BULLS LACUBA EVO E45 Review

Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 Electric Bike Review
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 Shimano Xt Dront Derailleur 44 30t Plastic Chain Guard
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 Integrated Bmz Battery 37 Volt 17 5 Amp Hours
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 Ci Backlit Display Panel Removable
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 Ergon Gc1 Locking Grips And Bell
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 10 Sprocket Shimano Deore Xt
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 Integrated Toplight Line E Responding Brake Light
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 Sr Suntour Cts 2 Suspension Fork
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 Tektro Dorado Hydraulic Disc Brakes 203 Mm
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 Ebike High Step
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 Electric Bike Review
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 Shimano Xt Dront Derailleur 44 30t Plastic Chain Guard
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 Integrated Bmz Battery 37 Volt 17 5 Amp Hours
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 Ci Backlit Display Panel Removable
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 Ergon Gc1 Locking Grips And Bell
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 10 Sprocket Shimano Deore Xt
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 Integrated Toplight Line E Responding Brake Light
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 Sr Suntour Cts 2 Suspension Fork
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 Tektro Dorado Hydraulic Disc Brakes 203 Mm
Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 Ebike High Step

Summary

  • Available in four frame sizes, two styles (high-step and mid-step) with an adjustable stem, active-comfort saddle and ergonomic grips, this bike can fit well and feel good at speed and over long distances
  • Capable of 28 mph top speeds, this is a Class 3 electric bike with an extra large 37 volt 17.5 amp hour battery pack so you can commute, go touring or trekking... upgraded display panel with realtime power feedback
  • A long list of high quality accessories and components including fenders, rear rack, integrated lights, smooth powerful 203 mm hydraulic disc brakes and a 20 speed drivetrain with Shimano Deore XT derailleurs
  • This bike costs more and weighs a bit more due to all of the extras and larger battery, the keyhole for unlocking the pack is dangerously close to the left crank and the battery cap doesn't fit quite right

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

BULLS

Model:

LACUBA EVO E45

Price:

$4,399

Body Position:

Upright, Upright Relaxed

Suggested Use:

Urban, Commuting, Touring

Electric Bike Class:

Speed Pedelec (Class 3)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Years Motor and Battery, 5 Years Frame

Availability:

Europe, Canada, United States, Australia, New Zealand

Model Year:

201720182019

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

61.5 lbs (27.89 kg)

Battery Weight:

7 lbs (3.17 kg)

Motor Weight:

6.61 lbs (2.99 kg)

Frame Material:

7005 Aluminium

Frame Sizes:

18.89 in (47.98 cm)19.68 in (49.98 cm)20.86 in (52.98 cm)21.65 in (54.99 cm)23.62 in (59.99 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

27" Stand Over Height for Step-Thru Model

Frame Types:

High-Step, Mid-Step

Frame Colors:

Satin Silver with Matte Black and Blue Highlights

Frame Fork Details:

SR Suntour CTS 29, 63 mm Travel, Lockout and Preload Adjust, 11 mm QR Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

11 mm QR Skewer

Attachment Points:

Fender Bosses, Rack Bosses, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

20 Speed 2x10 Shimano Deore XT Derailleurs, 11-34T

Shifter Details:

Shimano Deore XT SL-M780 Triggers on Right and Left

Cranks:

FSA, 44-30T

Pedals:

Wellgo Alloy Platform with Rubber Tread

Headset:

FSA Tapered 1-1/8"

Stem:

Humpert Ergotec 6 Adjustable Angle Stem, 100 mm Length

Handlebar:

Low Rise, Alloy Ergotec Plus XL, 610 mm or 630 mm Length, 12° Bend or 14° Bend

Brake Details:

Tektro Dorado HD-E715 Hydraulic Disc with 203 mm Rotors, Tektro Dorado Levers with Motor Inhibitors

Grips:

Ergon GC1 Locking, Ergonomic

Saddle:

Selle Royal Respiro Moderate, Cool X Senium Mesh Ventilation

Seat Post:

Aluminum Alloy, Humpert Ergotec

Seat Post Length:

350 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

31.6 mm

Rims:

RYDE Double Wall, 36 Hole

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 14 Gauge Front 13 Gauge Rear, Black

Tire Brand:

Schwalbe Energizer Plus, 28" x 1.75"

Wheel Sizes:

28 in (71.12cm)

Tire Details:

Performance Line GreenGuard, Reflective Sidewall Stripe, 45-70 PSI

Tube Details:

Presta Valve

Accessories:

Velo Battery Protector Pad, Fuxon Integrated LED Headlight, Toplight Line E LED Backlight (Goes Extra Bright When Braking), SKS Plastic Fenders, i-RACK with Pannier Blockers and Spring Latch with 25 kg Max Load, SKS Rookie Mini Pump, FSA Bash Guard, Plastic Chain Cover, Hebie Auto Spring Adjustable Length Kickstand

Other:

