Progression Cycle

It wasn’t really time for a new bike, I love my Epic. But Evil Bike’s The Following had me intrigued ever since Matt told me about it. On my last visit to Seattle, I never had time to get a demo ride in. But I kept reading about it and thinking it sounded like the perfect bike for where I am and my riding style.
I started getting serious about a build in October. I spent a bit of time on the phone with Matt asking questions. I intended to get up there to demo one. I just never had the chance. I decided to roll the dice.
When it was time to spec out a build, Matt put together a great list of components, much of which were not components I would have chosen. Sometimes your tendency is to go with the same old, same old. I decided to listen to Matt, try some new things and together we spec’d out what seemed to be the perfect bike. Matt had built so many of these, I knew his experience with what worked would be invaluable.
Matt ordered up the parts, built the bike, sent me pics during the process and shipped it. The day it was scheduled to arrive, I was out on the curb waiting for the UPS guy like a kid waiting for the ice cream truck.
It didn’t show up until 4pm. But I was determined. I assembled it, mounted a light up and took off by 5:30pm.
I’ve ridden the living daylights out of it since it arrived a month ago. Below are some quotes from emails I’ve sent Matt since then.
«The bike rocks.»
«Planted. If I had to use one word to describe it after 1 ride, its planted. Just a good solid feel yet snappy, light and nimble at the same time.»
«The wheel/​tire combo grips like nothing I’ve ever seen.» (Ibis 941’s and Maxxis Minions).
«The travel seems endless and very smooth. I love that.»
«I’m really liking the brakes so far, I’m glad you recommended those. I’m quickly getting used to the excellent modulation…» (SRAM Guide Ultimats-​I had sworn off SRAM brakes for good before this bike).
«The seat and everything else have turned out to be excellent choices. I’m glad you spent the time working with me on the components and I’m glad I was open to trying new things. I would have never picked those tires and they were probably what I was most nervous about but figured its $ 100 if I’m wrong so give it a shot. Turns out they’re perfect for here. The build work you did was top notch.» (it was obvious this was not some bike shop out of the box build, Matt put this together like he would his own bike and his experience and care showed).
«I still can’t get over it, Matt. I’m really glad you helped me spec it out. If I had it to do over again, I don’t think I’d do anything different. Thanks for all your help and the excellent build.» (seriously, how often have you said to yourself, you shoulda gone with this or you wish you would have gone with that? Not here. I still wouldn’t change a thing. Its perfect.

I couldn’t be happier with my experience at Progression Cycle. Matt is incredibly knowledgeable, easy to deal with and builds a great bike. I had him build an Evil Insurgent. These bikes are hard to come by and he was able to get me one right away. His prices are competitive and his customer service is great. Go see Matt you will be glad you did.

Awesome shop, the service is absolutely amazing! Matt fixes your bike extremely fast (way faster than any other bike shop including Pacific Bike and Ski), not to mention he is great with customers, very upfront, charges reasonable prices, and is just is an all around good guy.

Matt does excellent work. He has built up two bikes for me recently and his work has been flawless. Matt’s attention to detail and responsiveness is far better than what I’ve experienced at most shops. An added plus is his extensive knowledge about mountain bikes. Progression Cycle is the best place to go for bike service on the Sammamish Plateau.

A few weeks ago, with Ride Idaho looming, my summer bike’s shifting had gotten really bad, beyond my ability to coax enough gears into working to make the commute clickety-​clickety free. I was fortunate to come across Matt’s card. I called, hopeful that he’d be able to squeeze in time for the bike or, failing that, at least I’d get the summer bike in and patch up the winter one enough to do the ride.
After an initial look, Matt showed me how the thousands of miles I’ve ridden on each had pretty much worn out the drive train — chain stretched «to eleven» on the Park gauge, teeth worn unevenly, large dips between them. He was pretty confident he could get both bikes done, but so I wouldn’t have to go rideless while he was ordering parts for my wacky custom gearing, he shored up the summer bike enough that I could commute on it a few more times.
The parts came in and he had my summer bike all set for the 425 miles of cycling bliss that’s Ride Idaho. It was like having a new bike, only with a comfortable seat and the fit completely dialed in. Very, very nice. The winter bike was picked up today and is ready to take me through another year of Seattle weather.
In addition to the great job he did on my bikes, Matt also supports some of the local rides like Tour de Peaks (aka «Tour de Feast» as it’s renowned for its good food) and work on Tiger Mountain trails. Excellent mechanic, check him out!