Bulls Wild Edge Team

Field Notes: As the only pure-bred XC racing bike in this group, the first thing we noticed while riding the Bulls Wild Edge Team was the raw speed. After riding a bunch of rigs with longer travel and fatter tires, the difference on the trail was palpable – more feel of the elements and less cush and traction. XC racing bikes like this are stiffer overall, with steeper geometries (a more forward-leaning position) and skinnier tires, all of which means quicker turning and acceleration, but a less forgiving ride. However relative to other XC bikes we’ve ridden, this one felt quite balanced overall and we quickly adjusted to the change and enjoyed some high-speed, flowy fun.

Tester Comment: “Holy crap, I had almost forgotten how much fun it is to accelerate this quickly and zip through tight corners like only an XC race bike can do. I had a bit of a time adjusting to the stiffer ride and forward position – I almost endo’d a couple times at the start – but once I got used to it, the pure speed was a blast!”

Pros: The single best thing about this bike is the price: $6,000 may seem like a high price, but other XC race bikes with similar spec can easily cost $7,000 or more. Bulls is known for its value, and this is another excellent example. XTR is as good a group as you can find – it’s super light, crazy smooth and fairly durable considering the weight. And this is not just an example of great spec on a mediocre frame: this full-carbon monocoque frame is outstanding for the price as well. The reverse RockShox RS1 Solo Air fork offers excellent front-end latera stiffness for precise handling.

Cons: That same fork that adds lateral stiffness unfortunately does not provide the sensitive small-bump performance we’d expect for the price, although this is somewhat common on XC forks. Also the low-profile tread on the spec’d tires is decidedly XC-focused and not effective on anything but smooth, fast surfaces. Finally, while we understand the merits of a 2x drivetrain, especially for smooth downhill and/or paved sections, these are few and far between on today’s XC tracks and even many of the Marathon courses. We’d prefer the clean look, lighter weight, higher clearance and hassle-free performance of a 1x.

Key Attribute: Value

Bottom Line: The bottom line for the Bulls Wild Edge Team is exactly that… the bottom line. This is an amazing value on what is a true top-of-the-line XC race bike with very few drawbacks. It’s certainly a bit heavier than some of the other top-level rigs – up to two pounds or more – but the cheaper price will negate that for value-minded buyers. It features a well-built and designed carbon frame and top-end spec. The geometry is built for speed and quick handling, and the efficiency is quickly apparent. It’s an especially good fit for XC racers or Marathoners who ride on primarily smoother terrain with minimal gravel and/or rocky sections. It’s not, however, the most versatile XC bike out there, with very low tread on the tires and a decidedly stiff front end.