Evil Insurgent / GX I9 Hydra
- Price: $7899
- Category: Off-road bicycle
- Frame: Carbon
- Gear: 1×12
- Tires: Front: Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR, 27.5×2.5, Rear: Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR, 27.5×2.3
What we like about it: The premium carbon frame combination 27.5″/29″ hybrid wheelset allows you to have an enjoyable ride in the park, off-road, or on the mountain and trails.
What we don’t like about it: The bike paint color is not rich.
Rating (4.6/5)
It is every motocross rider’s dream to make a perfect descent from an inclined angle slope. In pursuit of such excitement, they also practice tirelessly and tumble until the race comes.
Unlike other mountain bikes that are limited to one size tire, the Evil Insurgent X01 I9 Hydra is equipped with an aggressive hybrid wheelset (Front: Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR, 27.5×2.5, Rear: Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR. 27.5×2.3) for enduro and steep terrain, 27.5×2.3). In addition, combining the advantages of the interchangeable and more classic 29″ wheelset gives you more options on the road.
The 180mm of super high travel is out of sight of all mountain bikes, giving you absolute stability when descending.
The Evil Insurgent XO1 drivetrain is lighter and more powerful than the GX, making it a faithful partner for all mountain enduro and off-road racing.
We’ve had two months of experience measuring the Evil Insurgent. To make the results more informative for you, we’ll elaborate on Evil Insurgent’s performance while riding, key features, components and specifications, and other versions of the series.
If you want to learn more about Evil versions, please refer to our review.
Learn More: Evil Offering / GX I9 Hydra-Explosive Riding Experience
Climbing
To test the actual riding experience and give you real user feedback, we did two months of actual riding at Whistler Mountain Bike Park.
The Evil Insurgent / GX I9 Hydra is as Insurgent and radical as its name implies. We could call it the ultimate mini-wheel crusher.
The UD carbon frame is extremely ductile while remaining light, and the 180mm, RockShox ZEB Ultimatefork ultra-high travel gives great support to the damping. This was reflected in the fact that when I rode halfway up the mountain, the bumps in the road didn’t give me the familiar soreness in my arms.
The Maxxis Minion DHF EXO’s 27.5×2.5 tires gave me an extremely fast experience. Combined with the 358mm BB height, the Evil Insurgent / GX I9 Hydra is a good balance of speed and stability.
With a 44mm fork offset, this shorter trail allowed me to maintain a nimble stance. It was at the 100m turn at the end that I passed Jack, the photographer. The longer reach also means that the body stays focused and confident when the tires are turning fast. The tighter head tube angle (78.2°) is also more extreme, making a standing position and longer reach possible.
Overall, the Evil Insurgent gave me an extremely impressive uphill experience.
Descending
After reaching the untouchable summit, the way back turned into the starting point of our adventure. This is also the speedy descent that all riders look forward to.
Due to my ultimate quest for speed, the SRAM 1×12 drivetrain remains the right choice for the Evil Insurgent at this time. The Evil Insurgent X01 is designed best for enduro and aggressive trail riding to meet the balance of weight and durability. I was able to get satisfactory gearing with just a single-handed spin.
Not only that, but the Evil Boomstick handlebar is also the secret weapon to control the body despite the countless rocks and potholes. Instead of rigid aluminum, it is made of carbon. This greatly reduces the impact of the ground on the body. This point also impressed me. The dropper under the seat tube is also an ingenious design. 150mm of travel up and down on the m-size reduces the impact of bumps on me.
The SRAM X01’s smooth and silky shifts, combined with its rich and dense gear ratios. Available for fast, seamless shifting, so it’s quiet and stable enough. Allows me to shift effectively in different riding situations. Maintains a smooth feeling during my pedaling, while also maintaining greater pedaling efficiency.
Moreover, in the rapid descent, a sudden huge monolith blocked my way forward. I quickly performed emergency braking, and the TRP DH-R Evo hydraulic discs gave me a shocking feeling. I didn’t do much cushioning but made the stop in an instant. I’m glad there was no accident.
Main Features
Frame
Admittedly I am very picky about color and the Evil InsurgentX01 I9 Hydra does not match the color at this point. I think if the color ratio could be increased, then the Evil Insurgent X01 I9 Hydra would be a step up in sales.
Further, the UD carbon has great stretch and shock absorption underneath. On the gravel trail leading up to the Alps, I could lightly feel the carbon frame reducing most of the drag on my journey, allowing me to reach the top of the mountain quickly. There were no complicated cable tangles and the clean internal alignment gave the rider the ultimate stable riding experience.
Geometry
The Evil InsurgentX01 I9 Hydra is a balanced presence. This is mostly reflected in its well-thought-out geometric setup.
The 64.2° head tube angle doesn’t seem very steep to me, or even very loose. What’s the point of this, you may ask? You know, the small head tube angle allows you to maintain an absolute center of stability when going downhill. It also allows more force to be applied to the rear tire to prevent it from buckling.
