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"Shit - this is going to go wrong!", it races through my head. My adrenal glands flood my bloodstream with a surge of adrenaline and put my body on high alert. A fraction of a second earlier, a jump hurled me far too far towards the monstrous stone field on the trail. Now every muscle fibre is preparing for the rough encounter with one of the child's head-sized boulders. But then it happens: Nothing! Because the boulders literally fizzle out in the 170-millimetre suspension of the brand new Santa Cruz Bullit. In the same breath, my fear of hitting the gravel has disappeared. It quickly becomes clear: with this capacity, the Californian newcomer will join the ranks of the potent E-Enduros.
The facts about the new Santa Cruz Bullit
- Shimano EP8 motor (85 nm)
- Shimano Intube battery with 630 watt hours
- Full carbon frame
- MX wheel mix 29"/27.5"
- 170 millimetres spring travel
- Weight: 22.15 kilos (EMTB measurement, top model, size L)
- 4 models from 7699 euros to 11699 euros
- Lifetime warranty on frames and carbon wheels
- Approved for a rider weight of 136 kilos
Not even a year has passed since Santa Cruz adds an e-mountain bike to its portfolio for the first time extended. Back then, the Heckler surprised us with its pleasantly direct and poppy handling. And the 2021 new edition of the Heckler has not lost its agile talent despite the large 29er front wheel. Nevertheless, neither of the two models is really potent and downhill-orientated. The question quickly arose as to how long it would be before the Californians came up with a real downhill racer that also matched the brand's gravity flair. Today, the cult brand from California has the right answer with the Bullit. The 170 millimetre travel at the rear and front, a Fox Factory fork on thick 38 mm stanchions and the MX wheel mix of 29 inch at the front and 27.5 inch wheels at the rear speak for themselves. But it's not just the equipment that impresses. Despite the massive components and the 630 removable battery, the top model weighs in at just 22.15 kilos. A real challenge for a racy E-Enduro!
The Bullit in detail
In order to trim the newcomer down towards the 22-kilo mark, the high-end forge has subjected the Bullit to a consistent diet. In addition to the elegant full carbon frame, the in-house spare wheels are a decisive factor in the low weight. The new Shimano motor also saves over 300 grams compared to the competition with motors from Bosch or Brose. If you take a closer look, you will also notice that the product managers have not lost sight of function, despite keeping a meticulous eye on the scales. For example, the powerful Sram Code brake system on large 220 mm rotors packs a punch. And with the Maxxis tyre combination with puncture-proof double-down casing, function and durability are more important than weight.
The drive on the Santa Cruz Bullit
The Shimano EP8 is installed in the full carbon frame to provide drive support. In the highest support level, the motor pushes over the trail with a full 85 Newton metres. For the energy source, the developers have opted for a Shimano battery with 630 watt hours. Even though the market now offers a number of e-mountainbikes with batteries beyond 700 Wh, the Bullit lasts significantly longer compared to the Heckler models with only 500 watt hours.
The geometry of the Santa Cruz Bullit
In addition to the equipment, the geometry data also provides a clear direction: Downhill! The steering angle is an extremely slack 63.5 degrees and the reach is 470 millimetres in size L. Longer and slacker than its little brother. The steep seat angle results in a compact riding position and great climbing characteristics. The chainstays are moderate at 449 millimetres. Long enough to climb steep ramps without having to actively fight against the rising front wheel. But also short enough not to sacrifice the entire play instinct for climbing ability or smoothness. Quite the opposite! For such a downhill-oriented e-mountainbike, the Bullit is surprisingly easy to manoeuvre over winding trails. The Californians offer the Bullit in frame sizes M, L, XL and XXL. Unfortunately, extremely small riders will miss out.
The Santa Cruz Bullit on the trail
Models and prices
Santa Cruz offers the Bullit in four models between 7699 euros and 11699 euros. The entry-level model (Bullit R) only has an old Shimano E7000 motor. Coupled with the second-rate equipment, the price-performance ratio here is extremely poor. The more expensive variants all rely on Shimano EP8 drivetrains. If you want to enjoy the full Bullit experience including carbon wheels, Fox Factory suspension and Sram X01 drivetrain, you will have to fork out 11699 euros. The Bullit S (9099 euros) and Bullit XT (9699 euros) models fall between the two extremes. Santa Cruz offers two colour options: lilac (Gloss Lavender) or bronze (Matte Copper).
Max Fuchs
Editor
