it's worth giving it a try!
Great review, earned a subscriber
Thank you!! 🙏 much appreciated 🍻
Love my stunt jumper evo comp. Great for a one bike to do it all.
It really is the complete package!! 🍻
Nice video man. Great comments along the trail. More reviews should review like this.
Thank you! I really appreciate that man! 🍻🍻
Secret to the Fox grip 2 forks is to open up the high speed compression and rebound all the way out and in one to 2 clicks I’ve found it’s the same with the X2 shock
I’ll have to try that next time I’m on one. I can never get the 36 to feel good. But that float X is amazing!
I love my 2021 evo comp. It rode amazing in Anchorage Alaska. The only thing I notice down here in New Mexico is with the big chunky rocks I pedal strike a lot on the climbs. This can probably be fixed with practice on line choice and carrying more speed.
Also try 170 cranks if you aren’t already. 👍
Thanks for the review! I’m on an SB130 right now and thinking about pulling the trigger on one of these. It sounds like it would work really well for me.
Thanks dude! Both are killer! I haven’t rode the new sb140 it’s intriguing. You can not go wrong with the Stumpy!!!
@@dustinbjohnson it’s weird to think that an S-Works Evo is “cheap”, but the Yeti prices have gotten out of control. I definitely want that SWAT box, and I don’t think I’ll miss the Switch Infinity link. This could be an expensive week for me! :)
Great video! If you get a chance to try out the regular stumpy you should give it a shot. I've got an S-Works S5 with a Pike and DHRII coming in at 28lbs and I've been loving it.
Hell yah! I bet that bike rips!!
Nice review and build Justin! I built the Sworks Stumpy Evo s1 for my wife last year with RS Lyrik Ultimate and RS Deluxe shock. GX AXS drivetrain, Enve wheels and cockpit at 29.2 lbs. If it had the same suspension as the one you built, it would definitely be in the 31 lbs range or more because my wife is running GX cassette with custom aluminum cranks (short adjustable but heavy cranks).
I have the 2019 Stumpy 27.5 LT with Lyriks Ultimate 160 (weighs in at 27.4 lbs on Enve wheels). HA at 64.5° per my digital angle guage. Couple of years ago, I ran 29x2.3 with Pike 140 fork on that Stumpy and I never felt it like an XC bike but I know what you mean, because the Stumpy 29 LT has a HA of 66.5° with Pike. I think the Epic Evo now has 67° HA.
*edit: Never mind. I just checked, the Epic Evo also has 66.5°.
Thanks dude! Ya 29.2 is crazy light for that bike! Nice work 🍻
Great job Dustin!
Thanks Patrick! Always appreciate 🙏
Awesome review, thanks for sharing. I’m getting the 2020 Troy Lee Designs 29r in a couple weeks time. I think this video just solidified my decision a bit more.
Awesome!! 🍻🍻
Another great review and timely too. I’m struggling with deciding which 150 mm travel bike to marry with my Spur… this SJ Evo or the Sentinel. Love the different geo possibilities with the SJ Evo but I bet your buddy had to drop a large chunk of coin to get it sub 31lbs.
Ya dude. I haven’t rode the sentential. But I hear it’s more Dh oriented then the evo. If I had a spur I’d def go sentential. If I only had one bike I’d go evo!
She wasn’t cheap.. think we were right around 11-12k 😬😬
Pivot Switchblade
@@titiand I need to find one
Great review im considering the evo or hightower ,you gave me the info ive been looking for. Cheers
Thanks Darren! 🍻🍻
What bike do you choose in the end ?
Solid review
Thanks JJ 🍻
I mostly ride around town but there is some local trails 5 miles away. I would be coming from a old school hardtail stumpjumper. Would I hate it and miss my old bike if I made this my daily ? Is it really a big deal? I liked and subscribed…
I mean it definitely wouldn’t be my first choice for commuting and riding around town but you could definitely do it! But on the trail this bike kicks butt!
Hi Dustin, You said it pedals better than the offering off the saddle but how does it compare to the offering while sitting down and pedaling up long climbs? I have demo'd the Stumpjumper (loved it!) and not the offering (only rode it in the parking lot of the shop but had a great first impression) but I am trying to find out more about the offering's characteristics. Thanks!
Good question. Keep in mind only have one ride on the Evo and had about 400-500 on the offering. Offering is a great climber in terms of body position and traction. It’s just not the fastest feeling. It climbs at a good pace but just not going to get you to the top the fastest. The evo feels like a bit lighter easier to pedal in the saddle. And more rewarding when really putting the power down
@@dustinbjohnson Excellent, thanks for that and great job with the videos!
