Bulls Vuca Evo AM 2 on test: Uncomplicated all-mountain e-bike with Pinion MGU
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 28.04.2024
Only four manufacturers have an e-mountainbike with Pinion's MGU in their programme for this season. This alone makes the new Vuca Evo AM from Bulls a coveted object. It was also one of the first E-MTBs with the revolutionary motor-gear unit from Pinionwhose combined solution of electric motor and twelve-speed manual transmission promises many advantages.
Wear-prone chains and sprockets are a thing of the past, as is the exposed rear derailleur. What's more, the gears can be changed at any time - even when stationary. And the motor easily keeps up with the power competition from Bosch, Shimano and Brose with its high performance and powerful thrust. In this test, we found out what the complete package of the Bulls Vuca Evo AM with 150 millimetres of suspension travel and 29er wheels can do.
One fundamental disadvantage of the Pinion system is also noticeable on the Vuca: Despite the carbon frame and high-quality equipment, the scales with the 720 battery only stop at 25.1 kilos. Even if the rear derailleur and sprocket set are omitted, the Pinion combination adds a little more weight overall. Bulls knows this too - and has consequently not designed the Vuca for extreme trail performance. The development focussed on an all-round character, helpful everyday features and uncomplicated riding characteristics.
Another typical Pinion feature is the entry-level price, which is not exactly favourable. This is because manufacturers currently have to fork out considerably more for the MGU than for conventional systems. Our top-equipped test bike costs 8499 euros. With significantly cheaper components, the Evo AM 1 still costs 7499 euros. Incidentally, with both bikes you have the option of upgrading to a battery with a huge 960 watt hours ex works. There is a surcharge of 200 euros for this and the bike is 1.1 kilos heavier. Nevertheless, this may be an option for long-distance bikers, as the Pinion drive with a 720 watt-hour battery travels significantly less than the Bosch 750 system with its long range.
The facts about the Bulls Vuca Evo AM 2
- Motor: Pinion MGU, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 720 Wh (removable), optionally available with 960 Wh
- Frame material: carbon main frame, aluminium rear triangle
- Suspension travel: 150 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 8499 Euro
- Weight: 25.1 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
- Permissible total weight: 150 kg (manufacturer's specification)
- Trailer release
The rear suspension of the Vuca is a special design. A one-piece aluminium swingarm sits on the frame with a large main bearing. So much for a classic single-link suspension. However, the low-mounted shock absorber is articulated via four levers. Hence the name 4Link swingarm. We found out in our practical test that this design actually works excellently.
The electric drive: Pinion MGU E1.12
Pinion's MGU is a unit consisting of an electric motor and manual gearbox with 12 gears. The power is easily on a par with Bosch and Shimano. The combined design has many advantages. The Vuca comes with a 720 battery, which can be folded out to the front in the classic way. For an extra 200 euros, there is the option of a large battery with 960 watt hours.
The Bulls Vuca is currently the only Pinion bike that relies on the reduced LED panel in the top tube (Fit Master Node LED) instead of a large display and the slim Remote Pure. Details can be found in our picture gallery.
The geometry
The geometry of the new Vuca is more classic and tour-orientated. The steep steering angle and short wheelbase are intended to give the bike neutral handling and manoeuvrable riding behaviour. The seat angle is noticeably slack and the top tube is long. As a result, the riding position is stretched and rear-heavy - especially with a long reach.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 470 mm
- Wheelbase: 1240 mm
- Reach: 465 mm
- Stack: 644 mm
- Steering angle: 66 degrees
- Seat angle: 74 degrees
- Chainstay length: 455 mm
The equipment
Bulls relies on a thick fork with 38 mm stanchions for the Vuca. This is rather rare in the 150 millimetre range. However, the product managers wanted to give the bike an extra dose of robustness. Unfortunately, only Fit4 damping is used on the elegant Factory fork with Kashima coating, which does not work as confidently off-road as the top Grip2 version. The tyres are 2.6 inches wide and the casing (Maxxis Exo) is rather thin. Both factors are not ideal for tough off-road use. The powerful XT brake system with large 220 mm discs at the front is top of the range.
- Fork / Shock: Fox 38 Factory Fit4 / Float X Factory
- Gear system: Pinion MGU E1.12
- Brakes: Shimano XT, 220/203 mm
- Wheels: Formula hubs, Ryde Disc 30 rims
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF / DHR II Exo, 29 x 2.6''
- Special features: Monkey-Link mount for front light, integrated rear light, Bulls carbon handlebars, 800 mm
Practical test: How the Bulls rides
The first thing you notice when sitting on the bike is the stretched position. The top tube is very long and the front is rather low. This gives you a surprisingly sporty and elongated position on the Vuca. Especially on steep climbs, you pedal from behind. Our tip: be sure to push the saddle all the way forwards to relativise this shortcoming. Otherwise, the bike is impressive on the climbs. The Pinion motor pushes super powerfully in the highest mode and pulls fully even at a really high cadence. This is a big plus on difficult climbs.
The chassis also does a great job. The rear end responds very sensitively, generating a lot of traction while still actively keeping the rider in the stroke. In addition, the front wheel maintains good contact with the ground, which is also thanks to the longer chainstays. It's true that you don't sit very actively on the bike and it's a little too rear-heavy, especially when the saddle is extended. But all in all, the Vuca climbs even the more difficult climbs with ease.
The rear suspension also sets the tone downhill. Very sensitive, with the necessary support for a sporty riding style and decent reserves for rough bumps - that's really strong. It is difficult to estimate how much of this strong performance is due to the lightweight rear wheel (low unsprung mass due to the lack of rear derailleur and cassette). The fact is that the suspension really impressed us. This helps the bike in rough sections as well as on berms and jumps.
The moderate geometry with a short wheelbase and steep steering angle is not designed for extreme terrain. The high weight also suggests a moderate rather than overly wild riding style. However, the Vuca doesn't need to hide from difficult root descents or flowing trails. Speaking of hiding: Those who like to roll quietly and unobtrusively over trails will be delighted with the Vuca. Because there is just as little motor clatter as there is chain slap.
However, it can get louder on the climbs. In climbing gears one to four, the MGU sounds somewhat unpleasant and louder than Bosch and Shimano. The tide turns in higher gears. Here, the MGU in the Vuca was really quiet and much less obtrusive than other power motors. In short, the new Bulls cuts a really good figure as a solid trail and touring all-rounder. However, the long riding position and the peculiarities of the Pinion motor make a test ride particularly important before buying.
The EMTB rating
Strengths
- Low-wear and low-maintenance drive
- Uncomplicated handling
- Quiet on the descent
- Option for 960 battery
- Approval for trailers, high system weight
Weaknesses
- Heavy
- Long, rear-heavy seating position
- Engine very loud uphill in some gears
The EMTB review of the Bulls Vuca Evo AM 2
With Pinion drive and many well thought-out everyday features, the Vuca is predestined for versatile use. It also cuts a fine figure off-road. However, the heavy bike is not a lively trail specialist despite its top suspension and equipment. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief EMTB Magazine
More bikes with Pinion MGU
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
