Bull's Vuca Evo FSX 1 in the test: Comfortable and low-maintenance through everyday life

Photos: Bulls / Daniel Geiger

E-SUV / Test: The Bulls Vuca Evo FSX 1 is an exciting E-SUV bike with the new Pinion MGU. With its well-thought-out features and fresh frame design, it is positioned on the market as an extremely comfortable touring bike.

The Cologne brand is one of the first suppliers to install Pinion's innovative motor-transmission unit. And the “MGU” (Motor Gearbox Unit) is a real game changer for all types of e-bikes. On bikes like the Bulls, the gearbox, combined with a high-torque bottom bracket motor, can make optimal use of its advantages, and these are particularly significant on full-suspension bikes: It starts with the fact that the rear swing arm of the Bulls has been reduced by several hundred grams due to the elimination of the rear derailleur and sprocket set becomes easier. This reduces the so-called unsprung masses, which makes the rear suspension more sensitive and easier to respond. Another plus point is that the chain or belt always runs at the same angle on the front chainring (or on the pulley on the Bulls), which largely eliminates drive influences on the suspension. Last but not least, the sensitive rear derailleur that protrudes outwards is eliminated and thanks to the toothed belt, the drive train is practically maintenance-free.

In addition, the Pinion MGU pushes hard and gear changes occur smoothly even under load. In view of this, it is understandable that it is not one of the quietest drives. The individual gear jumps on the twelve-speed MGU each amount to approx. 17,7%; The Bulls is almost too finely tuned for an electric SUV. Especially since the engine is very torquey at 85 Nm and has an extremely high peak performance. Bulls installed the larger of two batteries on the test bike (720 and 960 Wh), which ensures a nicer silhouette due to its smaller design and still offers more than enough range. The suspension travel of 120 mm is well chosen for an all-round bike.

Solid equipment

The rest of the equipment of the sporty E-SUV is solid, but - apart from the Pinion gearshift - it doesn't have any major highlights. Nevertheless: Neither the in-house Lytro 36 air suspension fork, nor the 4-piston Shimano Deore brakes or add-on parts such as seat posts or handlebars offer any real cause for criticism. The rather reservedly treaded tires are somewhat surprising. This means that you can roll along almost silently, especially on asphalt, but they don't offer much grip when going on unpaved roads.

The Bulls Vuca Evo FSX 1 in practice

The new E-SUV bike from Bulls scores particularly well with its very high level of ride comfort; Several factors play a major role here. In addition to the pleasantly upright sitting position, which can be further adjusted using an adjustable stem, this is mainly thanks to the fluffy chassis and the large-volume tires. The Vuca Evo FSX 1 cuts a very good figure, especially in everyday use. Thanks to the powerful Pinion MGU, you always have more than enough power on board and there's nothing wrong with the strong switching performance. The bike has to give up a bit when used off-road: one of the limitations here is the lack of grip on the tires.