IP56 Ingress Rating, 2.5 lb 5 Amp Energy Bus Charger from BMZ

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

Brose E45

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

350 watts

Motor Peak Output:

530 watts

Motor Torque:

90 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

BMZ

Battery Voltage:

37 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

17.5 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

647.5 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

4.5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

50 miles (80 km)

Estimated Max Range:

130 miles (209 km)

Display Type:

BULLS CI, Removable Backlit LCD Display

Readouts:

Battery Level (5 Bars), Speed, Assist Level (None, Eco, Tour, Sport), Total Distance, Trip Distance, Trip Time, Trip Calories, Max Speed, Avg. Speed, Total Time, Time of Day, Average Motor Power, Average Rider Performance

Display Accessories:

Independent Button Pad with Tactile Feedback on Left, Lights Button, 6 Volt Micro USB Port on Display

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Cadence and Torque Sensing)

Top Speed:

28 mph (45 kph)


Written Review

The BULLS Lacuba EVO E45 is the kind of electric bicycle I’d choose in place of a car. It can go far, it can go fast (28 mph vs. 20 mph on most electric bikes) and it’s fairly comfortable. With full length integrated fenders, a slim chain guard, twenty gears to shift through and integrated lights with a brake mode that goes extra bright anytime you pull the levers… this ebike is fully capable and safe feeling, adding to the LED lights is reflective tire paint that is visible from the sides so you are less likely to get blindsided. Given the longer distances and faster performance from this bike I think it’s important to also feel comfortable and tho that end you get name brand locking ergonomic grips from Ergon, a sturdy adjustable angle stem and a vented comfort saddle from Selle Royale. The battery pack offers 37 volts and a whopping 17.5 amp hours of capacity for extended range and I think that makes it a contender for trekking and touring rides as well as commuting. One feature that really stood out to me when testing this bike was the large display panel that communicates your leg power and the motor power with charts on either side of the dash so you can lear to ride more in sync with the bike and perhaps shift more efficiently. At $4,400 this is not the worlds cheapest electric bike but the Shimano Deore XT drivetrain, multiple size offering and two frame builds (high-step and mid-step) don’t come free. You do get a two year comprehensive warranty and BULLS is an international brand going on its second year in the USA as of 2017 with positive feedback from the consumers I’ve chatted with.

Some things I do not like as much about this bike include the kickstand, which springs back up automatically and makes the frame easier to tip accidentally. The battery can be charged on or off the bike but the rubber flap that covers the charging port on the downtube doesn’t fit into the slot very easily and might let dust and water in over time. The keyhole, where you unlock the pack, is also positioned in a sort of vulnerable spot right where the left crank arm rotates by… so it could get bent or even broken if you’re not careful. And while I love the aesthetic of this and other BULLS models, the battery pack mounts up into the downtube so getting it out requires a bit of extra care and coordination so that it doesn’t drop down and hit the ground. Note that the battery can be left on the bike without being locked on as well, this just adds one more consideration and process to forget or skip. I’m more a fan of other systems like Bosch and Yamaha that automatically lock the pack in once it’s seated. Finally, as with all current gen Brose drive systems, there is no shift sensing so you’ll want to be extra careful when riding and shifting… plan ahead so you don’t mash those gears and chain, just ease off the pedals to de-activate the torque sensor and then shift while spinning more gently.

So coming back to what works on this bike and where it would fit in terms of use. I think there are three big considerations when purchasing an electric bike for daily use and transportation. The reliability is important, the balance and handling and the fit. There are always ways to improve comfort with accessories or adjustments to the existing hardware but the Lacuba E45 already has that nailed down with the adjustable stem and range of sizes. I think I’d strongly consider the step-thru frame here vs. the more traditional “male” diamond high-step because I’d put the rack to use with a trunk bag or panniers and really hate knocking my knee on those things when swinging it over. One thing that impressed me with the frame designs was how stiff and solid they felt, even the mid-step, because of the triangular multi-tube designs. Yes, the low-step isn’t as low as some wave frames but it offers better performance. I was delighted to see that they even managed to squeeze a bottle cage in the triangle and added a second pair of bosses to the top tube! Again, excellent almost necessary additions if you want to ride long distance.

At the end of the day, I see this ebike as true transportation. You don’t have the speed limitations, the safety concerns or the quality questions that some other cheaper bikes present. It was very comfortable and built solid. Even if you did really push this thing and run out of juice before arriving at your destination, the 20 speed drivetrain ensures you could still lug this 61.5 lb bike up a hill without too much effort (though it would be slow). On the flip side, pedaling at full speed also felt comfortable and the frame handled well… no speed wobble here. The motor and battery blend in perfectly with the gray/black color scheme and keep weight super low and centered. The charger is a little larger and heavier than some others I’ve seen but it’s not the worst and you could easily toss it into a trunk bag for charging on the go. The carry rack has excellent pannier blockers on the side and is made by iRack so you can fit their branded accessories (kind of like Topeak does) or you could get something like this for $17 which has a zip-out pannier flaps and a shoulder strap for easy transport when you get off the bike… taking your gear along to keep it safe. The nice thing is, you don’t have to worry about taking the lights with you, the display is removable to reduce exposure and vandalism and the battery locks securely. It’s a great setup in my opinion. Big thanks to Bulls for partnering with me for this review.

