BULLS promote the brand new SONIC EN-R TEAM as a thoroughbred eMTB racer. It combines a mullet wheel setup and 170/160 mm of journey entrance and rear. BULLS’ new e-enduro racer depends on the brand new Bosch Efficiency Line CX motor and numerous intelligent options. Learn the complete evaluate to search out out extra.
BULLS have been manufacturing bikes since 1995 and, as a part of ZEG – Europe’s largest specialist bicycle retail affiliation – is without doubt one of the largest bike manufacturers in Germany. Their large portfolio ranges from metropolis bikes to highway and gravel bikes, in addition to E-MTBs, which are inclined to focus extra on touring. However BULLS can do efficiency too. They proved this with the SONIC EVO AM in our huge e-mountainbike comparability take a look at with 27 eMTBs. Now BULLS are taking issues a step additional with the brand new SONIC EN-R TEAM, which is their race-focused e-enduro. It’s lighter than all different bikes within the SONIC vary and depends on a brand new Bosch Efficiency Line CX motor and 600 Wh battery. With its mullet wheel setup and 170/160 mm of journey, it’s set to smash data on the path. The modern design and revolutionary geometry changes promise to make the SONIC EN-R TEAM a considered one of a sort in BULLS’ portfolio. We examined the 22.38 kg bike within the Dolomites and might let you know whether or not it’s well worth the € 9,999 price ticket.
The brand new 2025 BULLS SONIC EN-R TEAM intimately
With its bright-red paint end on the highest tube and the brushed alloy shock mount and skid plate, the brand new EN-R is an actual head turner and makes a press release even when stationary. The white BULLS decals stands out in opposition to the matte gray downtube, rounding off the general subtle look of the bike.
The cables are routed internally and disappear into the body by the headset, which depends on 1.8-inch bearings. These not solely permit for a modern body design but additionally present further area for the cables to run by the stem. The BULLS SONIC incorporates a MonkeyLink 2.0 interface, which comes with an built-in Garmin charger. Sadly, we have been unable to check this operate, as our mannequin was nonetheless a 3D-printed pre-production model.
BULLS clearly centered on e-enduro racing with the SONIC EN-R, and added their proprietary Powerstage software on the underside of the highest tube. The software could be simply eliminated with a easy 90° twist, even with gloves. That stated, we have been fairly upset with the software itself, as a result of it solely features a 4 mm, 5 mm, and 6 mm Allen key regardless of its large measurement. It’s imagined to be a minimalist, race-oriented software, however with solely three instruments to select from it’s something however sensible particularly contemplating its large dimensions. Not less than it doesn’t rattle on the path.
A intelligent shock mount permits for fast trailside geometry changes utilizing the Powerstage software. Moreover, the built-in flip-chip offers much more flexibility for the bike – however extra on this later.
Regardless that the fifth era Bosch Efficiency Line CX motor appears to be like virtually an identical to its predecessor on paper, nonetheless delivering 85 Nm of torque and 600 watts peak energy, there are some thrilling modifications on the within. In our in-depth evaluate of the brand new CX drive you’ll discover all particulars. The brand new Bosch motor is discreetly built-in into the body and guarded in opposition to impacts by an aluminium skid plate moderately than a standard motor cowl,which additionally improves air circulate.
The brand new Bosch motor is paired with a 600 Wh PowerTube battery, which, in typical BULLS trend, could be faraway from the facet of the downtube. To take action, you’ll need to take away the battery cowl by turning the bolt on the downtube half a flip utilizing the 4 mm Allen key of the Powerstage software. With the identical key, now you may flip the marginally deeper battery lock one other half flip to launch the battery. Necessary: because the battery lock doesn’t have a spring, you’ll have to show it again manually when reinserting the battery. This would possibly sound a bit difficult, nevertheless it works easily and isn’t fiddly.
If the 4 mm Allen key battery lock isn’t safe sufficient for you, you may choose to retrofit a correct battery lock, which requires a key to activate. Moreover, the battery could be expanded utilizing Bosch’s optionally available 250 Wh Vary Extender, which could be simply saved on a rail that matches into the bottle cage mounts on the downtube. The battery doesn’t essentially must be eliminated for charging, because the charging port is conveniently positioned on the intersection between the downtube and toptube, proper subsequent to the headset. Nevertheless, BULLS didn’t fairly handle to get the quilt of the charging port proper – it feels a bit low cost and rattles loudly whereas using.
The Bosch motor is paired with a wi-fi, bar-mounted Bosch Mini Distant and a System Controller within the prime tube. The latter offers minimal details about battery stage and chosen using modes however suits effectively with the bike’s sporty orientation.
The chainstay protector is built-in immediately into the chainstay, and prevents paint chips and chain slap.
