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Bulls E-Stream allowed exploration of many vistas in the Downieville area.
It’s an e-bike with 150mm of front and rear travel from Germany’s Bulls Bikes. It uses a smooth and quiet Brose motor similar (but not the same) to the one used on the Specialized Turbo Levo. What stands out with this model is it comes with a 650Wh battery (compared to the usual 400-500Wh) giving it greater range. Also the battery is internally housed, creating clean design lines and room for a full-sized water bottle. Plus tires are employed to give the bike added traction and comfort.
With more weight to get off the ground, the Bulls E-Stream can be fun to jump as long they’re not little rocks and roots.
With 150mm of front and rear travel, and plus tires, this bike is ready for most terrain.
Yes. The Bulls Bike E-Stream is a Class 1 category e-bike with 250 watts of pedal assist power. This puts it in the lowest class of power output. The 250-watt average power output is roughly equal to 1/3 of a horsepower. It’s pedal assist only and delivers output only when sensing input from the rider. There’s no throttle allowed on this class of bike, so the rider needs to pedal for the motor to provide assistance.
We explored some trails from the campsite during sunset.
We’ve been riding e-bikes off and on for the last five years and it is both the biggest growth area of the industry and the biggest source of controversy. It threatens the bike’s distinction as a human-powered vehicle and raises concern about trail access. But it’s also a way to bring new riders into the sport and opens up new options for existing mountain bikers.
In our experience, it made commuting around town more feasible, safer, and faster. Whenever we had an errand to run, the Bulls E-Stream was the easy pick since it was easier to keep up with the flow of traffic, carry heavy loads, and park.
For trail riding, we had to be selective, as e-bikes are only allowed on some of our area trails. The bonus was that in some cases we could ride to trailheads instead of loading the bike on the car’s bike rack. Four-hour expeditions were the norm, as we got to explore our area again and enjoy even the least rewarding fire roads, which is about 80% of our local riding.
There were no shuttles available for this 5000-foot climb, meaning the Bulls E-Stream came in very handy.
The real possibilities opened up while testing in Downieville, California. This area has a massive amount of trail in very mountainous terrain, meaning shuttles are the norm unless you’re among the super fit. But we did several weekdays of riding there with this e-bike when the shuttles weren’t running.
The Bulls E-Stream is one of the new crop of e-bikes that are starting to be fun on tight and twisty trails.
The integrated power unit battery is fully hidden inside the downtube, allowing for a clean front triangle and water bottle space. The 650wh unit lasts approximately 4.3 hours in the medium assist mode. Range is claimed to be 137 miles, but in our experience 40-60 miles was more accurate. More significantly, we were able to climb 5000-7000 feet in one charge, depending on how hard we wanted to pedal.
The Brose motor is mounted up the downtube to allow shorter chainstays. It also uses a belt-drive mechanism for quieter operation.
Based on a proven car power-steering motor, Brose has delivered a silent and vibration-free mid-drive motor produced in Germany. The motor is mounted on the downtube, allowing for a stealthy look and shorter chainstay length. It’s torque-sensing with 4 levels of assist so the rider can choose how much the motor helps with up to 90Nm of torque. It is a high-torque motor, but due to smooth delivery it doesn’t feel more powerful than 75Nm units we’ve tested from Shimano or Bosch.
The Brose display controller squeezes ride modes and stats and 5 buttons into a very compact unit.
Old display controllers were huge and clunky, inappropriate for trail riding so Brose went small with a unit not much bigger than a USB stick. With about five buttons and pages of information to display, we found this unit to be too small. It’s a good option to have for some who want the minimalist look, but a little more real-estate would be better. But we much prefer this display/controller to the no display system on the Specialized Turbo Levo bikes where one has to look and reach down to the downtube to view or change modes.
E-bikes are great for exploring new areas where there might be a few unexpected 1000 foot climbs or descents.
