Bulls Sonic EVO AM SX: Lightweight Bulls trail bike with new Bosch SX motor

At Eurobike, Bulls is presenting a genuine light E-MTB with a small motor and battery for the first time. The bike goes by the name of Sonic Evo AM SX and is designed for winding and not too rough trails. Typical Bulls: even the sportiest e-bike in the range has a few practical everyday features. We were able to take a closer look at the bike at the trade fair.

The facts about the Bulls Sonic Evo AM SX:

• Motor: Bosch Performance SX
• Battery: Bosch, 400 Wh, removable
• Suspension travel: 140 / 130 mm
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Carbon frame
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• From 17.9 kilos (manufacturer's specification, size S)
• Four models between 5999 euros and 9999 euros
• Sonic Evo SX: Four hardtails between 4999 euros and 6399 euros

Bulls Sonic Evo AM SX: Newly developed carbon frame with everyday features

Straight lines, filigree top tube: standing in front of the new Bulls, you could almost confuse the bike with the previous lightweight Sonics. After all, Bulls has been making lightweight e-mountainbikes for a long time. Especially the SL series with the Sonic Evo AM SL and the Sonic Evo EN SL shows that large batteries, a long range and low weight are not mutually exclusive.

The similarity is a calculated effect that Bulls uses in favour of a high recognition value. However, the frame of the new Bosch bike is a completely new design. For example, the massive 1.8-inch head tube of the classic e-bikes has been slimmed down to 1.5 inches, and the carbon structure has also been specially designed for use on light e-MTBs, saving a considerable amount of weight compared to the classic e-bikes.

Nevertheless, some practical features were important to Bulls. The battery is secured against theft with a lock and can be conveniently removed from the side. Among light e-MTBs, the less convenient method of removing the battery from the bottom, for which you often have to turn the bike over, has otherwise become more popular. This is not the case with the Bulls. The Sonic Evo AM SX also comes with an integrated rear light and Monkey Link interface at the front. This makes it easy to clip on headlights from various manufacturers. A mobile phone holder can be hooked directly into the end cap of the headset.

Handy but balanced: The geometry of the Sonic Evo AM SX

In terms of geometry, Bulls has also opted for a balanced rather than an emphatically playful approach for the Light-E-MTB. At 450 millimetres, the chainstays are rather long, while the reach of 470 millimetres in size L is modern but not extreme.

You should quickly find a good balance on the Bulls, but pulling the bike onto the rear wheel requires a little more strength. A low bottom bracket (-37.5 millimetres), a compact wheelbase and a relatively steep steering angle of 65.5 degrees nevertheless suggest that the bike handles well when cornering.

Bulls Sonic Evo AM SX geometry:

• Reach: 420, 450, 470, 490 mm
• Stack: 624, 633, 650, 669 mm
• Chainstay length: 450 mm
• BB drop: -37.5 mm
• Steering angle: 65.5°
• Seat angle: 75°

Full carbon fibre for under 6000 euros: Models and equipment

Let's start with the Bulls Sonic Evo AM SX 1 for 5999 euros. This bike already comes with a high-quality full carbon frame, but the Suntour suspension, the groupless Shimano brakes and the Deore gears still show the need to save money. The Sonic Evo AM SX 1 is also available in a women's version.

The SX 2 model is a little more luxurious at € 7399, while the top-of-the-range Bulls Sonic Evo SX-I costs € 9999. Stay here with lightweight Mavic carbon wheels, Rockshox Ultimate suspension and the new Sram XX Transmission no more wishes unfulfilled.

What all the bikes have in common is the propulsion-orientated equipment, which also goes well with the moderate geometry. Light forks and brakes, shocks without reservoirs, a fast Nobby Nic from Schwalbe at the front paired with an even faster Wicked Will at the rear. The Sonic Evo SX is therefore a propulsion-oriented trail bike that should feel at home on moderate terrain and, thanks to its fast tyres, should be easy to pedal over the 25 km/h limit.

Bulls Sonic Evo SX: Light hardtail from 4999 euros

There is also the Bulls Evo SX hardtail in four variants, which change hands from 4999 euros. Here too, low weight is a top priority, which is why all models have an elegant carbon frame. The hardtails share the battery system with the fully models, and the battery can also be removed from the side of the down tube.

Forks with 120 millimetres of suspension travel are available. One of the four hardtail variants comes fully equipped for everyday use, i.e. mudguards, kickstand and pannier rack.

Whether fully or hardtail: there are no displays, all models have the slim LED display system controller from Bosch integrated in the top tube. The system is operated via the wireless mini-remote.