Pros:

  • Not only does the bike come in a high-step and a mid-step frame style but there are four frame sizes to choose from and all of them have two pairs of bottle cage bosses! Many times I see electric bikes that don’t have these extra mounting points and that makes accessing water or accessories less convenient
  • This e-bike would make for an excellent commuting or trekking platform because of the premium rack (with pannier guards and clasp point) and full-length fenders… not to mention integrated lights front and rear and nice bell
  • The rear light is setup to get brighter when you activate the brakes, this make you even more visible when riding in low-light conditions and specifically when changing speeds
  • Massive 203 mm hydraulic disc brakes for smooth but powerful stopping, they’re designed to reduce the effort needed to brake and stand up to heavier loads if you’re trekking and carrying a lot of gear
  • Slim, light weight chain guard keeps your pants or dress from getting greasy and dirty, the kickstand is positioned far back on the frame to stay clear of your crank arms
  • Comfortable Selle Royal saddle, slim adjustable suspension fork, ergonomic grips and adjustable angle stem help you ride longer, even the handle bar (which is raised a bit) improves comfort and control
  • In addition to the lights, which help you see and be seen, are reflective striping marks on the tires, these increase your visual footprint so cars and other cyclists notice you coming from the side
  • The Schwalbe Energizer Plus tires are designed to be puncture resistant, they feature a Kevlar lining that resists thorns, tacks, glass and other sharp objects
  • The display panel is bright, easy to read and understand and its casing is sturdy, I love that it can be completely removed from the mount for safe keeping, I also like that they included two power graphs that show you real-time how much energy you are exerting and how much the bike is spending… it might change how you ride and shift the gears and ultimately help you conserve electricity on longer rides
  • Both wheels offer quick release making service and transport easier, the battery pack also comes off the frame fairly easily and can be charged separately
  • The Lacuba EVO E45 is one of the stealthiest electric bikes I’ve seen thanks to its completely integrated battery and compact mid-drive motor… it’s also very quiet
  • I love that the bike can go above 20 mph! This is useful for commuting, keeping up with traffic and just cutting down on the time it takes
  • You get an extra large battery pack here that’s designed to make trekking and touring possible or offset the air resistance drag of riding at higher speeds
  • Excellent two year comprehensive warranty provides some peace of mind, also, BULLS has been operating in Europe and other countries for years and seems to have a good reputation for quality
  • You get 20 gears on this bike so you can really dial in how you pedal, making it comfortable and capable for climbing or riding at high speed… it’s nice having those extra gears if you ride super far and run out of battery just short of your destination because the bike does weigh 60+ lbs, most mid-drive bikes are limited to 11 gears and don’t have a front derailleur like this so that’s one big advantage of the Brose motor system
  • The short travel suspension fork and medium width tires offer a good balance of comfort to efficiency and performance but if you’re riding far and hitting bumpy rattly terrain consider a 31.6 mm seat post suspension, SR Suntour (the same people who make the fork for this bike) make a good one called the NCX here

Cons:

  • If the bike hasn’t been used for a while the battery enters sleep mode and you have to press the power button on top of the pack as well as on the control pad, this confused me at first when going directly to the display pad as I thought maybe the bike needed to be charged or had an issues
  • The rubber charging cover for the battery didn’t fit easily and made me wonder if dust and water might get in over time… I like that the interface is magnetic so the plug doesn’t get bent or tip the bike if you trip over it however
  • Be sure to lock the battery to the bike as you can simply connect it without locking (many other bikes activate the lock when the battery clicks in?) also note that if the key is left in it could get bent by the left crank arm which rotates close past the keyhole
  • No shift sensing technology on this bike… considering you get 20 speeds to shift through I’d recommend being careful and learning how to ease off pressure when shifting to avoid mashing of the chain and sprockets, the motor uses torque sensing so it’s easy to pedal up to speed then back off while still rotating in order to reduce strain when shifting
  • I dislike the Hebie spring activated kickstand, yes it’s mounted in the correct place but the fact that it automatically swivels up makes the bike less stable and this thing is expensive, I don’t want it to tip and in my experience normal fixed kickstands work just fine :(
  • At roughly 2.2 lbs the battery charger is a little heavy and large, though I love that it uses the EnergyBus standard (sending data and electricity) because I believe it makes updates easier
  • Since the battery mounts up into the downtube vs. sitting on top of it I found that you have to use more care when removing it (so that it doesn’t just drop out and hit the ground)

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BULLS CROSS E8 Review

  • MSRP: $3,199
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018, 2019

A feature-complete city ebike running the new Bosch Active Plus motor, it's lighter, more efficient, and quieter than previous Active Line iterations, and the compact design is very hidden. Integrated lights and reflective tires keep you safe, the unisex color scheme is professional and…...