The specs of the brand new 2025 BULLS SONIC EN-R TEAM
We examined the BULLS Sonic EN-R TEAM variant, which comes geared up with a 170 mm RockShox ZEB Final fork. The manufacturing bike comes normal with the fork in Rockshox’s “Electrical Crimson” end, which rounds off the general harmonious look. Nevertheless, our take a look at mannequin was a pre-production model with a gray fork. A RockShox Vivid Final shock controls 160 mm of journey on the rear. Each suspension components provide straightforward adjustment choices and ship an amazing efficiency on the path. Shifting is taken care of by an digital SRAM XX Eagle Transmission AXS drivetrain, which depends on a direct-mount rear derailleur. The latter attracts its energy immediately from the bike’s major battery and is paired with an ergonomic SRAM EC AXS Rocker controller, which is built-in seamlessly into the cockpit.
MAGURA GUSTAV PRO four-piston brakes with 220/203 mm rotors (f/r) do stopping duties.They have been examined completely by our sister journal ENDURO, and impressed with wonderful modulation and highly effective braking torque.
The SONIC EN-R comes geared up with a RUMBLE Altimate PRO Carbon one-piece handlebar/stem unit, which, at 780 mm, follows the present development in the direction of narrower bars. The one-piece design ensures a clear look however solely permits for restricted changes.
The EightPins NGS 2 dropper publish is bolted on to the body and provides as much as 265 mm of journey. Probably the most putting function, nevertheless, is the stepless adjustability. A small lever on the seat clamp lets you simply regulate the peak by opening or closing the lock. Regardless of the fastened integration, the publish could be eliminated and changed with out points when wanted. In our take a look at, nevertheless, we discovered the dropper publish took some getting used to, because it requires you to unload the burden earlier than dropping the saddle.
Mavic provide the Deemax Enduro SL aluminium wheelset, which is paired with a Schwalbe Cheesy Chan tire within the Extremely Comfortable rubber compound and Tremendous Path casing on the entrance and a Schwalbe Massive Betty in the identical Tremendous Path casing and barely more durable, extra sturdy Comfortable rubber compound on the rear. If you happen to prefer to get rowdy on the path, we advocate upgrading to the extra strong Tremendous Gravity casing, which provides higher puncture safety and permits to run decrease air pressures – extra grip, child!
Spec variants of the brand new 2025 BULLS SONIC EN-R
Alongside the SONIC EN-R TEAM model we examined, there are two different variants. All three fashions share the identical carbon body and can be found in the identical sizes. The one-piece cockpit is similar too.
The extra reasonably priced EN-R 2 mannequin retails at € 7,999 and has a strong spec. The suspension consists of a 170 mm RockShox ZEB fork and RockShox Tremendous Deluxe shock. Shifting is taken care of by a barely extra reasonably priced however equally dependable wi-fi SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission drivetrain. TRP C2.3RX TRAIL brakes with a 220 mm rotor on the entrance and 203 mm disc on the rear guarantee highly effective, dependable deceleration. An EightPins H01 dropper publish and Mavic E-Deemax wheelset with the identical SCHWALBE tires because the top-tier mannequin full the package deal.
Retailing at € 6,799, the EN-R 1 entry-level mannequin is essentially the most reasonably priced model of the BULLS SONIC EN-R. It incorporates a 170 mm RockShox Area Gold R 1.8 fork and RockShox Deluxe Choose+ RL shock, which controls 160 mm of journey on the rear. Shifting is taken care of by an 11-speed Shimano DEORE XT drivetrain, which has a barely narrower gear vary. The Shimano DEORE brakes, mixed with 220 mm rotors on the entrance and 203 mm on the rear, ship far much less braking energy than the MAGURA GUSTAV PRO of the flagship mannequin. LIMOTEC provide the Alpha dropper publish, whereas Mavic present the E-Deemax wheelset, which is paired with Schwalbe Magic Mary tires on the entrance and Massive Betty on the rear. Nevertheless, the tires come within the flimsy Efficiency casing, so we advocate upgrading to extra strong tires.
The geometry of the brand new BULLS SONIC EN-R TEAM
The BULLS SONIC EN-R is available in simply two body sizes, M and L. Sadly, because of this shorter and really tall riders stroll away empty handed – what a disgrace! Our take a look at bike in measurement L combines 475 mm attain and 435 mm chainstays, which ensures balanced dealing with.
Now onto the spotlight of the SONIC EN-R: the adjustable geometry. BULLS’ engineers got here up with one thing particular. On the highest tube, there are two bolts that may be undone to maneuver the shock mount. This lets you regulate the top angle between 65.5°, 64.5°, and 64.0°. You may see the present setting on the shock mount and the highest tube. The entire course of is fast and simple, making it straightforward to vary the geometry on the fly utilizing the Powerstage software particularly designed for this function. What’s notably intelligent is that you just don’t need to work within the dust and no elements can get misplaced – a really sensible resolution for trailside geometry changes.
