Sonic EVO AM 2024

The Bulls Sonic EVO AM 2024 is a Bosch-powered all-mountain eMTB available in three trims (AM 1 alloy at GBP 4,699, AM 2 carbon-mixed at GBP 5,099, and AM 3 ABS at EUR 5,399 base). Headline numbers: 150mm of travel front and rear, Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 4 at 85Nm and 600W peak, a removable 750Wh PowerTube battery and a 26.1kg system weight on the AM 2 and AM 3 ABS builds. Reach climbs from 420 to 505mm across a deep S-to-XXL range, head angle is 65.5 degrees throughout. The community read is that Bulls offers very strong spec-for-price in the German market, with the AM 3 ABS standing out as the only sub-EUR 6,000 trail bike here with factory ABS braking.

Drive system and range. The Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 4 delivers 85Nm at the wheel, the proven all-mountain workhorse motor that keeps the Sonic EVO AM among the better-equipped mid-priced builds. The 750Wh PowerTube is fully removable through the downtube, and Bosch's ecosystem brings the Kiox 300 display, Flow app integration and over-the-air firmware updates as table-stakes. A 250Wh PowerMore range extender is optional. For day-long alpine outings the AM 2 and AM 3 owners can realistically expect 1,500 to 2,000m vertical depending on rider weight and mode discipline.

Geometry and handling. 65.5 degrees up front is bang on the modern all-mountain norm: stable on steeps without being sluggish on flatter UK trail-centre fare. The 450mm chainstay is long for a Bosch-frame all-mountain bike and biases the geometry toward composure over playful flick. Reach grows in healthy 25mm-ish steps from 420 (S) through 450 (M), 470 (L) and 505 (XL), with multiple sub-sizes that improve fit for awkward heights. Wheelbase tops out at 1286mm on the XL. AM 3 ABS runs a 29/27.5 mullet (Mavic Crossride 1 CL MS) which sharpens the back end at low speed.

Build and value. Three trims with deliberate spec jumps. AM 1 (GBP 4,699, 21.5kg) is the aluminium entry: SR Suntour 34 Air 140mm fork, Edge Plus 150mm shock, Shimano CUES 1x and hydraulic discs. AM 2 (GBP 5,099) is the carbon-mix workhorse: SR Suntour 36 Supreme 150mm fork, Edge Plus 2CR shock, Shimano Deore 1x12. AM 3 ABS (EUR 5,399 base) adds the TRP Trail EVO ABS 2.3 brake system, the first ABS implementation in this price bracket, plus Bosch's wheel-speed sensors and a mullet wheelset with tubeless Schwalbe rubber. Lights are integrated across the range. Standout: ABS at this money is unprecedented. Questionable: SR Suntour at the top of the lineup will polarise riders cross-shopping a RockShox Lyrik or Fox 36.

Caveats and known gripes.

• SR Suntour optics. The 36 Supreme/AION forks are competent in print but most UK and US dealers will steer riders to brand-name Rock Shox or Fox at this price, which hurts resale.
• Twelve "sizes" really means three reach steps with sub-codings. Stick to the size geometry table: 420, 450, 470 or 505 reach.
• 26.1kg with a 750Wh battery is heavy for a 150/150mm bike. Specialized Levo Comp alloy hits ~24kg with the same Bosch package; you pay for that with weight on the lift line.
• Frame is alloy on AM 1, carbon front/alloy rear on AM 2 and AM 3 ABS. No full-carbon option in 2024.
• UK distribution is limited. Bulls dealers are sparse outside the EU; servicing the Bosch CX system is no issue, but spares for Bulls-specific frame parts can take time.

Verdict. The Sonic EVO AM is one of the best Bosch-CX all-mountain deals at the EUR 5,000 to 6,000 mark, and the AM 3 ABS in particular is the cheapest way into factory motorbike-grade ABS braking on an eMTB. It suits riders who value spec value and Bosch's bullet-proof ecosystem over brand cachet, and who can live with SR Suntour suspension and a heavier overall package. Riders chasing the lightest 150mm trail bike or hung up on Lyrik/Float front-ends should look up the ladder. Production status: current.