BULLS CROSS MOVER SPEED Review

  • MSRP: $3,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018, 2019

A sporty speed pedelec with beautiful motor, battery, and able integration, the grey and black color scheme help the drive systems blend in, three frame styles to choose from (wave, step-thru, diamond). Bosch Performance Line Speed motor offers ~28 mph support, shift detection, and 120 RPM pedal…...

BULLS E-STREAM EVO AM 4 Review

  • MSRP: $5,399
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A high-end, full suspension, electric mountain bike, with the high-torque Brose S mid-motor, and a high-capacity 37 volt 17.5 amp hour Lithium-ion battery, excellent weight distribution with hidden drive systems. Rugged all-mountain performance with 150 mm RockShox air suspension front and rear, 15 mm and…...

BULLS URBAN EVO Review

  • MSRP: $4,399
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018, 2019

One of the stealthiest 28 mph urban electric bikes I have seen, the Bosch Powertube battery pack is completely hidden inside the downtube and the compact black motor casing blends perfectly with the matte black paint job. The mid-motor is angled up to blend into downtube visually, increase ground clearance, and shorten…...

BULLS SIX50 EVO AM 4 Review

  • MSRP: $7,399
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018, 2019

A top-end all mountain electric bike with 150 mm suspension from Fox, Shimano Deore XTR 11-speed drivetrain, Bosch CX high-torque motor, and Magura MT Trail hydraulic disc brakes. Wider Boost hub spacing offers a strong bracing angle for the spokes and room for…...

BULLS LACUBA EVO E45S Review

  • MSRP: $3,899
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018, 2019

A high-speed 28 mph commuter style electric bike that comes in four frame sizes and three styles (high-step, mid-step, and step-thru), it offers excellent weight distribution (motor and battery are positioned low and center). Beautiful aesthetic with hidden wires, an internally mounted battery, and a smaller motor casing, the…...

BULLS E-CORE Di2 FS 27.5+ Review

  • MSRP: $5,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018, 2019

A full suspension electric trail or enduro mountain bike with 150 mm travel, large 2.8" plus sized tires, and Boost hub spacing for strength, made in three frame sizes. All-black frame, fork, and anodized RockShox stanchions makes for a mean look, Shimano STePs E8000…...

BULLS LACUBA EVO E8 Review

  • MSRP: $3,799
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

One of the most popular models in the Bulls ebike lineup, it comes in four frame sizes and three styles (high-step diamond, mid-step, and step-thru wave), motor and battery weight are low and center. Extremely stealthy, the drive system and battery are almost completely hidden on this frame and…...

BULLS MONSTER E FS Review

  • MSRP: $5,499
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018, 2019

Top of the line, full suspension, fat tire electric trail bike with RockShock Bluto and Monarch air, remote lockout for the fork, 11-speed Shimano Deore XT drivetrain with Shadow Plus clutch, robust skid plate and alloy drivetrain guides. High-torque Bosch Performance Line CX motor with eMTB drive mode, sand and snow capable if…...

BULLS SIX50 EVO AM 3 Review

  • MSRP: $5,499
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018, 2019

An all-mountain style electric bike with longer travel 150 mm air suspension from RockShox, an internalized downtube battery from Bosch, and three frame size options. Fatter 2.8" plus sized tires provide increased traction, reduced deflection, and improved comfort while remaining…...

BULLS CRUISER E Review

  • MSRP: $3,299
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018, 2019

A feature-complete cruiser style electric bicycle with paint-matched fork, fenders, rear rack, chain cover, and motor casing, available in three frame sizes with adjustable stem for good fit. Large sprung saddle, puffy stitched grips, swept back handlebars, and the deep step-thru frame make…...

BULLS AMINGA TR 1 Review

  • MSRP: $4,299
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018, 2019

A full suspension, cross country style, electric mountain bike made just for the ladies with shorter reach, available in two smaller size options, features a turquoise fuchsia colorway. Sturdy Suntour XCR 34 air suspension fork with remote lockout for easy transitions from rough…...

BULLS TWENTY4 E Review

  • MSRP: $2,899
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018, 2019

A tough, sporty looking, high-quality, kids electric bike that can reach ~15.5 mph with four levels of pedal assist, smaller wheels keep the frame low and approachable. Premium accessories including tires from Schwalbe, a Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain, and Tektro hydraulic disc…...

BULLS CROSS E Review

  • MSRP: $2,799
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017, 2018, 2019

Well priced considering the quality Bosch-made electric drive system, four frame size choices, and three frame styles (high, mid, and low-step). Integrated LED lights and premium Continental tires with reflective sidewall stripes help to keep you…...

