Bulls Vuca Evo AM 2 with Pinion MGU – Review: A completely revamped gear-driven e-MTB is out to prove itself

​Conclusion from the BIKE editorial team

More mature, more trail-focused, yet still offering comfortable touring capabilities: the new version of the Bulls Vuca Evo AM2 is a success. Featuring a Pinion MGU and belt drive, this e-MTB boasts an innovative, low-maintenance drivetrain that offers clear advantages – albeit with certain quirks. Weighing in at 25.7 kg, the bike is no lightweight, but it does come with plenty of useful extras.

An e-mountain bike without a derailleur – yet still with 12 gears. The Bulls Vuca Evo AM2 with Pinion MGU combines the advantages of a traditional gearbox with modern e-bike technology. No derailleur that can snap off, no chains or cassettes prone to wear and tear, no rattling. What at first glance looks like the familiar predecessor model turns out, on closer inspection, to be a completely new design.

In the video: BIKE reviews the Bulls Vuca EVO AM

A complete new edition for 2026

The Vuca Evo AM was one of the very first Bikes with Pinion MGU, which were ready to go as soon as the motor-gearbox unit was unveiled in 2024. However, Bulls has given the bike a complete overhaul for 2026. The frame and its geometry, the battery, the controls and the spec – virtually every detail has been revamped. The result is a significantly more mature and sportier e-mountain bike with many exciting design features.

The facts at a glance

• Frame: Carbon main frame, aluminium rear triangle
• Wheel size: 29 inches
• Suspension travel: 160 mm at the front, 150 mm at the rear
• Drive: Pinion MGU with 12-speed manual gearbox
• Battery: 800 watt-hours, removable from the down tube without the need for tools
• Weight: 25.7 kg (AM2, size L, BIKE measurement)
• Price: 8,499 euros (AM2), entry-level model from 6,999 euros

Pinion MGU: The heart of the powertrain concept

At the heart of the Bulls Vuca Evo AM2 is the Pinion MGU motor-gearbox unit. The e-bike motor incorporates a 12-speed manual gearbox directly, which offers significant advantages both in everyday use and off-road:

• No rear derailleur means fewer potential faults
• Reduced noise and weight on the rear wheel
• A central, low centre of gravity thanks to the central weight distribution
• Carbon belts instead of chains for low-maintenance operation
• Shifting is possible whilst standing or rolling

One particular feature is the automatic mode: the system changes gears automatically based on a preset cadence. This mode works reliably on flat terrain and during a relaxed ride; however, on steep, technical climbs, manual gear changes are generally recommended. Switching between the two modes is intuitive whilst riding by pressing and holding the gear lever.

The advantages of an integrated manual gearbox built directly into the motor are enormous. However, the Pinion MGU is not without its drawbacks. The motor’s power and torque are superb. Yet the drive noise is particularly loud when using the higher gears. This is particularly noticeable when compared to the discreetly sounding motors from Bosch and, above all, Avinox. There is also a peculiarity when changing gears. Across the twelve gears, there are two gear changes where two gear stages have to be shifted simultaneously: from 4th to 5th and from 8th to 9th. These double shifts feel unusually harsh and disrupt the flow of the ride somewhat.

All-new carbon frame

The new edition of the Vuca features a completely new carbon frame. Bulls has worked on numerous design details intended to make the bike much more user-friendly and easier to service. In addition, the chassis has been fitted with some more striking innovations: The tool-free Eightpins seatpost offers 180 mm of adjustment travel. The large diameter of the integrated seatpost copes with the stresses of riding much better than conventional systems and promises better long-term performance and durability.

An integrated cornering light in the head tube complements the rear lights – already familiar from the previous model – which are discreetly positioned in the dropout. Both lights are powered directly by the e-bike battery. The cockpit also features an SP-Connect interface, which is factory-connected to the main battery. This allows various accessories to be connected, such as powerful additional lights or smartphone mounts with inductive charging.

Geometry and handling: Balanced rather than extreme

The completely redesigned geometry brings noticeable improvements. In particular, the very flat seat angle we had to criticise in the previous model (see the review of the Bulls Vuca Evo AM). Bulls has made some well-judged improvements here. You now sit centrally on the bike, without the riding position being uncomfortably extreme. The slightly stretched position created by the low front end allows for efficient pedalling.

On the climbs, the Vuca Evo AM2 impresses with its excellent tracking. The front wheel stays firmly on track, whilst the rear end generates plenty of traction. Combined with the powerful Pinion MGU, the bike becomes a confident climber that remains comfortable to ride on the flat too.

On the trail, the new version feels significantly more mature and sporty. The shallower head angle and longer wheelbase ensure impressively smooth handling and a high level of riding safety, without the bike feeling sluggish. The rear suspension performs excellently and, thanks to its good tuning, provides plenty of traction on the ground, ensuring a high level of control off-road.

The well-balanced damping further contributes to the bike’s confident handling. Its character remains firmly rooted in the all-mountain category. In other words, the bike handles tough terrain with ease, but isn’t really designed for extreme enduro or bike park trails. The handling is intuitive and fun, although manoeuvres such as bunny hops and wheelies require a bit more physical effort.

Tuning potential

Despite its many strengths, there are a few points of criticism: the Schwalbe Magic Mary tyres fitted – in the budget ‘Performance’ version with a hard rubber compound – are unsuitable for an e-mountain bike in this price range. The aggressive tread pattern gives a false impression of the tyres’ actual grip, and their shortcomings are particularly evident in wet conditions. Higher-quality tyres fitted as standard would be preferable here.

Trail bikers can also make further improvements to the cockpit. Whilst the carbon handlebar-and-stem combination saves weight and looks high-quality, it does limit flexibility. The handlebars cannot be rotated to suit individual preferences or swapped for models with more rise. A higher handlebar position would make the riding position more relaxed and provide greater confidence on challenging terrain, as the front end is quite low in its standard configuration. Two small adjustments that can further improve handling without breaking the bank.

Strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

• Low-maintenance belt drive with gearbox
• An uncomplicated all-rounder
• Impressive off-road performance
• A wide range of everyday features
• Quiet operation on the trail

Weaknesses

• Loud engine noise when climbing
• Heavy despite the carbon frame
• Cheap tyres