Test / E-MTB: The Bulls Copperhead EVO AM 2, priced at just under €5.000, offers not only a carbon frame, 150 mm of travel, and a Bosch drive system, but also some exciting everyday features. But how much "real" mountain bike is in this all-round package? We examined the bike both technically and put it through its paces on the trails to find out if it balances everyday usability with trail performance.
Bulls Copperhead Evo AM 2: A classic in a new guise
The name "Copperhead" has a reputation in the German cycling world that has stood for solid value for money for years. It's usually associated with reliable hardtails for beginners. For several years now, the Copperhead has also been available in various electric versions. This includes the Copperhead EVO AM 2, an anniversary model for 2026, which is already available and comes with a premium price tag.
The heart of the bike is its frame: The main frame is made of carbon in a monocoque construction, which not only ensures a sleek, modern look but also reduces weight. The rear triangle, on the other hand, is made of aluminum. Here, Bulls uses a so-called 4-link swingarm. A closer look reveals that this is a supported single-pivot design. This construction offers specific advantages: Thanks to the massive main pivot point, the system is extremely stiff and wear-resistant, which is a significant benefit, especially for frequent riders. Furthermore, it also makes pulling a trailer easy.
Drive system: Latest generation Bosch CX motor and 800 Wh battery
When it comes to the drive system, Bulls makes no compromises and installs the latest fifth-generation Bosch Performance Line CX motor. With a torque of up to 85 Nm as standard – and even up to 100 Nm with the Performance Upgrade – the unit offers more than enough reserves for steep climbs. But power is nothing without endurance: That's why the high-capacity Bosch PowerTube battery with 800 watt-hours of capacity is hidden behind a flap on the downtube.
The battery is elegantly integrated, secured with a lock, and very easy to remove from the bottom. Combined with the efficient Bosch motor, range anxiety should be a thing of the past.
Features: Solid home cooking with highlights
Looking at the component list, one finds a mix that justifies the price tag of 4.999 The suspension is from RockShox: a RockShox Lyrik fork up front and a RockShox Deluxe shock in the rear, both in the Select version. Both provide 150 millimeters of travel. This is a healthy amount, offering enough reserves for rough terrain without making the bike feel sluggish on more moderate trails.
Shifting is handled mechanically by the tried-and-tested Shimano Deore XT 12-speed groupset. In this age of electronic wireless shifting, that might seem almost conservative, but the XT remains a rock in terms of reliability and ease of maintenance. Braking is provided by a TRP Slate EVO four-piston brake system. Again, perhaps not the most powerful brakes on the market, but a solid choice for the intended use.
Light and integration: MonkeyLink reimagined
Bulls has placed particular emphasis on integration and lighting. The bike features the MonkeyLink system, in its new 2.0 version for this year. The so-called "cornering light" is permanently integrated into the head tube. While the term is technically a bit of an exaggeration – since any light is mounted on the handlebars or fork, it naturally always moves with the steering due to the laws of physics – the integration into the frame is a novelty.
Even more exciting is the new interface on the stem: Here, the aforementioned MonkeyLink 2.0 standard is used. This is now mechanically compatible with SP-Connect, meaning it utilizes the proven mounting system. Special contacts provide power directly from the large e-bike battery. This not only allows for the easy attachment of a powerful headlight but also offers clever options for smartphones. An optional "Charging Pod" allows the phone to be used as a display and simultaneously charged wirelessly. This eliminates cable clutter on the cockpit and makes expensive additional navigation devices almost unnecessary.
The rear end was also thoughtfully designed: the "Twinlights" are integrated into the dropouts. These small LED taillights provide passive safety and are well protected from damage thanks to their positioning. The package is rounded out by the provision for a side stand, further emphasizing the bike's everyday usability.
The Bulls Copperhead EVO AM 2 in practice
Theory is all well and good, but what really matters is how the bike feels on the trail. The first thing you notice when you sit on the Copperhead EVO AM 2 is the comfortable, not-too-extreme riding position. You feel integrated with the bike, which immediately inspires confidence. On climbs, the Bosch CX motor demonstrates its well-known strengths. The power delivery in eMTB mode is exemplary, and thanks to the long chainstays, the bike climbs willingly even on steep sections without the front wheel losing contact with the ground too soon. The 800 Wh battery provides immense peace of mind – even in Turbo mode, long climbs are no problem.
Chassis and handling: Sportier than expected
When descending, the Copperhead reveals a side that one might not have expected given its all-round design. The geometry feels modern and quite sporty. It's not just a plush ride that smooths out everything, but provides the rider with genuine feedback from the terrain. The suspension, with the RockShox Lyrik up front, responds sensitively and remains stable throughout its travel.
The rear suspension – which, as mentioned, is technically a supported single-pivot design – behaves very unobtrusively, in a positive sense. It's neutral under power and yet offers enough absorption for root sections and small jumps. The stiffness of the one-piece rear triangle is noticeable in corners; the bike follows the intended line precisely. However, the Copperhead EVO AM 2 shouldn't be misunderstood: it's not a purebred enduro bike for the toughest bike park use. With extremely fast impacts and very rough terrain, you'll notice that the geometry, suspension, and overall concept are reaching their limits.
The balancing act between e-SUV and trail bike
Perhaps the Copperhead EVO AM 2's greatest strength is its ability to defy categorization. It offers a modern and versatile interpretation of the e-mountain bike concept. For the pure sport rider chasing every second on the downhill track, it might be too tame and geared too much towards everyday use. But for the vast majority of e-bikers seeking a bike that can do it all, this very blend is perfect.
The integrated lighting system is a safety feature that you quickly come to appreciate in everyday use, even if the brightness of the integrated headlight, at 30 lux, is somewhat limited for true night rides in the woods. The option to easily retrofit a more powerful headlight via Monkey Link is a brilliant solution. The ability to pull a trailer also makes the bike attractive to families.
