High-end US Enduro: Santa Cruz Bullit CC X01 Air - Lightweight on test

22 kilos for an e-MTB with massive downhill genes and robust equipment - that's a word! This makes the Santa Cruz Bullit a pleasant exception in the obesity-prone E-Enduro segment. The Californians have equipped the high-quality carbon chassis with the typical VPP rear triangle with mixed wheels, i.e. 29" at the front and 27.5" at the rear. The Bullit's suspension works in an emphatically defined manner. Anyone expecting a plush sofa feeling from an e-bike with 170 millimetres of travel could be disappointed.

The Santa Cruz Bullit is characterised by direct and lively handling

The enormous advantage: the defined counter support of the suspension breathes a lot of life into the E-Enduro. The line can be selected very precisely, the cornering handling is excellent and the jumping ability is also strong. The low steering centre gives the E-MTB direct and lively handling on flat trails. The Bullit is centred under the rider and can be thrown from one corner to the next. Great for active riders. Surprisingly for the only e-bike with an MX wheel mix in the test: it is not particularly easy to pull onto the rear wheel. The explanation for this is that the chainstays are quite long at 450 millimetres.

Bullit: A bullet on downhill trails

The Bullit masters really rough slopes with absolute confidence, where the balanced geometry and the forgiving suspension from Santa Cruz score points. On long and steep descents, however, the flat front demands an experienced and fit rider, as there is a lot of pressure on the handlebars. On steep climbs, however, this becomes an advantage. Even though the Bullit is not a proven climbing specialist, it is ahead of the pack in a three-way comparison. It shares the very stable and high-traction rear triangle with its rivals.

Conclusion on the Santa Cruz Bullit CC X01 Air by Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB test manager:

The Bullit from Santa Cruz is an extremely versatile bike for sporty trail junkies. Extreme downhill potential paired with fun trail handling! Very light, but with only a moderate range.

Technical data and notes on the Santa Cruz Bullit CC X01 Air

Manufacturer information

• Price: 13,699 euros
• Sizes / frame material: S, M, L (tested size 42.5), XL / Carbon

Measured values²

• Reach altitude¹: 1306 (+207) hm
• Speed: 13.2 km/h
• Centre of gravity height: 520 mm
• Handlebar width: 800 mm
• Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 178 mm
• Ground clearance⁴: 485 mm

Equipment

• Motor: Shimano EP8
• Max. Torque³: 85 Nm
• Battery³ / weight² / price Replacement battery: Shimano BT-E8035, 630 Wh / 3674 g / 699 Euro
• Gear system: Sram X01 Eagle (12-speed)
• Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-50
• Display: SC-EM800
• Permissible total weight³: 157 kg
• Fork / Shock: Fox 38 Factory Grip2 / Rockshox Superdeluxe Ult.
• Telescopic seatpost: Fox Transfer Fact. 175 mm
• Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Sram Code RSC / 220 mm / 200 mm
• Wheels: Santa Cruz Reserve 30 Carbon / DH Carbon
• Tyres: Maxxis Assegai DD MaxxGrip, 29 x 2.5" / DHR II DD MaxxGrip, 27.5 x 2.4"

¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight incl. equipment 90 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.

² Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.

³ Manufacturer's specification

⁴ Step test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel

⁵ The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.