BULLS E-STREAM EVO FS 2 27.5 Plus Review

  • MSRP: $4,099
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017, 2018

One of the cleanest looking full suspension cross country electric bikes I've reviewed, the battery and motor are built into the frame and match the matte black paint perfectly. Extra large battery capacity for longer rides, EnergyBus magnetic charging standard works on or off…...

BULLS SIX50 E 1.5 Review

  • MSRP: $3,099
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017, 2018, 2019

A hardtail trail ready e-bike with comfortable plus sized tires and a spring suspension fork (with lockout), sturdy tapered head tube, rigid thru-axles, and Boost up front. Capable as a commuting platform if you prefer a mountain bike vs. hybrid or city…...

BULLS CROSS LITE E Step-Thru Review

  • MSRP: $4,099
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017, 2018

An active, sporty looking, commuter style electric bike with low standover height, available in three frame sizes to improve fit and comfort. High-end drivetrain and motor systems, you get eleven gears with a tough mountain bike level…...

BULLS SIX50+ E FS 3 Review

  • MSRP: $4,699
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017, 2018

An all-mountain electric bike with plus sized tires for improved stability, traction and comfort, 150 mm air suspension with compression and rebound adjust. Battery and motor mount design are tighter than older Bosch systems, weight is kept low…...

BULLS E-STREAM EVO 45 FS Review

  • MSRP: $5,199
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017, 2018

A high quality full suspension e-mountain bike that's also a speed pedelec (capable of 28 mph top speeds), solid hydraulic disc brakes, wide thru-axles with Boost Technology. Adjustable 150 mm RockShox suspension front and rear, four-bar rear swing arm to reduce brake…...

BULLS E-STREAM EVO 3 Carbon 27.5 Plus Review

  • MSRP: $4,599
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017

A Carbon fiber electric cross country mountain bike with premium components and ultra-integrated motor and battery system, excellent weight distribution. The Brose motor is quiet and responsive offering up to 90 Nm of torque output,…...

BULLS DAIL-E GRINDER Review

  • MSRP: $5,799
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017, 2018

One of the first Gravel Grinder style electric bikes to make it to America! Made with premium components, high performance lights and a purpose built frame in three sizes. Capable of high speed 28 mph performance, the Bosch centerdrive motor measures bike speed, pedal…...

BULLS SIX50 E 2 STREET Review

  • MSRP: $3,899
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017, 2018, 2019

A fully equipped speed commuter capable of 28 mph operation, running on the proven Bosch Performance mid-drive motor and updated 500 watt hour Samsung battery. Extra large 203 mm hydraulic disc brakes offer smooth solid stops without requiring exorbitant hand…...

2017 BULLS LACUBA EVO E8 Review

  • MSRP: $3,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017

A versatile urban electric bike well suited to commuting, touring and trekking because of its efficient mid-drive motor and larger than average battery capacity, durable internal gearing and belt drive. Available in five frame sizes and three frame styles including wave, mid-step and high-step diamond…...

BULLS E-STREAM EVO FS 3 27.5 Plus Review

  • MSRP: $4,699
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017, 2018

A stealthy full suspension all-mountain electric bike with longer travel 150 mm suspension, fully adjustable air fork by RockShox, color matched to frame. Larger 37 volt 17.5 amp hour battery pack to assist with steeper climbs and longer…...

2017 BULLS MONSTER E FS Review

  • MSRP: $5,299
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017

Full suspension fat bike with a high quality mid-drive motor from Bosch and their updated 500 watt hour battery pack for extended range. Cool fluorescent paint job that extends all the way through the fork, rear shock housing,…...

BULLS E-STREAM EVO FS 3 27.5 Review

  • MSRP: $4,699
  • MODEL YEAR: 2016

An all-mountain electric bike with beautifully integrated battery, motor and display... it blends in more than most other e-mountain bikes I've tested and runs quiet. Sturdy 15 mm thru axle in the front and 12 mm axle in the rear…...

BULLS SIX50 E FS 3 RSI Review

  • MSRP: $4,599
  • MODEL YEAR: 2016

A loaded full suspension mountain bike with premium electric drivetrain from Bosch offering 75 Nm of climbing torque with the CX motor and a 400 watt hour Samsung battery. RockShox air suspension with 120 mm travel front and rear for solid trail or all…...

2017 BULLS MONSTER E S Review

  • MSRP: $4,299
  • MODEL YEAR: 2016, 2017

Premium hardtail electric fat bike with all the fixins, highlights include rear rack bosses, tubeless-ready tires and punched out rims, RockShox air fork with remote lockout and high torque Bosch CX motor. Quality 180 mm hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano for excellent stopping power and modulation, impressive…...

BULLS OUTLAW E45 Review

  • MSRP: $3,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2016

A sporty looking, fairly comfortable speed pedelec capable of ~28 mph top speeds, it's running on an optimized geared hub motor design with heat pipe technology for maximum performance. Unique mid-mount battery box fills the main frame triangle keeping weight low and centered while…...

