The BULLS E-CORE EVO EN Di2 was the big surprise in this group test. Up to now, BULLS has been known for quantity rather than quality – solid bikes with great value for money. With the E-CORE EVO EN, ZEG’s own brand ignites a firework of innovation.
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2018 – 12 dream bikes go head to head
The best feature of the BULLS E-CORE EVO EN is located on the down tube of the bike: you have the option of mounting either one or two batteries. BULLS calls the system TwinCore, and itt provides a maximum battery capacity of 750 Wh. For short trips, you can happily leave one of the batteries at home. This saves a valuable 2.07 kg in weight, which noticeably benefits the handling. The bike comes standard with only one 375 Wh rechargeable battery pack. When buying, you should therefore consider the € 499 for a second battery. Even at a total price of € 6,998 (incl. second battery), the value for money of the E-CORE is still very good. The spec is top-notch and reliable, leaving us with nothing to complain about. The suspension consists of a RockShox Lyrik suspension fork and a FOX FLOAT X2 shock, both providing 180 mm of travel. The Shimano Saint brakes work reliably and offer plenty of stopping power, while the Shimano XT Di2 electronic derailleur changes gears with surgical precision.
After the first few pedal strokes, you immediately feel very comfortable on the BULLS. Thanks to the short stem, the seating position is rather upright and very comfortable. The Shimano STEPS E8000 delivers a good amount of thrust, and despite the plush 180 mm of travel, the bike climbs surprisingly well. BULLS kept the bottom bracket a bit higher, giving you more ground clearance when pedalling, minimizing the risk of striking your pedals on roots or rocks.
With the BULLS you get a lot for your money: lots of fun, a lot of range, and lots of fancy components!
Most often a high bottom bracket results in nervous handling on the downhills. Not so with the BULLS, as the engineers have succeeded in giving the bike a very balanced ride. The E-CORE has exactly the right mix of agility and composure, which makes riding it child’s play. Unlike many other bikes with that amount of travel, it is pleasantly manoeuvrable and rides very precisely. Should you ever be surprised by an obstacle – whether it’s a field of roots or a curb – the plush suspension will iron over it with ease. The Schwalbe Magic Mary tyres look really massive at first glance, but despite their rough profile they roll well off-road and offer plenty of cornering grip and braking traction. This pays off on narrow single track as well as emergency braking on forest roads.
The BULLS E-CORE EVO EN Di2 in detail
Fork RockShox Lyrik RC 180 mm
Shock FOX FLOAT X2 180 mm
Motor/battery Shimano STEPS E 8000 375 Wh* Twin Core
Drivetrain Shimano DEORE XT Di2
Brakes Shimano SAINT
Seatpost Kind Shock LEV INTEGRA
Stem Money Link 55 mm
Handlebar Bulls 780 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss HX 1501
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary 2.6″
*optional battery: +375 Wh (€ 499)
The downtube of the BULLS has room for two removable 375 Wh batteries. The total capacity of 750 Wh ensures maximum range.
It sounds banal, but the Monkey Light mount is super-practical. It allows you to easily mount a light (not included in the delivery) to return home safely when you get caught in the dark.
The FOX FLOAT X2 is one of the best shocks on the market, but setting it up is a complex process. We recommend riding the bike with only 3-4 clicks of damping (blue on minus).
The Schwalbe Magic Mary tyres impressed with lots of good grip and comfort.
The geometry of the BULLS E-CORE EVO EN
| Size | 44 | 49 | 54 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 440 mm | 490 mm | 540 mm |
| Top tube | 606 mm | 620 mm | 639 mm |
| Head angle | 65 ° | 65 ° | 65 ° |
| Seat angle | 74.5 ° | 74.5 ° | 74.5 ° |
| Chainstays | 438 mm | 438 mm | 438 mm |
| BB Drop | 0 mm | 0 mm | 0 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1214 mm | 1224 mm | 1246 mm |
| Reach | 435 mm | 450 mm | 465 mm |
| Stack | 586 mm | 612 mm | 625 mm |
Conclusion
With the BULLS E-CORE EVO EN Di2, the German manufacturer has hit the sweet spot. From the very first meter onwards, the bike reveals its playful nature and thanks to the plush suspension is well prepared for every situation. With two rechargeable batteries the range is enormous, but on shorter outings removing one battery will increase the bike’s agility. Here you will find a lot of innovation and the finest parts at a fair price: our Best Value tip!
Pros
– great handling
– good suspension
– long range
Cons
– second battery comes at an extra charge
Uphill | Downhill | Stability | Agility | Value for money
For more info head to: bulls.com
The testfleet
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2018 – 12 dream bikes go head to head
All bikes in test: BMC Trailfox AMP LTD | FANTIC XF1 Integra Enduro 160 | FOCUS SAM² PRO | Giant Full-E+ 0 SX Pro | Haibike XDURO Nduro 10.0 | Moustache Samedi Race 11 | ROTWILD R.E+ ULTRA | SCOTT E-Genius 700 Tuned | Specialized Turbo Levo S-Works Carbon | Thömus Lightrider E1 – Team Di2 | Trek Powerfly 9 LT Plus
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Words & Photos: Christoph Bayer, Valentin Rühl
