Test: Bulls Copperhead E1 – cheap and good?: Testing the Bulls E-Hardtail

E-MTB test: entry-level e-MTBs around 2.000 euros are probably the best-selling e-mountain bikes on the market. With the popular Copperhead E1, Bulls is launching an exciting e-hardtail with Bosch Performance drive for the year 2020. In view of some moon prices in excess of 10.000 euros, the legitimate question arises: What can an E-MTB hardtail do for everyone for 2.000 euros? We tested the Bulls Copperhead E1 for 1.999 euros.

For years, the Bulls Copperhead model series has stood for high-quality and at the same time attractively priced bikes. The variety of models within the Copperhead models has grown significantly. Whether classic hardtail – like the Bulls Copperhead 3 – E-Fully or E-Hardtail, the Copperheads are more versatile than ever.

For 2020, Bulls has developed a versatile e-hardtail with the Copperhead E1. With the latest generation of Bosch Performance Line drives, a PowerPack battery (either 400 or 500 Wh) and some technical refinements, it starts at 1.999 euros.

Bulls Copperhead E1: In a nutshell

• Frame material: Aluminium
• Drive: Bosch Performance Line (65 Nm)
• Battery pack: Bosch PowerPack (either 400 or 500 Wh)
• wheel size: 29 inch
• Weight: 24,5 kg
• Frame sizes: 44, 48, 54, 60
• Price: 1.999 euros (400 Wh), 2.199 euros (500 Wh)

Bulls Copperhead E1: variety of models

The Copperhead E1 is available in various frame, color and equipment variants in order to meet the broadest possible group of buyers and different personal preferences. Whether as a classic e-mountain bike in 27.5 or 29 inches, fully equipped with mudguards, side stand and lighting system, or as a step-through e-MTB. There should be a suitable bike for every taste. For the test we had the Copperhead E1 29 in the color "anodized blue" available.

You can find even more top E-MTB hardtails in our top 10:

Bulls Copperhead E1: Versatile and high quality frame

With entry-level e-bikes, one would think that compromises in frame processing, appearance and features would have to be accepted. But the Bulls Copperhead E1 impressively proves the opposite.

A beautifully finished aluminum frame is hidden behind the eye-catching blue paintwork. The welding seams appear to be of high quality and the clear lines are appealing. The tube shapes are harmonious, so that the voluminous down tube is hardly noticeable. The internal cable routing certainly also contributes to the tidy appearance of the frame. All cables disappear at the voluminous tapered head tube in the frame and only exit again at their destination. In addition to the clean look, they should also be protected from environmental influences and ensure long-lasting functionality. Practical and clever: A cable housing for using a dropper post (height-adjustable seat post from the handlebars) was already installed on our test bike. At a price point of around 2.000 euros, you can of course not expect a dropper post ex works, which is all the more refreshing that Bulls is thinking of retrofitting the useful feature as simply as possible - great!

In order to achieve the greatest possible versatility, the frame of the Bulls Copperhead E1 is equipped with a number of mounting points. It is possible to mount a side stand directly on the quick release dropout. Certainly a must-have for many users. But retrofitting a luggage rack or mudguards is also not a problem. The corresponding threads are already provided in the frame. A Fidlock MonkeyLink bottle cage is factory-installed for supplying water on tour. Click in the appropriate bottle and you're done!

Bulls Copperhead E1: motor and battery integration

Bosch's latest version of the Performance Line is used as the drive system on the Copperhead E1. To get straight to the point: the drive suits the E-MTB exceptionally well! But more on this in the practical test. The 65 Nm motor is combined with Bosch PowerPack batteries. Either 400 or 500 watt hours are available here. The battery is attached to the down tube, but due to the partial integration it doesn't look like an annoying foreign body.

Another advantage of the battery position: The energy storage can be easily changed or removed. E-bikers who cannot load their bikes at the parking space will certainly appreciate the easy handling. If you still want to charge directly on the bike - no problem - the charging socket is easily accessible on the down tube above the battery.