Head angle is 68 degrees and seat angle is perfect at 74 degrees. Chainstays are fairly long at 468mm and reach for a medium is 440mm. With 150mm of front and rear travel, this is quite the performer with enough controlled suspension for this 50-pound bike. Unfortunately there’s no dropper post, which is a shame for a bike that’s this capable going downhill.
Indeed, it’s no Evil Wreckoning with superior suspension kinematics and damping support, but the E-Stream is enjoyable on big, technical descents like Butcher Ranch in Downieville.
We’re calling attention to this because it’s a big deal these days, but rarely found on e-bikes. To make this possible, the battery is mounted inside the downtube and the suspension bits are out of the way so it can fit a large water bottle. With assisted power, one bottle is enough for most two-hour adventures. Carry another bottle or a pack, and you could conceivably ride for 4-5 hours.
Admittedly 2×11 drivetrains offer more gears and smoother cadence changes, but all that seems wasted on this bike. You really don’t need 22 gears when you have the assistance of a motor. And with a speed governor of 20mph, the taller gears on this bike are basically not useable. Unless there’s a long fire road downhill, it’s difficult to use the heavy gears of this bike since the motor will shut off at 20mph making it hard to pedal past about 25mph.
There are no shuttles to the Buttes so the Bulls E-Stream fit in well, allowing a full day of riding.
The Bulls E-Stream is good for beer hauling duties when the picnic spot is a couple miles away.
We are on to the next chapter of e-bikes, where they are evolving from modified commuter bikes thanks to the addition of purpose-built drivetrains and suspension. And they’re starting to get more fun, even on rowdy descents. And while they’re not more fun going downhill than a regular non-motorized trail bike, they’re great for exploration and adventure. Do-once trails can be enjoyed every day, making this a great adventure bike.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Price: $ 4699
More Info: www.bullsebikes.com
On a family trip in Lake Tahoe, it was okay to disappear in the morning and explore thousands of feet of trail elevation while the kid slept.
Mtbr: It seems to cut out at 16mph, then be very interrupted to 19 mph. Is this a kind of ‘Euro’ limit?
Adam Anderson: The Brose motor relies heavily on a rider’s cadence. Ideally, you want to be in 60-90 revolutions per minute range. Shifting to a lower gear may alleviate the feeling of the cut out. It does start to slowly cut off at around the 19.5-20mph zone instead of a hard stop at 20mph.
Mtbr: I was mostly on full boost for one day and it seemed to cut back on boost a bit at 11-13 mph. It happened more at the beginning of the ride. Thoughts?
AA: Again, when riders have experience this, it’s worked to shift to a gear in which you can sustain 60-90rpm.
Mtbr: The tires seem really thin specially for a bike of this weight and ability.
AA: They’re a pretty lightweight tire, but have performed well for us.
Mtbr: It is 2×11. But I can’t even use the big ring since it’s very hard to pedal past 19mph. Is there a reason for this drivetrain?
AA: More gearing allows for more range in any type of terrain. If the bike is in the right gear at 19mph you should be able to even pedal past 20 mph once the assist cuts off, with minimal motor drag. Some people hit higher speeds when bombing downhill, obviously, which the high gears are great for. Most riders we’ve observed spend more time in the big ring than the small.
Mtbr: The 137-mile claimed range is obviously in ideal conditions. Do you have some description of what these ideal conditions are?
AA: Optimal riding conditions is smooth pavement terrain, max tire pressure, no headwinds, and a fairly light rider. We had a customer report a few weeks ago that he was able to do a 25-mile ride, including a 5-mile section with a 3500-foot climb and only used 25% of his battery.
Mtbr took the bike up to the Buttes Lookout tower above 8000 feet with hike-a-bike grades. The Bulls E-Stream performed well.
Mtbr: Anything else you’d like to point out about this bike?
