The dream figure doesn't fall from the sky. A lot of sleep, discipline and hard training are the price for narrow hips, a tight bum and a six-pack. A similar dilemma is currently plaguing the e-bike community. On the one hand, we want more battery capacity for long-lasting touring or trail fun. On the other hand, no-one wants to lug the extra weight of the bulky energy source to the summit. Our tests confirm this development. 25.1 kilos - that's how much the Touring bikes around 4500 euros in EMTB 1/21 average. This weight problem still separates many mountain bikers from XXL touring fun with a large battery.
But once the Bulls Sonic Evo AM SL-1 had passed our lab test, hope arose. The key data: 750 watt hours, full carbon frame, 29 inches and a total weight of 21.5 kilos - all for a price of 5199 euros. The newcomer therefore fulfils everything you could wish for in an e-mountainbike. The new touring fully from the ZEG brand thus undercuts the competition from EMTB 1/21 by 3.6 kilos! At a similar price level and in view of the high battery capacity, this is record-breaking. But how is this possible?
The facts about the Bulls Sonic Evo AM SL-1
- Full carbon frame
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Suspension travel: 140 millimetres
- Shimano EP8 motor
- BMZ Li-Ion battery with 750 watt hours
- Permissible total weight: 135 kilos
- Weight: 21.5 kilos
- Price: 5199 Euro
A large part of the weight saving is due to the specially developed 3555 gram battery with carbon housing. By way of comparison, our laboratory scales put the Bosch counterpart with 750 watt hours at 4350 grams. What's more, the battery is semi-integrated in the down tube. This also saves Bulls the weight of a separate battery cover. The battery mount in the frame also focusses on lightweight construction. Instead of a heavy lock and massive brackets, a small latch secures the battery in the frame. The design seemed undersized to us. So be careful: to avoid damaging the latch, a lot of sensitivity is required when inserting and removing the battery from the side. The last and second biggest cost-saving measure was taken by the product managers when choosing the tyres. The Nobby Nic in 2.35 mm width saves 532 grams compared to Maxxis Assegai tyres with EXO+ casing. However, the tyre scratches at the lower end of the application range.
Max Fuchs
Editor
