Product news: First Ride: Bulls Black Adder Team 2019 in a short test

First Ride: The Bulls Black Adder has been the undisputed top hardtail in the ZEG brand's portfolio since it was launched a few years ago. Big names like Karl Platt, Tim Böhme and Stefan Sahm from Team BULLS have been able to win countless victories on the carbon racing file in the past. But as a wise man once said: Standing still means going backwards - and so the Black Adder has been given a completely new frame for the 2019 model year, which builds on the qualities of the predecessor, but has a new geometry and some technical innovations.

The former Bulls team rider Stefan Sahm was also involved in the development of the frame, and he used his many years of experience, especially with the geometry. However, the final decision as to what the geometry of the Bulls Black Adder 2019 would look like was made during an extensive test drive in the Palatinate, in which Karl Platt and Tim Böhme, among others, also took part. Three aluminum frames with different geometries were specially built for this purpose, which were kept in neutral white and were all built with exactly the same components. After this blind test, all riders settled on the same frame that later became the Black Adder 2019 - of course in series as a carbon bike.

Bulls Black Adder 29: geometry update and very light frame

Interesting: Among the test candidates was a slightly trail-heavy variant with a significantly slacker steering angle and longer reach. The new Bulls Copperhead Trail was then developed on the basis of this. "The trail-heavy bike almost felt a little better for the first few meters, but on a longer lap it became apparent that the ultimate 'test winner' simply worked more efficiently and climbed better, especially on the uphills," Karl Platt remembers the test session. "I felt so comfortable on the new Black Adder that I went flat on the first stone field because I was going much too fast," adds the actually convinced fully driver with a grin.

But what does it look like now, the new geometry of the Black Adder 2019? The head angle in particular is a good deal flatter at 69° than on the predecessor (70,5° and 71°) and the reach and top tube have also grown. While the slacker steering angle gives you more stability, the longer main frame allows you to ride a short stem, which should be very beneficial for handling in demanding terrain.

What else is new about the Black Adder? When it comes to the technical aspects, the even lower weight stands out in particular: At 950g, the frame is a real competitor for even the lightest models. Otherwise, the new design catches our eye right away: Overall, more angular, with some nice details, the Bulls Black Adder 2019 makes a lot. Of course, the previously introduced Boost standard for the wheels has remained, and the new frame should also be on a similarly high level as its predecessor in terms of comfort.

Bulls Black Adder 29: First Ride Impressions

At the BULLS team meeting in the foggy Palatinate a few days ago, we got the chance to test the team variant of the new carbon race hardtail from Bulls on a short lap. However, it should be said straight away: While a standard frame was installed on our bike, the equipment did not quite correspond to what will ultimately be in the shop, but was based on the components that the team pros will be using.

Right from the start, I particularly liked the main frame, which had noticeably grown in length; This is not only because I have short legs anyway, but because the handling clearly benefits - even for non-professionals. Even if the short test round was only enough for a first impression, I was particularly surprised by the very high level of comfort of the new Bulls carbon bike. The interaction between the specially developed Duroflex seat post and the rear triangle is sensationally good and not only reduces vibrations and impacts on the descent, but also improves traction when climbing over stones and roots.

Bulls Black Adder 29: model variants, equipment, prices

The 2019 Bulls Black Adder will be launched in three models. They all have a relatively affordable price tag in common: The entry-level Black Adder 29 comes with a 2.799x2 XT drivetrain, a Fox 11 StepCast Performance fork, and DT Swiss X32 wheels for €1700. A real bargain, especially considering that it's built on the exact same frame as the pros. The Black Adder SL 29 costs €3.999 Euro is almost "all-in": With a Sram X01 Eagle drivetrain, Fox 32 Factory fork, and DT Swiss EX1501 wheels, you're race-ready right out of the box. The top-of-the-line Black Adder Team 29 model features Shimano's new top-of-the-line XTR groupset, and buyers of the 4th generation of the same model will also get a free upgrade.999 Euro bikes can also look forward to carbon wheels from DT Swiss.

Bulls Black Adder Team 29 2019

Fork: Fox 32 Factory StepCast 100mm
Circuit: Shimano XTR 12-speed
impellers: DT Swiss XRC 1200
Brake: Shimano XTR M9100

Price: 4999 Euro

Website

www.bulls.de