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New 2021 BULLS SONIC EVO models with the new Shimano EP8/750 Wh – Design fireworks

BULLS have expanded their portfolio for 2021: the BULLS SONIC EVO AMS and BULLS SONIC EVO ENS models are equipped with the new Shimano EP8 motor and a large 750 Wh battery. If that’s not enough, the new carbon frame, laden with clever details, looks slick and on top of that, the new eMTBs are also very light. We’ve got all the details for you here!

BULLS SONIC EVO AMS-L | Shimano EP8/750 Wh |140/140 mm (f/r) | € 8,799 | Manufacturer’s website

2021 BULLS SONIC EVO models, the SONIC EVO AMS and SONIC EVO ENS, come equipped with the new Shimano EP8 motor and a 750 Wh battery. Previously, the 2020 BULLS SONIC EVO models all came with a Bosch motor but that’s changing for 2021. Alongside the previously announced BULLS SONIC EVO AM-I, there will be two further models, the AMS and ENS, equipped with the new Shimano EP8 motor – the ‘S’ in the name stands for Shimano. But BULLS haven’t just adopted a new motor manufacturer and changed the name of their bikes. The AMS and ENS models feature a new frame platform, with a new design, features and reduced weight. Despite the large 750 Wh battery, the BULLS SONIC EVO AMS 2 weighs just 20.3 kg in size M (claimed weight). For the cockpit, BULLS rely on the new Shimano SC-EM800 display as well as the new remote with its improved ergonomics. Like the new ROTWILD R.x375, the battery can be easily removed from the side of the down tube. If you haven’t already, you can find out everything you need to know about the new 2021 Shimano motor in our exclusive Shimano EP8 special.

Still in the dark regarding the new 2021 Shimano EP8 motor? You can read our special feature on the 2021 Shimano motor here.

The changes we’ve mentioned are just a few among many. The 2021 BULLS SONIC EVO models have a lot more to marvel at, in particular the premium carbon frame. The look of the bike is characterised by the ultra-flat top tube, the clean looks and harmonious proportions. All 2021 SONIC EVO models share similarities in the component spec. The bikes come with a neatly integrated EightPins dropper post with generous amounts of travel, 29″ wheels, Schwalbe tires with the new Super Trail casing and RockShox suspension. Just like the motor, BULLS rely on Shimano for the brakes and drivetrain. Four-piston brakes are specced across the range – excellent! In addition, the eMTBs are equipped with a MonkeyLink mount to be able to fit lights easily. A further highlight is the Fidlock bottle mount which is cleverly integrated into the top tube. That means the frame maintains its clean lines if you ever ride without a water bottle. Why the top- and not the down tube? Quite simple – due to the large 750 Wh battery there’s no space left for it.

The BULLS SONIC EVO AMS-L in detail

BULLS SONIC EVO AMS-L

€ 8,799

Specifications

Motor Shimano EP8 85 Nm
Battery 750 Wh
Display Shimano SC-EM800
Fork RockShox Lyrik Ultimate 140 mm
Rear Shock RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ 140 mm
Seatpost EightPins NGS 150-216 mm
Brakes Shimano XTR 203/180 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XTR 1x12 10 – 51
Stem BULLS
Handlebar BULLS Carbon Riser
Wheelset DT Swiss HXC 1200 SPLINE 29"
Tires Schwalbe Nobby Nic SuperTrail 29″

Technical Data

Size S, M, L, XL, XXL
Weight n/a
Perm. total weight n/a
Max. payload (rider/equipment) n/a
Trailer approval n/a
Kickstand mount n/a

The Shimano EP8 is elegantly integrated
At first glance, nothing has changed with the new Shimano motor components. However, there have been some ergonomic and technical changes inside.
The 750 Wh battery can be removed from the side of the down tube
The suspension is provided by RockShox at the front…
… and rear
Typical for BULLS, the SONIC EVO AMS-L also comes with a MonkeyLink mount for lights
A massive chainstay protector is intended to provide a quiet ride. A pity then that the EP8 clatters – the BULLS doesn’t even have a chance at being quiet on the trail…
The EightPins seat post integration doesn’t just look good but also offers a large drop
Premium, high-end carbon frame

