Bulls Urban Copenhagen in the test: The new edition of the elegant urban bike is no longer quite so "retro", but with new attachments it is even more straightforward and elegant. If you are looking for a technically high-quality bike with functional equipment and a reduced look, you might like this touring bike.
Are bikes getting more complicated? It might be, especially if they start with "electro". E-bikes today are packed with technologies that go beyond the actual task of the support drive - connectivity functions and W-LAN, tracking and "geofencing", electronic shifting and ABS. How refreshing it is to take a look at a 2023 novelty that is simply a bicycle in a puristic way, but offers proven technology in a very modern form.
Many mounting options
Curtain up for the Bulls Urban Copenhagen, a bike that differs significantly from its predecessor in the new model year. On the one hand, this affects the look, which is now less "retro" - polished aluminum is almost non-existent on the 2023 model. On the other hand, the Copenhagen has a completely new frame that is strongly reminiscent of the 2023 grinder models from Bulls. The threaded holes under the top tube, to which a strap can be attached, can be recognized at first glance; With a straight fork and low seat stays in the Diamant version, the frame looks more striking.
The longer head tube leads to a slightly more upright sitting position. The handlebar-stem unit painted in the frame color with elegant inner clamping is very successful. And of course the bike is equipped with a rigid fork, which in turn is reminiscent of the gravel bike with the three side threaded holes for luggage racks - a feature that comes into play on tours with luggage.
Smooth-running gearbox with a large range of gear ratios
The drive also contributes to the reserved, technically reduced impression. Bulls relies on the Shimano Alfine 11 on the urban bike, which is one of the most advanced gear hubs on the market in terms of gear ratio range. The total range of shifting is 408%, which means that the highest gear is more than four times as long as the lowest. Except for the big jump from first to second gear, all gear jumps are very even in the range of 13 to 14%, so that you can shift up or down without too much fluctuation in the pedaling frequency. This is very quick and precise with thumb/finger buttons; a twist shifter, as is usually used with simple hub gears, is clearly at a disadvantage. The transmission, which runs in an oil bath, is also very smooth and feels low in friction.
The Shimano Alfine 11 clearly belongs in the premium segment, and there you can no longer get customers with the classic bicycle chain. Of course, Bulls also specifies a Gates timing belt, which, as is well known, requires a special frame: the right rear triangle must be able to be opened so that the belt can be inserted. The only important thing now is the right tension, so that the chain replacement neither slips nor produces too much friction; then the Gates belt can be driven virtually maintenance-free, on and on. No comparison to the chain, which has to be cleaned and oiled regularly in order to maintain its good running properties.
Fully equipped
This makes the Urban Copenhagen a real all-round carefree bike that is otherwise trimmed for optimum functionality. This includes hydraulic disc brakes, which require very little maintenance and reliably decelerate in dry and wet conditions, as well as a very bright lighting system with daytime running lights, not to mention the puncture-proof, smooth-running Schwalbe tires. High-quality ergonomic handles are fitted, as is a saddle that is not too sporty. There is also a narrow rear carrier without a spring clamp, which is designed for hanging panniers on the side.
Sporty and low rolling resistance
As is usual with rather light, unsprung bikes, the handling is sporty and direct, while the steering is pleasantly neutral. Depending on the tire pressure, the feedback from the road surface is clear – anyone who is sensitive to this could be inclined to retrofit a parallelogram suspension bracket. The Schwalbe Marathon Efficiency are extremely high-quality, which, in addition to high puncture protection with a special carcass structure and rubber compound from racing, have very low rolling resistance.
The Bulls Urban Copenhagen can be called largely perfect, and the price of 1.799 euros shouldn't come as a shock given the equipment - elsewhere such a sum is only enough for an eight-speed gearbox. In comparison to a high-end electric bike, it may seem technically reduced, but as a sporty everyday and touring bike with very little maintenance, it can hardly be topped.
