Evil FollowingvsTransition Spur

Transition calls the Spur an "all-country" bike, and that label fits because it sheds weight with a pivot-less rear end that would make an XC racer nervous while keeping the long, slack geometry of an enduro sled. Evil takes a different path with the Following, building a frame that feels much burlier than its travel numbers suggest, using the Dave Weagle-designed DELTA suspension to mimic the plushness of a much bigger bike. The Following is the choice for the rider who wants a short-travel rig that can survive technical rock gardens without feeling overwhelmed, while the Spur appeals to those who want a trail bike that doesn't feel like a penalty on 40-mile backcountry epics. Because the Spur relies on engineered flex in its seat stays, it behaves like a "speed-generating machine" that rewards an active riding style. In contrast, the Following's DELTA linkage is a complex single-pivot system that focuses on creating a "magic carpet" ride with immense small-bump sensitivity. Where the Spur is feisty and light, the Following is stout and precise, often feeling more at home on "black diamond" terrain than on a groomed race course. Price positioning for both is firmly in the boutique realm, though Transition generally offers better weight-to-dollar ratios for those counting every gram.

Riding the Following feels like cheating on chattery roots and square-edged hits; reviewers describe the suspension as having a "bottomless ramp" that isolates trail noise better than many bikes with 140mm of travel. It is a precise cornerer that rewards intentional line choices, aided by a stiff rear end that "rails corners" and shoots the rider out of berms with noticeable force. The Following's stiff carbon frame and Super Boost spacing mean it doesn't get "pinballed around" in rowdy terrain, though some riders find the front end can feel slightly twitchy at maximum speed due to its 66.6-degree head angle. The Spur has a more "active and poppy" character, using its flex-stays to store kinetic energy and propel the bike forward every time you pump a roller. Its length provides an "on rails" stability that makes the trail feel slower, giving the rider more mental bandwidth to process technical features. However, in high-speed G-outs, the Spur can exhibit frame flex that heavier riders might find unpredictable, whereas the Following's stout chassis remains composed through chunky sections. While the Spur is often compared to a "Jack Russell Terrier" for its feisty nature, the Following delivers a "magic carpet" experience that prioritizes traction and isolation from the ground. Climbing performance highlights a major fork in the road: the Spur is a "traction factory" on technical climbs, but its real advantage is the low mass that makes long-duration efforts feel significantly easier. The Following is a highly capable climber that resists wallowing, but its higher frame weight means it lacks the "zip" of the Spur when you're trying to out-climb your friends. The Spur’s suspension can occasionally get hung up on square-edged ledges where more active systems might stay smoother, but for pure marathon-style efficiency, the Transition is hard to beat.