Epocalypse X0

The Evil Epocalypse is the brand’s first full-power e-mountain bike, and it has stayed focused on a very specific brief since its 2023 launch: deliver Evil’s distinctive DELTA-link ride feel in a 166 mm-travel, dual-29er e-enduro platform rather than chasing maximum battery size or race-bike geometry trends. The full-carbon frame uses a one-piece rear triangle, split-yoke packaging, SuperBoost+ 157 spacing, and a Shimano EP8/EP801 drive layout with an integrated 630 Wh battery. Key chassis details such as the 442 mm chainstays, SRAM UDH, 200 mm post-mount brake standard, and flip-chip geometry show that Evil prioritized compact handling and aggressive descending capability while keeping the bike practical for hard use and current drivetrain standards.

What makes the Epocalypse distinctive is that it does not ride like a generic long-travel e-bike built around sheer mass and straight-line stability. Its DELTA suspension layout and relatively short rear end aim to preserve a more playful, poppy character than is typical in the full-power category, even with a 29-inch wheel format and substantial travel. In the market, it sits firmly in the premium boutique e-enduro segment: a high-cost, high-performance chassis for riders who want bike-park strength, technical descending traction, and a livelier handling balance than many heavier, longer, more planted competitors.

$9,999EPCA04-E-S-X0
Evil Epocalypse X0
Build
Size

Inventory

Stack643mm
Reach482mm
Top tube635mm
Headtube length127mm
Standover height719mm
Seat tube length460mm

Fit and geometry

The Epocalypse’s geometry points to a bike that favors a compact, centered riding position over maximum wheelbase-led stability. In size L, the bike combines a 482 mm reach with a 643 mm stack, a 65.3-degree head tube angle, a 77-degree seat tube angle, 442 mm chainstays, and a 1257 mm wheelbase. That is a relatively tall-fronted package for an aggressive e-enduro, and compared with some longer, lower competitors it helps create the more upright, "moto" body position reviewers described. The short 442 mm rear center is especially notable on a full-power 29er with 166 mm of rear travel, and it is a major reason the bike is repeatedly described as easier to manual, corner, and change lines on than many e-bikes in this category.

On trail, those numbers suggest quick direction changes and a more playful feel than the travel figure alone would imply. The 65.3-degree head angle is slack enough for steep descending without pushing the steering into a lethargic zone, while the moderate wheelbase keeps the bike from feeling like a pure straight-line race sled. The tradeoff is predictable: the same compact fit and high front end that make it comfortable and confidence-inspiring in tighter terrain can limit ultimate high-speed composure, particularly for riders who prefer a lower, longer cockpit. The 77-degree seat angle is reasonably steep on paper, but combined with the short rear end it still leaves the bike more sensitive to rider weighting on very steep climbs than some longer, steeper-seated e-enduro rivals.

Full specs

Frameset

Frame

Epocalypse 166mm of travel, UD carbon, Full internal cable routing, SB+ 157mm rear spacing

Fork

Rockshox ZEB Ultimate, 29", Charger 3.1 RC2 w/ Buttercups, 170mm Travel, 44mm Offset

Rear shock

Rockshox Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate, Trunnion 205x65, ML 320

Groupset

Shift levers

SRAM AXS Controller, Right

Rear derailleur

SRAM X0 Eagle AXS, 12spd

Cassette

SRAM XG-1295 Eagle, 10-52T, 10,12,14,16,18,21,24,28,32,36,42,52

Chain

SRAM X0 Eagle w/Powerlock

Crankset

Shimano FC-EM600, 160mm

Bottom bracket

null

Front brake

SRAM Maven Silver

Rear brake

SRAM Maven Silver

Front rotor

Galfer “Wave” 6 bolt OEM rotor, 223mm x 2.00mm

Rear rotor

Galfer “Wave” 6 bolt OEM rotor, 203mmx2.00mm w/ MG003 magnet fitted

Wheelset

Front wheel

Industry Nine DH S Hydra2 29, Internal rim width: 30.5mm, Hub Width 110x15mm (unless upgrade is selected)

