Total Weight:
56 lbs (25.4 kg)
Battery Weight:
7 lbs (3.17 kg)
Motor Weight:
6.61 lbs (2.99 kg)
Frame Material:
7005 Aluminium
Frame Sizes:
17.72 in (45 cm)18.89 in (47.98 cm)19.68 in (49.98 cm)20.86 in (52.98 cm)22.83 in (57.98 cm)Geometry Measurements:
18" Stand Over Height for Wave Model
Frame Types:
High-Step, Mid-Step, Step-Thru
Frame Colors:
Satin Silver with Gloss Black and Copper Highlights
Frame Fork Details:
SR Suntour SF17-NCX-E Air, 63 mm Travel, Lockout Adjust, 11 mm QR Skewer
Frame Rear Details:
11 mm Skewer with Bolts
Attachment Points:
Fender Bosses, Rack Bosses, Bottle Cage Bosses
Gearing Details:
8
Speed 1x8 Shimano Nexus Inter8 Internally Geared Hub, 26TShifter Details:
Shimano Nexus Grip Shift on Right
Cranks:
SR Suntour, 50T
Pedals:
Wellgo C-098DU Plastic Platform with Rubber Tread
Headset:
FSA Tapered 1-1/8"
Stem:
Satori Adjustable Angle
Handlebar:
Swept Back, 600 mm or 620 mm Length, 5° Bend
Brake Details:
Shimano M395 Hydraulic Disc with 180 mm Front Rotor and 160 mm Rear Rotor, Shimano Levers with Adjustable Reach
Grips:
Ergon GP1 Locking, Ergonomic
Saddle:
Selle Royal Scientia M3
Seat Post:
Aluminum Alloy
Seat Post Length:
300 mm
Seat Post Diameter:
30.9 mm
Rims:
RYDE Double Wall, 36 Hole
Spokes:
Stainless Steel, 14 Gauge Front 13 Gauge Rear, Black
Tire Brand:
Schwalbe Big Apple, 28" x 2"
Wheel Sizes:
28 in (71.12cm)Tire Details:
Active Line K-Guard, Reflective Sidewall Tape, 35-70 PSI
Tube Details:
Presta Valve
Accessories:
Velo Battery Protector Pad, Fuxon Integrated LED Lights, SKS Plastic Fenders, i-RACK with Pannier Blockers and Spring Latch with 25 kg Max Load, SKS Rookie Mini Pump, Plastic Chain Cover, Adjustable Length Kickstand
Other:
IP56 Ingress Rating, 2.5 lb 5 Amp Energy Bus Charger from BMZ, Gates Carbon Drive CDX Belt
PDieter
8 years agoCourt, I suspect that you don’t want to charge that battery with either port… I suspect the BMS only protects one side. I’m basing this on the experience that if your bms goes out you can reverse charge a battery still by rigging a cord for the other port.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHmm, interesting feedback! Thanks for chiming in. I might have gotten some incorrect information or just misspoke. Would be good to confirm this with a dealer or as you suggest, just use the charging port that is exposed when mounted to the bike. That one is clearly going to work :)
ReplyCharging Brose Batteries
8 years agoYou are able to charge from either port.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoAwesome, thanks for sharing your feedback on this :)
Pdieter
8 years agoA little semantic help for you on the “affordable” stumble; it’s a “good value”. Keep up the good work.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoRight… thanks, I do my best but there’s lots of room for improvement. I suppose that being around $5k+ ebikes regularly has had an influence on me and my language isn’t always on target (I do a little bit of editing before posting videos and stuff like this usually gets a second consideration). Here on the site I’ve got an “affordable” category that’s more rigid, the bikes have to be in the $1,500 range which I hope truly is “affordable” and not just “good value” ;)
ReplyAdam @ BULLS eBIKES
8 years agoHey Court,
Great review, as always! A couple updates and information bits that pertain to all the BULLS Brose mid-drive eBIKES.
Hope this helps clarify.
Reply-Adam
Court Rye
8 years agoThis is very helpful Adam, thanks for chiming in as an official source and clarifying. I’ll keep this in mind for future Bulls reviews and welcome you to join in on the EBR forums and any future comments here :)
ReplyAdam
8 years agoYou bet Court. I’m trying to keep an eye on the forums. Lots of great questions and helpful feedback.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoReally appreciate you Adam!
