Test: This has counted for years Bull's Copperhead 3 one of the most popular mountain bike hardtails in specialist shops. In 2021, the Cologne industry giant is celebrating its 25th anniversary and is relaunching the Copperhead 3 to go with it. We have already been able to test the successful model with 29 inch wheels.
Who else knows? A mountain bike hardtail with an aluminum frame, Shimano XT components and RockShox air suspension fork for around 1.000 euros. Years ago, there was no avoiding the popular Bulls Copperhead series. In the meantime, of course, the prices have risen somewhat across all sectors, but the Copperhead 3 2021 is again more than competitive at 1.299 euros and would like to enable entry into the world of high-quality mountain bikes.
The Copperhead 3 29 – in a nutshell
- Frame material: Aluminium
- wheel size: 29 inch (27.5 inch also available)
- Frame sizes: 41 to 61 cm
- Suspension travel: 100 mm
- Special features MonkeyLink, SP Connect
- Weight: 13,0 kg
- Price: 1.299 Euros
Bulls Copperhead 3 - great variety of models
As befits a "bestseller", the Copperhead 3 is available in different models and colors. In addition to the wheel sizes 27.5 and 29 inches, the customer has the choice between three different color variants. Stylish: Two special colors are available for the 25th anniversary: "black matt" and "rainbow petrol"
Bulls Copperhead 3 - high quality frame with great details
The heart of the Copperhead 3 2021 is the high-quality aluminum frame. In particular, the anniversary color "black matt" was immediately appealing. The mix of matt and glossy black paired with a few golden accents looks timeless and elegant. In addition, there is a clean processing of the weld seams. In short: At first glance, the quality of workmanship and the finish do not suggest a bike in this price range.
But the positive impression also continues with the technical frame details. The cables are routed cleanly inside the frame, protected from the weather. The cables are guided into the frame on the side of the control tube and only leave it at their destination.
The frame is equipped with two mounting points for bottle cages for water supply on the trail. Practical: A Fidlock bottle cage is already mounted on the down tube. Simply click in the appropriate MonkeyLink bottle, done!
So that the suitability for everyday use is not neglected, the frame is equipped with mounting eyelets for mudguards and luggage racks. It also offers the option of retrofitting a side stand. Certainly a very practical feature for many.
Brand new for 2021 is the SP Connect mobile phone holder on the stem. In addition to the well-known Bulls models Aminga, E-Stream EVO, Zarena and Sharptail, all Copperhead models are equipped with the clever attachment option for smartphones. With the appropriate phone case, the mobile phone can be mounted on the stem in a flash with a twisting motion. Class!
Bulls Copperhead 3 - well thought-out equipment
The equipment of the Copperhead 3 is well thought out and very well chosen. The components are of high quality and there is no saving or cheating at critical points.
frame | Aluminium |
suspension fork | RockShox Judy Gold RL-R, 100mm |
Suspension shocks | - |
Wheels | Shimano hubs / Bulls XC21 Evo rims |
Tire VR | Schwalbe Racing Ralph Performance |
Tire HR | Schwalbe Racing Ralph Performance |
derailleur | Shimano XT, 11-speed |
Gear levers | Shimano Deore |
Crank | Shimano Deore |
Front derailleur | Shimano Deore |
Brake | Shimano BR-MT410 |
Brake discs | 180 mm |
Seat post | Bull's aluminum |
Saddle | Bulls |
Stem | MonkeyLink AS-ML1 |
Links | Bull's aluminum |
The RockShox Judy Gold RL-R suspension fork is largely responsible for comfort and control. Its 100mm spring deflection can be easily adjusted to the respective rider's weight or personal preferences via the air pressure and can even be blocked using the remote from the handlebars.
Braking is done with hydraulic Shimano MT410 disc brakes, which safely bring the bike to a standstill via 180mm rotors. Schwalbe Racing Ralph Performance tires ensure ground contact. Its profile is a good mix of good rolling characteristics and sufficient off-road grip. The wheels are also "Tubeless Ready". So nothing stands in the way of a simple conversion to more puncture protection.
The 2×11 Shimano gears ensure crisp shifting with a wide range. A mix of Shimano Deore and XT components not only promises flawless function, but also long-lasting performance. Nice to see that there are still manufacturers who rely on 2x instead of consistently 1x drives. The high bandwidth and finely tuned switching jumps certainly still have their raison d'être for many. For those who prefer the 1x drive, Bulls has alternatives in its portfolio with the Copperhead 3S or RS.
When looking at the contact points, the eye immediately falls on the golden handlebars. Matching the accents in the frame, it is held by a modern, short stem. As is now known from Bulls, it also offers easy retrofitting of battery lighting via the MonkeyLink interface. Incidentally, the same interface is also located on the saddle clamp (for a rear light). The cockpit is clearly and intuitively designed and can be easily adapted to individual needs.
The Copperhead 3 in review
After the optics of the Bulls Copperhead 3 convinced us right away, we were curious how it would perform on the trail. After the first test seat, it was clear that Bulls had once again succeeded in creating a great all-rounder with the 2021 Copperhead 3. You sit sporty but not too stretched out on the bike and the controls are easy to reach. Thanks to the comfortable saddle and the ergonomically shaped cockpit, even longer tours are easily feasible.
The RockShox Judy Gold suspension fork is not only easy to adjust via the air pressure, it also proved to be extremely sensitive in the test. Thanks to the very easy-rolling Schwalbe Racing Ralph tires and the good rollover behavior of the 29er, the Copperhead 3 has consistently converted every pedal turn into propulsion despite its 13 kg. The 2×11 circuit is finely graded and took the fear out of even the steepest climbs. Sure, a 100mm hardtail feels most comfortable on dirt roads or moderate trails, but we were also able to master difficult and steep terrain with the Copperhead. The brakes decelerate reliably - without being dangerously snappy.
All in all, the 2021 Copperhead 3 was (again) convincing. It would not do justice to the bike to call it a very good entry-level bike, because it can do a lot more. The sporty, but not too extreme driving characteristics will certainly also benefit price-conscious advanced users. Useful features such as MonkeyLink, SP Connect or mounting points for mudguards, luggage racks and kickstands make the Copperhead 3 a first-class all-rounder - regardless of riding ability.
Bulls also gives the customer the choice between wheel sizes of 27.5 and 29 inches. Small people or people with a preference for slightly more agile handling should go for 27.5 inches. Tall people or those with a preference for smooth running and good rollover behavior will find what they are looking for with 29 inches.
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