The Evil Following LS is a 120mm-travel 29er designed for riders who prioritize agility and momentum over outright descending brawn. Built around a 130mm fork, it occupies the aggressive end of the short-travel trail category. The current chassis traces back to the V3 redesign in 2020, which modernized the frame with a longer reach, a steeper seat tube angle, fully guided internal routing, and 12x157mm SuperBoost rear spacing.
In late 2022, Evil introduced the Lightly Salted (LS) refresh. Rather than an entirely new frame, the LS update focused on serviceability and future-proofing, adding a Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) and captured trunnion shock spacers to simplify maintenance. The result is a refined iteration of Evil’s core trail bike, aimed at riders who want a highly active, pop-heavy platform that covers ground efficiently without muting the trail.
| Stack | 601mm |
| Reach | 454mm |
| Top tube | 613mm |
| Headtube length | 110mm |
| Standover height | 660mm |
| Seat tube length | 432mm |
The Following LS utilizes a geometry package that balances modern trail length with quick handling. Reach measurements span from 434mm on the small to 494mm on the extra-large, providing a roomy but not overly stretched front center. This is paired with a 75.5-degree seat tube angle that keeps the rider centered over the bottom bracket during seated climbs, preventing the front wheel from wandering on steep pitches.
Handling is heavily influenced by the bike's short 432mm chainstays, which remain consistent across all frame sizes. Combined with a moderate 66.4-degree head tube angle, this short rear center allows for rapid direction changes and easy manualing. Reviewers frequently note that the geometry places the rider inside the bike rather than perched on top of it, fostering a secure posture through corners. While the 66.4-degree head angle keeps the steering responsive at lower speeds and on rolling terrain, it requires more deliberate rider input to maintain stability on extremely steep, high-speed descents compared to slacker enduro models.
Frameset
Frame
Following LS, 121mm travel, UD Carbon, full internal cable routing, SB+ 157mm rear spacing integrated chain guide, threaded BB, UDH compatible
Fork
RockShox Pike Ultimate, 29", Charger 3.1 RC2 w/ ButterCups, 130mm travel, 44mm offset
Rear shock
RockShox Deluxe Ultimate RCT DebonAir, Trunnion 165x45
Groupset
Shift levers
SRAM AXS Controller, Right
Rear derailleur
SRAM XX Eagle AXS, 12-speed
Cassette
SRAM XG-1295 Eagle, 12-speed, 10-52T
Chain
SRAM XX SL AXS T-Type Chain
Crankset
SRAM XX Cranks
Bottom bracket
SRAM DUB 73mm BSA
Front brake
SRAM Code RSC
Rear brake
SRAM Code RSC
Front rotor
SRAM HS2, 200mm
Rear rotor
SRAM HS2, 200mm
Wheelset
Front wheel
Industry Nine Enduro S Hydra2 29 (30.5mm internal), 110x15mm
Rear wheel
Industry Nine Enduro S Hydra2 29 (30.5mm internal), 157x12mm
Front tire
Maxxis Forekaster 3C EXO TR, 29x2.4
Rear tire
Maxxis Forekaster 3C EXO TR, 29x2.4
Cockpit
Stem
Evil 12 Gauge Stem, 45mm
Handlebars
Evil Boomstick Carbon Bar, UD Carbon, 35mm rise, 35mm clamp, width: S/M 780mm, L/XL 810mm, 8° backsweep, 5° upsweep
Saddle
WTB Volt Medium, 142mm width, chromoly rails
Seatpost
Bike Yoke Revive dropper (S: 125mm, M: 160mm, L: 185mm, XL: 213mm)
Grips
Evil Palmela Handerson lock-on
Evil offers the Following LS across a focused range of premium builds, all utilizing the same UD carbon frame and RockShox suspension package. Every listed build from the GX tier up to the XX features a 130mm RockShox Pike Ultimate fork and a Deluxe Ultimate rear shock, ensuring top-tier damping performance regardless of the drivetrain level. Braking is similarly consistent, with SRAM Code RSC four-piston brakes and 200mm rotors equipped across the board.
The primary differences between the models lie in the drivetrains and wheelsets. The X0 and XX builds feature SRAM’s wireless AXS Transmission groupsets for precise electronic shifting under load, paired with Industry Nine Enduro S Hydra wheels. The XX build represents the top of the ladder, utilizing the lightest SRAM XX components. The GX and Eagle 90 builds serve as the entry points to the lineup, though they still retain the high-end suspension and braking components of the flagship models. Across all builds, Evil includes a 35mm-clamp cockpit, utilizing their own 45mm stem and either an alloy Race Face bar on the GX or a carbon Evil Boomstick bar on the higher tiers.
Reviewers characterize the Following LS as a highly active trail bike that rewards an engaged riding style. The Delta suspension system prioritizes traction and small-bump compliance over a firm pedaling platform. Testers note that the rear shock remains quite active under power, meaning riders may want to utilize the shock's climb switch on smoother ascents. Despite this active feel, the bike climbs effectively on technical trails, with reviewers praising its ability to maintain grip over "wet roots and slimy mud" (YouTube).
On descents, the bike's agility is its defining trait. Testers consistently highlight its cornering dynamics and eagerness to leave the ground, calling it "the best jumping 29er" (Synthmind) they have tested. The suspension manages its 120mm of travel well, though aggressive riders pushing the bike on steep, high-speed terrain report finding the limits of the 130mm fork. One tester noted they "used all the travel more than I would have liked" (YouTube) on severe impacts, suggesting that heavier or harder-charging riders might benefit from adding volume spacers to prevent harsh bottom-outs. Ultimately, the consensus points to a "super playful, quick little ripper" (Synthmind) that excels on rolling terrain and jump trails, provided the rider understands the boundaries of a short-travel platform.