BULLS STURMVOGEL E EVO Review

  • MSRP: $3,699
  • MODEL YEAR: 2016

A beautifully designed urban electric bike painted white for visibility and modern appeal, white walled tires, reflective sidewall stripes, LED lights. Extra sturdy and durable thanks to a 15 mm thru-axle on the front wheel (with…...

BULLS TWENTY9 E FS 3 RSI Review

  • MSRP: $4,599
  • MODEL YEAR: 2016

A full suspension, Bosch powered, cross country style electric bike with efficient 29" wheels, it's available in three sizes for good fit and would feel taller and larger for riders with long legs but still fits some shorter riders given the angled top tube. Quick release for both wheels ads convenience for fixes and transporting the bike, I love…...

BULLS CROSS LITE E Review

  • MSRP: $3,699
  • MODEL YEAR: 2016

Fully loaded urban electric bicycle with great accessories for commuting including an aluminum rear rack, full length fenders with mud flaps and integrated LED lights. Relatively light weight at under 50 lbs, this is due in part to the nicer…...

BULLS E-STREAM EVO FS Enduro 27.5 Review

  • MSRP: $5,399
  • MODEL YEAR: 2016

An enduro style full suspension electric mountain bike with longer 160 mm suspension travel, seat post dropper, 27.5" wheelset and premium hydraulic brakes. Downtube-integrated battery pack is out of sight and keeps weight low and centered across the…...


Comments (25) YouTube Comments

BULLSreadTHIS
7 years ago

Bulls, I bought this bike and it arrives this week. I’m a bit peeved that the bike doesn’t come stock with an IGH. Now I have to buy a rim an IGH and have it laced up, expensive and a pain. Why not offer a service called myBull? Which allows a user to customize their bike?

  Reply
Court Rye
7 years ago

Hmm, that’s a cool idea, kind of like what Dell did with PC Computers years ago. I think there’s a long wait time between manufacturing and shipping from Asia and Europe before the bikes could be delivered as specced but maybe in the future we will see more manufacturing in North America and customization like this could make sense, I’d love that kind of service! I hope you enjoy your bike and welcome your comments once you’ve had a chance to use it some ;)

  Reply
bullsreadthis
7 years ago

I received my new e45 and have about 90 miles on it so far. As an update to the article, there is now a new firmware on the Bulls bike, and from what my dealer said, every Bulls bike gets it. It now has 5 power modes, off + 1-4 levels of assist. I mostly ride the bike in level 3 and it ranges from 9-10 miles per battery bar (5 bars total). I have done several 20 mile round trips using 2 bars of battery. I’m averaging about 20 miles per hour. As Court states in the review, you have to work for 28mph, but staying in the 22-24mph range is pretty easy. I have noticed a decrease in power at temperatures over 100 degrees outside (may be protection sensors). If you want to buzz around fast in the mid 20’s at level 3 of 4 assist, you can expect about 45-50 miles of real range.

One bummer is that the Specialized Levo chargers do not work on the Bulls bike, seems kind of silly to me. They are probably all made in China at the same factory. This bike comes with a whopping 5amp charger!

Final verdict, I think this bike is the best commuter bike on the market. The serious contenders are the Giant (loud motor) and the Integrale 11 (noisy and creaky). I have rode all 3 and the Lacuba wins, hands down. The brakes, quiet ride, and the capacity put it over the top. I can’t overstate how nice it is to have 203mm (8 inch) rotors when you are in a jam at 28mph. I bought mine at Great Western Ebike.

  Reply
Court Rye
7 years ago

Awesome comment, thanks for sharing your experience with the Lacuba and other models… it’s great to hear from an owner and yeah, it’s too bad that the charger doesn’t work with the Turbo. I think the bigger ebike companies are being super careful so that their batteries don’t have any issues (like the Samsung phones did). It sounds like you’re quite the ebike connoisseur given that you also have a Turbo Levo?!

  Reply
bullsreadthis
7 years ago

I have too many ebikes…but the Levo FSR Comp is my favorite. My only complaints on the Levo’s are the crappy brakes and no initial option on the battery upgrade. I do a lot of long, steep descents and the stock brakes are just junk. I eventually switched them out for Shimano Zee’s. The bad brakes are the reason I passed on the Vado for my commuter, which comes stock with 180/160mm. So in addition to paying nearly a grand more for the Vado, I would have to pay another $500 for decent brakes.

Way to go Bulls on putting some really nice stock components on the Lacuba. In fact, I was initially bummed about the lack of IGH, but the XTs have shifted pretty smoothly. We’ll see after 1,000 miles though. The Lacuba is soo smooth, feels like a BMW 7 series or something. btw, I went with your suggestion on the XCR suspension seat, I like it, thank you!

BULLSREADTHIS
7 years ago

I did a leisure ride today of 28 miles averaging 16mph. I was able to get 18.1 miles per 1 battery bar on level 2 of 4 assist, that puts the range at about 85-90 miles in level 2. After the 28 mile ride, I still had 4 bars remaining.