AA: Some other key things to note on this bike are that it has the biggest battery with a mid-drive motor on the market at 650Wh. And the Brose mid-drive has a nominal power rating (how much it can sustain over long periods of time) of 250W and a torque rating of 90Nm, one of the highest in the industry. Wheels are tubeless ready (you need a kit with tape, sealant, etc.) but as it came to you are tubed. Elevation capabilities depend on rider and rider’s cadence. This motor responds well to seasoned riders who maintain a consistent cadence of 60-90rpm. There is no elevation where the motor doesn’t work. The 5 modes of assist (including “off”) are set at the following percentage of assist. The actual power is based on rider’s power + what the motor gives.
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Phil Kmetz shows you how to smash descents on your mountain bike.
The post Watch: How to Smash Descents on a MTB – Featuring Skills with Phil appeared first on Singletracks Mountain Bike News.
Watch: How to Smash Descents on a MTB – Featuring Skills with Phil
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The third annual Borealis Fat Bike World Championships returns to Crested Butte this coming January.
Editor’s Note: This sponsored post is courtesy of the Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce.
Whether you’re a serious fat bike racer, casual costume-wearing competitor, or are just looking for an excuse to check out one of Colorado’s best wintertime fat biking locales, it’s time to put Crested Butte’s Borealis Fat Bike World Championships on your 2018 fun calendar.
Some fat bikers take aerodynamic efficiency more seriously than others. Photo courtesy Lydia Stern
Registration is open now for this annual bacchanal of all things fat (Jan. 24-28), which will once again include two races, a demo day, fat bike trail grooming symposium, and lift serviced downhill fat bike riding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. There are also plenty of parties planned, just what you’d expect from an event co-sponsored by Upslope Brewing Company. For a quick taste of what you can expect, press play to see what went down last year.
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9ZroUXPlQQ
Following Wednesday night’s packet pick-up and kickoff party (with free beer, of course), the phat times get underway in earnest Thursday with the annual North Village tune-up race. As in years past, expect a multi-lap affair on perfectly groomed trail under the backdrop of the stunning Elk Mountains, including majestic Mt. Crested Butte. Entrants can sign up as individuals or for relay teams of 2 or 4. Included in your race registration are a commemorative race bib, and free burgers, brats, and beer (of course).
“One big emphasis for this year’s North Village race will be improving course conditions by adding passing sections,” explained event coordinator Scott Stewart. “This will help maintain course integrity for the entire race and improve the overall experience.”
Upslope Brewing will be keeping cups full and spirits high. Photo courtesy Lydia Stern
Don’t miss your chance to win a trip to the 2018 Borealis Fat Bike World Championships in Crested Butte, Colorado. One lucky winner will receive four nights at the Elevation Hotel and Spa at Mt. Crested Butte, plus two all-in passes for all the races, demos, and parties. All you’ll need to do is get you and your best fat biking buddy here. For more info and to register for the contest spin over to Mtbr’s contest page.
Borealis will be on hand with a massive fleet of demo fat bikes. Photo courtesy Lydia Stern
Friday’s demo day will avail more good times, as attendees will get the chance to test out a high-end Borealis fat bike on the area’s many great winter riding zones. Just like last year, Crested Butte’s local trail advocacy organization has big plans, including grooming trail out to the Gothic Town Site.
The ride out to the Gothic Townsite is as good as it gets scenery wise.
“We’ll also be grooming some of the Cement Creek drainage, with the chance of getting all the way up to the Hunter Creek trail — which would be amazing,” revealed Dave Ochs, executive director of the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association and a self-professed fat bike fanatic.
Not to be outdone by their north valley compatriots, the Gunnison Trails organization has its own fat bike grooming plans for the famed Hartman Rocks trail system. They’ve procured a fat bike-specific trail grooming machine and are planning to pack in upwards of 13 miles spread between two loops, one from the main frontside parking area and another starting and finishing at the McCabe’s Lane parking lot.
