BULLS VUCA EVO AM 2 – In our huge 2024 e-mountainbike test

At first glance, the BULLS VUCA EVO AM 2 looks like a rowdy downhill machine. BULLS, however, categorise it as a versatile all-rounder for a wide range of riding situations, from fast paced post-work laps to epic multi-day tours. How did it stack up against the competition in our huge 2024 eMTB group test?

BULLS, enter our huge 2024 eMTB comparison test with not one, but two bikes. While the lightweight BULLS SONIC EVO AM SX-I is aimed at sporty riders, the VUCA appeals to leisurely riders who want a more powerful motor and bigger battery – and also comes with some very unique features. The Pinion MGU E1.12 motor/gearbox unit is integrated into the bottom bracket and draws its power from a 720 Wh battery. When ordering your bike, you can also spec it with a bigger 960 Wh battery, which enables epic backcountry expeditions. The VUCA EVO AM 2 comes equipped with FOX suspension controlling 150 mm of travel front and rear. The flagship model combines a carbon frame and alloy swingarm, tipping the scales at 25 kg in size L, which is well above the 23.9 kg average in our full-power eMTB test field. However, at € 7,999, it’s also significantly cheaper than most of its competitors, with the rest of the test field costing an average of € 10,379.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2024 – 27 of the most exciting models in our comparison test

What sets the 2024 BULLS VUCA EVO AM 2 apart from the competition?

The VUCA EVO AM 2 takes on the competition with a robust, angular design. Particularly striking are the beefy down tube and massive bottom bracket area, with the “dark chrome silver” paint finish adding a touch of class. The main frame is combined with an alloy swingarm, which is reminiscent of a motorbike. The FOX suspension consists of a 38 Factory fork and matching FLOAT X Factory shock, both of which control 150 mm of travel. For the motor, BULLS rely on an 85 Nm Pinion MGU E1.12 motor/gearbox unit with a GATES Carbon Drive CDX belt. Unlike conventional chain drivetrains, the GATES Carbon Drive CDX belt requires virtually no maintenance and hardly needs servicing or cleaning. The Pinion MGU E1.12 motor draws its power from a 720 Wh FIT Ultracore battery, which should have enough capacity for long days in the saddle. If you want to take it up a notch, you can spec your new BULLS VUCA with the bigger 960 Wh FIT Ultracore battery, which costs an additional € 200.

The battery is secured with a lock and can be easily removed from the down tube for external charging. If you have a plug in your bike storage room, you can also charge the battery directly on the bike. To do this, you’ll just have to lift the flap on the down tube and connect the charging cable to the port. The motor is paired with a FIT Master Node LED display, which is integrated into the top tube and shows the current support level in different colours and the battery charge status in bars. Given the limited amount of riding info it provides, the display is massive and takes up a big part of the top tube. The BULLS VUCA EVO AM 2 doesn’t feature the sort of display you’d expect to find on a touring-oriented bike, but is already prepared for attaching smartphones thanks to the SP-Connect mount on the stem. The BULLS VUCA EVO AM 2 comes standard with a MonkeyLink lighting system, which draws its power directly from the FIT Ultracore 720 battery. The magnetic MonkeyLink mount on the handlebars is compatible with all modern MonkeyLink headlights, and is complemented with MonkeyLink Twinlight tail lights, which are permanently integrated into the BULLS’ seat stays, ensuring good visibility in the dark. However, the 60 lux MonkeyLink Connect headlight on our test bike isn’t included in the price.

The VUCA EVO AM 2 also comes standard with a kickstand mount. The German manufacturer relies on a 29″ Ryde Disc 30 alloy wheelset and LIMOTEC Alpha 1 dropper post, which looks a lot like a FOX Transfer Factory dropper with its fancy golden coating. However, with just 125 mm of travel, it’s far too short for a modern bike in size L, thus restricting freedom of movement significantly when riding trails.

Tuning tip: Upgrade to more robust tires with tougher casing to improve puncture protection

What is the 2024 BULLS VUCA EVO AM 2 capable of on the trail?

The VUCA EVO AM 2 places you in an upright, comfortable pedalling position. The motor support level can be selected using the FIT Pure ring remote, which is not only the best FIT remote, but also ensures better haptic feedback than the FAZUA ring remote of the Santa Cruz Heckler SL or the maxon ring remote of the Spherik E-SMT. Pedalling uphill, the Pinion MGU E1.12 motor provides powerful support but also makes itself noticed, with clearly perceptible noises coming both from the drive and gearbox. When shifting from gears 4 to 5 and 8 to 9, the process takes noticeably longer, because the system shifts two cog pairs simultaneously – this takes a little more time and results in a dead spot in the pedal stroke. With its powerful motor, the VUCA makes its way to the trailhead without breaking a sweat, allowing you to negotiate even technical climbs in reasonable comfort. Unfortunately, the Limotec dropper makes a weird, loud noise every time you extend it.

On the trail, the BULLS requires you to actively weight the front wheel to keep it tracking.

