With the MULA, Italian bike brand Fulgur Cycles have released a full suspension eMTB featuring a carbon frame and the brand new Polini E-P3 MX motor that produces 90 Nm torque. We took a closer look at the first MULA to come out of the factory.
Italian bicycle brand Fulgur Cycles, located north of Milan, previously used the Shimano STEPS E8000 motor for their eMTBs. On their new full-sus eMTB, the MULA, Fulgur have now placed their bets on the 90 Nm Polini E-P3 MX motor that was presented at EUROBIKE last year. Better known as a manufacturer of mini motorbikes and motorcycle parts, Polini are based in Bergamo. The MULA rolls on mixed wheel sizes with a 29″ wheel up front and a 27.5″ wheel on the rear. The carbon rims and full carbon frame are both manufactured by Fulgur near their headquarters. The bike will be available in frame sizes S, M and L and comes with a 500 Wh battery. Fulgur claim that the size M shown here weighs just 20.6 kg (without pedals).
The bike’s components and colour scheme can be individually configured by the customer. Accordingly, the price varies between € 6,700 and € 8,900.
Fulgur equip the MULA with Öhlins suspension, as you’ll have seen on various Specialized Levo models in the past. The Öhlins RXF36 M.2 fork offers 170 mm travel at the front and an Öhlins TTX18 shock controls 160 mm travel at the rear. Fulgur have the suspension setup fine-tuned by Italian suspension specialist Andreani.
Brand new Polini E-P3 MX motor at the heard of the Fulgur MULA
The new Polini motor is based on the previous E-P3 model and has the same dimensions and mounting interface, allowing bike manufacturers can stick with existing frame designs. The torque output of the new motor has been increased from 70 Nm to 90 Nm and its power should now be available even at lower cadences. The display, which also functions as the remote, looks promising. We’ll have to test it to see what the ergonomics are like and whether it’s intuitive to use. The small Italian bike brand is the first to rely on the new motor.
The new Polini E-P3 MX can compete with the current Bosch CX and the new Shimano EP8. In our opinion, it’s more powerful even than these two motors. – Fulvio Canadelli (owner of Fulgur)
The geometry of the Fulgur MULA
| Size | S | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube | 590 mm | 610 mm | 630 mm |
| Seat tube | 406 mm | 457 mm | 508 mm |
| Head tube | 100 mm | 110 mm | 120 mm |
| Head angle | 64° | 64° | 64° |
| Seat angle | 75.5° | 75.5° | 75.5° |
| BB Drop | 20 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm |
| Wheelsize | 1,215 mm | 1,238 mm | 1,268 mm |
| Reach | 425 mm | 450 mm | 476 mm |
Matteo Baruffi’s race-spec
We had the opportunity to take a closer look at the MULA at the very first EWS-E race held at the Enduro World Series in Zermatt. As such, we’re able to show you the team’s race-spec Fulgur MULA.
18-year-old Matteo Baruffi is part of the Fulgur Factory Team. Matteo competed in the EWS-E100 race at the premiere of the EWS-E series in Zermatt. He finished in a remarkable albeit ungrateful 4th place after six stages aboard the new Fulgur MULA.
Which pedals do you ride?
While a lot of eMTBers use platform pedals, almost all racers rely on clipless systems. We delve into their respective pros and cons in our look at the best pedal system for your eMTB.
Tire choice
Tires are a huge issue. A thicker casing is heavier but also more puncture resistant. We took a close look at the best eMTB tire and the most important models on the market to help you choose the best eMTB tire to suit your needs. Matteo relied on Michelin’s E-Wild Enduro on the rear, both during practice and the race, running it at 1.8 bar. The front wheel was fitted with a Michelin Wild Enduro Magi-X during training and a Michelin DH for the race, inflated to 1.6 bar.
What are the benefits of tire inserts?
To minimise the risk of punctures, Matteo relies on tire inserts, though some racers prefer just using tires with thicker casings. A tire insert is a foam ring that acts as a buffer between the rim and the tire in the event of heavy impacts. The carbon rims are hand-built by Fulgur.
Conclusion
Small Italian bike brand Fulgur Cycles are the first and currently only manufacturer to rely on the new Polini motor. With the fourth-fastest time on the uphill stage of the E-EWS in Zermatt and fourth place overall, Matteo Baruffi was able to show that the bike and the new Polini E-P3 MX motor are capable of delivering in a race. We’re excited to see how the motor in the Fulgur MULA performs and whether it really can compete with the new Shimano EP8, the Bosch Performance Line CX and the Brose Drive S-Mag.
For more information head to fulgurcycles.it
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 & Photos: Manne Schmitt