This grooming machine will be used to create upwards of 13 miles of wintertime trail at Hartman Rocks near Gunnison. Photo courtesy Gunnison Trails
“We’re looking to groom a mix of the existing trails and some road sections,” explained Gunnison Trails executive director Tim Kugler. “But the machine we’re getting grooms really narrow, about 24 inches, so it’ll all feel like singletrack.”
Along with the chance to ride world class fat bike singletrack, Fat Bike World’s attendees will also have the chance to learn more about grooming techniques. “We’re bringing in a bunch of grooming experts and equipment so anyone that’s interested can get an idea of how it works, what it costs, and general implementation advice,” said Stewart, the event’s coordinator. “It will be a great opportunity to learn and exchange ideas on how to create better wintertime trails wherever you ride.”
Organizers expect upwards of 300 fat bike fanatics to line up for this year’s races in Crested Butte. Photo courtesy W.S. Donavan
Next up it’s the big show, with Saturday’s Fat Bike World Championship race taking center stage on the ever rolling and always challenging East Valley trails. Sandwiched between the Town of Crested Butte and the base of the Mt. Crested Butte, this 6-mile loop offers stunning views up and down the valley and is very spectator friendly. As in years past, the World Championship race will cover approximately 30 miles over 5 laps, while the World’s fun race will be 3 laps and 18 miles.
Banana suits are always encouraged. Photo courtesy Lydia Stern
All world’s competitors will receive a commemorative race bib, and free burgers, brats, and beer (of course). There will also be live music, prizes and giveaways, and all finishers of the World Championship 5-lap race will receive a commemorative flask. Here’s one more look at what you can expect, this time from the inaugural 2016 event.
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqgyMwc9IE8
Last but certainly not least, on Sunday, January 28, it’s downhilling time at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. And yes, that means lift serviced fat bike riding just like at the Evolution Bike Park in the summertime. Final course details are still being dialed in, but expect berms, booters, and of course more free beer.
Fat bikers will have some trail of their own for a day at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
So what else do you need to know? If you want to rent a fat bike or just need a few quick repairs done, Big Al’s Bicycle Heaven is the place. They have a full fleet of rental bikes, a great service department, and are the local experts when it comes to trail beta.
Food, drink, and lodging options are also key of course. The Brick Oven Pizzeria and Pub in the heart of downtown on Elk Avenue has good eats and upwards of 30 beers on tap plus a slew of other options in bottle form. You can see the full beer menu here. For something a little harder, check out the locally made rum at the Montanya Tasting Room, or get your tequila fix at Bonez Tequila Bar and Grill.
The Brick Oven Pizzeria is always a good place to cap a day of riding. Photo courtesy Lydia Stern
Another hot night spot is the famed Eldo, with its tongue-in-cheek motto, “A sunny place for shady people.” There’s live music here all year long. Other great options for food and drink include the Secret Stash for tasty pizza, Ginger Café for Pan-Asian cuisine, and Teocalli Tamale for spicy Mexican fare.
For coffee, get your on-mountain java fix at the Coal Breaker Coffee Company, or head to town and check out Camp 4 or The Guild Cafe.
Cheers to fat biking. Photo courtesy Lydia Stern
Finally, at some point you’re going to have to go to bed — unless you’re planning to do some night fat riding. The local tourism association has an excellent lodging planning portal that can serve as starting place for your search. Superb on-mountain options include the Elevation Hotel and Spa, Grand Lodge and the Lodge at Mountaineers Square.
In town check out the Old Town Inn, Cristiana Guesthaus, and the Elk Mountain Lodge, which is run by the same people who operate the local not-for-profit Crested Butte Devo youth MTB development foundation.
Taking flight at Fat Bike Worlds. Photo courtesy W.S. Donavan
Ready to sign up? We thought so. Head over to fatbikeworlds.itsyourrace.com and get registered. There are only 300 total spots available and they’re filling up fast.
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