STARTING GATE
My name is Kole Wetherell. I have spent almost 9 years here at Evil, currently leading graphic design and overall look and feel while also playing a role in marketing. I started as a warehouse hand and worked my way into the position I am in today. Riding has always been at the center of it all for me. I cut my teeth racing downhill through my teen years, then around 20 shifted into motocross. You could say I have an addiction for big jumps and going fast.
I wanted to build something that blurred the line between a bike park machine and a full downhill setup. Something purpose built for shuttle days and chairlift laps. The goal was to retain the precision and playfulness of the DELTA system while pushing its big hit capability. Keep all the fun, while still being able to put down heaters between the tape when the clock is ticking.
Cue my Wreckoning LS.
THE WHY OF IT ALL
I literally cannot live without a long travel rig in the stable. I might go months without touching it, but the second the itch hits to head up to Snoqualmie Pass for some bike park laps or make the trip to Port Angeles for a NW Cup, I need something that checks every box.
Since there is no need to pedal uphill, I leaned all the way in. Dual crown up front, close ratio downhill drivetrain, flip chip in X Low, and a negative two degree angleset bring it all together. This is not my first go at a downhill Wrecker. It is my third full build. Each version has evolved over time, but this is easily the most dialed one yet. It has the stiffness you need for big G-outs, with the precision required to hit lines clean. The slacker and lower geometry keeps things calm when it gets rough, while the DELTA system and a total weight right around 33 pounds keep it flickable and accurate. It hits that balance. Confidence at speed, big send capability, while retaining precision and playfulness.
THE PHILOSOPHY - BUILT FOR SPEED
Geometry Focus
I am running a negative two degree angleset with the frame in X-Low. Sag sits around 32 percent. Paired with a 190 millimeter Boxxer up front, this creates a slightly taller front end and a lower bottom bracket. My head tube angle sits right around 63 degrees.
I am extremely sensitive to the "turn-in" character of the bike. For park days I won't worry too much about it, but for racing I am always chasing that balance of maximum stability without losing ease of corner entry. It needs to lean in naturally with no flop and no hesitation. That balance shifts depending on speed and track steepness, so I tune my sag around that feel.
Suspension Dynamics
The 190 millimeter Rockshox Boxxer Ultimate and Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate are a strong combination.
Front to back
I run rebound fairly even, maybe a touch faster in the front, with an overall slightly slower feel to keep the bike planted through rough sections. Low speed compression is generally set firmer and is either even front to rear or slightly firmer in the front on steeper tracks.
Bumpsticks galore
On the fork, I run two volume reducers for bottoming resistance, with high speed compression set a bit softer to reduce hand fatigue. I rely more on air pressure and low speed compression to control dive in steep or high speed terrain. This is usually on the stiffer side for my height and weight.
On the rear, specifically
My high speed compression on the shock usually sits somewhere in the middle to firm. I am very sensitive to my HSC setting. I want the bike to absorb bumps, but still give me enough feedback to know exactly where the rear wheel is. I want to feel when I am approaching the limit of traction.
I use a Sprindex spring, which honestly I am not sure makes a huge difference, but it does add about 20 percent progression to bottoming resistance over a standard spring. I run the hydraulic bottom out fully stiff. If you couldn't tell, I like a good amount of bottom out resistance.
There is enough adjustability within these components to create a supportive platform for pumping and popping while still staying supple enough to maintain traction and reduce fatigue.
Drivetrain - Durability & Reliability
I am running a GX downhill drivetrain. It is simple, tough, and relatively inexpensive. It is going to hit rocks at some point, so being affordable to replace matters. Seven speeds is more than enough for a bike park or downhill bike. Beyond that, it just needs to work when I ask it to, and it does.
Cockpit & other bits
Burgtec Bling
I am on Burgtec for the entire cockpit. I have been on their pedals for over 10 years and still have a set that refuses to die. Switching to their full setup was a no brainer for me. They are well designed, durable, and come in solid color options.
A life behind Bars
I run a Burgtec RideWide alloy DH bar in a 30mm rise x 780mm 31.8mm clamp. I much prefer the flex character of an alloy 31.8mm bar. A little flex goes a long way in reducing fatigue. The stiffness of the dual crown fork and direct mount stem adds precision, while the smaller diameter alloy bar adds compliance through the hands and arms.
for my rear, specifically
The Cloud Ti seat and carbon seat post. Simple, light, effective. What more could you ask for?
Rest of the bits
Beyond that, it is a full SRAM setup, Industry Nine carbon wheels, and proven Maxxis 3C downhill casing tires. The tread pattern varies based on time of year and terrain. I will run Assegai's, Shorty's, or Minion DHF's depending on the conditions.
This bike is a scalpel
The level of precision and control you get out of it is unreal, and it does not come at the cost of fun.
On bike park flow and jump trails you can boost everything and throw style into every berm. On steep double black terrain, the 63 degree head angle keeps things calm as you pick your way down. Full downhill tracks, you can stay on the gas, pop over rough sections, and carry speed through everything.
You might not have the full suppleness of a 200 millimeter downhill bike, but what you gain is a bike that makes every section of trail more engaging, more efficient, and more fun.
As long as you are not pedaling uphill, this bike will handle anything you throw at it.
who is this build for?
This is for the rider who wants to go fast, hit the extracurricular lines and smash chunder. It is one of the most versatile dual crown bikes you can ride. It will hold its own on a downhill track, boost big jump lines, and carve through turns without feeling like a full race only setup. Honestly, I wish I had this bike 10 years ago when I was chasing the pro downhill racer dream.
The smiles per lap on this thing are unmatched.
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