Flyer Uproc Evo:X 8.70 on test: Swiss army knife with enduro blade?

The new Uproc Evo:X is the sporty spearhead of the Swiss e-bike specialist Flyer. Flyer ushered in a new era in 2020 with its predecessor, the Uproc 6: An integrated battery, sporty geometry and real pedalling qualities were intended to make the massive E-Enduro attractive to a new, sporty target group. Like the Uproc 6, the new Uproc Evo:X is the flagship of the Flyer range and is designed for high speeds and extreme terrain. A real E-Enduro.

A point of honour at Flyer: Although the bike is fully designed for trail performance, the battery is still removable - even if a special trick was necessary for this. The elegant full carbon chassis offers 170/165 millimetres of suspension travel and rolls on Mullet wheels with 29er tyres at the front and 27.5 inch tyres at the rear.

The facts about the Flyer Uproc Evo:X 8.70

• Motor: Bosch Performance CX, 85 Nm max. torque
• Battery: Bosch Powertube, 750 Wh (removable)
• Frame material: Carbon
• Suspension travel: 170 / 165 mm
• Wheel size: Mullet (29 / 27.5 inch)
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Price: 8999 Euro
• Weight: 25.3 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
• Permissible total weight: 140 kg

Frame, construction and special features

With the New edition of its E-Enduro Flyer faced the same challenge as countless other manufacturers: how to accommodate the very long Powertube 750 from Bosch in the frame without making too many compromises in terms of weight, stability and geometry? However, the result, like the question, is common in the industry: a battery removal downwards from the closed down tube. To achieve this, the Bosch motor was positioned slightly rotated in the bottom bracket area.

With the latest evolutionary stage of the Uproc, Flyer is leaving the beaten track. This is because the brand-typical convenient removal of the battery from the side of the down tube has now given way to a more complicated version. On the predecessor with a 625 battery, the Uproc 6, the battery was removed from the side. Nevertheless, at over 25 kilos, the new edition of the Swiss is rather a heavyweight. However, a closer look reveals that most of the pounds are in the wheels. So there is tuning potential lurking here! However, the solid Onza tyres look good on the bike.

The e-bike drive

The Bosch Performance CX is the most frequently installed motor in e-mountainbikes. In addition to the uncomplicated handling and the large service network, the riding characteristics also make this drive a perennial favourite: ample power, dynamic power delivery and a very lively E-MTB mode make the Swabian motor the real uphill king. However, if you only pedal gently, you won't get the full power of the power pack even in turbo mode. In combination with the large 750cc Powertube, the range is excellent. On the downside, the complete system is not exactly light. The battery in particular weighs in at over 4.3 kilos.

The geometry

For all our tests, we measure the geometry ourselves in our in-house test laboratory using a laser-based measuring process. This gives us exactly comparable data, as the manufacturer's specifications sometimes differ significantly from each other, as different measuring methods are used or the data is only derived from technical drawings. The Uproc Evo:X from Flyer lands in the modern Enduro mediocrity in many areas. There are hardly any extreme values. The wheelbase is moderate at 1275 millimetres for size L. The bike should not only provide a smooth ride in rocky terrain, but also be fun to ride. The not too long chainstays of 448 millimetres also fit in with this. The steering angle, on the other hand, is slack.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

• Seat tube length: 439 mm
• Wheelbase: 1275 mm
• Reach: 470 mm
• Stack: 641 mm
• Steering angle: 63.5°
• Seat angle: 76°
• Chainstay length: 448 mm

The features of the Flyer Uproc Evo:X 8.70

The equipment is harmonious, but measured against the price, there is no enthusiasm. In addition to the heavy wheels, the suspension elements from Fox's inexpensive Performance series also lack lustre. However, there are some helpful extras such as a tool in the head tube and a Monkey Link interface on the stem. A special light can be magnetically clicked on here. The spotlight then draws its power from the main battery. Real added value for everyday biking!

Practical test: How the Flyer Uproc Evo:X 8.70 rides

On tour

A pleasant riding position, comfortable rear suspension, helpful everyday features and a long range: the sporty enduro bike from Flyer can also score points for touring use. However, the geometry and riding characteristics are more likely to shine under the guidance of an experienced rider and with an active riding style. The somewhat more complicated battery removal and the weight of over 25 kilos do not exactly make everyday cycling comfortable.

Uphill

But back to the start, because the tour rarely begins at the trail entrance. Long-legged riders benefit from the really steep seat angle, as the riding position is not rear-heavy even with a long dropper post extension. Nevertheless, the Flyer requires active weight shifting on really steep climbs to keep the front wheel on track. On the other hand, traction is excellent at all times thanks to the sensitive rear end and the massive tyres. The powerful and lively Performance CX does the rest to give the Flyer good climbing characteristics.

Downhill

The modern geometry with a slack steering angle and the forgiving suspension immediately give you that enduro feeling on the trail. The Flyer feels at home on rough bike park and enduro trails and encourages the rider to leave the brakes open. Thanks to the low bottom bracket, you are perfectly integrated and secure on the bike. Despite the heavy wheels, the Uproc Evo:X retains a certain manoeuvrability thanks to the not excessively long wheelbase and the equally moderate chainstays. The handling is successful and balanced, so the Uproc can also score points on natural and narrower root trails. The sensitive rear end generates a lot of traction and literally sucks itself into the ground. The rear suspension travel is rather generous, which provides a lot of comfort. The Fox 38 from the Performance series with the more favourable Fit Grip damping is also comfort-oriented.

The EMTB review of the Uproc Evo:X

Well-balanced E-Enduro with an elegant full carbon frame, successful geometry and high-traction chassis. The range of use is wide, as the Uproc Evo:X strikes a good compromise between uphill and downhill ability, as well as smoothness and manoeuvrability. With better equipment and lighter wheels, it could be even better! Powerful Bosch drive with great range. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB Magazine

Pro

• Balanced handling, successful geometry
• Suspension with good absorption and traction
• Helpful extras: tool in the head tube, monkey link for front light

Contra

• Heavy wheels
• Steep uphills require an active riding style
• No high-end equipment considering the price

Further technical data and notes Flyer Uproc Evo:X 8.70

Measured values

• Centre of gravity height: 512 mm
• Handlebar width: 800 mm
• Crank length / Q-factor: 160 mm / 186 mm
• Ground clearance³: 491 mm

Equipment

• Gear system: Shimano XT (12-speed)
• Translation (f./h.): 34; 10-51
• Display: Bosch system controller
• Fork / shock: Fox 38 Performance / Float X Performance
• Telescopic post: KS Lev Integra,a 175 mm
• Brake / Disc Ø (front/rear): Shimano XT 8120 / 203 mm / 203 mm
• Wheels: Mavic E-Deemax 30
• Tyres: Onza Aquila GRC 50, 29 x 22.5" / 227.5 x 2.5"

¹Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.

²Manufacturer information

Step test, measured with 36 centimetres raised rear wheel

⁴The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.