ReplyRusty
8 years agoCourt, Your review of the Bulls Lacuba Evo E8 was most informative. I am a newbie to ebikes, and trying to learn all I can. Your technical reports are a big help in teaching us about the pros and cons about the different ebikes. My wife and I are senior citizens in our seventies, and I believe the Bulls Lacuba Evo E8 seems to be the bike for us. We will be riding where there are some long grades in the high country. Question: If need be, can it be ridden with motor power only, or does it require some constant peddling? Keep up the good work. Regards, Rusty
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHi Rusty! I sure do like the Bulls Lacuba E8 but it does require constant pedaling because it’s a Class 1 Pedal Assist bike vs. Class 2 which has throttle. BionX makes an excellent line of motors that have a throttle mode and you can buy them pre-installed on bikes from OHM and others, check out the OHM Urban XU700 here. It’s an awesome bike with the same step-thru frame… the company offers a good warranty and is a bit bigger and more reliable than some. Biria also makes a deep step-thru with the BionX system and I just finished reviewing theirs here. I hope this helps you out, sounds like you and your wife will have a great timeout there on bikes again and the electric motor should help flatten those hills ;)
ReplySanford Simmons
8 years agoYour written write up states the Bulls Lacuba Evo E8 2017 has a 350 watt motor. Is that true or is it a 250 Watt motor?
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHi Sanford, great catch and I do apologize for the inconsistency between my writeup vs. the specs, I’ve fixed it! In short, the motor ranges from 250 to about 530 watts depending on power level selected and the signals being sent (pedal torque and speed). I think I made this error because the Brose system reminds me of Bosch in many ways which officially says 350 watts nominal but they use the exact same hardware as in Europe where it’s rated 250 nominal. Sometimes I feel like it’s marketing more than reality given the range of power possibilities. Hope this helps! The Lacuba is a solid choice but there are other drive systems out there worth exploring if you’re concerned :)
ReplyWilliam Hamilton
8 years agoHi Court. I live in a level area near the beach. I want to take advantage of a new bike right of way along side a new light rail extension very close to home. Should I therefore avoid 28 mph ebikes? I’m 68 yrs. old and am also a bit concerned about crashing while going 28…I test rode a 28 mph model recently and it did seem a little hairy going that fast along side traffic on regular streets. Do folks regret gettiing a 20 mph model such as this model Lacuba after they’ve become accustomed to riding an ebike and then wishing they bought a faster model? I’ve enjoyed your reviews very much. Thank you for any comments.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHi William! I have only ever owned 20 mph ebikes myself and never felt like I was missing out. For me it’s important to blend in, avoid breaking any rules (since I’m kind of a public figure) and be an ambassador for the space. I still really enjoy riding my unpowered bicycle and feel like that can be fast! If you’re someone who loves speed, needs to get to your destination as fast as possible or want to gain respect from cars (some people feel like if they ride the same speed as cars they aren’t challenged as much) then speed pedelec might be the way to go. I think it makes the most sense for people who ride on the shoulders of streets… You can ride them slower btw, it’s not like it forces you to hit the top speed. I just tend to get Class 1 ebikes since they are more plentiful and I ride on bike paths and occasional mountain trails. Hope this helps!
ReplyWilliam Hamilton
8 years agoThank you for your remarks. Keep up the good work.
Albin Larsson
8 years agoHi Court, great review as always. I really enjoy your reviews on ebikes, you’ve helped me a lot learning about them and I’m gonna buy my first ebike this summer, it’s looking like it might be this one! I just have one question first. How are the gears on this bike when pedalling without electric assistance? Maybe you could give a comparison to another ebike and a regular bike? I don’t have a place where I can try this model out and I’m probably gonna be biking a bit without electric assistance as well so I’d like it to be at least decent. Thanks in advance! /Albin
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHi Albin, the eight-speed internally geared hub doesn’t shift as fast and hard as many traditional derailleur sprocket combinations but it won’t mash, come out of tune or get as dirty either. At ~56 lbs, this isn’t one of the lighter ebikes but it’s also not bad considering you get fenderd, rack and a suspension fork… if you added those options to another ebike it would probably weigh similar if it had similar specs. I really like the Lacuba EVO E8 and appreciate belt drive systems in general. The belt doesn’t bounce around or come off as easily and you with that eight speed, you can definitely pedal the bike unpowered just fine, the tires are efficient and the fork locks out if it is bobbing up and down and you want to conserve as much pedal efficiency as possible. I hope this helps to answer your question, I realize test riding before buying would be ideal but this is a high quality product. If it fits your budget and delivers the features you want then I think you’ll be happy with it. The Brose drive system is awesome and I like how clean the battery integration is here.
