Test 2016 off-road racer: Bulls Daily Grinder - Commuter bike: Bulls Daily Grinder on test

However, very few of these bikes were bought off the peg. They are usually cross bikes that have been trimmed by their owners with retrofitted mudguards and lighting systems to make them suitable for everyday use. Nowadays, however, some manufacturers also offer such bikes fully configured. The advantage from the customer's point of view: ideally, the manufacturer has already solved details such as the attachment of the mudguards or the cable routing. With the do-it-yourself version, you often have to improvise here, for example because there are no mounting options for mudguard struts.

Bulls uses the frame of the new Grinder gravel model as the basis for its commuter road bike, which is also available in two versions without everyday equipment. The sober, yet beautifully painted frame is ideal for the intended use: a robust work tool that doesn't want to impress anyone, but has to work. The hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano are on a par with the 105 groupset; they always offer high braking power regardless of the weather and are easy to modulate. The 40 millimetre wide G-One tyres from Schwalbe roll remarkably easily, provide the bike with good comfort and, thanks to their volume, even allow surprisingly demanding off-road excursions. The neatly integrated lighting system with hub dynamo from Super Nova is designed as a daytime running light. The switchless, StVZo-compliant headlight shines extremely brightly and evenly. Even dark forest paths can be ridden safely. Mounting on the handlebars is ideal because the headlight angle can be adjusted while riding. Specialised office bags such as the Office Bag from Ortlieb can be attached to the minimalist rear carrier. The carrier also serves as a holder for the elegantly integrated diode rear light from Supernova.

Our test bike was an exhibition sample that will undergo minor changes to the frame before the start of series production. The high weight of just over eleven kilos is put into perspective against the background of the additional equipment, which adds around one kilo. The riding position is very upright by road bike standards. The attachment of the elegant plastic mudguards is a good solution. Even on rough surfaces, the mudguards hardly vibrate and make surprisingly little noise.

PLUS high-quality lighting system very stable on the road good value
MINUS heavy, relatively short mudguards

Info www.bulls.de
Frame material/sizes Aluminium / 49, 52, 55, 58, 61 cm
Price/weight 1,699 euros (complete bike) / 11.1 kilos

WHAT THE TEST DRIVERS SAY

Jens Klötzer " A great commuter bike. I'm surprised at how versatile the tyres are. Fast on tarmac with plenty of grip off-road."

Christoph Allwang " The driving experience reminds me a little of a tank, which is not meant in a negative way. The tyres flatten almost everything and are very forgiving."

Thomas Musch " A successful concept. You can't tell by looking at the bike what it can do off-road. You don't even have to be afraid of root paths."

Alternatives Bergamont Prime CX RD, Canyon Inflite, Centurion Crossfire 2000EQ, Focus Mares AX Disc Commuter (all without lighting system)

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