BULLS SONIC EVO AM-SL1 2022 in our 2022 budget eMTB group test – The best 2022 budget eMTB under € 6,500

The BULLS Sonic All Mountain model range was designed primarily for demanding singletracks, technical trails and challenging climbs on Alpine terrain. The SONIC EVO AM-SL1 takes on the competition with a captivating look and phenomenal features, combining a low system weight, 750 Wh battery, carbon frame and very competitive € 5,199 price tag. Do the numbers add up or is there a catch?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2022 for € 6,500 – 11 budget eMTBs in our eMTB group test

**Bulls** Sonic EVO AM-SL1 | Shimano EP8/750 Wh | 140/140 mm (f/r)
21.50 kg in size L | € 5,199 | Manufacturer’s website

The BULLS SONIC EVO AM-SL1 has a sporty silhouette and clever features. At € 5,199 it ’s the second-cheapest bike in the entire test field and, together with the Canyon, also the only one with a carbon frame. Despite its large 750 Wh battery, the BULLS SONIC EVO AM-SL1 is also the second lightest bike in test after the Orbea Rise with its 540 Wh battery. Clever features like the Monkey Link light interface make it suitable for everyday riding while the relaxed pedalling position make it a great companion for long rides. While the agile handling also make it suitable for moderate trail riding, the BULLS SONIC EVO AM-SL1 quickly reaches its limits on rough and challenging terrain.

Let’s play, but gently please! The BULLS SONIC EVO AM-SL1 on the trail

Flow trail in sight! With the BULLS, you’ll have the most fun on moderate flow trails. Like the Orbea, it’s nimble and playful, implementing direction changes with great precision and allowing you to pump through rollers and pop off ledges. Here, the suspension still offers decent support but quickly reaches its limits on rougher and steeper terrain – and not just because of its conservative 140 mm rear travel. The RockShox 35 offers poor small bump sensitivity, feels harsh in the mid-stroke and doesn’t track accurately. At this point, we should mention that at €5,199 the BULLS SONIC EVO AM-SL1 is the second cheapest bike in test and that a € 1,000 upgrade budget would improve its performance significantly!

Visually spot on – from a distance, the BULLS entices with a stylish design.

The shallow-profiled 2.4” Nobby Nic Performance tires generate little traction on gravel paths and don’t do justice to the bike’s intended use.

The motor draws its power from a big 750 Wh BMZ battery, which can be removed from the frame without tools and dispenses with an additional cover.

The suspension is the biggest limiting factor. The RockShox 35 lacks small-bump sensitivity, flexes noticeably and doesn’t track accurately.

At the rear, a RockShox SuperDeluxe Select+ shock offers good small bump sensitivity but doesn’t generate enough traction with fast consecutive hits.

Bulls Sonic EVO AM-SL1

€ 5,199

Specifications

Motor Shimano EP8 85 Nm
Battery BMZ 750 Wh
Display Shimano SC-EM 8000
Fork RockShox 35 140 mm
Rear Shock RockShox Deluxe Select+ 140 mm
Seatpost Limotec Alpha 1 Light 150 mm
Brakes Shimano BR M6120 200/180 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT/DEORE 12
Stem Bulls MTB 35 mm
Handlebar Bulls 7050 Alu 780 mm
Wheelset Shimano MT620 29"
Tires Schwalbe Nobby Nic Performance 2.4"

Technical Data

Size S - XL
Weight 21.50 kg
Perm. total weight 130 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 108 kg
Trailer approval no
Kickstand mount yes

Shifting is taken care of by a Shimano XT 12-speed rear derailleur. While the bling derailleur may look great on the shop floor, it’s paired with a cheaper Deore shifter and cassette, struggling to match the performance of a full XT drivetrain.

The 85 Nm Shimano EP8 motor is neatly integrated into the stylish carbon frame of the BULLS SONIC EVO AM-SL1.

The MonkeyLink interface draws its power from the main battery and can be used to attach an optional headlight. However, the brake hose is secured between the headlight and head tube, getting in the way of the light beam and damaging the paint.

The Fidlock bottle cage is tucked away inside the recess on the underside of the down tube.

