Flyer Uproc EVO:X 8.70 in the test: Swiss shooting bolides

Test / E-MTB: The Flyer Uproc EVO:X inherits the successful Uproc 6 model and thus represents the new spearhead in the field of sporty Swiss eMTBs. Like its predecessor, the bike relies on plenty of suspension travel, a Bosch drive system and a carbon frame. Whatever else happened – we tested it.

A little more than two years after the introduction of the Uproc 6 E-Enduro, Flyer presented the direct successor this summer with the Flyer Uproc EVO:X. This creates more clarity in the long-travel eMTB segment in your own portfolio. While the well-known Uproc X with Panasonic drive and 150 mm is now clearly in the all-mountain range, the new Uproc EVO: In return, the Swiss have given the bike a little more suspension travel than its predecessor - 170 mm at the front, 165 mm at the rear. The mix of wheel sizes with a large 29er at the front and 27,5 inches at the rear is as important as the drive system: at the heart of the carbon frame beats a Bosch drive, depending on the equipment variant with a 625 or 750 Wh battery. The engine on the top model uses the Bosch CX Race presented last year, otherwise the tried and tested Bosch CX provides propulsion.

New carbon frame with interesting engine position

The carbon frame of the Flyer Uproc EVO:X was developed from the ground up and is made of carbon in all equipment variants. Visually, the area around the motor is the first thing that catches the eye: the unusual orientation of the drive unit creates an unusual look, but in addition to the low-placed battery, it should ensure a low center of gravity and a smooth driving behavior. The battery is still removable and can be pulled down out of the down tube via a flap in the bottom bracket area. The Powertube is attached using an Allen bolt; A suitable tool is included on board, either in the stem or in the rear wheel axle. Practical.

In our test bike, the Flyer Uproc EVO:X, the well-known Bosch CX motor generates steam and is supplied with enough energy by a Powertube 750 in the down tube. There's no need to say much about the drive system itself: Despite its "age", the CX motor is still one of the best mid-engines for sporty eMTBs and can shine with a lot of dynamics and powerful support over a wide cadence spectrum. Many bikers accept that it is not one of the quietest drives.

Sporty operating concept

When it comes to operation, Flyer does everything right on the sporty Uproc EVO:X and installs the system controller in the top tube and the wireless mini remote on the handlebars. The former shows – similar to the LED Remote – the charge level of the battery and the selected support level via LEDs. The very compact control unit is ergonomically successful and takes up hardly any space on the handlebars - great! If you can't do without a display, you can use your smartphone in conjunction with the successful Bosch eBike Flow app.

Modern Geometry

When it comes to geometry, Flyer doesn't experiment and gives the latest E-Enduro modern, but not too extreme, dimensions. The main frame is nice and long in relation to the seat tube, the front is not too high and the bottom bracket is at a height suitable for the area of ​​use. The latter could also be adjusted using a flip chip. Here we would recommend downhill fans to leave the setting in the low position; If you want more ground clearance for technical uphills, you can of course try the high setting.

Good facilities, hefty price

For the test, Flyer provided us with the Uproc EVO:X in the 8.70 equipment variant. This is not the top model, but the price is still steep at 8.999 euros. In view of this, the installed components do not cause any celebrations on our part, even if they fit the area of ​​application perfectly. Both the Fox 38 and the X2 damper in the rear are great, but you 'only' have to get along with the performance version. Their function is good, but the setting options are limited. Apart from that, we find numerous Shimano XT components on the bike: from the mechanical 12-speed gears to the powerful 4-piston brakes with large discs. A real worry-free package.

Tires from Onza sit on the stable Mavic E-Deemax wheels with aluminum rims: The Aquila with the very puncture-proof GRC casing plays in the same league as Magic Mary, Asegai and Co. - also in terms of weight. This puts the slightly over 26 kg that the bike weighs in frame size L into perspective, at least a little.

For the top version with premium equipment and CX Race motor you have to dig a lot deeper into your pockets, but with the two cheaper models you have to make quite painful compromises in terms of equipment, including a smaller battery in the entry-level model. Overall, the Flyer Uproc EVO:X 8.70 seems to offer the best price/performance ratio.

The Flyer Uproc EVO:X on the trail

On paper, the Uproc EVO:X flyer promises one thing above all: downhill fun! And what can I say – that’s exactly what you get with this bike. The modern geometry, the low center of gravity, a solid chassis - all of this together means that you use the brakes, which can be dangerous when necessary, less often than would sometimes be sensible. The latest Swiss e-enduro thrives when the terrain becomes challenging and the speed is high. Active riders get their money's worth here and can explore the limits. This is also ensured by the excellent tires from Onza, which not only offer a lot of grip, but also excellent puncture protection.

Depending on the trail, we would have liked a few more adjustment options, especially with the fork, to squeeze out the last bit of performance. The remaining components did their job unobtrusively; The very wide carbon handlebars from Hayes took some getting used to. However, if you can't handle it at all, you can of course shorten it.

Overall, however, the Flyer Uproc EVO:X clearly falls into the “iron” bicycle category. If you're looking for a playful, lively trail bike, you've come to the wrong place. Although it would be possible to get a little more pop out of the rear triangle, that would mean robbing it of its great strength. Given the area of ​​application and the key technical data described by the Swiss themselves, this is not a big surprise. So it doesn't play a decisive role that the bike weighs just over 26 kg and weighs a little more than other comparable eMTBs.

You can find an even more detailed driving report in our test video:

The bike behaves solidly on the uphill and reliably brings the rider towards the start of the trail. This is of course ensured by the powerful Bosch drive, which hums audibly, but also by the beautifully central seating position. Due to the fairly long main frame and the flat steering angle, you have to shift your weight a little forward on steep sections in order to still have enough traction on the front wheel. However, given the excellent performance downhill, we can easily get over this.