ReplyJohnny Fixit
7 years agoHi Court,
This is my leading choice. I am intending to do long distance touring. My current bike is what you call a mid-step frame. With the mid-step, on days where I am on and off the bike a lot, I sometimes get hip pain. Do you think the wave model has too much flex for a long distance tourer? (Rider + Gear = 250lbs+)
Also in comparison to the Bulls Cross E with the Bosch system, would you still rank this as a good value? Do you think there’s enough to justify the additional cost of the Lacuba Evo 8 for a tourer?
Thanks.
ReplyJohnny
Court Rye
7 years agoHi Johnny, I think both could work well and although there’s sure to be a bit of frame flex, it’s not a deal killer at all. They are designed with balanced battery positions (even the rear rack battery on the Cross E). The battery capacity on the Lacuba EVO E8 is greater and I think Bulls is smoother and maybe more efficient thank Bosch in this case? If you go for the Cross E, I’d probably recommend getting a second battery pack. Depending on how far you plan on going, definitely bring your charger with and both have faster chargers (Bosch 4 Amp and Brose 5 Amp here). I think your interest in the Lacuba Evo E8 is spot on and would probably be my first choice given what you shared. I’d love to hear back about your real-world experience if you go this direction!
ReplyAlberto Orchansky
7 years agoI bought an LACUBA EVO E8 WAVE on May 31, 2017. The choice of this model was due to my physical conditions. A few years ago I had an accident suffering serious injuries in my neck. As a consequence, my neck is fused, limiting my head movement. I have been an active bicycle rider, both mountain, and road- all my life, but since the accident, I was not able to get back to riding anyone.
Discovering electric bicycles changed all of this, I was introduced to the EVO E8 and found that its riding position was just perfect for me, absolutely comfortable and the pedal-assisted feature made possible for me to get back safely to the road.
Unfortunately, and just within a couple of days, I had an unsettling experience. While ‘testing’ the bike downhill on a paved road, reaching about 40 k/h (not pedaling) the bike started to wobble. Only thanks to the experience I have riding bicycles, I was able to stop it safely.
I contacted the store, having decided to return the bike. They were very surprised about the issue but, without hesitation, was ready to take the bike back.
Overnight I thought about it, about how much the bike was going to give me back to my life, that I decided to keep it with the condition I set to myself to never get to 40 km/h again.
However, the problem subsisted at different speeds, 30, 25, 20 km/k and so. I kept trying to figure out what may be out of line to induce such a behavior. I have the bike checked in a bike shop without finding anything abnormal. All they did was to adjust the suspension fork pressure for my weight, 200 lbs. Finally, today August 15, 2017, with the odometer at 179 km, I was able to induce and reproduce the problem again which was frustrating.
Riding the bike on a paved road with enough grade to force the bike to increase its speed, WITHOUT PEDALING, once reaching about 15 km/h start jiggling the handlebar left-right right-left quite fast. The movement will induce a wobble on the front end that will rapidly be transferred, amplified to the back, reaching its maximum where most of the weight is concentrated. I tend to think the weight and location of the battery are crucial components in this wave resonance / dynamic amplification problem.
The meaning of this is that just a pebble, pothole or any irregularity on the road may lead to a ‘handlebar jiggle’, inducing the wobbling effect. That’s exactly why it happens to me so many times and at different speeds. I understand the problem is magnified due to the typical riding position of an urban type bike, where there is limited rider’s weight on the handlebars.
Another situation associated with the weight on the handlebars is when making a traffic signal: a single hand on the handlebar and very little control upon the jiggling/wobbling effect with the other hand.