With this method, BULLS need to can help you convert the SONIC EN-R from an environment friendly climber to a downhill machine throughout e-enduro races earlier than a Energy Stage. We examined the system ourselves and, sadly, we’ve to say that whereas it’s well-executed, the efficiency change is simply marginal. We hardly observed any distinction between the completely different settings.
The flip-chip is built-in into one of many swingarm’s pivot factors. To regulate it, you first need to loosen the massive bolt, adopted by two smaller ones. It’s essential to notice that there’s a small, conical spacer between the bearing and the shock mount, which should be positioned accurately. This adjustment alters the journey and lets you swap between 160 mm (100% downhill-oriented) and 145 mm to enhance climbing efficiency – all with out affecting the bike’s geometry. Nevertheless, this adjustment isn’t supposed for on-the-go path use however requires a gentle hand and a little bit of time – round 5 minutes, after which you’ll be able to take pleasure in a espresso.
| Measurement | M | L |
|---|---|---|
| Attain | 455 mm | 475 mm |
| Stack | 612 mm | 630 mm |
| Chainstay | 445 mm | 445 mm |
| BB Offset | 12.5 mm | 12.5 mm |
| Seat tube | 435 mm | 465 mm |
| Headangle | 64° | 64° |
| Seatangle | 76° | 76° |
| High tube | 591 mm | 615 mm |
| Head tube | 100 mm | 120 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1234 mm | 1263 mm |
The brand new BULLS SONIC EN-R TEAM on the path
The BULLS SONIC EN-R locations you centrally on prime of the bike moderately than integrating you between its wheels. Whereas, on one hand, this place feels much less secure, then again it’s extra environment friendly for pedalling. Using uphill, the entrance of the SONIC EN-R stays planted on the bottom, following steering enter exactly, even on technical climbs. The highly effective motor pushes you eagerly over roots and rocks, and engages and disengages extra easily than its predecessor – good! Though the agency suspension doesn’t all the time ship optimum traction, the bike stays environment friendly on forest paths and fewer demanding uphills – no want to succeed in for the climb swap, because the rear suspension doesn’t bob. As beforehand talked about, the geometry adjustment on the BULLS solely barely improves uphill efficiency; we barely observed any distinction.
Downhill, the SONIC EN-R feels reassuringly balanced, with the burden evenly distributed between the entrance and rear, regardless that you don’t really feel built-in with the bike. The Sonic is numerous enjoyable on flowing trails, the place the agency suspension and RockShox Vivid shock can help you construct up pace by pumping by rollers and berms.
Nevertheless, when the path will get rougher, the EN-R lacks composure. The agency suspension is in charge right here, as impacts from the terrain are transferred to the rider virtually unfiltered. Whereas the RockShox Zeb Final fork handles small, quick hits with out a downside, when you choose up pace by rock gardens and root sections, the bike shakes you up, forcing you to work actively and to choose your traces exactly to keep away from dropping traction. This makes the bike much less appropriate for inexperienced persons and requires an skilled rider to benefit from the descent. Then again, the bike provides good assist for botched landings, when taking off over a root, or on jumps and drops.
Who ought to take a better have a look at the brand new 2025 BULLS SONIC EN-R TEAM?
The BULLS SONIC EN-R climbs effectively and effortlessly. The upright pedalling place makes it ideally suited for longer excursions, the place consolation is essential. Downhill, it shines on flowy trails, delivering loads of enjoyable and placing a giant smile in your face. Nevertheless, earlier than tackling more durable and extra technical trails, you must scout them first, because the bike calls for exact line alternative, making it much less beginner-friendly.
Conclusions in regards to the new BULLS SONIC EN-R TEAM
The geometry adjustment function of the BULLS SONIC EN-R is an revolutionary concept, however sadly makes little distinction to the bike’s path efficiency. That stated, the SONIC is numerous enjoyable, particularly on flowing trails. The upright pedalling place makes it nice for lengthy days within the saddle and a powerful climber. Nevertheless, on technical trails, the bike’s lack of composure and agency suspension require an skilled rider. The geometry adjustment sadly brings virtually no noticeable efficiency enhancements, and the large Powerstage software proves is extremely impractical. Nonetheless, we predict the BULLS EN-R TEAM appears to be like extraordinarily good!
Tops
- Simple geometry adjustment
- Polarising design
- Enjoyable on circulate trails
Flops
- Device
- Demanding dealing with on technical terrain
Extra information on the BULLS web site.
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Phrases: Robin Ulbrich Images: Peter Walker
