E-MTB / Test: With its weight alone, the Bulls Sonic Evo EN SL 1 can stand out from the crowd of E-MTBs: under 22 kg, despite the large battery and “full-power” motor, plus 160 mm of suspension travel and robust Components – impressive! The versatile bike also has a number of other advantages, not least the strong features including the new XT Di2 gears at a reasonable price.
With the Sonic Evo SL series, Bulls has been showing for several years now that a powerful motor, large battery and low weight do not necessarily have to be mutually exclusive. Even in the Enduro version we tested with 160 or 150 mm of travel, the carbon E-MTB remains well under 22 kg in total weight - despite the powerful Shimano EP801 and 725 Wh battery capacity.
Clever battery integration
This weight is made possible, among other things, by the light frame and the clever battery integration: The energy storage unit, which has a capacity of 725 Wh, sits without a cover at a 45° angle in the down tube. So it basically completes the frame and at the same time can be easily removed for charging. When it comes to equipment, it is the built-in circuitry that is particularly eye-catching. The Sonic Evo SN SL 1 is one of the first series bikes with the new electronic Shimano XT Di2. In addition to an optional automatic transmission that changes gears completely autonomously, this gearshift group also offers exciting features such as Free Shift. This makes it possible to change gears even when you are not pedaling - for example while going downhill.
| Frame | Bulls Sonic EVO EN SL |
| Fork | RockShox Lyric Select |
| Drive | Shimano EP 801 |
| Battery | 725 Wh |
| Suspension shocks | RockShox Super Deluxe Select + |
| Wheels | Mavic E-Deemax |
| Tire VR | Schwalbe Magic Mary SuperTrail Soft |
| Tire HR | Schwalbe Big Betty SuperTrail Soft |
| Derailleur | Shimano XT Di2 M8150 |
| Shifter | Shimano XT Di2 M8150 |
| Crank | e*thirteen |
| Front derailleur | Without |
| Brake | Shimano Deore M6120 |
| Brake discs | Shimano 203/203mm |
| Seatpost | Limotech Alpha 1 150mm |
| Saddle | prologo Proxim 400 |
| Stem | MTB SLS |
| Handlebar | Sport SL CCS |
The other features are also pleasing, although the RockShox Select chassis and Shimano Deore brakes can't quite keep up with the top performance of the gears. On the other hand: for the asking price of 6.699 euros, the component package is excellent.
The Bulls Sonic Evo EN SL 1 on the trail
| S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seat tube (in mm) | 410 | 440 | 470 | 510 |
| Reach (mm) | 420 | 441 | 460 | 481 |
| Stacks (in mm) | 635 | 635 | 644 | 653 |
| Steering angle (in °) | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| Seat angle (in °) | 74.5 | 74.5 | 74.5 | 74.5 |
| BB drop (mm) | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| chainstays (in mm) | 450 | 450 | 450 | 450 |
| Wheelbase (in mm) | 1202 | 1223 | 1246 | 1271 |
When it comes to performance on the trail, you shouldn't be too blinded by the abbreviation "EN" in the name. Even if the nimble Bulls can cope well with rough terrain, this is not his specialty. A more responsive rear end and more powerful brakes are missing for top marks. However, the bike is completely in its element on moderate or flowing routes. Here it turns out to be a real fun bike with a great all-round character and invites the pilot to play.
Uphill shows once again how big the performance advantage of the EP801 engine really is compared to its direct predecessor. The difference is particularly noticeable on steep sections. It's also nice that the hum of the engine has become quieter rather than louder despite this increased performance. What remains unchanged, however, is the loud rattling of the drive unit off-road - a shame.
