Let’s cut the crap. There is no “one bike to rule them all”. No magical, wheeled-unicorn that can be all things to all people. Here’s what Evil have created: It’s called the Insurgent and it is fun. The uncontrollable-cackling-while-roost-flies-off-your-back-tire variant of fun. Which is exactly what Evil were aiming for. The Insurgent will get you up that long, technical sufferfest in style with plenty left in the tank to shred a trail slide ways—the kind of trail that everyone else calls a “DH trail”.

“Wait,” you ask. “Isn’t this new bike just an Uprising with 27.5 (a.k.a. “650b”) wheels?”

No. And yes… but better.

Here’s the deal, the Insurgent has the same fearless handling up front and short rear end that makes whipping the bike through corners obscenely fun. But Evil didn’t just slap on slightly bigger wheels to the existing frame. The Insurgent gets many of the frame improvements that debuted on their Following model—most notably a lighter monocoque front triangle and a streamlined version of Dave Weagle’s DELTA suspension system. Evil also gave the Insurgent a sleek, integrated chain guide and design the frame to allow better access to your rear shock, for all those moments when you want to get all fiddly with the thing. While we’re on the subject of fiddling, the Insurgent also sports four different geometry positions that enable you to fine-tune the bike to fit your riding style and location, without adding yet another bike to your quiver.

Why six inches of suspension? Evil could have picked any damn travel they wanted without concern of being pigeonholed as a “trail” or “enduro” bike, but 151 millimeters (that’s euro for “six inches”) simply created the best balance between a fun, lively and responsive bike that can pop of everything and still crush the roughest of rock gardens.

Did they mention the cackling and the roost a-flying? Because, really, that’s the point.