The Bulls Copperhead 3S scores highly in our comparison of entry-level mountain bikes, especially when it's uphill and you want to cover some distance. With its low weight and extremely good equipment, it makes extended bike tours with many metres in altitude possible even for MTB beginners.
At 11.78 kilos without pedals, the 29-inch hardtail from Bulls is the lightest bike in our comparison test. But it's not just the overall weight of the aluminium mountain bike that is low. Narrow rims and light tyres also reduce the weight of the wheels, which are crucial for light-footed acceleration. Together with the good rolling Schwalbe tyre combination, the Bulls climbs like a mountain goat. If you mainly want to ride long tours on gravel and easy terrain, the Bulls is a very well-equipped bike. Even if you want to tackle a marathon for the first time, the Bulls is a faithful companion.
Both the geometry and the riding position are very moderate. The high head tube and the slightly offset handlebars minimise the sporty riding position with a generous reach and long top tube. On the descents, the Copperhead Bulls with its manoeuvrable handling performs solidly, even if not as confidently as the downhill specialists in the test. However, the internally routed cables rattle slightly. The built-in Shimano brakes with short two-finger levers are ergonomic to hold and decelerate very well with the large 180 mm discs. The Rockshox Reba fork works well, but only offers 101 millimetres of travel. However, it can be locked out from the handlebars.
If you mainly want to ride long tours in easy terrain and avoid more demanding trail sections anyway, you will be happy with the Bulls. With the 1549 euro bike, it is even possible to take part in a marathon or regional cross-country race. The Bulls Copperhead is clearly one of the most propulsion-orientated and sporty bikes in the entry-level mountain bike class.
All results of the comparative test
Which manufacturer offers the best spec for the money in 2021? Which bike shines on downhill singletrack descents and which bike is the most efficient and sporty for longer tours? We tested the seven mountain bike hardtails in direct comparison on varied off-road test laps. In addition, each candidate underwent an elaborate laboratory procedure. In the BIKE lab, we disassemble each test bike into its individual parts and test the frame, wheels and forks in particular according to standardised procedures. The elaborate measurements enable a differentiated assessment. The Comparison test of seven MTB hardtails from 1300 euros with all the results, data and details in BIKE 5/21. Keen for more? Order now your BIKE issue, printed or digital, individually or as a low-cost subscription.
You can download the complete test with all riding impressions and laboratory values from BIKE 5/2021 as a PDF below the article.
The test costs 1.99 euros. Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in EMTB. We don't pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them - hundreds of thousands of euros every year.
