December 3, 2020 - At first glance, the Bull’s Cross Light EVO looks like your everyday commuter e-bike, but upon closer examination you quickly realize that this ride is much more than a daily work transportation option. If adventure and fun are on the menu, this e-bike is ready to take you beyond your morning commute and tackle everything from epic gravel trails to cross-country getaways.
Powered by the latest Bosch Gen4 Performance CX 250-watt drive that features 85 Nm of torque this compact, lightweight, and extremely powerful system weighs in at just 2.9 kg. Although designed for the eMTB market, this top-end e-drive is very much at home on the Cross Light EVO.
Combined with a Bosch PowerTube 625Wh lithium-ion battery, the most powerful the company produces, you’ll receive maximum ride time even while climbing hills or packing a heavy touring load. With a range up to about 100 miles (160 km), the battery is integrated seemlessly into the downtube and can be fully charged in under 5 hours.
Your ride experience is managed by the small, bar-mounted and highly intelligent Bosch Kiosk display unit. Route navigation, fitness management, specific ride data and more are all available through the full colour display. The Kiosk is designed to function with its BlueTooth connection to the eBike Connect smartphone app. Changing ride mode selection and scrolling through the Kiosk screens is easily done with the 4-button control unit mounted on left side of the handlebar.
Reliable, durable and performance-driven components embody the Cross Light EVO. Shimano’s SLX 12-Speed shifter and rear derailleur provide seamless movement up and down the mountain-bike inspired 10-51T cassette. Peace of mind braking for any adventure is provided by Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors.
The 6061 black aluminum frame is designed for an upright, comfort-driven ride with the adjustable stem allowing for finetuning to a more custom fit. The city, commuter-inspired SR Suntour NRX front fork provides 63 mm of travel with lockout option. A strong and dependable wheel-tire combination includes 36-spoke WTB rims wrapped in 28” x 1.5 Schwalbe Marathon Racers.
The Cross Light EVO is offerd in three sizes with three frame options including Wave (low step), Step-Thru (mid step) and Diamond (high step). It comes fully accessorized with fenders, kick stand, a rack with a spring loaded rat-trap, bell and Fuxon light.
For my first test ride I took quick a spin through town and found this light, sub-50 pound e-bike was quite nimble and responsive through traffic. It always handled well and felt ready to take on any journey. Plus it was much easier to lift into the back of my vehicle for transport when needed.
Next up was accessing some great gravel trails just east of town. Once at the trails, the Cross Light EVO did not disappoint. The benefits of the eMTB savvy Performance CX’s new sensor motor control functions shone through its ability to automatically adjust to the changing terrain conditions. Loose gravel, slick roots or rocky pitches were no match for me and my new amigo.
Even with the minimal treaded tires, steep climbs were a breeze – even from a standstill. The motor’s wider cadences range along with the low gearing options of the mountain bike rear cassette truly helped engage the bike to the off-road conditions. If more regular gravel riding is in your plans for this e-bike you might consider a tire upgrade to one with a bit more tread, especially for descending more technical terrain.
Bull’s Cross Light EVO is an e-bike that can take you to work as easily as it can take you exploring the hills out of town, or on any holiday excursion. It’s that one e-bike with a personality that can fill many voids, being practical, adventurous and most of all, fun.
The SRP is $6,399 CND or $4,899 US – for more information please visit here.
