Test Bulls Copperhead 3: For years, the Bulls Copperhead 3 has been one of the best-selling mountain bikes in the world. No wonder: 999 For just 1 euro, the ZEG dealer offers an authentic introduction to the hobby of mountain biking. But what can a 999-Euro bike really? We chose the Bulls Copperhead 3 to show you what a hardtail in this price range can do.
Bulls Copperhead 3 Review - The Framework
The first surprise was the immediate impression from the box. Does this bike really only cost 999 Euro? Instinctively, the Bulls Copperhead 3 looked significantly more impressive, and if someone had said it cost 1400 euros, no one would have been surprised. The bike is available in four color variants; we tested the blue-gray version with bright yellow-green accents. The color scheme is simple yet striking, making the Bulls Copperhead 3 appear high-quality and by no means cheap.
The frame itself and the workmanship also make a very valuable impression. The frame tubes are beautifully designed by hydroforming and give the Bulls Copperhead 3 a modern look. The weld seams appear clean and the paintwork also proves to be robust in the test. The frame is designed for 27,5-inch wheels, but is also available as a 29-inch version in the Bulls range. The rear end offers space for thicker tires as an option. With the 2,1″ wide Racing Ralph mounted, it is clear to see that there would still be plenty of room for a wider tire. The trains are laid discreetly in the frame, which is not a matter of course in this class. The head tube is tapered, which offers the best compromise between stiffness and weight. The brake mount at the rear was also solved nicely. Overall, the frame of the Bulls Copperhead 3 offers above-average performance for the price range.
Bulls Copperhead 3 Review - Geometry
The geometry of the Copperhead 3 finds a good compromise between sportiness and comfort. The seat angle is steep enough to climb challenging ramps. The steering angle feels a bit slacker than on other entry-level bikes. This gives security when going downhill and helps the rider on steep descents. Due to the 27,5 inch wheels, the chain stays are very short and make the Bulls Copperhead 3 pleasantly manoeuvrable.
Bulls Copperhead 3 Review - Features
A good frame and the geometry is also good. What other features do you get with the Bulls Copperhead 3 for 999 Euro? A glance at the spec list is certainly promising. Triple cranks have become almost a rarity. The Copperhead 3 features a Shimano triple crankset combined with a 3-speed Shimano XT rear derailleur, offering a very wide gear range for beginners. Shifting is handled by Deore shift levers on the handlebars.
No savings were made on the brakes either. Magura uses the entry-level model in their high-quality disc brake collection on the Bulls. The Magura MT2 does not have to hide from its expensive sisters in terms of function and represents a reliable and strong brake for the Copperhead 3. In addition, 180 mm brake discs were installed at the rear and at the front, which ensure sufficient deceleration on long descents and definitely also offer safety to heavy drivers. The wheels are made up of Formula DC hubs and DDM 2 rims with 32 spokes at the front and rear. The wheels are not the lightest, but they are stable and durable. The tires complete the good impression of the wheel combination: The well-known Schwalbe Racing Ralph is installed on the Bulls Copperhead 3 in the performance version with a width of 2,1 inches. An optimal tire for beginners, as it offers the right compromise between rolling resistance and grip and is also one of the lighter tires.
In addition to the parts already mentioned, Bulls uses many in-house attachments on the Copperhead 3. So does the fork. A Bulls Lytro air suspension fork with 34 mm stanchions was installed here. The fork can be locked using a very intuitive and ergonomic lever on the handlebars - the so-called remote lockout. The saddle and seat post, which are fixed with a quick-release clamp, also come from Bulls themselves. The saddle height can be adjusted at short notice if you are unsure about setting the right seat height or want to lower the saddle for a steep descent. The cockpit also comes from the company's own brand and is characterized by the 71 cm wide riser handlebars, which ensure an upright, comfortable seating position and more control. The grips were very comfortable on the test rides as they give the hands a lot of grip and control. All the parts and frames add up to a total of 12,8 kg, which - and here we are again with the price range - is extremely acceptable.
| Frame | Aluminum 7005 triple butted, internal cable routing, smooth welding, tapered steerer |
| Fork | BULLS Lytro 34 Boost RL-R Air suspension fork |
| Suspension shocks | / |
| Wheels | Formula DC / DDM-2 |
| Tire VR | Schwalbe Racing Ralph Performance |
| Tire HR | Schwalbe Racing Ralph Performance |
| Derailleur | Shimano XT |
| Shifter | Shimano Deore SL-M6000 |
| Crank | Shimano FC-MT500-3 40/30/22 |
| Front derailleur | Shimano Deore FD-M6000E |
| Brake | Magura MT2 |
| Brake discs | Magura 180mm |
| Seatpost | BULLS |
| Saddle | BULLS |
| Stem | BULLS |
| Handlebar | BULLS |
Bulls Copperhead 3 Review - On the Trail
Looks and features aside, in the end, it's the riding experience that counts. We were excited about our first test ride with the Bulls Copperhead 3. Right from the start, it was clear that we were talking about a very agile bike. With its short wheelbase and 27,5-inch wheels, the bike is very playful and maneuverable. The seating position is perfect and represents a good compromise between sportiness and comfort. The Schwalbe tires rolled very well on asphalt. The somewhat heavy wheels somewhat dampen the bike's agility, but once you get going, the Copperhead rolls very well. On climbs, the somewhat steep seat angle places you very centrally over the bottom bracket, making even steep ramps easy to climb. The riser handlebar supports an upright seating position, making the bike very easy to control, even on technical uphills. The tires provide sufficient grip for light gravel, forest paths, and meadow trails in almost every situation. However, when it gets a bit muddy or wet, the tires quickly reach their limits. When it comes to uphill riding, you won't have to hide on a Bulls Copperhead 3 – minor weaknesses are due to the higher overall weight, subtle compromises with the heavier wheels, and the equipment details, which are unavoidable at this price level. Overall, the entire editorial team has a very good impression of the 999-Euro-Copperhead 3.
The Bulls Copperhead 3 is no slouch in downhill riding either. It was a real joy to ride in our test, as its 27,5-inch wheels and compact geometry make it very agile and maneuverable. At higher speeds, this leads to a bit of unsteadiness, but as a beginner, a more agile bike is easier to start with. The fork's suspension behavior was a bit too linear for our test riders and could be more progressive. However, the function and ergonomics of the remote lockout were first-class, and many other manufacturers sloppy with these small details, offering significantly worse solutions. Minor weaknesses, but the overall package, including the powerful and easily modulated Magura MT2 brakes, makes the Copperhead ready for downhill riding. For riders of a certain height (over 1,85 m), it would be worthwhile to opt for the 29er model of the Copperhead 3, especially since it also offers the same specs for 999 €. The large tires roll better over obstacles and provide more safety.
Bull's Copperhead 3 Review - Conclusion
We were really surprised that you get a lot of bikes for so little money. Of course, the bike has small weaknesses, but as a beginner you will be able to overlook them. We even recommend the bike to more ambitious riders as a training bike. It's really easy to stretch and you can have fun with it.
