Choosing a mountain bike can feel like decoding a spec sheet written for someone else. Travel numbers, wheel sizes, and model names pile up, and it is easy to lose sight of the basic question: what kind of riding do you actually want to do? Evil Bikes is worth a closer look because its lineup is organized around that question. The Bellingham, Washington company describes itself as rider owned, designed, and operated, and its catalog covers trail, gravity, electric, gravel, and dirt-jump bikes, along with apparel, accessories, parts, and a collaboration with 686.
This overview is based on the brand’s published information. It is meant to help you understand what Evil Bikes offers, who the bikes and gear are for, and what to check before you buy.
What Evil Bikes Is and Who It’s For
Evil Bikes is a bike brand with a strong mountain bike focus. Its stated identity is simple: rider owned, designed, and operated in Bellingham, WA. That matters to shoppers who prefer a brand built around riders rather than a broad catalog of general-purpose bikes. The site is organized into clear riding categories, which makes it easier to start with terrain and riding style instead of starting with a model name.
The brand is aimed at riders who want a bike matched to a specific kind of riding. Trail riders can look at shorter-travel models, gravity riders can look at longer-travel models, and riders curious about pedal-assist can look at the electric category. There is also a gravel bike and a dirt-jump bike, so the range is not limited to one discipline.
Evil Bikes is probably not the first stop for someone who wants a simple commuter, a kids’ bike, or a single do-everything model. The lineup asks you to choose a category and then choose the model within it. That is not a drawback for riders who know their terrain. It is a useful filter for shoppers who want a bike built around a particular style of riding rather than a compromise.
The gear side is relevant too. Evil sells apparel, accessories, parts, and an outlet section. For readers who already ride an Evil bike, the parts and apparel sections are a natural place to check for brand-specific items. For readers who are still deciding, the gear is a lower-commitment way to engage with the brand before buying a complete bike.
A Quick Tour of the Bike Lineup
Evil Bikes groups its bikes into trail, gravity, electric, gravel, and dirt jump. The model names and travel figures published on the site give a useful starting point.
Trail
The trail collection lists the Following LS 29″ with 120mm of travel, the Following – SID Ultimate 29″ with 120mm, and the Offering 29″ with 151mm. The two Following models sit at the shorter-travel end of the range. The Offering has more travel and also appears in the gravity collection, which suggests it is intended as a crossover option for riders who want more capability without moving all the way to the longest-travel bikes.
Gravity
The gravity collection lists the Offering 29″ at 151mm, the Wreckoning LS 29″ at 166mm, and the Insurgent LS MX 29″/27.5″ at 168mm. The Wreckoning and Insurgent are the longer-travel models in the lineup. The Insurgent’s MX label refers to a mixed-wheel setup, with a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel listed in the model description. Mixed-wheel bikes are a popular option for riders who want front-wheel rollover and a rear wheel that may feel more agile, but the right choice still depends on terrain and personal preference.
Electric
The electric category lists the Epocalypse 29″ with 166mm of travel. This is the pedal-assist option in the lineup. Shoppers considering an e-bike should think beyond the bike itself: local trail access rules, charging logistics, and battery care all matter. Those details vary by location, so check local regulations and the product page before committing.
Gravel and Dirt Jump
The gravel category lists the Chamois Hagar 700 x 50C. That 700 x 50C figure points to a wide-tire gravel setup, which is a useful clue for riders who expect mixed surfaces rather than smooth pavement. The dirt-jump category lists the Faction II 26″, a 26-inch model aimed at jump and park riding. These two categories show that Evil is not only a mountain bike brand, even though mountain bikes are the core of the catalog.
A quick note on travel: the millimeter figure refers to suspension travel, and more travel generally means a bike set up for rougher, faster, or more descending-focused terrain, while less travel generally favors efficiency and a more direct feel. That is general category knowledge, not a claim about any specific model’s ride quality. The best way to understand the difference is to compare the categories and, when possible, use a demo.
Gear, Apparel, and Parts Worth Browsing
Evil’s gear section is organized into apparel and accessories, with additional sections for parts, outlet items, and the 686 x Evil collaboration.