The motor fits neatly into the frame and is largely encapsulated with plastic covers. Although the Bosch Performance Line is similar to the Active (Plus) Line motors in terms of its dimensions and functionality, it is a thoroughbred E-MTB motor. Accordingly, the well-known E-MTB mode can also be selected. This always adapts its support almost perfectly to the respective conditions or pedal force. Connoisseurs appreciate this practical mode!

All relevant information is shown on the compact Bosch Purion display. Intuitive to use, it sits easily accessible on the left of the handlebar and displays basic information such as speed, remaining range, battery level, support level and mileage in an easy-to-read manner. If that is not enough for you, you can switch to smart displays such as Kiox or Nyon via specialist retailers.

Bulls Copperhead E1: Inexpensive but solid equipment

In view of the attractive price of 1.999 euros, the equipment of the Copperhead E1 is solid. An SR Suntour suspension fork with 100 mm travel will provide the necessary comfort. The steel spring doesn't offer many adjustment options, but it can be blocked on the fork crown.

A hydraulic 2-piston disc brake system from Tektro takes care of the deceleration. 180 mm brake discs at the front and rear transmit the braking power to the 29-inch wheels. Shifting is via a 9-speed Shimano Alivio switching group. The cassette gradation of 11-36 teeth in combination with the 38 chainring should ensure a sufficient range.

The real highlight of the equipment: the integrated MonkyLink Interfaces! Integrated in the stem and saddle clamp, they offer the simplest possible way of retrofitting a lighting system. Simply click in a MokeyLink-compatible light and you're ready for the dark. The highlight: the power is supplied via the large Bosch battery.

Bulls Copperhead E1: field test

We had the opportunity to test the Bulls Copperhead E1 extensively. The Bavarian Forest and the Isar paths in the north of Munich served as the main test areas.

After sitting down for the first time, you feel at home right away. The seating position is more upright than stretched and in combination with the comfortable saddle and the ergonomic handles, even long days on the bike can be comfortably endured. The cockpit is tidy and the controls such as gears, brakes and display are easily accessible. Cranks with a length of 165 mm were installed on our test bike; On an E-Fully it makes perfect sense due to the dynamics in the rear end, but we would have preferred slightly longer cranks on an E-Hardtail with moderate use.

The handling of the Copperhead E1 proved to be extremely good-natured. The E-MTB can be moved with stoic calm and never seems nervous. The 29-inch wheels and the balanced geometry are certainly responsible for this. The SR Suntour suspension fork does its job very well. Of course we would have liked more adjustment options - especially adjustment to the rider's weight - but in view of the attractive price that's perfectly fine. The Tektro brake system always conveys safety at a moderate pace and is also pleasantly quiet. Heavy riders should still consider retrofitting larger brake discs.

But the excellent Bosch Performance Line motor made the most lasting impression. With its smooth, almost noiseless and yet powerful acceleration, it fits perfectly into the Bulls Copperhead E1. The “E-MTB” support level is particularly noteworthy here. Depending on the pedal input, the motor automatically provides the appropriate support; thus changing the support levels is almost superfluous. In addition, the Copperhead E1 can also be pedaled relaxed over the 25 km/h mark on the flat: This not only ensures untroubled driving pleasure, but also unimagined ranges. Even with the "small" 400 watt hour battery, we never felt the need for a larger energy store on moderate tours. But if you move a lot in mountainous terrain, it is better to use 500 Wh to be on the safe side.

The Bulls Copperhead E1 in the video

All in all, with the Copperhead E1, Bulls has put together a great overall package at an extremely attractive price. Thanks to solid equipment, high-quality workmanship and clever details - such as the MonkeyLink interfaces - there is hardly anything to criticize. The excellent Bosch Performance Line motor is made for E-MTB adventures in moderate terrain. Anyone looking for an e-bike to enter the world of e-MTBs is in good hands with the Bulls Copperhead E1!

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