Rear wheel

Industry Nine DH S Hydra2 29, Internal rim width: 30.5mm, Hub Width: 157x12mm (unless upgrade is selected)

Front tire

Maxxis Assegai EXO+ TR, 29x2.5 WT

Rear tire

Maxxis Dissector 3T EXO+ TR 29x2.4 WT

Cockpit

Stem

Evil 12 Gauge, Clamp: 35mm, Length: 45mm

Handlebars

Evil Energy Bar, UD Carbon, Rise: 35mm, Clamp 35mm, Width: L/XL - 810mm, S/M - 780mm, Backsweep: 8, Upsweep: 5

Saddle

WTB Volt Medium, Width: 142mm, Chromoly Saddle

Seatpost

Bike Yoke Revive, S:125mm, M: 160mm, L:185m XL: 213mm

Grips

Evil Palmela Handerson lock-on

Builds

The current range is straightforward, with two complete builds: the Eagle 90 at $8,699 and the X0 at $9,999. That keeps the spread relatively tight and suggests Evil is selling the same premium carbon chassis with two component-level entry points rather than offering a broad ladder from budget to halo. Both builds are anchored by the same core frame platform, Shimano full-power system, and long-travel 29er layout, so the buying decision is primarily about drivetrain and finishing-level upgrades rather than fundamentally different ride intent.

At these prices, the Epocalypse still sits in the premium end of the e-enduro market, but the lower-priced Eagle 90 gives the platform a more attainable starting point than the original launch-era single-build pricing around $12,000. The X0 build is the more upscale option for riders who want a higher-tier transmission package out of the box, while the Eagle 90 is likely the value pick if the priority is getting Evil’s DELTA-link chassis and core ride quality without paying for the top build. The provided data does not list full component breakdowns for each current build, so a deeper spec-by-spec comparison is limited.

Eagle 90

Eagle 90

$8,699

EPCA04-W-S-90-i9
X0

X0

$9,999

EPCA04-E-S-X0Selected

Reviews

Reviewers were broadly aligned in seeing the Epocalypse as a successful translation of Evil’s non-electric character into a full-power eMTB. Bicycling called it essentially a "Wreckoning with a motor," while multiple outlets praised the Dave Weagle-designed DELTA suspension for combining deep travel with unusual support and pop. BikeRumor noted that the rear end rounds off sharp hits and makes jump landings feel "soft and slow," and Bike-magazin described the bike as feeling almost "infinitely" deep in travel while still remaining notably lively. Across reviews, that combination of traction, mid-stroke support, and maneuverability was the defining strength, especially in technical descending and on slippery roots and rocks.

Handling impressions were positive but more nuanced at the extremes. Reviewers consistently said the Epocalypse is more agile than most full-power e-bikes, helped by its short rear end and compact overall fit. NIC ADV and Bicycling both highlighted its confidence in turns and its surprisingly lively feel for a bike around the mid-50-pound range. At the same time, Bike-magazin argued that the compact frame and high cockpit reduce calmness and precision when speeds get very high on open, rough terrain, making it less of a pure race-style plow bike than some long, low competitors. Climbing performance also split opinion slightly: several testers praised its traction and efficient pedaling, but Bike-magazin found the short rear end and relatively slack effective seat position less convincing on very steep climbs where front-wheel wander becomes more noticeable.

The main criticisms centered on noise, value, and a few practical details. Several reviewers mentioned Shimano EP8 motor rattle, and Bike-magazin specifically called out battery clatter on bigger hits. Some also noted that while the bike’s premium pricing is matched by high-end suspension and boutique touches, the 630 Wh battery is smaller than what some similarly priced rivals offer, and the use of mechanical shifting at this level drew criticism. There were also comments about light EXO-casing tires being undergunned for such a heavy, aggressive e-enduro build, plus reports of occasional creaking from the linkage that may require attentive maintenance.