The apparel section includes tees and hoodies, shorts and pants, and a shop-all view. For riders, shorts and pants are the most functional part of that list, while tees and hoodies are casual brand gear. Fit matters more than graphics here: riding shorts and pants need to allow movement on and off the bike, and casual items should match the size you normally wear. Check the size chart on each product page rather than assuming a fit from a model name.
The accessories section includes headwear, socks, and equipment. These are small items, but they are often the easiest way to refresh a riding kit or replace something worn out. The 686 x Evil collection is a collaboration section, so it is worth a look if you want coordinated gear rather than standard branded apparel.
The parts section is useful for riders maintaining an existing bike. Availability can change, so confirm compatibility before ordering. The outlet is another section to watch for value, but outlet inventory is usually unpredictable. If you see something that fits your bike or your riding, check the details on the product page rather than assuming it will stay in stock.
How to Choose the Right Evil Bike
Start with terrain, not model names. If most of your riding is smoother trail with plenty of climbing, the 120mm Following models are the natural first look. If you want a bike that can handle rougher descents while still pedaling, the 151mm Offering is the crossover option to compare. If your priority is descending capability and rough terrain, the 166mm Wreckoning and 168mm Insurgent are the gravity-focused choices. The Epocalypse adds pedal assist to a 166mm platform, while the Chamois Hagar and Faction II serve gravel and dirt-jump riders.
Wheel size is the next filter. The lineup includes 29-inch models, one mixed-wheel MX model, a 26-inch dirt-jump model, and a 700 x 50C gravel model. Do not treat wheel size as a ranking. Treat it as a fit question: what terrain do you ride, how tall are you, and what feel do you prefer? A demo is the best way to answer that, and Evil lists a demo section and an events calendar on its site.
Fit and sizing deserve as much attention as travel. Check the published size guidance for each model, and contact the brand if you are between sizes or unsure about reach and standover. A bike that fits well is more valuable than a bike with one more millimeter of travel.
Budget is the last filter, not the first. Evil’s catalog spans several bike types, and the outlet and parts sections may offer different entry points. Confirm current pricing and availability on the product pages, and factor in the cost of pedals, shoes, protective gear, and any fit adjustments you may need.
Buying Notes for U.S. Riders
For U.S. shoppers, the practical checklist is familiar but important. Confirm shipping details, return windows, warranty terms, and assembly requirements on the product page before ordering. Bike shipping can involve a delivery appointment or a signature requirement, so plan for someone to be available. If you are buying an e-bike, ask about battery shipping and local disposal or recycling guidance. These are general reminders, not brand-specific policies.
If you plan to demo an Evil, check the events calendar and demo page for current availability. Demo slots can be limited, and events may require advance registration. For apparel and accessories, check the size chart and the return policy for clothing before you remove tags. For parts, confirm compatibility with your frame, drivetrain, and wheel standards.
FAQ
Is Evil Bikes an American brand?
Evil Bikes describes itself as rider owned, designed, and operated in Bellingham, WA. That is the brand’s published location and operating description.
What kinds of bikes does Evil Bikes make?
The site lists trail, gravity, electric, gravel, and dirt-jump categories. The models include the Following, Offering, Wreckoning, Insurgent, Epocalypse, Chamois Hagar, and Faction II.
Can I try an Evil bike before buying?
Evil has a demo section and an events calendar on its site. Availability depends on location and schedule, so check the current demo listings and event details.
Does Evil Bikes sell apparel and parts?
Yes. The site includes apparel, accessories, parts, outlet items, and a 686 x Evil collaboration. Product pages are the best place to confirm sizing, compatibility, pricing, and availability.
Where to Start
Pick the category that matches the riding you do most, then compare the travel and wheel options within that category. If you are between two models, use the demo and events pages to see whether you can try before you buy. If you already ride an Evil, browse the parts and apparel sections for maintenance items and kit refresh.
Visit Evil Bikes to compare the current bike lineup, check demo availability, and confirm the details that matter for your purchase.