Flyer Uproc X 8.70 on testPowerful all-rounder from Switzerland

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 13.09.2023

Flyer Uproc X 8.70 // Motor: Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro // Suspension travel: 150 mm // Weight: 25 kg // Price: 7999 euros
Photo: Josh Welz

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With the Uproc X 8.70, Flyer aims to bridge the gap between leisurely touring and wild trails. On board is a carbon frame and a particularly powerful Panasonic motor. How does the Swiss bike fare in the high-end all-mountain bike test?

One for all - that's the motto of the Flyer Uproc X. Uphill or downhill, tour or trail: the all-rounder should feel at home pretty much anywhere. The bike from the Swiss e-bike pioneers therefore fits perfectly into our test group of sporty all-mountain bikes. The manufacturer's promise: not only trail pros, but also comfort-conscious e-bikers should enjoy the bike. The basis is a high-quality, solid-looking full carbon frame. It is fitted with mullet wheels, i.e. 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheels - and a Panasonic motor that is as powerful as it is rare. The Flyer Uproc X 8.70 costs 7999 euros, making it the second most expensive model in the range.



The Flyer Uproc X 8.70 aims to be the Swiss army knife of e-mountainbikes for 7999 euros.Photo: Josh WelzThe Flyer Uproc X 8.70 aims to be the Swiss army knife of e-mountainbikes for 7999 euros.

The facts about the Flyer Uproc X 8.70

  • Motor: Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro, 95 Nm max. torque
  • Battery: 750 Wh (removable)
  • Frame material: Carbon
  • Suspension travel: 150 mm
  • Wheel size: MX, 29" front, 27.5" rear
  • Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
  • Price: 7999 Euro >> available here
  • Weight: 24.97 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)

Frame and construction

All variants of the Flyer Uproc X rely on a full carbon frame. With clear lines, voluminous shapes and robust bearings, the frame looks very solid and the workmanship and details are impressive. The rear triangle offers 150 millimetres of travel, as does the Fox fork. Shift cables and brake lines run into the frame behind the head tube in the classic way and are safely stowed away there.

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The main frame and rear triangle are made of carbon, and the workmanship is impressive.Photo: Josh WelzThe main frame and rear triangle are made of carbon, and the workmanship is impressive.

The e-bike drive of the Flyer Uproc X

Its drive makes the Flyer Uproc X a special bike. This is because the super-powerful Panasonic motor is rarely found in other e-MTBs. The maximum support of the GX Ultimate is clearly above the competition from Shimano and Bosch. In practice, this is all the more evident because the power pack really pushes on the throttle in the highest mode even with little rider input. As usual with Flyer, there are also displays, remote and battery from FIT. The Intube battery has 750 watt hours and can be conveniently removed from the side. Advantage: Unlike the underside of the down tube, the side is not directly exposed to dirt. This means that the battery can be changed more easily after or during off-road rides. The battery is not secured with a lock. The required Allen key is always on the bike in the thru axle. Also from FIT: The control lever directly on the left handle and the display, which is located in the centre in front of the stem.

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Undercover! You will look in vain for a Panasonic logo on the powerful drive. The GX Ultimate Pro delivers 95 Nm.
Photo: Josh Welz

The geometry

The geometry of the Uproc X is designed for riding strength and avoids extreme values. The chainstays are long (460 mm), which makes for uncomplicated handling, as the front wheel gets enough pressure even without an active riding position. The steering angle of 65.5° is rather moderate. This also ensures neutral handling. The steep seat angle is the most extreme value of the Uproc geometry. It positions the rider far forward on the e-bike, which ensures excellent climbing ability on steep climbs.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

  • Seat tube length: 443 mm
  • Wheelbase: 1262 mm
  • Reach: 470 mm
  • Stack: 633 mm
  • Steering angle: 65.5 degrees
  • Seat angle: 77.5 degrees
  • Chainstay length: 460 mm

The equipment of the Flyer Uproc X 8.70

For 7999 euros, the equipment is solid, but nothing more. High-end parts are only available on the Uproc X in the more expensive models. But there are a few extras on board. The Monkey Link interface scores points for everyday use: A front light can be clipped on magnetically under the stem, which is then supplied with power directly from the main battery. The stem contains a multi-tool with the most important tools. The other components are just as solid: the gears and brakes come from Shimano's XT range and are functionally top-notch. The Fox Performance suspension also works at a good level, even if some other manufacturers install higher-quality suspension elements for € 8000. If you want more, you have to go for the top model Flyer Uproc X 9.50 for € 11,299. The Kindshock telescopic seat post offers 175 millimetres of adjustment travel. The Onza tyres are less ordinary. In this test, the Porcupine tyres blended in quite inconspicuously with the popular competition from Maxxis and Schwalbe.

