Bulls Copperhead EVO AM2 on test: More than just a Bosch e-MTB - for 5000 euros

The Copperhead Evo AM2 is the classic touring e-MTB in Bulls' model range. With a Bosch motor, removable 800 battery and many special everyday features, it has more to offer than just pure off-road capability. While enduro bikers might turn up their noses at buzzwords such as stand mount, integrated lighting system or inductive mobile phone charging, this approach offers real added value for anyone who wants to use their bike for more than just sport.

With a carbon main frame, solid spec and 150 millimetres of travel, the Bulls also has off-road aspirations and all-mountain ambitions. The equipment is rock solid: Shimano XT gears and brakes, Rockshox suspension from the mid-price category, plus a carbon main frame - that's a decent package for 4999 euros compared to the rest of the market. Then there are the additional functions such as the fully integrated lighting system and the Monkey Link interfaces. With these extras, you can overlook the cheap tyres and the slightly too short dropper post. How does the bike perform off-road and on mountain tours?

The combination of Bosch Performance CX and removable 800 Wh battery is not only tried and tested, but also has a particularly long range. Although the motor is no longer one of the most powerful or lightest on the market, it is still top in terms of modulation and riding behaviour. This also applies to the range. Bulls uses the somewhat simpler "System Controller" LED display and dispenses with the Kiox 400C display.

Good-natured and comfortable

If you turn onto trails, you get a very good-natured and accessible package. The Copperhead is easy and direct to steer. The suspension filters out bumps with ease and the rear suspension works particularly well. Even when the bike shoots through the terrain with traction, it remains composed, traction-strong and comfortable. However, due to its moderate geometry, the Copperhead reaches its limits a little earlier on hard and steep terrain. Rushing downhill in the fall line is not the core competence of this bike. In difficult situations, the short stroke of the dropper post (150 mm in size M) and the cheap rubber compound of the Schwalbe tyres in the wet can also cost you confidence.

The compact dimensions with a compact wheelbase and surprisingly short rear end (444 mm chainstays) ensure an astonishingly agile character that you would hardly expect from a 26-kilo bike. The successful rear suspension also has a hand in this, as it keeps the rider in an active position and offers good support. All in all, the bike is very direct and uncomplicated to steer on trails. It only gets choppy on rough descents. In wet conditions, the inexpensive Schwalbe tyres with their moderately grippy rubber are also limiting.

Fully geared towards touring?

The riding position has a classic feel. On the Copperhead, you sit a little further back and slightly stretched out. On flat terrain, this is comfortable as the pressure is evenly distributed across the saddle and grips. On steep climbs, however, the weight moves a little further back, which affects control and riding comfort. So even on the climbs, extreme technical difficulties are not quite this bike's favourite habitat - although the powerful and well-modulated motor makes a lot possible and the rear triangle ensures particularly good traction.

The Copperhead feels more at home in classic touring use. Here, the Bosch system shines with a super range and the uncomplicated handling also scores points. Tuning tip for more comfort on tours: grips with more damping - we found the thin standard grips uncomfortable. If you have small hands, you should check the setting of the brake levers during the test ride, as their ergonomics are not ideal for short fingers.

Strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

• Super rear suspension
• uncomplicated handling
• Smart everyday features

Weaknesses

• limited in hard terrain
• Flat seat angle
• quite heavy