Anniversary premiere: Machete RX is the first race gravel bike from Bulls

The Machete RX is set to mark a turning point in the product strategy of ZEG's own brand. While the Cologne-based company has so far focussed on models suitable for everyday use and adventure, the portfolio is being expanded for the first time to include a gravel bike for racing. The race version was developed to mark two anniversaries: Ten years ago, Bulls presented the Grinder, the first off-road bike with curved handlebars, and 60 years ago the foundation stone was laid for the Zweirad-Einkaufs-Genossenschaft (ZEG).

Bulls Machete RX 1: The most important facts

• Weight of complete wheel: 9.8 kilos (size M)
• Frame/fork weight: not specified
• Stack/Reach/STR: 570/397 millimetres/1.44 (size M)
• Max. tyre clearance: 50 millimetres
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Price: 1999 Euro

Bulls is celebrating its double birthday with a (basic) model for the time being: the Machete RX1. The carbon frameset has a more minimalist look than the chassis of the new Grinder 3. Accordingly, the number of mounting points for luggage has been reduced, and the new model also dispenses with threaded eyelets for mudguards and a cable duct for a hub dynamo. The house brand of the specialised trade purchasing association wants to save weight in this way. The individual weights for the frame and fork are not known, but Bulls states a complete bike weight of 9.8 kilograms for the basic model in frame size M with simple components.

The geometry of the Machete RX is also based on comparable race models. Compared to the previous Machete, the anniversary bike is characterised by a longer reach (actual frame length) and shorter stack (actual frame height). This puts the rider in a relatively stretched riding position. For frame size M, this results in an STR ratio of 1.44. A long wheelbase (1030 millimetres) and relatively flat steering angle (72 degrees) indicate good-natured handling with solid straight-line stability.

The factory-fitted 45 millimetre tubeless tyres from Schwalbe are designed to provide the necessary suspension comfort. Optionally, the Machete RX can be set up even more comfortably with tyres of up to 50 millimetres. The frame of the basic model features a standard 27.2 mm aluminium seat post. The handlebars with wide flared ends (20 degree flare) are also made from this durable material. According to Bulls, the innovation has already had its racing premiere: three-time MTB world champion Alban Lakata has already tested the platform in the Gravel World Series of the UCI cycling organisation.

Bulls Machete RX: Equipment and prices

The Machete RX will be available in three versions in the future. The RX1 was launched at the end of November with a mechanical Shimano 1x12 GRX and simple aluminium wheels - at an anniversary price of € 1999, according to Bulls. The model series will be expanded at the beginning of this year to include two further variants with electronic 1x13 gears from SRAM. The RX2 (€3999) will change gears with the Rival XPLR AXS, while the RX3 (€4999) will be fitted with the Force XPLR AXS. Bulls is also giving the top model a carbon wheelset from Mavic. The Cologne-based company has not yet provided more detailed specifications on the weights, components or gear ratios of the two latecomers.