Test Bulls Nandi: Fancy some fast off-road fun? For beginners and young cyclists, Bulls offers the Nandi - an inexpensive, solid 27,5-inch mountain bike that lets you discover a whole new way of cycling in a relaxed manner.
Mountain biking is great - it's a relaxing way to get fitter, an exciting way to explore your surroundings and, last but not least, a brisk and practical way of getting around in everyday life. Whether used for sports, on fitness tours or on the way to work: A solid mountain bike ensures reliable riding fun in every situation.
But like everywhere, everyone has to decide for themselves whether an MTB is the right bike. You can try out a friend's bike, negotiate a longer test ride in the bike shop - or spend 500 euros on the spur of the moment and treat yourself to a high-quality entry-level model in order to gain initial experience off-road without stress.
Entry-level MTB from the pros
The women's model at this price point is called Nandi from the sporty bike brand Bulls. The supplier from Cologne, who has been outfitting a successful MTB racing team for years, of course knows exactly what is important - first of all, a fit that is appropriate for the intended use. Of course, Team Bulls riders sit differently on the bike than a beginner; she is happy about a balanced position in which the saddle is at the level of the handlebars or even slightly below. This results in a pleasantly upright posture, which makes the first excursions into the terrain easy - if there is a short steep descent, the body's center of gravity can be shifted backwards more easily. Unless they are in top form, the torso muscles are not put under as much strain as when you are in a stretched race position.
Bulls Nandi: Solid technique to start with
If you sit relaxed, you can concentrate on the technology without stress: Bulls installs everything on the Nandi that belongs on a hardtail MTB (= front suspension only), albeit in a somewhat simpler design. The circuit with three chainrings at the front and seven sprockets at the rear is classic – not exactly lavish, but overall well suited for almost all occasions, including extremely steep sections. Of course, disc brakes are used for deceleration, but only mechanical stoppers are used on the Nandi. These brake just as safely, but are not quite as easy to dose as hydraulic brakes and have to be readjusted from time to time. For the brake system and gears, however, the following applies: If you discover your love for cycling on the Nandi and diligently cover kilometers, you can easily retrofit higher-quality material when the first signs of wear become noticeable. Shift cables and brake lines are laid on the outside of the frame, so replacing components is not very time-consuming.
Of course, a suspension fork should not be missing on the MTB - on the Nandi it has a remarkable 100 mm of travel and can be adjusted to the rider's weight. Since it works with a steel spring, it is relatively easy to maintain and should work reliably for a long time. Air suspension forks are lighter and respond more sensitively, but they also require regular care.
Current impeller standard
Of course, the tires play an important role on a mountain bike. Here they are relatively wide and strong at 57 mm, but not too extremely profiled; This allows them to optimally cling to loose ground - especially in curves due to the tread blocks that are pulled far down at the sides - but still roll pleasantly easily on asphalt. As befits a modern MTB, the wheels are 27,5 inches, which results in an optimal balance between handling and smooth running. The Nandi drives safely straight ahead over hill and dale; in everyday use and in sharp turns on the trail, it is pleasantly agile.
Of course, there is one downside to an inexpensive bike like the Nandi: it's not light; compared to models that are many times more expensive, it weighs a few kilos more. This is in the nature of things and does not necessarily affect performance at a moderate pace. The weight will be most noticeable when you carry the Nandi out of the basement.
Bulls Nandi: Not easy, but inexpensive
And otherwise? The size range of the entry-level bike is interesting – the smallest of the four frame sizes is 37 cm, the largest 51 cm. This means that the affordable hardtail is also suitable as a youth bike. Incidentally, it is also available in two other color variants, matt blue metallic and lavender (more like "heather violet") - very attractive for younger pilots who can take their first steps off-road on the Nandi.