Here’s my guess on range at this point, based on my rides:

  • Level 3 = 45-50 miles at 20mph
  • Level 2 = 85-90 miles at 16mph

I’m super impressed with the battery and motor efficiency. I’ll post some high-speed numbers in the next week or so.

  Reply
Court Rye
7 years ago

This is very useful, thanks for sharing your experience with the bike since you’ve had a chance to really use it. There may be a drop over time but you should get 1,000+ solid cycles of high output before the Lithium-ion batteries begin to fade.

  Reply
Greg
7 years ago

I bought the Lacuba Evo E45 a few months ago, partly because of your review. I LOVE this bike! It’s smooth, quiet, powerful, has good range, and I love all the touches. The lights, the brake light, the rack, the fenders, the shifters, the bell, the display the water bottle bosses…. all of it adds up to greatness. The brakes work. What I mean by that is, I’m not really into what size they are, or how they’re mechanized, I only care about the result, and the result is perfect. I weighed 270 pounds when I bought the bike, and have panniers on it, so it’s well over 300 pounds total, and it stops easily and smoothly, without me thinking about it other than to put on the brake.

Also, I have a Giant LA Free (very old, I know) and it also has the motor in the bottom bracket. It CAN be ridden without motor assist, but it tires me out in about 2 blocks. Functionally, it doesn’t really work. The E45, however, rides amazingly well for such a big and heavy bike. I actually have repeatedly ridden several blocks before I remember to turn on the assist. Admittedly it’s a slight downhill slope coming out of my home, but the bike can truly be ridden without assist.

I keep the bike on level 3 assist all the time (when I remember) and it probably does only have 50-60 mile range going above 20MPH most of the time with a 260lb rider, but that’s still pretty impressive. The integration of power is so smooth, it makes me literally smile. The LaFree used to surge when you applied torque. It was fun to feel, but I’d subjectively describe the way this bike rides differently. You can tell the bike is helping, particularly when you change assist levels, but if you just leave it, and don’t think about it, the feeling you get is just that you’re riding a bike, and you’re just stronger and faster and have more endurance than you thought. It’s so seamless, you can forget it’s helping. Don’t think that means it’s not helping or underpowered because nothing’s further from the truth. It’s just perfectly matched to you so it amplifies what you do.

My only complaint has already been noted – saying it’s a 28MPH top speed is technically true, but you have to seriously work to get there. If you think you’re going to commute at 28MPH, forget it. I’m not sure whether the motor doesn’t have the power, or if the firmware just drops it’s assist, but anything above 25 is mostly the rider, even at the highest assist. That said, I can pretty easily sustain speeds between 20 and 25 on level ground.

It’s expensive. Once you get past that, it’s close to perfect.

  Reply
Court Rye
7 years ago

Hey Greg! I loved reading your comment, so glad you found my review helpful and thank you for giving back and sharing your weight and ride experiences… that seriously helps others and that’s what EBR is all about! Ride safe out there man :D

  Reply
BULLSREADTHIS
7 years ago

Greg, did you get the new firmware update? The new firmware has 4 Assist levels. Mine came with the new firmware, but mine is only a week old.

  Reply
Greg
7 years ago

I bought the bike online, since the closest Bulls dealer is an hour away, and I can’t transport the bike anyway. I contacted Bulls about the upgrade, as well as the closest dealer, but neither has responded to me (it’s been a week). I’ll try again. I want the upgrade, but I’m worried it’ll be tough to get it, after reading other people’s comments.

Gert
7 years ago

Hi Court, I am confused. A lot of websites (mainly in USA) claim that this bike has a Brose 350W motor. But most European websites write it has a Brose 250W motor. Also the official Bulls website.

Today I did a test ride at a bike shop here in Belgium with an Bulls E-STREAM EVO 45 FS. The reason I did the test ride with this bike is that the shop owner told me it has the same build (motor, …) as the Lacuba Evo E45, but just an other frame and tires. I asked him if he knew how much the motor power was. He claimed it had 350W.

Do you know more? I am planning to by the Lacuba for commuting and selling my car but I like to be sure of all the specs this bike has. And if it would be a 250W motor, wouldn’t that be to low for a 45km/h bike, meaning also that I have to work harder to drive at higher speeds compared to a 350W? Sorry for all these questions.

