Downcountry, trail or just light? The category of the new Flyer Uproc SL:X is not so easy to pin down. What is clear is its sporty design: With Bosch SX and a permanently installed 400 battery, the bike appeals to anyone who wants to put in the effort to get their bike up the mountain. There is no turbo shuttle with carefree range here. The lively thrust and progressive characteristics of the SX engine are designed to encourage the rider to adopt an active riding style. This also applies to the agile handling on descents.
In terms of suspension travel and equipment, the lightweight Swiss bike is in the same mould as its downcountry counterparts Scott Lumen eRide and Focus Vam² SL. 130 millimetres at the front and rear, plus 34 mm forks and lightweight tyres with a moderate profile. A clear demarcation from the all-mountain league. Nevertheless, Flyer emphasises the bike's trail expertise and uphill flow. In terms of weight, however, the lightweight Uproc can't quite keep up with the high-end light eMTBs from Scott and Focus. Flyer specifies 18 kilos for the top model - that's well over a kilo more than the aforementioned comparison bikes. However, at € 9999, the highest-quality Uproc SL:X is also significantly cheaper than the two competitors mentioned.
To save weight, the Swiss have designed the suspension around a rear triangle with a flex pivot. This clearly distinguishes the SL from the other Uproc models. This means that instead of a pivot point at the dropout, the struts are designed to flex and give the rear end sufficient play for the spring movement. This is a popular design, especially in the suspension travel range up to 130 millimetres. The "missing" bearing saves weight and minimises maintenance. The main frame and rear triangle are made of carbon, but the rocker arms and shock mount are made of aluminium.
The facts about the Flyer Uproc SL:X
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX
- Battery: Bosch Compact Tube, 400 Wh, permanently installed
- Additional Bosch Power More 250 battery included with models 8.70 and 9.50
- Full carbon frame
- Suspension travel: 130/130 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Flex pivot rear triangle design
- Four equipment variants between 5799 and 9999 euros
- Weight: From 18 kilos (manufacturer's specification, top model in size M, with pedals)
- Permissible total weight: 130 kilos
Bosch Performance Line SX: The electric motor on the new Flyer
Bosch's Performance SX is a small powerhouse. The new light motor packs a very high maximum output into a lightweight package. At 2.1 kilos, it is barely heavier than the light competition from Fazua (2.0 kg) or TQ (1.85 kg), but is significantly more powerful at its peak. However, its character is special. It only releases its high power at very high cadences, i.e. fast cranking. And only for a short time, with above-average input from the rider. This makes the riding experience with the SX particularly dynamic and lively. However, if you only pedal slowly and leisurely, you get less support than, for example from a Fazua Ride 60.
Flyer Uproc SL:X - The geometry
The new Flyer Uproc SL:X is coming onto the market in the classic sizes S, M, L and XL. It should be suitable for riders between 155 and 195 cm tall. However, "classic" does not match the geometry of the bike. For a 130-millimetre bike, the chassis is decidedly modern - not to say extreme. The wheelbase in particular is long for this suspension travel class at almost 1260 millimetres. The bike owes this to the long reach (440 to 521 mm) and the long chainstays of a good 450 mm. The short seat tubes and the very steep seat angle are also very modern. The geometry can be customised using a flipchip.
Features, models and prices of the Flyer Uproc SL:X
Flyer offers four equipment variants of the lightweight Uproc SL:X e-mountainbike. It starts at a comparatively fair 5799 euros with a full carbon frame and 19.7 kilos according to the manufacturer. In this price range, there is no bike at all in the light portfolio of many competitors. The top model costs 9999 euros and, without exception, reaches deep into the high-end box. This price is also fair in a market comparison. Especially as a range extender is already included and the e-bike pioneer Flyer is not exactly known for bargain prices. All models come in the colour "Cast Silver Gloss".
Flyer Uproc SL:X 4.10 - 5799 Euro
The entry-level model costs 5799 euros and already has the same full carbon frame as the top models. The 130-millimetre suspension comes from X-Fusion, a brand that is rarely used on high-quality mountain bikes. In the test of the Rockrider E-Expl, however, we recently had good experiences with the fork and shock from X-Fusion. The 12-speed Deore drivetrain has proven itself in the affordable price segment. The brakes are TRP Slate Evo, the wheels consist of DT rims and Formula hubs. Weight according to Flyer: 19.7 kilos.
Flyer Uproc SL:X 6.50 - 6999 Euro
For € 6999, you can upgrade to Fox suspension with a 34 Rhythm fork and Float Performance shock. There are also Deore brakes and a high-quality GX Eagle Transmission wireless drivetrain from Sram. The tyres spin on DT's entry-level wheels for lightweight E-MTBs, the H1900 LS. Weight: 18.8 kilos (manufacturer's specification).
Flyer Uproc SL:X 8.70 - 7499 Euro
The Flyer Uproc SL:X 8.70 costs 500 euros more and includes the Power More 250 from Bosch. In addition, the Fox suspension comes from the Performance range, the brakes from the XT range. The same applies to the brakes. Plus: DT Swiss 1700 LS wheels. The carbon handlebars are extremely wide at 810 mm. Weight: 18.3 kilos (manufacturer's specification).
Flyer Uproc SL:X 9.50 - 9999 Euro
The top model adds a lot of bling on top for 9999 euros and should be significantly lighter than the 8.70. Flyer specifies the 9.50 at 18 kilos. The DT Swiss HXC 1501 carbon wheels and the XTR brakes from Shimano are the main weight-saving features. The product managers have also reached for the highest shelf when it comes to the XX Transmission wireless drivetrain from Sram. The Factory suspension from Fox should be particularly noticeable on the trail. The 34 mm fork comes with powerful Grip2 damping. The Power More 250 is also included in the package.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