Nice review! If you had to pick one as a one bike quiver sb130LR or stumpy evo?
Stumpy evo ☑️
Nice review... and made The Rock look too easy
Thanks Geoff! Man that bike made the rock feel easy! Haha 🍻
Hey man, where did you hear that the following V4 may be dropping in July? I’m about to pull the trigger and I’m gonna be so but hurt if the V4 drops in a few weeks
It’s nothing solid. Was just heard from a guy who knows a guy type of thing. I’d honestly be surprised if we see a new following anytime soon.
I've owned tons of bikes (evil, pivot, GG, ibis intense, etc.) And demo'd tons of others (yeti, SC, etc) and my evo has been the best quiver killer. I had a Ripley af and a following mb with a push coil but I kept bottoming those out. I didn't want another LT Enduro bike as I want my bikes to pedal well, feel lively and have great cornering. My evo has been the best all around bike I've ridden. I wouldn't mind trying the newer insurgent mx, mach6 and patrol
That’s good to know! I’m glad we had the same opinion. I may end up on an evo in the future!
How did you like the push. I’m tempted to put one on my Evo 🙂 Dustin how do you think the stumpy would be with a push?
@@sisufitness659 good question. If Push has a shock for it on their website for the stumpy. I’m sure it will be killer! They know what they’re doing for sure! 🍻
@@dustinbjohnson thanks brother! How did you find the bottom out control with the push vs the air that’s one of my big concerns?
@@sisufitness659 I don’t think I’ve ever hit the bottom on my push. If I did , I didn’t feel it. That hydraulic bottom out control is amazing
Sick vid as usual. Talking about how the evo is a more “rewarding” pedaler than the Offering - do you think the Following with the shorter travel is more rewarding pedaler than the evo?
Thanks dude! Ya the following is definitely more rewarding pedaling mostly due to the 120 travel.
@@dustinbjohnson How does the Evo compare to the Offering pedaling while sitting on long climbs?
@@michaelauffant both are great in terms of body position. But I’d say the evo is more rewarding when hammering the pedals. Offering can become a bit tiresome on longer days .
Hi Dustin,
Great great video.
Big Q, I live in Michigan (flatlands) and looking at stumpy evo. I'm currently on a spectral M 27.5 160/150, I'm 5 9.
Not afraid of the travel but maybe it will not pedal as good as the spectral. That's my biggest fear.
I could go regular stumpy but my style of riding is definitely more EVO.
Am I wrong on choosing the evo over the regular stumpy? It is my only bike. It will be the expert model.
Also, I tried the S3 and I will try the S4. I noticed on the S3 the handle bars is really close to my legs and which it doesn't happen on the spectral, is this common with slack bikes with steep seat tubes?
Anyways... I know it is long shot to have expert advice from you but I'm shooting my shot.
I’ve never rode a canyon spectral so can’t give any feedback there… but i personally would choose the evo over the standard stumpy. It’s super light for how much travel it has. And it pedals uphill exceptionally well. The regular stumpy has flex stays which scares me personally. It will pedal better but be harsher going down. Plus just never liked the idea of flex stays on a mountain bike. But that’s just me
Thats a pretty primo build, I bet he's stoked. The carbon looks really fantastic. Is this the one they did away with the 4 bar horst linkage?
I believe this is still a 4 bar . I think the shorter travel one they ditched the Horst link for flex stays
The normal SJ has the flex stays and no 4 bar. The SJ Evo (this one) has the 4 bar horst still
do you think it pedals better than Hightower V2 based on complete bike weight, or kinematic? or maybe a combo of both? thank you
That’s a good question. Kinematic if I had to guess. They were about the same weight. Stumpy was slightly lighter though.
Are you running that as a mullet? I just bought a 2022 s works evo because the 2023 came stock as a mullet and I’m not sure if I’ll like the mullet or not
29s front and rear. I’m too OCD for 2 different wheel sizes. Haha
waht better for you this or trek slash?
I’ve never rode a trek slash
@@dustinbjohnson please do if you can, I am preciate your opinion
I would love to hear your feelings on the new factory 36. I’ve been stuck on rockshox for a while.
Hopefully I’ll get to try one at some point. But until then it’s Lyrik for me 👌
@@dustinbjohnson Good to know. Long story short I have a new evo frame with an x2 out back. Still running the lyrik out front. Really like the x2 though
That’s the right bike 😁
🙌🙌