Bulls Sonic AM 2 ABS on test: A miracle of equipment for trail and everyday use

Want lots of features? In this discipline, the new Sonic AM from Bulls is hard to beat. Because it really does have everything you need on the trail and in everyday life. Integrated rear lights keep you safe on the way home in the dark, while the front headlight hidden in the head tube turns with the direction of steering. Although it's not overly bright, it's enough for country lanes without street lights. If you need more light, simply clip a more powerful light onto the Monkey Link interface in front of the handlebars. A mobile phone can also be transported here via the SP Connect standard and even charged inductively. A minimalist tool is always within reach under the top tube, and the equipment highlight is the Trail ABS from Bosch.

The facts about the Bulls Sonic AM 2 ABS

• Motor: Bosch CX, 85 Nm max. torque
• Battery: 800 Wh (removable)
• Frame material: carbon/aluminium
• Suspension travel: 150/140 mm
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Price: 5999 Euro
• Weight: 25.9 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
• Max. System weight: 150 kg
• Warranty: 2 years

Bosch CX with 800 Wh

Working at Bulls the new Bosch Performance Line CX (tested here) which currently delivers up to 85 Newton metres and 600 watts. However, Bosch has already announced a firmware update that could increase the output to 750 watts and 100 Newton metres. A lot for an e-MTB! So it's fitting that Bulls has opted for the long-lasting 800 series battery. The Sonic AM is designed around the Monkey Link interface in front of the stem - a mobile phone can be clicked in here using the SP-Connect standard and even charged inductively with the right cover. There is therefore no classic display, just the minimalist combination of mini-remote and system controller.

The features of the Bulls Sonic AM 2 ABS

With its many SUV features, the Sonic is already extensively equipped. However, this also means that there is less money left for classic parts such as the suspension and gears. Nevertheless, the Suntour Zeron fork with the Bulls label worked well in our test (see below). The Shimano Cues drivetrain is geared towards durability and is therefore a good choice for E-MTBs. The tyres come in the affordable performance version, while the dropper post only offers 145 mm of travel.

• Fork / shock: Bulls Lytro 36 / Rockshox Deluxe Select+
• Gear system: Shimano Cues (11-speed)
• Brakes: TRP Trail Evo ABS
• Wheels: Bulls Radial 30
• Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Performance
• Special features: Bosch Trail ABS, cornering and rear light, integrated tool

The geometry of the Bulls Sonic AM 2 ABS

Practical test: How the Bulls Sonic AM rides

Purists might turn up their noses at the extensive equipment. However, Bulls is likely to hit the mark with many e-mountainbikers. Especially as the practical parts don't have any disadvantages on the trail either.

Sporty tourer

The rider sits slightly stretched out on the Sonic AM, while the low handlebars give the bike a sporty feel. This puts a lot of pressure on the front on steep climbs. Long chainstays also press the front wheel to the ground. The Cues gear system optimised for e-bikes is not as crisp as a classic Deore, but shifts well even under load and promises better durability.

The fantastic Bosch motor has excellent modulation, but the purely mechanical traction on the climbs is a bit of a letdown. In adverse conditions, the rubber of the inexpensive Schwalbe tyres lacks grip. The Suntour fork with the Bulls label reacts noticeably to cold temperatures and is then somewhat over-damped.

Powerful, but not easy to handle

The tyres and fork also cost the Bulls some points on the descents. In good conditions, however, we found the Sonic AM to be a capable tourer, even if the chainstays are a little long and the front end is a little low, especially downhill. In other words, the Sonic AM doesn't inspire as much confidence on steep terrain, nor is it explicitly agile and active with its long rear end. Thanks to the low bottom bracket, however, the bike is stable when cornering.

The fork tends to be sporty and firm, but remains on a par with the competition. The rear suspension even made a positive impression on us. And the ABS? This provides many bikers with good added value. Riding errors such as sudden braking on wet roots are less likely to lead to crashes. However, you should actively load the front. If you stand too far back, the front wheel quickly lacks grip and the ABS regulates too early. Bosch's sportier Trail Pro ABS (tested here) is the better compromise from our point of view. The basic TRP brake delivers good braking performance and ergonomics. Unfortunately, one of the pistons on our test bike was leaking and caused a constant loss of oil and pressure point.

BIKE review of the Bulls Sonic AM 2 ABS

Strengths

• Climbing and high reach
• Many practical features
• Defined chassis

Weaknesses

• heavy, handlebars a little low
• Fork hardens in the cold
• not very playful

BIKE summary of the Sonic AM 2 ABS

The Bulls scores with its high suitability for everyday use. The riding performance on the trail is in the upper mid-range. Tuning tip: Higher front and grippier tyres. Otherwise, a good all-rounder for trails and tours, although a little heavy and not very manoeuvrable. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, deputy editor-in-chief at BIKE

>> Handier and without ABS: The Bulls Copperhead Evo AM 2025 with cornering light and Monkey Link on test