BTW, nice reviews of all these ebikes. Keep up the good work. They explain a lot. Best regards, Gert

  Reply
Court Rye
7 years ago

Great question Gert! It’s confusing for me too sometimes… There’s the reality (Bosch and Brose hardware is the same regardless of country) and the marketing (Europe says 250 watts to be legal there and the US says 350 because people want more power). The truth as I understand it is that the motors offer 90 Nm of torque and that, along with the smoothness and responsiveness of the controller, is what makes it a good system. You have to shift gears to hit the top speed but with that torque, the nominal wattage is not an issue… most of these motors peak above 500 watts (the Bosch CX above 600 watts) but they don’t focus on that as much for legal reasons. They don’t want people like you to feel confused but they do also want to seem competitive against these hub motors that say 1,000 watts (which is illegal but not really enforced unless there’s an accident). I would say, don’t worry about the watts. Look at the rated top speed, think about how it rode, assume it’s the same (especially since this is the speed pedelec so not tuned down to 25 km/h (15.5 mph) for Euro standards. Does this help? I’m happy to clarify or answer more questions :)

  Reply
Gert
7 years ago

Thanks, Court, for the very fast reply. You definitely helped me out here. Things are more clear on wattage and peaks values and so. Still, I am a bit unsure about the 250W Brose motor because it seemed to have had some overheating issues in the past on these speed pedelecs. Maybe Brose wanted to jump on the train too fast with these speed pedelecs, not having developed a 350W motor yet. In 2018, they will have 3 new motors coming out. Here in Belgium a 350W motor is legal for a speed pedelec. Yesterday, I also contacted Bulls via FB with the question how powerful the motor was. They answered it was a 250W motor.

Today I did a test drive with a Stromer ST1 (500W hub motor). I could definitely feel the difference. The Stromer was much easier to keep the +40 km/h range. But what I don’t like is the seating position on the Stromer. The Lacuba is more my way of riding, ie more upright. Well, my search continues. Thank you very much for your help. Gert

John Wiseman
6 years ago

Court: It would be helpful when talking about hills to actually provide the % grade. Easy and cheap to measure and provides a number to use in someone’s analysis rather than an adjective like steep or big. Thanks for your great reviews, I am relying on these heavily in my decision making.

  Reply
court
6 years ago

Thanks for the feedback, John. How would you suggest measuring the grade? It’s not something I’ve done before and I do like your idea and see how it could help people by being more objective vs. qualitative. Is there a special tool or something?

  Reply
John Wiseman
6 years ago

Court: I downloaded a free app on my phone, that is probably the easiest/least expensive method. One can also find inexpensive inclinometers on the web. I was thinking that it would also be of use if you could estimate the distance of the slope, not precisely but just an approximation would be helpful. Keep up the good work!

John Wiseman
6 years ago

I use Bubble Level. I did not do a lot of research but this one seems to work fine for my purposes.

  Reply
MSB
6 years ago

After 8 months of loving our bikes EXCEPT for that darn kickstand I just discovered the foot is adjustable. They arrived at full extension which make the parked position extremely precarious, even on level flat ground. From the max length indicated, there is about another 25mm of adjustment by turning the foot in. By adjusting (shortening) that kickstand the bikes are much more leaned over and far less precarious to be knocked over. With this discovery, I see no issue with the folding kick stand. I guess we live and learn.

  Reply
Court
6 years ago

Fantastic! Based on your feedback here I’ve updated the bike details to mention that the kickstand is adjustable ;) thanks for taking the time to chime in, glad the Lacuba EVO E45 is working so well for you :D

  Reply
Paul in Philly
5 years ago

I bought this bike (in 2019) for an 8 mile commute with 420 feet of elevation change one way. It has been the perfect commuter, but of course you get what you pay for! A few comments:

This is exactly what I was looking for, and the EBR review was spot on (although a little dated now). I got the diamond frame. For me, Class 3 was a must. Truth is, most of the time on flats I’m cruising around 22 mph, and I wouldn’t want the motor cutting out at 20 (which in reality would probably be more like 19. The rear rack is perfect for my Arkel Bug convertible backpack/panier bag. The rear light is great, although I found the front needed supplementation with a cygolite metro. Yes, the bike is heavy, but with this motor/battery, it doesn’t matter. The weight is well spent, as the bike is such a comfortable to ride. I installed a Kinect 2.1 seatpost further adding to the ride’s cushion.

The lack of shift sensing, which I had a little concern about, ended up being a minor issue- one just needs, as Court notes in the review, to briefly let up on the petal pressure/torque prior to each shift, analagous to letting up on the gas prior to shifting in a manual transmission car. I will say that I never shift to the smaller front chain ring- all that I need is available in the rear sprockets with the large chain ring.

Overall it’s a well made bike, a blast and comfort to ride, and the quality shows in the details.

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Hi Paul! Very astute comment here, I especially like how you recognized that a 20mph ebike will realistically cut out closer to 18 or 19mph and that your Class 3 speed pedelec runs around 22 (for me it’s like 22-25mph depending on terrain, wind, and how hard I’m pedaling etc.)

Good call on the Cygolite Metro and Kinect suspension seatpost upgrades. It’s so nice to hear that my review felt on-point with the shifting and the additional chainrings being less-useful. I feel like most ebikes would be fine with a one-by setup, but for a speed pedelec, I can see how a wider range could benefit those who cycle on steeps and also want to keep up going faster. Great comment Paul, thanks for taking the time to share with us!

  Reply

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