To summarize, I do not believe there is nothing technically wrong or defective with my particular bicycle. However, I strongly believe there is a conceptual flaw in the design of this particular model, making it unsafe to ride it to the point that it should be discontinued and a recall issued.
Sincerely,
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoThanks for sharing your thoughts, the steps you took, and how you were able to recreate speed wobble on the BULLS Lacuba EVO E8. I have experienced this phenomenon, or something similar to it, on many ebikes that have rear-rack batteries such as the MOAR eBikes 24/7 prototype. It can indeed be uncomfortable and perhaps even unsafe depending on how you ride. I think it has to do in part with the bike setup but also the rider weight distribution. The Lacuba EVO E8 offers lots of adjustability at the stem and seat-tube… plus, it comes in three styles (high-step, mid-step, and wave). There are probably specific size/style/geometry setups that are more susceptible to speed wobble and perhaps the bars can be sensitive with those setups and at certain speeds due to resonance, but the demo bike felt decent to me. I’m not sure this warrants a recall but I would advise you and anyone who rides the bike (or any bike) to really get to know how it handles and ride safety with protective gear. By the way, speed wobble can also happen on skateboards with looser trucks (especially at speed), I think that tightening your suspension probably helped… I’d be interested in the frame size, style, and your weight to help others who might be considering this bike.
ReplyAlberto Orchansky
7 years agoThanks for your comments. I am very happy I got involved in this forum. I wish the circumstances would’ve’ been having a different tone. The Lacuba I have is the Wave model. This model has the lowest ‘step-through’ of any model. Due to my physical limitations, I cannot ‘mount’ a bike, a horse, donkey, motorcycle, or anything that requires ‘mounting’.
Buying this bike/model was a long process since I wanted to actually try it and compare with other brands/models. What I mean by ‘to try it’ is actually to ride it for a couple of hours or so, to get a true feeling of it. This was not done in a ‘city kind of environment around the block from the store’, but a place with hills, rolling roads and so. I fel in love with its comfort. It was exactly the kind of design for me: I can ride it like you ride an ‘urban bike’, perfectly sit with my spine perpendicular to the ground. With such a configuration, naturally, there is very little weight/force on the handlebars. I didn’t need to modify and/or adjust the bike for some awkward position. I am riding it the way it is supposed to be ridden.
I am 5’7″. Yes, I recognize, I could be lighter but it’s within the specs of the bike. I didn’t mention this before but just minutes after my first ‘wobble encounter’, I took the bike to a highly recognized bike shop. I live in a very particular place, on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada. Mountain biking is VERY sophisticated here all year, and those guys work only with mountain bikes. The first thing they saw was my terrified face, the only one I could’ve to have after being so close to smashing 260 lbs at 30 miles/h against a boulder or a tree (no difference). Then they looked at my bike and both mechanics said: no wonders you didn’t get killed already with that *sh&%@y* fork. Well…, I became quite disappointed. Having paid a fortune for this bike I thought the components were equivalent -kind of- to having a Porsche class bike. True, just a Bosxter, but a Porsche nevertheless. Then I started to look at all the other components and, frankly, they are quite low-level. So what did I pay for? a battery? technology? Wobbling excitement?
Cheers,
Alberto
James Sagerser
7 years agoHi Court, Thanks for the excellent review as always. My wife and I are proud owners of a High-Step (58 cm) and a Wave (50 cm) as of 10 days ago. They are really fantastic bikes. I am 68 years old, 6’2″, and 203 lbs and the wife is 67, 5’6″ and 180 lbs (shhh). We’ve ridden them with lots of assist since we like to cover more trails and enjoy peddling but don’t want to effort up the numerous hills in the Denver area.
On flat ground with slight inclines here and there, we found level 2 and gear 6 makes it feel like we on a slight down grade all the time. Up the steepest hills, we use level 4 (now has “0” and 4 levels of assist) and 3rd or 4th gear so we don’t effort at all. Really, really fun!! I know it’s not healthy to fully drain even a Lithium-ion battery but I wanted to use mine until it quit to see what kind of mileage we would get given our moderate assist riding averaging 8-10 mph. At 47.5 miles, the final bar of battery charge started flashing and at 48.5 miles the assist quit. That was quite impressive considering about 10% of the driving was on a gravel/dirt canal trail.
