Review

E-Mountainbike Grouptest: Bulls SIX50-E FS3 Review

10.09.2014
by

The technical-sounding Six50-E FS 3 is the first full-suspension e-mountainbike from BULLS, the house brand of ZEG – (Germany‘s biggest bike wholesaler). The FS 3 is the high-end model in their product line; it costs 3,499 Euro and boasts 120mm of travel and a high-value spec.

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First impressions

After the color-coordinated anodised elements of the frame, the next thing we notice is the RockShox suspension. The linkage-activated single pivot rear suspension works with a RockShox Monarch shock, while at the front a RockShox Reba RL fork is fitted with adjustable rebound and can be locked out with a handlebar remote. This is a feature that one can really do without on an e-mountainbike, as the additional remote just adds clutter to the cockpit. Adjustment and activation levers need to be intuitive and easy to reach — less is often more.

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The Bulls costs 2.999 EUR.


Specification

The BULLS uses the high quality Shimano XT group for shifting duties and the more economical but still very reliable Deore brakes. Contact to the ground is made with the fast rolling (but not very grippy) Schwalbe Racing Ralph tires in 2.25“ width. The narrow bars (680 mm) and long stem (95 mm) earn criticism. A cockpit with bar width of at least 720 mm width and a shorter 70 mm stem would increase rider confidence noticeably. A remotely adjustable dropper post is also on our wish list for better control and more fun.

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Handling

Riding uphill, the BULLS is absolutely convincing: the rider sits slightly stretched on the bike thanks to the relatively steep seat tube angle of 73°, and the rear suspension works almost completely bob-free. The front wheel sticks to the ground and the only weak points are the already-mentioned tires, which due to the minimalist tread pattern and narrow width quickly lose traction. The Bosch motor fitted to the BULLS was a great performer as usual with consistent power delivery. The gear ratios are well chosen, and even long, steep climbs were tackled with ease.

Heading downhill, once the saddle has been manually dropped the BULLS is agile and easy to handle in spite of the long 460mm chain stays. Line changes are a breeze, the geometry feels balanced, and the drivetrain‘s low center of gravity inspires plenty of confidence. The 120 mm of RockShox Monarch-sprung rear suspension takes the hits well and has plenty of progression – you‘ll never worry about bottoming it out!

The fork, however, can‘t keep up with the performance of the back end. It is overwhelmed with the higher weight of the e-mountainbike and tends to dive and sit far too low in its travel (naturally with the negative travel adjusted correctly). We longed for far more compression damping, which would have prevented these problems. The rider still feels protected from the ‚over-the-bars‘ feeling though.

Control center. On the bars you‘ll find shift and brake levers, the motor control unit, and the fork lockout lever for long asphalt climbs.
Control center. On the bars you‘ll find shift and brake levers, the motor control unit, and the fork lockout
lever for long asphalt climbs.
Overwhelmed. The RockShox Reba RL can‘t really match the BULLS Six50-E. It dives when braking and even over small bumps sits deep into the travel. On bigger hits it feels out of its depth. We would like to see more compression damping.
Overwhelmed. The RockShox Reba RL can‘t really match the BULLS Six50-E. It dives when braking and even over small bumps sits deep into the travel. On bigger hits it feels out of its depth. We would like to see more compression damping.
Plush. The rear end has 120 mm of travel and a well-chosen suspension spring rate. We never used the lockout function of the rear shock.
Plush. The rear end has 120 mm of travel and a well-chosen suspension spring rate. We
never used the lockout function of the rear shock.
Neatly done. The shaped tubing and internal cables create a sleek overall appearance.
Neatly done. The shaped tubing and internal cables create a sleek overall appearance.
Good thinking. BULLS has fitted the Six50-E with an additional chain guide roller. It helps minimize drivetrain-induced suspension action and also prevents the chain from rubbing the frame.
Good thinking. BULLS has fitted the Six50-E with an additional chain guide roller. It helps minimize drivetrain-induced suspension action and also prevents the chain from rubbing the frame.

Fazit: Das BULLS Six50-E FS 3 überzeugt als solides Tourenbike. Kleinere Schwächen in der Ausstattung und die überforderte Gabel trüben allerdings das sonst gute Gesamtbild.

Go back to the article: E-Mountainbike Grouptest: Ten E-Mountainbikes

You can read an in-depth feature about the E-Mountainbike test and our conclusions in the E-Mountainbike issue #001! It’s free & only digital for iPad, Online-Viewer, as well as soon on Android: Issue #001.

Text and photo: Christoph Bayer

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