3rd place-getter at the recent Scott 24 hour solo MTB race near Canberra, Kiwi Thomas Lindup reviews the bike that took him to the podium.

The idea of 29 inch wheels has been around for a while now.  It is only recently that they have caught on and become easier to acquire. Almost all 29’ers are single speed rigid bikes (no gears or suspension).  This is because the bigger wheel suits this style of riding.  However, some company’s have recently put out full suspension geared versions into the market.

I had wanted a new endurance race bike for a while before I settled on the Evolve.  I test rode, read countless reviews and talked to heaps of people.  In the end I decided on a bike that I had not test ridden, read any reviews on or talked to anyone that had even seen one.  And after months of waiting, deliberating over components and more waiting I had word that my new machine was ready.  The delays were mainly due to the fact that Ellsworth was still doing prototype testing when I had ordered it.  When I picked it up my first impression was how surprisingly normal it looked.
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