Comments on: Dueling 29-ers: Ellsworth Evolve & Niner RIP 9

By: Robb Sutton (198)

Robb Sutton (198) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:26:41 +0000

So far, I have found the Evolve to be a very capable cross country rig. It is a fast climber and the bigger wheels really help with smaller obstacles and on the flats. I would consider the Evolve to be on the cross country race side of 29er’s. I don’t think I would put a WB135 or Fox F29 120mm on this bike. It feels perfectly balanced at 100mm.

I am looking forward to reading your feedback.

By: Jason Mitchell

Jason Mitchell — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 04:21:35 +0000

Nice bike quiver between the two of you! Honestly, both bikes are flat-out awesome. I really like them both. Look for more details in a few weeks after I get a few more rides on both.

By: Matt Wood

Matt Wood — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 02:55:44 +0000

I’m looking forward to seeing how these two compare. I recently bought the Evolve while my brother-in-law bought the RIP9. We’re both the same size, so we have plans to try both out, but haven’t been able to meet up for a ride yet. Since I bought the Evolve, I’m sure I’ll be somewhat swayed by that when trying his out.

By: Jason Mitchell

Jason Mitchell — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:29:09 +0000

Since I’ve got the Minute 29er fork, I’m also planning to slap it onto the Evolve to see how it handles with a 120mm fork in place of the 100mm Fox F29 fork. Since you would custom build everything yourself with both bikes, I might as well check all options, right?

By: Jason Mitchell

Jason Mitchell — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:08:26 +0000

Another ride on the Evolve at Lambert Park this morning. At really slow speeds in super-tight, twisty, turny, tree-filled singletrack, I could finally feel a little bit of the 29-er steering flop, but that’s being pretty picky.

Great ride once again. The Ellsworth Evolve is a great bike. Now it’s time to do the same rides again on the Niner RIP 9. More details coming soon.

By: Jason Mitchell

Jason Mitchell — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:32:12 +0000

I just rode the Ellsworth Evolve on Clark’s Trail here in Draper, UT. That bike is a super-efficient climber! I was able to shave nearly 30 seconds off my previous best time.

Coming down, the Evolve was also a heck of a lot of fun as well! Not a super-squish machine, but really fun to whip around corners, hop off drops, etc. Definitely one of the most nimble 29-ers I’ve ridden.