Size	M	L	XL
Seat tube	440 mm	480 mm	510 mm
Top tube	613 mm	635 mm	657 mm
Head angle	66.0°	66.0°	66.0°
Seat angle	75.0°	75,0°	75,0°
Chainstays	450 mm	450 mm	450 mm
BB Drop	30 mm	30 mm	30 mm
Wheelbase	1,214 mm	1,238 mm	1,262 mm
Reach	450 mm	470 mm	490 mm
Stack	628 mm	637 mm	646 mm

**Helmet** MET Bluegrass Rogue Core MIPS | **Glasses** POC Aspire Solar Switch
**Backpack** USWE Patriot 15 | **Jacket** Specialized Men’s Trail Alpha
**Pants** Specialized Demo Pro | **Shoes** ION Scrub

The rear suspension with the 140 mm RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock offers better small bump sensitivity but quickly reaches its limits with fast consecutive hits, causing the rear wheel to lose traction. Unfortunately, the shallow-profiled 2.4” Nobby Nic Performance tires don’t improve traction either, generating poor traction on gravel paths and thus failing to do justice to the intended use recommended by BULLS – another clear example of manufacturers saving weight in the wrong place! When the going gets fast, the SONIC EVO loses composure, requiring a vigilant riding style and commitment to hold the line.
While on moderate climb, the BULLS still generates sufficient grip, in more challenging conditions the tires struggle to generate traction and the BULLS feels twitchy, with the front lifting off the ground in steep sections.

All that glitters is not gold – The BULLS SONIC EVO AM-SL1 in detail

The powerful 85 Nm Shimano EP8 motor is neatly integrated into the elegant carbon frame. Unfortunately, this acts as a huge resonance chamber, amplifying the distinctive clunking noise of the Shimano EP8 motor. The latter draws its power from a big 750 Wh BMZ battery, which is secured to the frame with a bolt and can be removed diagonally without tools. The carbon battery housing also serves as the upper side of the down tube, allowing BULLS to dispose of an additional battery cover. However, this construction creates unsightly gaps that spoil the initial high quality impression. While the Shimano XT 12-speed rear-derailleur may look great on the shop floor, it’s paired with a cheaper Deore cassette and matching shifter, which is a pity because the latter has a great influence on shifting performance.

Uphill, the bike convinces with a comfortable and upright pedalling position, which also makes it suitable for long rides.

The MonkeyLink light interface allows you to connect a lighting system for an early morning and late night outing without hassle. Unfortunately, the SONIC EVO AM-SL1 lacks attention to detail in some places: for example, the brake hose covers the light and rubs against the carbon head tube when the headlight isn’t installed. The Fidlock bottle cage comes in handy on long tours and disappears inside the recess on the underside of the top tube almost unnoticed. Considering its price, the BULLS offers a few very exciting features. Unfortunately, this forced the Cologne-based manufacturer to compromise on performance-relevant components such as the RockShox 35 fork and Nobby Nic Performance tires. As a result, the SONIC EVO can’t deliver the performance suggested by its high quality appearance. That being said, the BULLS is also € 1,300 cheaper than the most expensive bike in this test, which leaves a very decent budget for a few essential performance-relevant upgrades.

Tuning tips: grippier tires like Schwalbe Magic Mary with soft rubber compound and a better fork.

Thanks to its agile handling, the BULLS is the most fun on flowing trails but reaches its limits on steep and rough terrain.

Qualities

Design

Quality

Usability

Value for Money

Beginner-friendly

Expert-ready

Intended Use

Everyday use

Touring

Flowtrails

Fast & rowdy

Technical climbing

Conclusion

While at first glance, the BULLS SONIC EVO AM-SL1 entices with a modern design and promising features, upon closer inspection it doesn’t meet the expectations nor BULL’s own claims. The BULLS convinces with agile handling on flat flow trails but reaches its limits on demanding terrain, where the spec takes away from its potential. However, as the second cheapest bike in test, it leaves you with a decent budget for upgrades. Straight out of the box, it’s suitable for tours on gravel paths and moderate flow trails.

Tops

elegant and sleek
nimble handling on flowing trails
combines a big battery and low system weight
MonkeyLink Light interface
price leaves plenty of margin for upgrades

Flops

suspension limits the bike’s performance
small rear brake rotor

You can find out more about at bulls.de

The test field