Review: Bull's Copperhead 3: Entering the high-quality mountain bike world does not have to be expensive!

Let's go back to 2007. At that time, a Bulls Copperhead was available from specialist dealers for the first time. The Bulls Copperhead 3 Master with reliable Shimano XT gears with 3 x 9 gears and RockShox suspension fork. Back then, Magura hydraulic brakes were still a common sight on mountain bikes, and 26-inch wheels were state-of-the-art, even though the first twenty-niners were already around. In my circle of acquaintances, too, some have made their first attempts at mountain biking on a Copperhead hardtail over the years. 14 years later, the layman may hardly see any differences to the 2007 model when looking at the 2020 Copperhead model, which speaks for the concept. We tested the 2020 model extensively and checked whether the Bulls is still a good choice for beginners.

Bulls Copperhead 3: Versatile and high quality frame

Aluminum is the dominant material for entry-level mountain bikes because it offers the best compromise between cost and weight. In addition, the material offers enough rigidity. Bulls also uses the light metal for the Copperhead. The material was processed perfectly. The welds are clean and the optimized tube shapes give the frame a great look. Coupled with four different visually appealing finishes, the frame makes a very high-quality impression overall and you might think that you are looking at a bike from a higher price range.

Internally routed cables on the down tube ensure a clean look. The gear cable and brake line disappear into the frame at the stem and only come out of the frame again in front of the bottom bracket. There are two bottle holders in the frame triangle, so you can take enough liquid with you for a longer tour. If you are traveling with luggage, you can install a luggage rack on the rear triangle. The axle on the rear wheel is fixed with a quick release. This means that even beginners can change the rear wheel quickly and easily. The Copperhead 3 is available in 27,5″ and 29″ versions.

With the Bulls team, the brand has made a name for itself on the international racetracks. Not only does the brand benefit from the team, but also the development department, which works closely with the racing drivers, such as the experienced Karl Platt. These developments not only flow into the bikes in the high-end range but also into the lower price regions, as can be seen from the geometry of the Copperhead 3. The geometry indicates the specific dimensions of the frame. The Copperhead 3 shows modern tendencies that can also be observed in current race bikes. The top tube is getting a little longer, but the stem is getting shorter. The steering angle is flatter and the chainstays are shorter. Not only profile but also beginners benefit from these adjustments. The adapted geometry offers smoother running and safety thanks to the longer front and flat steering angle. Nevertheless, the bike remains playfully manoeuvrable with short chainstays.

The following applies to all Copperhead models: high-quality equipment at a fair price

As mentioned above, the frame could play in a higher-priced league. When looking at the overall package, one could also mean the same for the entire bike. In all color variants, the components are colour-coordinated with the rest of the bike, creating a high-quality look that looks like it was made from one piece.

But, as we all know, looks aren't everything. Ultimately, it's the overall performance that counts. The components chosen by the manufacturer have a significant influence on this. In the price range of the Copperhead 3, this isn't so easy, as you have to find solid components that also fit the price range. 999 €, there's not much wiggle room, and you have to select your components carefully. The gear system is a key point on the spec list. Bulls deliberately uses proven Shimano quality in a configuration with three front cogs in the 3/40/30 gear range and ten rear cogs (22-10T) on the cassette. This offers less-fit beginners a wide gear range, allowing them to even try steeper climbs. The highlight here is the high-quality XT rear derailleur paired with the Deore front derailleur and shifter. Solid components with good shifting performance.

A Bulls Lytro air suspension fork with remote control works at the front. The fork can be adjusted to your own body weight with a suspension fork pump. With the remote control on the handlebars, the fork can be locked quickly and easily, for example to climb steep asphalt ramps while pedaling out of the saddle. With 32 mm stanchions, the fork also offers sufficient rigidity for the bike's area of ​​application.

It continues solidly with Magura MT4 brakes disc brakes. The brakes from the German manufacturer have already proven themselves over a number of years and, with the built-in 180 mm, have a decent braking force that can still be finely dosed. The wheels are rather unspectacular with WTB rims and Formula hubs, but they are stable and durable. The proven Schwalbe Racing Ralph tires in the performance version are mounted on the wheels. These are not only light but also offer a good compromise between rolling resistance and grip.

A Kalloy aluminum riser is built as a handlebar. Like the seat clamp, the short stem is equipped with Monkey Link technology. Lighting can be mounted there quickly and easily. At 10,5 kg, the total weight is strong for this price range

Bull's Copperhead 3: On the Trail

Already the first seat test on the Copperhead turns out to be very pleasant. Despite the slightly longer top tube, the short stem and raised handlebars mean that you don't sit too sportily on the bike. The first few meters are on flat asphalt, the Schwalbe tires roll well and the bike is fast and agile. The circuit changes gears perfectly and you can jump through the gears quickly. In the first steep ascent you can switch to the smallest chain ring so that you can pedal up steep inclines easily. When pedaling out of the saddle, the frame feels very stiff in connection with the locked fork and it feels like every watt is converted into propulsion. If the ground gets a little worse, the Schwalbe Racing Ralph still offers enough grip.

Downhill, the bike runs smoothly thanks to the optimized geometry and is easy to control, even at higher speeds. The air suspension fork absorbs the impacts very well and relieves the driver noticeably in the event of impacts. With the 27,5″ wheels, the bike is very agile and can be maneuvered quickly around tight corners. We would definitely recommend the 29″ version for taller drivers, as the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The brakes are excellent at decelerating and can be dosed well, so that even disc brake beginners will not be overwhelmed.