Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 19.02.2024
The Swiss e-bike pioneer Flyer is significantly expanding its range of e-mountainbikes. The new Uproc X is based on very modern off-road geometry and Bosch's Performance CX motor. It thus fills the gap between the still relatively new e-enduro Uproc Evo:X and the somewhat more leisurely all-mountain Uproc X with Panasonic motor.
The direction was already clear with the last new models from the Swiss company: away from the cosy trekking image! Flyer is focussing on sporty e-mountainbikes for wild trail and off-road riding. The new Uproc X is also available exclusively with a carbon chassis, both for the main frame and the rear triangle. The removal of the battery is not aimed at maximising comfort, but rather enables a lighter and at the same time more robust frame. Speaking of weight: At around 25 kilos, the top model of the Flyer Uproc X is not one of the lightweights in the all-mountain league. However, it is built on really robust parts that set no limits in the terrain.
The Flyer Uproc X has been available with a Panasonic motor since 2022 and also 150 millimetres of suspension travel. Flyer is now adding an even more modern All Mountain with the popular Bosch Performance CX to this model (to the long-term test of the Bosch Performance CX).
As with the Enduro Uproc Evo:X with slightly more suspension travel (to the test of the Flyer Uproc Evo:X), the battery of the Uproc X is also pulled downwards out of the closed down tube. The battery has 750 watt hours; only the cheapest model has the smaller Powertube 625 installed. This also means that you can switch between the two battery sizes if you wish.
Flyer goes all out with the controls. The shifter is Bosch's wireless mini-remote, which sits slimly on the left grip. The system controller is integrated into the top tube and a Kiox 300 display hangs on the handlebars - that's all you need. If you prefer a clean cockpit, you can simply remove the display.
The geometry of the new Flyer Uproc X is long, flat and modern. The extremely long reach (495 mm in size L), the slack steering angle of 64 degrees and the long wheelbase (1283 mm in size L) would also look good on a racy enduro bike. This shows Flyer where the journey with the Uproc X is heading. Riding qualities in tough terrain are prioritised. The rather compact chainstays of 445 mm should not make the bike too sluggish and thanks to the very steep seat angle of around 77.5 degrees, the bike should also excel on difficult climbs. The geometry could hardly be more modern for an all-mountain bike.
The Uproc X is priced below the Enduro Uproc Evo:X. You won't find a sinfully expensive high-end version with top equipment, but you won't find a real bargain among the three models either. Starting at 5999 euros, the top model costs 7999 euros. All models are available in either purple or white. Also on board with all models: the high-quality and robust full carbon frame.
The entry-level model of the Uproc X costs 5999 euros, comes with brakes and gears from Shimano and a chassis consisting of a Suntour fork and Rockshox shock. The 2.10 is the only model to come with the smaller Bosch Powertube 625 battery.
The medium equipment variant already has a Fox chassis consisting of a 36 Rythm fork and Float X Performance shock absorber on board, for which a price of 6999 euros is payable.
The top model relies on solid parts throughout, but the product managers have not reached for the highest shelf at any point. The Fox suspension elements from the Performance series in particular leave room for improvement. Compared to many other brands, the price of € 7999 remains moderate. However, you can find more glamorous equipment in this price range from the classic price-performance brands.
We were able to ride the Flyer Uproc X 8.70 extensively before the launch, test it in direct comparison with the competition and put it through the EMTB lab. Unfortunately, due to a lack of availability, the pre-production bikes were delivered with different tyres than those fitted in series production. The Onza Aquila GRC on our test bike weigh almost 600 grams more in total than the standard Onza Porcupine TRC/GRC tyres. This difference is noticeable in the riding behaviour - both positively (riding safety and traction) and negatively (acceleration, light-footedness). Our riding impression is based solely on the configuration of our test bike with the heavier tyres.
Fluffy, comfortable, high-traction: you feel right at home on the new Flyer Uproc X. The riding position is modern and rather compact, as the steep seat angle positions the rider far forward on the bike. In combination with the lively and powerful Bosch drive, the bike climbs even difficult ascents with ease. The front wheel keeps good contact with the ground and follows the steering movements safely and directly.
Only when things get really steep do you have to be more active. On rough terrain, the suspension in particular shines. This is because the sensitive rear suspension smooths out roots and steps with ease, without getting too bogged down in the travel. In combination with the massive tyres, the traction is excellent. All in all, the Uproc X from Flyer is one of the really good and confident climbers.
Confident is also a good keyword when it comes to the downhill characteristics of the new Uproc X! All mountain? The unanimous conclusion of our test team is that it's actually an enduro bike. When things get wild and fast on the trail, the Flyer feels at home. The suspension works comfortably and with good traction - and still retains reserves for really rough hits. 150 millimetres of travel? It feels like there could definitely be more travel here! The massive, grippy and well-damped Aquila tyres from Onza also play a large part in the high level of riding safety. (Attention, other tyres are fitted as standard!) With their robust carcass and voluminous construction, they further increase the grip and comfort of the bike.
But the geometry of the bike is also fully focussed on riding safety. Long wheelbase, slack steering angle, mature reach - the bike also has an enduro attitude. The wide 810 mm handlebars further enhance the smooth ride and thanks to the low bottom bracket, you are perfectly integrated into the bike. During our test on Lake Garda, the Uproc X easily outshone some longer-travel bikes on nasty bumpy descents. The feeling of safety was high at all times! Are there any disadvantages? Yes, because the high weight of the bike and the wheels and tyres is definitely noticeable. The Uproc X is not light on its feet. The lighter standard tyres should bring an improvement in this aspect.
The 2024 Flyer Uproc X is only really in its element when gravity is pulling on it - in other words, when the trail has a certain gradient downhill. The plush suspension also feels more comfortable in this terrain than on flat trails. Where you want to carry momentum out of corners or actively push over bumps, the Flyer is a little sluggish. Pleasant: For a Bosch bike, our Uproc X was quite quiet on the descents. The motor rattling wasn't as intrusive as we know it from other E-MTBs with Performance CX.
Flyer has put its all-mountain bike on steroids. With its extreme geometry, the new Uproc X is an extremely powerful super sports bike that rivals even full-blown enduro bikes on rough trails. This also puts the Uproc Evo:X from the company's own range in its place. The all-round character has remained the same, as the Bosch bike is no match for it on the climbs either. However, the all-rounder is not a handy lightweight. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB Magazine

Editor CvD