The BULLS SONIC EVO EN-SL 1 – In our big 2023 e-mountainbike group test under € 7,000

With the BULLS SONIC EVO EN-SL 1, the German manufacturer enters our 2023 group test under € 7,000 with a lightweight, full-carbon e-mountainbike. Retailing at € 6,699, it comes equipped with a new Shimano EP801 motor, big 750 Wh battery and a fancy automatic Shimano XT Di2 drivetrain. How did it fare against the rest of the test field?

If you’ve never heard of BULLS, you must be new to mountain biking. The German brand is part of ZEG, Europe’s largest dealer cooperative, and one of the country’s major bike manufacturers. Their wide portfolio includes everything from urban bikes to eMTBs. As the name suggests, the BULLS SONIC EVO EN-SL 1 belongs to the EN model range, which consists of enduro-specific, long travel bikes for the rough stuff. The SONIC EVO EN-SL 1 is one of a kind in this test field: it’s the only competitor that comes equipped with the new Shimano EP801 motor and Shimano XT Di2 automatic drivetrain. Despite the large 750 Wh battery, the BULLS is the lightest full-power E-MTB and comes with a full carbon frame alongside the SCOTT Lumen. The frame silhouette relies on a modern design language with straight lines. The top tube merges seamlessly into the seat stay, making the BULLS one of the most elegant competitors in the entire test field together with the SCOTT Lumen.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2023 for € 7,000 – 7 budget eMTBs in our eMTB group test

Exciting key data – What distinguishes the BULLS SONIC EVO EN-SL 1 from the competition?

At first glance, the SONIC EVO EN-SL 1 strikes with a clean, minimalist look. Upon closer inspection, however, you’ll notice several clever features, including a removable MonkeyLink headlight mount under the stem, and mounting points for both a FIDLOCK bottle and multi tool on the underside of the top tube. BULLS also throw in a standard kickstand mount adapter for the carbon swingarm, along with trailer approval. The new Shimano EP801 motor churns out 85 Nm of torque, providing shed-loads of power on the trail. The drive unit draws its power from a big 750 Wh battery that can be easily removed from the top of the down tube at a 45° angle. An interesting feature is the battery’s carbon housing, which doubles as the sidewall of the down tube: the one-piece design is extremely practical and helps keep the weight down to a very reasonable 22.1 kg (size L). The charging port above the motor is easily accessible and protected by a magnetic rubber cover.

The RockShox suspension consists of a 160 mm Lyrik Select fork and matching 160 mm Super Deluxe Select+ air shock. While this setup might struggle to keep up with the top-tier FOX Factory suspension of the RADON, the few adjustment options of the shock make it easy to set up, regardless of your technical knowledge. Together with the long seat tube, the 150 mm Limotec Alpha 1 dropper post restricts freedom of movement on the bike. For the brakes, BULLS rely on Shimano DEORE four-piston stoppers, which deliver the similar braking performance as the flagship XTR model but forgo the tool-free reach adjustment. The brakes are paired with big 200 mm rotors front and rear. Shimano also supply the XT Di2 LINKGLIDE drivetrain, which makes the BULLS not just the only bike with electronic shifting, but also the only one with an automatic drivetrain. Using Shimano’s E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist app, you can customise the behaviour of the EP801 motor and fine tune the drivetrain’s automatic mode. The latter is particularly suitable for relaxed touring, while semi-automatic Free Shift mode comes in handy for trail riding. For the wheels, BULLS rely on a robust Mavic E-Deemax 30 alloy wheelset, which was developed specifically for e-mountainbikes.

Touring around – The BULLS SONIC EVO EN-SL 1 in review

The BULLS SONIC EVO EN-SL 1 has everything you need for a long day in the saddle. The relaxed pedalling position ensures good riding comfort while the stiff, efficient rear suspension allows you to grind your way up fire roads without breaking a sweat. On the other hand, the BULLS doesn’t swallow up bigger hits as confidently as the Moustache. The most exciting thing is that you don’t have to worry about shifting gears, because the automatic mode does the work for you. On technical climbs, you’ll have to actively weight the front wheel to prevent it from lifting, while the EP801 motor struggles to keep up with the powerhouses from Yamaha and Bosch. Nevertheless, the agile handling and low system weight make it easy to pull the BULLS over obstacles and to wind your way up narrow trails.

On flowing trails, the agile handling is a free pass into trail fun nirvana. The stiff suspension allows you to generate plenty of speed by pumping through rollers and, together with the low system weight, makes it easy to throw the bike from one berm into another. The BULLS encourages you to play with the trail and to pop off edges. When the going gets rough, however, the handling turns from playful to demanding, requiring a precise, vigilant riding style to hold your line. Overall, the Specialized Levo is far more composed and has more reserves. This is partly due to the BULLS’ RockShox Lyrik Select fork, which shakes things up in nasty rock gardens. For active riders, the agile handling and stiff suspension make it easier to gap over nasty rock gardens. When you come across an unexpected climb, the Free Shift function is a true godsend, allowing you to shift gears without having to pedal, at the push of a button.

The stiff suspension of the BULLS SONIC EVO EN-SL 1 allows you to generate plenty of speed by pumping through rollers.

Who should take a closer look at the BULLS SONIC EVO EN-SL 1?

The BULLS SONIC EVO EN-SL 1 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a relaxed tourer with clever everyday features and a bunch of modern technology. The BULLS is also an excellent companion if you tend to spend most of your time on flowing trails and moderate singletracks. On the other hand, sporty riders who want a thoroughbred downhill machine might be better looking elsewhere.

Tuning tip: Fit a Supernova M99 light to the MonkeyLink for touring and night rides

Our conclusions about the BULLS SONIC EVO EN-SL 1

The BULLS SONIC EVO EN-SL 1 convinces with a sleek look and clever everyday features. The comfortable riding position and automatic shifting make it an excellent touring companion, while the agile handling and low system weight ensure plenty of fun on flowing to moderate trails. On more technical trails, the SONIC EVO EN-SL 1 is slowed down by its own spec, requiring an experienced rider to keep it in check.

Tops

• Sleek look
• High everyday suitability
• Nimble handling

Flops

• Not the best climber
• Slight suspension bob on technical trails

You can find out more about at bulls.de

The test field

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2023 for € 7,000 – 7 budget eMTBs in our eMTB group test

All bikes in test: Bulls Sonic Evo EN-SL 1 Carbon | Haibike Nduro7 (Click for review) | Moustache Samedi 29 Trail 5 (Click for review) | RADON Deft 10.0 750 (Click for review) | SCOTT Lumen eRide 910 (Click for review) | SIMPLON Steamer Pmax (Click for review) | Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Alloy (Click for review)

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Words & Photos: Mike Hunger