Adrian Kaether
· 02.01.2025
E-MTB fullys are also often used in everyday life. With the new Copperhead Evo AM 5, Bulls has responded consistently and added a whole range of practical features to the bestseller: Integrated rear and cornering lights and a new Monkey Link interface for smartphones or a large headlight are the highlights. But even apart from that, the new Bulls no longer has much in common with its modest predecessor. The main frame is now made of carbon, while the rear triangle uses a one-piece swingarm with low-slung linkage instead of the classic four-bar linkage. The down tube houses the new Bosch CX with the top-of-the-range Powertube 800 battery, while the top-of-the-range Copperhead Evo AM 5 is equipped with XT gears, a one-piece carbon cockpit and Lyrik Ultimate fork, leaving little to be desired. At least at first glance.
As one of the first bikes ever the new Copperhead Fully was already on show at Eurobike 2024 with the fresh CX motor. At that time, the engine itself was still in prototype status. But it was clear: this was Bosch's new top-of-the-range drive. With 600 watts and 85 Newton metres, the CX has the same performance data as its predecessor. However, Bosch has made significant improvements to the soft skills: Finer response behaviour, less pedalling resistance and less motor noise. In addition, the motor no longer rattles downhill.
The traditional strength of Bosch drives: the range. The new 800 in the Bulls is particularly good here. More is hardly possible. The combination of mini-remote and system controller on the Bulls Copperhead Evo AM 5 is minimalist. Thanks to the new Monkey Link interface, however, you can easily place a mobile phone in front of the handlebars, charge it inductively and use it as an additional screen with the Bosch app.
Bulls has made the Copperhead Fully less extreme in favour of everyday and touring suitability. The head angle is rather steep, the seat angle slack. Short chainstays are intended to provide agile handling. Noticeable: Despite the high stack, the flat seat angle and low handlebars give you a somewhat sporty, stretched-out position on the Bulls. A different handlebar with more rise would bring a noticeable increase in comfort.
Rockshox's top-of-the-range Lyrik Ultimate fork, Shimano XT drivetrain, carbon handlebar/stem unit: at first glance, the Bulls looks like a real high-end beast. However, a closer look at the details reveals a few cost-cutting measures, especially on the shock, the wheels and the Rumble branded dropper post. Functionally, however, the parts are top-notch. The only thing that really bothers me is the cheap Schwalbe Magic Mary tyres. The more expensive models offer noticeably more grip and riding safety, especially in wet conditions.
On the Bulls you sit more like you would on a classic sports tourer. The slack seat angle makes the bike look long and should, in principle, take the strain off your wrists on the flat. Unfortunately, in combination with the handlebar/stem unit, the opposite is the case. The too low and non-adjustable cockpit is completely out of place on a bike in this category. If you like comfort, you should switch to a classic handlebar.
Nevertheless, when the going gets tough, the carbon cockpit puts a lot of pressure on the front. However, the inexpensive Schwalbe tyres with a hard rubber compound are noticeably lacking in grip. If you're serious about off-road riding, you should consider an upgrade. On the other hand, the sensitive and long-range Bosch motor and the good rear suspension score points. Despite the moderate chainstays, the front wheel of the Bulls hardly rises at all. The cassette with slightly less range than usual is hardly noticeable on the Powerbike.
The tyres and cockpit are also clearly limiting on the descents, but otherwise the Copperhead does a good job. The rear suspension responds very sensitively and still provides good counter-pressure. Even at over 25 kilograms, the Bulls is anything but cumbersome to ride and is easy to push into the air on small edges. The moderate steering angle gives the bike very neutral handling. This means that the Bulls should be in its element on flatter trails and on home laps in the low mountain ranges.
On steep trails, however, the bike with its low front end and moderate geometry puts the rider in a somewhat uncomfortable position, and the seatpost cannot be fully lowered into the frame. On the other hand, the fork impresses with a lot of control and sensitivity, while the TRP brakes deliver good power and top-level ergonomics. The Copperhead also remains extremely stable on the descents. For a full-power eMTB, this is a real success!
The new Copperhead-Fully is a well-balanced and fun touring bike. The many practical features will delight everyday bikers. It's just a shame that equipment details such as the unsuitable sports cockpit and the cheap tyres prevent an even better rating. On the other hand: top range, powerful Bosch motor and really quiet both uphill and downhill.

Editor