Epocalypse 2024

The Evil Epocalypse 2024 is the Washington-based boutique brand's first eMTB and reads like a Wreckoning with a motor: 170 mm fork travel paired with 166 mm rear, Evil's signature DELTA linkage, Shimano EP801 motor at 85 Nm/600 W peak, and a removable 630 Wh battery. At a claimed 22.9 kg and £7,500 it sits firmly in premium territory and brings the Evil aesthetic and ride character into the electric world. With a 65.3 degree head angle, 442 mm chainstays and four sizes spanning 445–502 mm reach, this is a balanced long-travel enduro rather than a slack DH-leaning sled.

Drive system and range. Shimano EP801 is the engine here, delivering 85 Nm of torque, 600 W peak and a 2.7 kg unit weight. It is one of the smoothest-feeling motors on the market with a long warranty record, though it has been overtaken on headline numbers by the new Bosch CX Gen 5 (120 Nm), Specialized 3.1 (111 Nm) and DJI Avinox (105–150 Nm). Where EP801 still shines is delivery character: progressive, intuitive and tunable via Shimano's E-TUBE app with profile customisation. The 630 Wh battery is removable, but it is on the smaller side for 2024 enduros where 750–800 Wh is increasingly standard. Real-world range on EP801 with 630 Wh typically gives 1,000–1,400 m of climbing per charge.

Geometry and handling. The 65.3 degree head angle is balanced rather than extreme — slacker than mainstream trail bikes but not as aggressive as the 63.5-degree super-enduros from BH or Crestline. Reach progresses cleanly: 445 mm (S), 462 mm (M), 482 mm (L), 502 mm (XL). The 442 mm chainstay is held constant across sizes and is short for a long-travel 29er, only made possible by Evil's DELTA linkage which packages a 29-inch rear wheel without the typical longer-CS compromise. Wheelbase grows 1,210–1,282 mm. The relatively high bottom bracket (around 18 mm drop) gives more pedal clearance for tech climbing but slightly compromises the "in-the-bike" feel some riders prefer.

Build and value. Only the base £7,500 trim is gold-listed, with Evil also offering GX Eagle and X0 Eagle Transmission variants in international markets. Press reviews consistently call out the DELTA suspension as the standout feature: predictable, progressive, with the same hard-charging feel as the analogue Wreckoning. At £7,500 against Cube One77 SLX (£4,499) or Canyon Spectral:ON, the Epocalypse is a brand-cachet purchase rather than a raw value play.

Caveats and known gripes. No curated owner quotes exist on the forum for the Epocalypse specifically, so buyers are working from press reviews and the broader EP801 owner experience rather than long-term ownership reports. The 630 Wh battery is genuinely on the small side: a 750 Wh upgrade would extend big-day range meaningfully, but no extender is officially listed. Evil's UK dealer presence is limited compared with Trek, Specialized, Canyon or Cube, so warranty turnaround and spares should be checked. The high-ish bottom bracket and EP801 motor (vs newer 120 Nm units) date this bike against 2026 rivals on paper. The single trim at £7,500 leaves little room for buyers wanting a lower entry point.

Verdict. The Evil Epocalypse is the answer for riders who already love Evil's analogue ride character and want it in eMTB form: the DELTA suspension, balanced geometry and 442 mm chainstays deliver a uniquely playful long-travel feel. It will suit experienced riders coming from a Wreckoning, Offering or Insurgent who value brand identity and ride feel over headline motor numbers or pure value. Buyers who want a 750–800 Wh removable battery, the latest 120 Nm Bosch CX Gen 5 power, or maximum spec-per-pound should look at Cube One77, Canyon Torque:ON, or Centurion No Pogo. Production status: current.