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First Look | Pole EVOLINK 140 29″ in Finale Ligure

24.10.2015
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The Finnish bike brand Pole is still relatively new to the market but is constantly building up a portfolio of full suspension bikes around their EVOLINK platform.This EVOLINK 29er from Pole was certainly getting a lot of attention and 2nd glances in Finale so it was only right we stopped for a chat and to grab a few photos.

The EVOLINK was getting some tough testing at the Finale EWS.
The EVOLINK was getting some tough testing at the Finale EWS.

Pole have utilised the EVOLINK in all of their full suspension frames, Pole said that it has taken 2 years of testing in real world conditions which have shaped the layout and linkages but they are now at a level that they would consider the “final product” and that they are “satisfied” with. Most notably the pole has a long wheelbase, slack head angle and packs in 140mm of travel whilst rolling on 29″ wheels.

Close up of the 'EVOLINK'.
Close up of the EVOLINK.

The last two years have been about learning and for them two things stood out when it comes to suspension functionality. First that, they received good feedback when the pivotal point was near the bottom bracket and the changes in chain tension were kept to a minimum. It allows the geometry to adjust in a preferable way during compression. Secondly, air and coil shocks require different leverage ratios to function optimally. Pole decided to go with air shock and design the leverage ratio accordingly.

Pole have spent 2 years developing the link to what they see now as the finished product.
Pole have spent 2 years developing the link to what they see now as the finished product.

The geometry also follows Pole’s idea of a fast bike. Long, low and slack. They think that it allows the rider to keep weight between the axles whilst leaving room for shifts in balance when needed. The head angle also follows the same story by being ridiculously slack at 64.5°. It’s allegedly the slackest production 29″ bike. It has to be pointed out that the phrase “ridiculously slack” was used by the company’y founder Leo Kokkonen himself, continuing by explaining that it is one more thing to come from testing. Slack head angles were constantly giving faster times over the timed runs when Pole was testing the prototypes.

They claim it to be the slackest production 29er.
They claim it to be the slackest production 29er.
The 'EVOLINK attracted a lot of attention, even Trek's racer René Wildhaber.
The EVOLINK attracted a lot of attention, even Trek’s racer René Wildhaber.
Even taking it for a quick spin!
Even taking it for a quick spin!

We hope to try out the Pole in the future so we can give you our own thoughts on the bike, but until then you can find more information by visiting polebicycles.com

Words: Ross Bell/Pole Photos: Manne Schmitt

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