Fox 36 Performance - on a bike for 8000 euros we would like to see a higher quality class in the Fox portfolio.
Photo: Josh Welz

Practical test: How the Flyer Uproc X 8.70

On tour

In this respect, the Swiss carbon racer is hard to beat. The riding position is rather upright and comfortable. The sensitive chassis also provides comfort. The neutral and uncomplicated handling is particularly striking - e-bikers will quickly get to grips with it. Another plus is the easy battery removal. The side mechanism is particularly useful if you want to remove the battery on the move. However, there is no lock for the battery. The practical features such as the integrated mini-tool and the magnetic connection for a front light (Monkey Link) including power supply are also great for everyday use. Only the weight of almost 25 kilograms could be a little annoying in everyday life, but unfortunately this is not unusual for this bike and battery class.

Click on the magnetic light - and you're done. The Monkey Link interface is connected to the main battery and offers real added value.Photo: Josh WelzClick on the magnetic light - and you're done. The Monkey Link interface is connected to the main battery and offers real added value.

Uphill

Uphill is the second great strength of the Uproc X. Above all, the powerful Panasonic motor puts its stamp on the ride. The high torque of a nominal 95 Newton metres is clearly noticeable. This makes climbing even the steepest climbs effortless. As the geometry of the elegant full carbon frame also makes demanding climbs much easier, the Flyer is one of the best climbers in the test overall. The steep seat angle positions the rider at the front of the bike, which provides a lot of control. On top of that, the long chainstays and low front end keep the front wheel on the ground. In technical passages, however, the modulation and liveliness of the motor cannot keep up with the excellent Bosch CX. The thrust is rather uniform and the GX Ultimate doesn't accelerate as directly when pedalling fast.

A high-quality saddle and a telescopic seat post with 175 mm adjustment range equip the bike for long tours and demanding terrain.Photo: Josh WelzA high-quality saddle and a telescopic seat post with 175 mm adjustment range equip the bike for long tours and demanding terrain.

Downhill

On the trail, two features are particularly characterising: the stable geometry and the rather high weight of the bike. At just under 25 kilos, the Flyer Uproc X is the heaviest bike in the test, and the chainstays are also long - this clearly pushes the controller in the direction of smoothness. Lively trail handling and playfulness are not the strengths of the Swiss bike. However, fast straights and rough sections have little effect on the All Mountain. The suspension smooths out small and large bumps with ease, the handling is pleasantly direct and precise, the geometry ensures a balanced wheel load distribution, and thanks to the rather conservative steering angle, you always remain in control even when riding passively. Another striking feature is that the Flyer is one of the quietest bikes in the test on the descents. Although the Panasonic motor is not completely rattle-free, compared to the Bosch and Shimano bikes, the subtle rattling is hardly noticeable. All in all, the Uproc X is a reliable and uncomplicated downhill companion that can also master rough downhills quickly. However, active riders looking for maximum riding fun on trails will find more suitable candidates among the high-end e-mountainbikes.

The EMTB conclusion

Powerful all-mountain bike with a powerful motor and carefree handling. High comfort on tour, but the Flyer Uproc X can also score points off-road. High-quality frame, but unfortunately quite heavy. With its powerful Panasonic motor, this elegant e-bike from Switzerland has a unique selling point.
Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB MagazinePhoto: Max FuchsFlorentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB Magazine

Pro

  • Very powerful motor
  • Top climbing properties
  • Quiet on the trail
  • Good-natured handling

Contra

  • Quite heavy
  • Somewhat sluggish and ponderous

Technical data and notes Flyer Uproc X 8.70

Manufacturer information

  • Price: 7999 Euro >> available here
  • Sizes (seat tube) / frame material: S, M, L (tested size 44.5 cm), XL / Carbon

Measured values²

  • Weight²: 24.97 kg
  • Reach altitude¹: 1760 (+0)hm
  • Average speed: 14.9 km/h
  • Centre of gravity height: 524 mm
  • Front/rear suspension travel: 150/150 mm
  • Handlebar width: 810 mm
  • Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 184 mm
  • Ground clearance⁴: 468 mm

Equipment

  • Motor: Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro
  • Max. Torque³: 95 Nm
  • Battery³ / weight² / price replacement battery: Flyer FIB-750 FIT / 4789 g / 1079 Euro
  • Gear system: Shimano XT
  • Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-51
  • Display: FIT Compact DSP1-M
  • Permissible total weight³: 140 kg
  • Fork / Shock: Fox 36 Float Performance E / Fox Float X Performance
  • Telescopic post: KS Lev Integra, 175 mm
  • Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Shimano XT / 203 mm / 203 mm
  • Wheels: DT Swiss H 1900 Spline Hybrid
  • Tyres: Onza Porcupine TRC/60 29 x 2.4; Onza Porcupine GRC/50 27.5 x 2.6

EMTB test rating⁵: 8.5 points - very good

Flyer Uproc X 8.70 - Geometry dataPhoto: EMTB-TestabteilungFlyer Uproc X 8.70 - Geometry dataFlyer Uproc X 8.70 - CharacteristicsPhoto: EMTB-TestabteilungFlyer Uproc X 8.70 - CharacteristicsFlyer Uproc X 8.70 - Test diagramPhoto: EMTB-TestabteilungFlyer Uproc X 8.70 - Test diagram

¹The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight including equipment 89 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.

²Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.

Manufacturer information

⁴Stage test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel

⁵The EMTB judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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