Accordingly, the Evil InsurgentX01 I9 Hydra has opted for a steeper seat tube angle (76.9°) to cope with the bumpy uphill surfaces. This allows you to better maintain your center of gravity and move forward.
The 44mm fork offset is one of the features of the Evil InsurgentX01 I9 Hydra. This also means you can maintain a smaller trail value while still getting responsive steering in your travels. Combined with 1236mm of axle spacing, it helps you conquer the sharp corners between the mountains and off-road.
Components and Specifications
SRAM X01 Eagle 12-speed Drivetrain
Suffice it to say that SRAM is one of the brands I trust. And 1x drivetrains are a popular trend on the market right now.
Unlike the 2x and 3x, the SRAM X01 Eagle is lightweight. So there is no need to shift gears too much, just a gentle flick of the paddle for a butter-smooth shifting operation.
And the Evil Insurgent X01 is designed best for enduro and aggressive trail riding to meet the balance of weight and durability. If you have an extremely crazy passion for the world of enduro, then as the highlight of the evil series, the interchangeable drivetrain gives you the freedom to choose between the GX or the XX1.
Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR wheels
Tires exist as the soul of a bicycle, and a good tire is extremely important for mountain biking.
Fortunately, the Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR has an extremely strong surface. The raised tread surface is dotted with numerous aramid beads that greatly absorb the ground to provide you with a stable body.
The Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR is also equipped with anti-puncture technology, which is one of its core features. You don’t have to worry about the risk of puncturing the tires with debris and dead branches.
Unlike other mountain bikes, the Evil InsurgentX01 I9 Hydra is versatile in its choice of tires. This is reflected in the fact that you can choose not only 29-inch tires but also 27.5-inch sizes to tackle various challenges on the road. This is certainly good news for riders who are passionate about their favorite tires.
RockShox ZEB Ultimate Fork
You can’t deny that the power of damping is Evil InsurgentX01 I9 Hydra is its biggest advantage. In addition, the 180mm ultra-high travel is also undoubtedly the best presence.
Using ButterCup technology with the Charger 2.1 RC2 the dampers allow for a higher level of compression and rebound control to minimize the distressing bumps you experience on the fly.
Not only that, but the RC2 damper has a more than satisfactory sound-dampening function. If you may be sensitive to the thumping sound of collisions between rocks, then coupled with the Evil InsurgentX01 I9 Hydra’s exclusive UD carbon body can effectively reduce the noise caused by collisions.
I didn’t feel the arm soreness that came as promised during last week’s off-road rally. This may also be due to the shock absorption capability brought by the Rockshox ZEB Ultimate.
Bike Yoke Revive Dropper
When it comes to shock absorption Evil InsurgentX01 I9 Hydra brings you perhaps more than just that. The Bike Yoke Revive dropper under the seat post also plays a vital role in solving the floppy and saggy problems that occur when air mixes with the hydraulic fluid in the post.
Even if you’re facing a single-track trail full of gravel and dead branches, too many bumps in the road that fill the dripper with too much air as it moves. It still feels like it’s on smooth ground.
Not only that, BikeYoke claims that they are maintenance-free. So it can save you a lot of money on repair and maintenance.
TRP DH-R Evo Brake
As we all know, braking has a crucial role in cyclocross. After all, if you don’t have a good brake in the face of a sudden obstacle, you run the risk of landing on your face the next second. The Evil InsurgentX01 I9 Hydra’s TRP DH-R Evo technology saves you from worrying about this.
At the same time, hydraulic disc brakes have a more sensitive and swifter response than mechanical brakes. This creates a new standard of performance. It allows the body to stop precisely when it encounters a roadblock, without excessive delay. Combined with the larger 29″ tires, it provides more braking power. You don’t need to apply too much force to bring the wild body to an immediate, tame stop.
Other versions of Evil Insurgent
To give you more possibilities in your choice. In the interest of objectivity and fairness, we have tested other Evil models in our range and put them through their paces. Among them is the Evil Following / GX I9 Hydra. The Evil is also lighter and more agile with a UD carbon body and 1×12 speed configuration that brings out the best in the pursuit of speed.
Similarly, we also noticed a significant difference in fork travel. Following / GX I9 Hydra The front and rear travel are 130mm and 120mm respectively, which may not be as aggressive as the Evil InsurgentX01 I9 Hydra when it comes to excessive vibration while riding.
Meanwhile, in terms of tires, the Evil Insurgent X01 I9 Hydra has a clear advantage. After all, it has more options, with 27.5er and 29er tires to meet the expectations of more people.
Add it all up, if you’re after the ultimate in damping, the Evil Insurgent X01 I9 Hydra is still the right choice for you.
FAQs
What is the price of the Evil Insurgent X01 I9 Hydra?
The Evil Insurgent X01 I9 Hydra is priced at $7,899.
What is the body material of the Evil Insurgent X01 I9 Hydra?
The Evil Insurgent X01 I9 Hydra’s body material is UD carbon.
Tire size options for the Evil Insurgent X01 I9 Hydra?
The Evil Insurgent X01 I9 Hydra is available in tire sizes 27.5″ or 29″.