The BULLS SONIC EVO AMS 2 in detail

BULLS SONIC EVO AMS 2

€ 5,999

Specifications

Motor Shimano EP8 85 Nm
Battery 750 Wh
Display Shimano SC-EM800
Fork RockShox Lyrik Select 140 mm
Rear Shock RockShox Deluxe Select+ 140 mm
Seatpost EightPins NGS 150-216 mm
Brakes Shimano XT 203/180 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT 1x12 10 – 51
Stem BULLS
Handlebar BULLS Carbon Riser
Wheelset DT Swiss H1900 SPLINE 29"
Tires Schwalbe Nobby Nic SuperTrail 29″

Technical Data

Size S, M, L, XL, XXL
Weight 20.3 kg (claimed weight size M)
Perm. total weight n/a
Max. payload (rider/equipment) n/a
Trailer approval n/a
Kickstand mount n/a

The new Shimano EP8 fitted to the BULLS SONIC EVO AMS 2
The SONIC EVO AMS 2 comes with an inline RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock
And RockShox Lyrik Select
The Fidlock mount integrated into the top tube…
.. is intended for a water bottle. Clever!
Clever!
Necessary position! Even though the large 750 Wh battery is removed sideways, there’s no space on the down tube for a bottle cage.
Typical for BULLS, the new models come with a 1.8″ steerer tube.

The BULLS SONIC EVO ENS 2 in detail

The BULLS SONIC EVO ENS 2 is aimed at enduro pilots and is equipped with RockShox suspension with 160/150 mm travel, 29″ wheels and trail-ready tires. The top-end BULLS SONIC EVO ENS 2 costs € 6,799, while the more affordable SONIC EVO ENS 1 is available for € 5,799.

BULLS SONIC EVO ENS 2

€ 6,799

Specifications

Motor Shimano EP8 85 Nm
Battery 750 Wh
Display Shimano SC-EM800
Fork RockShox Lyrik Ultimate 160 mm
Rear Shock RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ 150 mm
Seatpost EightPins NGS 150-216 mm
Brakes Shimano XT 203/203 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT/SLX 1x12 10 – 51
Stem BULLS
Handlebar BULLS Riser
Wheelset DT Swiss H1900 SPLINE 29"
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary / Big Betty SuperTrail 29″

Technical Data

Size S, M, L, XL, XXL
Weight 21,3 kg (Herstellerangabe)
Perm. total weight n/a
Max. payload (rider/equipment) n/a
Trailer approval n/a
Kickstand mount n/a

The 160 mm RockShox Lyrik Ultimate suits the ENS 2 perfectly.
The SONIC EVO ENS 2 is equipped with a piggyback RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock with controls 150 mm travel
Here too, the massive chainstay protector is supposed to provide peace and quiet on the trails. Unfortunately, it’s inevitable that the new Shimano EP8 will disturb the idyllic outdoors because a metallic clunking emanates from inside the motor.
Drop it! The EightPins dropper post has a decent amount of travel
Shimano XT stoppers slow you down..
… with 203 mm rotors front and rear.
The Schwalbe Magic Mary and Big Betty Super Trail tires, front and rear respectively, should provide a lot of grip…
… They are aimed at more aggressive riders than the Nobby Nics on the AMS models are

BULLS SONIC EVO ENS 1

€ 5,799

Specifications

Motor Shimano EP8 85 Nm
Battery 750 Wh
Display Shimano SC-EM800
Fork RockShox Lyrik Selerct 160 mm
Rear Shock RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ 150 mm
Seatpost EightPins NGS 150-216 mm
Brakes Shimano Deore M6120 203/203 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT/Deore 1x12 10 – 51
Stem BULLS
Handlebar BULLS Riser
Wheelset Shimano WH-MT620 29"
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary / Big Betty SuperTrail 29″

Technical Data

Size S, M, L, XL, XXL
Weight n/a
Perm. total weight n/a
Max. payload (rider/equipment) n/a
Trailer approval n/a
Kickstand mount n/a

Our conclusions on the new BULLS SONIC EVO 2021 models

The new Shimano EP8 motor isn’t the only highlight of the new 2021 BULLS SONIC EVO AMS and ENS models. Other manufacturers, such as Propain, have accessorised their bikes with the new 2021 Shimano motor but changed hardly anything else. On the other hand, BULLS have put together a completely new eMTB which, with its 750 Wh battery, great looks and thought-through specs, has whetted our appetite for more. We’ve already requested the BULLS SONIC EVO ENS 2 for a full review. You’ll soon find out how it handles on the trails.

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Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl