Evil FollowingvsYT Izzo

Evil and YT approach the short-travel category from opposite ends of the mountain bike culture spectrum. The Following is the 'punk rock' downcountry pioneer, using its complex DELTA linkage to make 120mm of rear travel feel like it has 140mm of depth. It carries a premium price tag and a cult status that makes the frame feel less like a product and more like a piece of rolling sculpture. YT, by contrast, built a value-driven speed machine that feels like a dream for those with cross-country racing in their blood. The Izzo uses a clean, vertical Horst-link layout to maximize water bottle space and pedaling snap, abandoning the brand's usual gravity-sled reputation for something that 'zips along' fire roads. Both bikes use short chainstays around 430-432mm to keep the rear end agile, but they feel very different when you put power down. The Izzo is a focused, efficient tool designed to 'devour mileage' and win on technical climbs. The Following is much more about the experience of the descent, rewarding riders who like to 'play with the terrain' rather than just survive it. While the YT is a precisely honed Katana, the Evil is a versatile firecracker that can be configured as a lightweight XC rig or a mini-enduro bike depending on how much fork you bolt to the front.

Riding the Following feels like a 'magic carpet ride' through chattery sections. The DELTA suspension is dual-progressive, meaning it provides small-bump compliance that isolates roots better than almost anything else with 120mm of travel. It 'gobbles up fat roots' and rewards anyone who loves to pop off every side hit. The frame is exceptionally stiff, which Awesome MTB noted can feel harsh if you pair it with equally stiff wheels, but that lateral rigidity helps it 'corner like an absolute monster.' You can put the rear end exactly where you want it with minimal effort. The Izzo handles with 'surgical precision' but feels noticeably firmer underfoot. Its high progression rate means it resists bottom-outs on 'hucks-to-flat,' but it can feel skittish over high-frequency root mats where the Following would just 'slurp' up the trail. YT made the Izzo to be 'light on its feet,' and its low center of gravity makes it easy to whip through tight trees. However, the stock Maxxis Forekaster tires are a frequent point of frustration, often 'sacrificing grip for rolling speed' and feeling unpredictable in wet or off-camber sections. Climbing is where the Izzo shines brightest, clawing up ledges like a 'rat up a drainpipe.' Its suspension remains firm and active, ensuring you stay centered and efficient. The Following is no slouch on the ups, but it relies more on its traction and 'zero lag' power delivery than pure, fleet-footed speed. On the descents, the Evil feels 'unflappably poised' and deep, while the Izzo requires a bit more deliberate line choice to avoid getting hung up on square-edged rocks.