How can Bulls offer its top racer at this competitive price? 4000 euros for an XTR groupset, SID fork in the World Cup version and the finest carbon fibre parts. This puts the ZEG brand at mail-order level. You will look in vain for hidden rivets on Karl Platt and Urs Huber's marathon bike. Two years were spent working closely with the racing team on the geometry, which now also benefits the more affordable model 1:1. Because of Platt & Co. there are no thru axles on the stiff Bulls chassis. This is because they cost valuable seconds when changing wheels during races. Super-long chainstays (454 mm) on the Black Adder keep the front wheel on the ground even on the steepest ramps and allow the rider to switch to pedalling on gravel climbs. The handling is sporty and agile with good directional stability at high speeds. When comparing the models, the riding position does not indicate which of the two race hardtails you are sitting on. The first few pedals and the lively acceleration reveal that the Team model is fitted with 550 gram lighter wheels. When shifting gears and braking, both Shimano groupsets impress with precise function and perfect ergonomics. The 2.25 mm Schwalbe tyres allow tyre pressures below 1.8 bar and therefore a lot of comfort at the rear. The top model in particular absorbs small bumps a little better. At the front, the SID fork does its job reliably on both Bulls models. With the minor difference that the expensive version can be conveniently locked with a hydraulic handlebar lever.
Conclusion 1500 euros more for 1.2 kilos less: The Bulls top model makes the decision easy for thoroughbred racers. Especially as 3999 euros for the team version is a super bargain compared to the specialised trade competition. However, marathon newcomers can't go wrong with the sensible model for 2500 euros.
BULLS BLACK ADDER TEAM
PLUS Light-footed acceleration, lightest suspension fork, wide tyres, great price/performance ratio
MINUS No thru axles, no chainstay protector
BULLS BLACK ADDER 29
PLUS Flawless XT equipment, same frame as the top model, wide tyres with expensive rubber compound
MINUS Triple crank, no chainstay protector