What is drivetrain of the Evil Insurgent X01 I9 Hydra?
The Evil Insurgent X01 I9 Hydra’s drivetrain is the SRAM X01 Eagle, 12-speed.
Evil Insurgent X01 I9 Hydra Size Chart.
| Size | SM | MD | LG | XL |
| Rider height | 5’2″ – 5’8″ | 5’6″ – 5’11” | 5’10” – 6’3″ | 6’1″ – 6’7″ |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Drivetrain | Tires | Fork Travel | Click view |
| Canyon Spectral 29 CFR | $7499 | Shimano XTR, 12-speed, | 29″ x2.4″ | Front 160mmRear 150mm | Click view |
| Santa Cruz BRONSON XT / Carbon C / MX | $7499 | Shimano XT M8100, 12spd | 29 “x2.5” | Front: 160mmAfter: 150mm | Click view |
| Pivot Mach 6 Pro XT/XTR | $7999 | Shimano XTR SGS 12-Speed | 27.5″x2.5″ | Front 160mm | Click view |
| Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Pro | $8600 | SRAM X01 Eagle AXS 12spd | 29″ x2.3″ | Front 160mmRear 150mm | Click view |
Evil Insurgent X01 I9 Hydra vs Canyon Spectral 29 CFR
The Canyon Spectral 29 CFR opts for the same carbon design that can efficiently absorb the violent vibrations of bumps. I believe they both meet your expectations underneath the body’s appearance.
After our testing, we found that the Evil InsurgentX01 I9 Hydra is still far ahead of the pack in terms of damping. front) is more aggressive in dealing with the changing terrain of the ride.
But the Canyon Spectral 29 CFR is not innovative enough in terms of tire selection. 29-inch tires cannot be changed in tire size, so there will be relatively little room for choice. Even the size of the rider is more demanding. All told, the Evil InsurgentX01 I9 Hydra’s more innovative and high-performance performance is more recommendable.
learn more: Canyon Spectral 29 CF 7 Review – A Tank-Like, Composed All-Rounder
Evil Insurgent X01 I9 Hydra vs Santa Cruz BRONSON XT / Carbon C / MX
The Santa Cruz BRONSON XT / Carbon C / MX uses a mix of front wheel (Maxxis Minion DHF 29 “x2.5 )and rear wheel (Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5 “x2.4”). This original mixture will make it very difficult for some beginners to control their bodies.
At the same time, we will notice that the fork travel (160mm front and 150mm rear) is still inadequate compared to the Evil Insurgent X01 I9 Hydra.
I think the choice of drivetrain, the Shimano XT 12-speed chosen for the Santa Cruz BRONSON XT, still leaves me feeling a bit behind compared to the SRAM drivetrain of the Evil InsurgentX01 I9 Hydra.
If it comes to race recommendations, I think the Evil InsurgentX01 I9 Hydra is better suited to the complex changes in the terrain of mountain biking.
Learn More: Santa Cruz BRONSON XX1 Review – In Case Of Difficulty, Please Choose BRONSON
Evil Insurgent X01 I9 Hydra vs Pivot Mach 6 Pro XT/XTR
Honestly, $7,999 is not a small price to pay. This is perhaps the most top-of-the-line configuration for a mountain bike.
The 160mm fork travel of the Pivot Mach 6 Pro XT/XTR is one of its features, designed to alleviate the tremendous amount of drag you’ll experience on hills. But it’s still slightly conservative compared to the Evil InsurgentX01 I9 Hydra which has more front and rear variation and longer travel.
Other outstanding components of the choice, I think the two are almost a tie. For example, both use a 1x drivetrain combined with hydraulic disc brakes. Both acceleration and stopping are maintained at a higher level.
Noteworthy is the locking fork method that the Pivot Mach 6 Pro XT/XTR has. It can improve the wheelset that can’t be freely combined and get a rotation rate comparable to a 29-inch wheelset.
All in all, the Pivot Mach 6 Pro XT/XTR has no outstanding shortcomings at the top of the line. However, it still tends to be conservative in design.
Learn more : Is Pivot Mach 6 Pro X01 Splendid – [Pivot Mach 6 Pro X01 Review]
Evil Insurgent X01 I9 Hydra vs Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Pro
I have to admit that the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Pro has a higher-end design than the Evil InsurgentX01 I9 Hydra. It’s hard to shake the Evil InsurgentX01 I9 Hydra, except for the comparison on top of fork travel (150mm rear, 160mm front).
But the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Pro has made a more high-end upgrade to its drivetrain, eschewing the traditional cable drivetrain in favor of a more advanced electronic Bluetooth drivetrain. This also means you don’t have to worry about the tangled wires bothering you visually. In addition, the 635mm stack is also a popular choice for the masses, making it easy to straddle the body and maintain a relatively upright seating position.
Of course, you get responsive steering on top of the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Pro. And the 809mm front center length makes up for the body sluggishness that comes with big tires.
If you have an extreme obsession and desire for an electronic drivetrain, then the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Pro may be your first attempt.
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