With a long heritage in developing and manufacturing e-bikes, the Swiss brand FLYER have consistently impressed the industry with their innovations. The FLYER Uproc7 is no exception and enters the scene with a host of novel features, but how will these fare in reality?

FLYER Uproc7 8.70 | € 7,199 | 25.29 kg | Panasonic

The FLYER Uproc7 has two major USPs: first, it comes with the brand-new dual-geared Panasonic motor; and second, it relies on FLYER’s clever FIT system that connects the various functions on the Uproc7. The big display and control unit on the bars give a good overview over both of these elements. Much like the Bosch Nyon display, FLYER have also pooled all the information to this central unit for control. Both the motor’s level of pedal-assist, as well as its gearing, can be controlled manually or set to automatic. In the auto mode, the system detects the best time to shift gears through the interplay of the seat tube’s gradient sensors, as well as speed and cadence sensors. In typical FLYER style, the spec has been painstakingly chosen to satisfy expectations.

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One spin and you won’t want to end your ride on the FLYER. Super-comfortable to ride, it is also intuitive to control, and it dances its way up the climbs in the easiest gear. The motor’s power is substantial, yet it can be finely modulated on off-road climbs. It dishes out the most power at a cadence of around 85 rpm. The levels of pedal assist have been wisely chosen. Significantly heavier than the rest of the test fleet, the FLYER’s handling is impacted by its 25.29 kg. It’s surprisingly agile, but irrefutably brawny on the trails, so you’ll have to flex your muscles. At high speeds, it possesses a calm composure and tracks its line well. On the flat, you’ll want to hit the big ring to keep your speed (but the motor decouples at 25 km/h anyway).

Helmet Specialized Ambush | Jersey ION TEE SS TRAZE_AMP | Shorts ION BIKESHORTS TRAZE_AMP

The FLYER Uproc7 8.70 in Detail

Fork RockShox Lyrik RCT3 160 mm
Rear shock RockShox Monarch Plus 160 mm
Motor / Battery Panasonic 2-Speed Motor / 432 Wh
Brakes Shimano Saint
Drivetrain Shimano XT
Seatpost RockShox Reverb Stealth
Stem Ahead 50 mm
Bars Riser Aluminium 780 mm
Tires Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2,8″
Wheels DT Swiss XM 1501 Spline One

Dual-geared motor
The FLYER Uproc7 features the integrated two-geared Panasonic motor that massively broadens the gear range to an enormous 540%. However, it is heavy, and shifting suffers under load. We like the reasoning behind gearing like this, particularly on quick S-Pedelecs, but consider it a bit redundant on regular E-MTBs.
Nice design
The L-shaped battery is incredibly easy to slide on and off the downtube from the side, and it’s well integrated into the bike’s design. Unfortunately its capacity is only 432 Wh, although FLYER have already announced their intentions to create a bigger version.
Intuitive
The remote lever looks jam-packed at first glance, but once you’ve got used to how it works then you’ll find it really intuitive to control. Note: it could get expensive in the event of a crash.
A quick overview
The big display screen reveals all of the important stats relating to your ride and the motor situation, plus there’s the option to link the display with your smartphone.
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Conclusion

The FLYER Uproc7 is full of innovative details, but there are question marks over their value. For performance-focused trail riders, these technical elements are perhaps superfluous and add unnecessary weight. However, they’re achingly up to date and appealing to those who love technology and those who are planning on long touring rides. Predictable handling and a great spec make the Uproc7 a very solid bike.

Strengths

– Good climbing
– Superb handling
– A lot of information visible on the big display

Weaknesses

– Very heavy
– Minimal battery range

For more information head to flyer-bikes.com!

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What is the Best E-MTB of 2017? – 14 Models in Test

All bikes in test: BULLS E-Core Di2 FS 27,5+ | CUBE Stereo Hybrid 160 Action Team | FOCUS JAM2 FACTORY | Giant Full-E+ 0 SX | Haibike XDURO AllMtn 8.0 | Lapierre Overvolt AM 900+ Carbon | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 900E | NOX EDF 6.7 Hybrid | ROTWILD R.E+ FS PRO | SCOTT E-Genius Tuned 700 Plus | Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Expert 6Fattie | STEVENS E-Sledge+ ES | Thömus Lightrider E1


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