Test drive: We had the opportunity to test drive the new S-Pedelec Bulls Dail-E Grinder at the ZEG in-house exhibition last weekend. The sporty e-bike will be launched in 2017 and should cause quite a stir with its high-quality equipment and well thought-out, unobtrusive design.
Sure - at first glance, the really successful design of the new Bulls Dail-E Grinder is particularly convincing, and it doesn't need to hide from non-e-bikes either. The Bosch Performance CX mid-motor is elegantly integrated into the frame and hardly catches the eye, also because the 400 Wh battery (500 Wh also available as an option) fits perfectly into the down tube. Above all, the Dail-E Grinder should be a bike for those who want to be sporty and stylish on an e-bike - on the way to work as well as on Sundays to the beer garden or on tours with family and friends.
The Bosch Performance CX motor supports the simple speedster up to a speed of 45km/h, which can actually be reached quite quickly - a real S-Pedelec, with which commuters can travel much faster and at the same time more environmentally friendly through dense urban areas, especially in big cities Traffic coming than by car. With regard to the basic concept of the Bulls newcomer, modern endurance and the in-house Gravelracer Daily Grinder model were used - comfort-oriented dimensions that harmonize a discreetly sporty seating position with long-distance suitability. So it's not surprising that the Dail-E Grinder has a classic racing handlebar and with Shimano's Ultegra group, there's more racing bike than trekking in the S-Pedelec.
In any case, the equipment of the Dail-E Grinder is consistently high-quality: starting with the mentioned Ultegra group, which is even installed in the electronic Di2 version, through the wheels with carbon rims, the hydraulic Shimano disc brakes to small but important details like the high-quality mudguards and the puncture-proof tires from Schwalbe, there really is nothing to complain about here. Only the suspension fork may not really suit the orientation of the bike at first: But with the Rock Shox Paragon Gold, Bulls at least installed one of the light and high-performance trekking suspension forks, which certainly offers a welcome plus in comfort for many on bad bike paths. In view of these key data, the price of €4.999 seems extremely cheap.
Test drive Bulls Dail-E Grinder: Comfortable, sporty, fast
We had the chance to test one of the coveted bikes on the in-house test course. First insight: The geometry does not necessarily feel unfamiliar even for someone who usually sits on the racer. A little more comfortable and upright, but still quite familiar. Second insight: The Performance CX motor provides the right traction: Even in Eco mode, you can easily accelerate to a brisk 'cruising speed' without breaking a sweat. With a power meter or an optional Nyon control unit from Bosch, the Dail-E Grinder could also be used as a serious training bike: For example, you could set the motor support to only kick in at 100 watts (or more). So you have a training effect, but thanks to the motor you can progress much faster.
Incidentally, we noticed the low background noise while driving as extremely positive. Mudguards and luggage racks are extremely stable. Nothing flaps or rattles and everything stays exactly where it should be. The engine noise is also barely perceptible - even at higher support levels it is drowned out by the airflow. Even though we were out and about with the test bike during the day, we have to praise the lighting on the new Bulls S-Pedelec: We already know the Supernova M99 Pro LED headlight from other (significantly more expensive) e-bikes and above all know the separate remote - and appreciate the low beam, which can be switched using the handlebar remote control.
All in all, with the new Dail-E Grinder, Bulls has put together a really well-rounded and extremely attractively priced overall package that is aimed at sports-savvy e-bikers who are looking for a comfortable base for commuting and touring.