From ZEG, the parent company, you would expect mass conformity rather than a bike like the Bulls Machete. It goes to extremes in its class in some respects and is certainly no all-rounder among gravel bikes. Although the top tube isn't particularly short, the stack-to-reach values are well on the comfortable side. The weight tends to lie more on the rear wheel, which could be explained by the slack seat tube angle.
Bulls Machete: Lots of traction on the front wheel
However, the Bulls Machete doesn't feel like one at all! The riding impression is better suited to the data of a Conway - lots of traction on the front wheel and sporty, almost aggressive. The in-house wheels are very light and the frame is quite torsionally stiff, which is why acceleration and tight corners are very agile.
The bike's comfort values are a disadvantage. The rear triangle can partially compensate for the hard carbon structure, as it has horizontal attachments to the main frame and a long, slightly flatter seat post. However, it is advisable to keep your arms slightly bent on the handlebars, otherwise bumps will be very noticeable. The hyper-agile handling and this aspect make the bike more suitable for experienced riders who are also more familiar with the shifting concept of the new SRAM Apex 12-speed. However, the setup of this drivetrain doesn't allow you to reach the highest speeds compared to other bikes - a shame for such a powerful bike, but this can easily be changed. It's also unfortunate about the many nice threaded eyelets on the bike frame, as the extreme handlebar position makes the bike less than ideal for long tours and off-road riding.
Due to its short frame, low front end and too small gears, the bike loses many of its all-round qualities. However, the super-stiff Machete is one of our favourites for letting off steam in the forest at full speed for two hours after work.
More gravel bikes from the test
The Bulls Machete in detail
- Price: 2799 Euro
- Frame sizes: S / M / L / XL (test size greased)
- Weight of complete wheel: 9.7 kilos
- Note: 2,5
Geometry
- Seat/top/head tube: 470 / 575 / 161.2 millimetres
- Wheelbase/caster: 1040 / 75.5 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 623 / 389 millimetres / 1.602
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 677 / 549 millimetres / 1.233
Features of the Bulls Machete
- Brakes: SRAM Apex (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.5
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Apex (1 x 12; 38, 11-44 t.) | Grade: 3.0
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-One R 45-622 (eff.: 43.5 mm) | Grade: 1.0
- Impellers: Bulls XC 21 Evo
- Impeller weights: 1705 / 2283 grams (front/rear)
Advantages and disadvantages of the gravel bike
- Plus: Crisp steering, dynamic acceleration, ergonomic handlebars
- Minus: Extreme geometry, tight warranty, gears too small