When gravity takes over, the VUCA is great fun, whether you choose to make your way back down into the valley on flowing trails or gnarly tech. And while the heavy system weight might slow you down a little on flowing trails, handling is still relatively nimble and agile. On moderate trails, the weight is evenly distributed between the front and rear, and the suspension offers sufficient reserves without providing too much feedback from the ground, reliably absorbing hits and therefore proving suitable even for inexperienced riders! With its compact geometry, the VUCA doesn’t follow the current “longer, slacker, lower” trend, and actually has the steepest head angle in the entire comparison test at 66°. In direct comparison with ROTWILD’s and SIMPLON’s Pinion bikes, the VUCA has the most agile handling, responding to the rider’s input very predictably. That said, it still lags far behind the SCOR 4060 Z ST GX and Pivot Shuttle AM in terms of sheer trail fun.

On demanding descents, the weight distribution becomes less balanced and handling is a little less predictable. The rear end can be easily thrown around narrow corners without too much physical effort. However, the VUCA requires you to actively weight the front wheel to tackle fast, techy downhill sections, which calls for a healthy dose of confidence. However, if you put too much pressure over the front, the FOX 38 fork starts to sink deep into its travel with bigger hits – OTB alert! The BULLS also tends to bounce around in nasty rock gardens, quickly losing composure. When the going gets fast, you can rely on the Shimano XT four piston brakes, which together with the big 220 mm rotor at the front and 203 mm disc at the rear, provide reliable deceleration. However, BULLS really messed up with the tires: the MAXXIS Minion DHF at the front and Minion DHR II at the rear both come in the paper-thin EXO casing, which offers little puncture protection even on moderate tours. We recommend upgrading straight away to more robust tires with the tougher EXO+ or DoubleDown casing, and while you’re at it, you should get the softer MaxxGrip rubber compound for more traction at the front. With the standard spec, the VUCA only places itself in the lower rear midfield when it comes to trail performance.

The VUCA EVO AM 2 is great fun on flowing trails and the lively character puts the heavy system weight totally into perspective.

Who should take a closer look at the 2024 BULLS VUCA EVO AM 2 and who should look elsewhere?

The BULLS VUCA EVO AM 2 is suitable for sporty tourers who want to embark on epic backcountry expeditions with the big battery and like the idea of a low-maintenance drive system. The generous 150 kg total permissible weight gives you plenty of margin with your luggage layout, while the lighting system underlines the bike’s touring capabilities. Touring enthusiasts without sporting ambitions, who have fallen in love with the VUCA’s design, should take a closer look at the VUCA EVO FSX 1 E-SUV.
The BULLS VUCA EVO AM 2 is also a reliable companion for trail riders with a penchant for moderate terrain and smaller gradients.

Our conclusions about the BULLS VUCA EVO AM 2

With its imposing presence and performance-oriented spec, the BULLS VUCA EVO AM 2 looks like a rowdy eMTB bruiser. However, on the trail it doesn’t quite live up to expectations, quickly reaching its limits on technical trails – not even the predictable handling helps! On the other hand, the VUCA shows off its strengths on leisurely tours, where the big battery, comfortable pedalling position and clever everyday features such as the standard lighting system make it an excellent partner.

Tops

• Very high trekking and commuting suitability
• Integrated lighting
• Low-maintenance Pinion MGU E1.12
• Intuitive handling on flowing trails despite the heavy system weight

Flops

• Demanding handling on technical terrain
• Limited range of applications

For more information, visit bulls.de

The test field

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2024 – 27 of the most exciting models in our comparison test

All bikes in test: BULLS VUCA EVO AM 2 | BULLS SONIC EVO AM SX-I (Click for review) | Canyon Strive:ON CFR LTD (Click for review) | Canyon Torque:ON CF Roczen (Click for review) | CENTURION No Pogo SL R8000i (Click for review) | CUBE AMS Hybrid ONE44 (Click for review) | FLYER Uproc X 8.70 (Click for review) | FOCUS SAM² 6.9 (Click for review) | GASGAS ECC 6 (Click for review) | GIANT Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 0 (Click for review) | KTM Macina Scarp SX Prime (Click for review) | Lapierre Overvolt GLP3 (Click for review) | Merida eOne-Sixty 10K (Click for review) | Mondraker Neat RR SL (Click for review) | Moustache Samedi 29 Game 11 FOX (Click for review) | Orbea WILD M-LTD (Click for review) | Pivot Shuttle AM Team (Click for review) | Propain Ekano 2 CF (Click for review) | RADON RENDER 10.0 HD (Click for review) | ROTWILD R.X 1000 Ultra (Click for review) | Santa Cruz Heckler SL XX AXS RSV (Click for review) | SCOR 4060 ST (Click for review) | SCOTT Voltage eRide 900 Tuned (Click for review) | SIMPLON Rapcon Pmax Pinion (Click for review) | Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert (Click for review) | Specialized Turbo Levo Pro (Click for review) | Spherik E-SMT XX AXS (Click for review)

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words: Benedikt Schmidt Photos: Mike Hunger