We added a basket on the back of my bike so we could take our 15 lb mutt. He enjoys it as much as we do. Just a note; I rode my wife’s “Wave” model bike trying to induce the wobble mentioned above and could not replicate it. I personally don’t see an issue. It worked flawlessly. We’ve change the seats out for 2, more age appropriate, softer and wider seats plus have ordered 2 Thudbuster suspension seat posts (short travel). They will be here in a few days.
Here’s what we like best about our new bikes:
Safe biking! Jim
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoWow, what a fantastic overview James! You included all of the relevant details about body weight, model type and size, and even your age. This is incredibly helpful and useful. I grew up in Colorado and can just imagine you and your wife out there having a blast together in the beautiful mountains and sunshine. Thank you so much for this feedback and the list of things you appreciate about the Lacuba EVO E8, it means a lot to me and other readers I’m sure :)
ReplyTom Pynenberg
7 years agoI bought the diamond frame 53cm Lacuba evo 8 two weeks ago and have ridden 75 miles so far. The things i love are the battery range, assist levels, very clean machine, quiet, and might i add good looking. I am 66 years old and weigh 250#. This is the 5th ebike I’ve owned. The first one i bought a kit and transformed my tadpole trike. Then a cargo bike that just did not work out. After that 2 easy motion bikes that were really nice. (neo cross and evo city) I wanted this bike for the range because I was tired of recharging the battery every other day as I use the bike like a car.
Had the bike up to 32mph with no vibration problem. The only complaint so far is that little battery release knob that traps my pant leg and requires me to roll up my cuff prior to a ride. I also switched out the seat for a firmer smaller seat. Oh, I forgot to mention the lights and control system. They are great.
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoHi Tom, thanks for the wonderful update on your Lacuba EVO E8! You sound like quite the ebike fan, very experienced and full of good information. That point about snagging your pants on the battery release lever is a good one. I have experienced similar things with quick release levers and bottle cage adapters… it’s frustrating. I feel that the battery interface from Bulls for the Brose battery design could be improved, like the charging port cover rubber thing, it just doesn’t seat as well as some other designs from competing companies. Anyway, I’m glad you like the bike, thank you for sharing your range and including your age and weight, I’m sure it will help others who are also considering the bike :D
ReplyLou
7 years agoHaving a very tough time choosing between the EVO E8 and the Cross Lite E. I ride in Chicago, usually along the lake front path, 10 miles to work each day. Some days, the wind is a bit much, but the ride is almost entirely flat. I’d guess either the Cross Lite or the EVO will get the job done, but do you have a preference for either? The belt drive associate with Brose sounds like it might be a better option for inclement weather, and salty streets during wintertime, but I can’t really tell from the photos which cycle will be easier to keep clean and maintain. Any advice?
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoHi Lou! The Cross Lite E is going to be sportier, the body geometry and even the saddle are setup to make your body slightly more aerodynamic vs. upright. I love the Bosch drive system and especially appreciate how well the battery and motor are integrated on the Cross Lite E but the battery capacity is smaller, the motor is going to be louder and zippier feeling, and you won’t be able to angle that stem up if you want to. One consideration is the 7 lb weight difference, if you need to lift it, the Lacuba is heavier and does not have two quick release wheels. I would buy the Cross Lite E for myself, I don’t care that much about belt drives… but you make a great point that it will be quieter, require less maintenance, and probably fare well in cold wet environments. I think both models could work for you but I’d probably choose based on body position and availability of the right size. I hope this helps you out!
ReplyLou
7 years agoThanks Court, this is very helpful!
M AFREN
7 years agoHi Court. I was told by a very reliable source who is in the know that there’s something seriously wrong with the belt on this model. Something about incorrect length which causes the belt to snap well before it’s meant to do so. The manufacturer is apparently addressing the issue with their 2018 model of this bike. Furthermore, the position of the battery lock/key for the 2018 Bulls ebikes have been moved so no danger of them sheering off by accident.
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoThanks for the update! I’m glad they are making the necessary adjustments to improve the lock/key setup and while I didn’t experience the belt orientation issue you describe, I appreciate the insight and hope it’s not impacting too many riders :/
Reply