Optically, it is very reminiscent of its predecessor, but they don't have much in common in terms of detail. For example, there is the new GX Ultimate motor from Panasonic, with an increased battery capacity of 750 watt hours and a whopping 95 Newton meters of support. The suspension travel has "shrunk" to 150 millimetres, but the wheelbase has grown. The Mullet design has remained the same.

The battery is no longer "supplied" in the frame, it is now virtually part of the frame. The down tube is c-shaped and the battery is permanently attached to the cover. A 6-millimetre Allen key is integrated into the rear wheel axle, which can be used to remove the battery for external charging with just a few turns.

The bike tested is a pre-series model. The frame corresponds to the series, as do most of the installed parts. Only individual parts deviate from this, as they are not yet available - such as the wheels and tires. The cockpit is a temporary solution. End customer bikes are fitted with a carbon handlebar/stem combo. Part of this is a bracket that holds the display at the top and an optional headlight at the bottom. There will also be a stash tool holder in the head tube.

We asked Flyer what sets the Uproc X apart from other e-bikes:

1. geometry:
For this bike, we have balanced the geometry down to the finest detail. It was important to us that the bike is really fun on every trail and climbs very well on technical uphills in particular.

2nd Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro:
95 Nm power with automatic mode. Thanks to the "Panasonic GX Ultimate Pro Fit" drive with 95 Nm torque and 600 watts peak power, the Uproc X has plenty of thrust.

3. 750 Wh battery with smart mounting in the down tube:
The 750 Wh battery provides plenty of energy for long tours. The bolt-on battery mount guarantees a vibration-free fit for the fully integrated battery and allows it to be removed in just a few simple steps.

Statement by: Anja Knaus, PR and Media Relations, Flyer AG

Special features

• "Panasonic GX Ultimate" motor
• Fit system
• Rubber seal on telescopic support to keep out dirt
• Aluminum protectors on the rear triangle
• Massive motor protection in the bottom bracket area
• Monkey link mounts for headlights
• Battery removal without key
• Battery is part of the frame

On the flat

The reach of the Flyer is rather short, the top tube even very short. This results in an upright riding position and on the first ride you feel like you're sitting on a downhiller. As soon as you start pedaling, this is quickly forgotten. The Panasonic motor pushes you up to 25 km/h in no time at all. There's no need for a sporty riding position. Well, the stem could be a tad longer. Although this gives the bike incredible maneuverability, despite the rather long wheelbase. The Uproc is a blast around tight corners and excels on flowing trails. If you try to pedal beyond the limit of maximum support, things get tough and the high total weight suddenly becomes noticeable.

Up the mountain

On gravel roads, the bike climbs like no other. This is where the Panasonic GX Ultimate demonstrates what its name means. If you give it steam until your heart rate almost collapses, it always thunders uphill at 25 km/h. Other motors are usually two to three kilometers per hour slower. At this speed, however, you need a little pressure on the front wheel to prevent it from oversteering. When you switch from the forest road to challenging singletrack climbs, the powerful motor is extremely smooth. It never pushes unnecessarily and skillfully reduces the revs when the ground is loose or there is little pressure on the rear: pure traction. Despite the mullet wheels and very soft suspension, the front wheel never rises towards you. This is partly thanks to the long chainstays.

Downhill

On the downhill, you have to be careful not to "blow a fuse". After the first bend, you get overconfident: Wow, that was fast, and it becomes clear that the bike can do something. Hard braking maneuvers? No problem. Approach the bend at full throttle, drop the anchor and be amazed at how firmly the bike lies on the ground. Apply the brakes, push the bike into the bend and head for the next one at high speed. The adrenaline shoots to maximum production. Is that really a 25 kilo e-bike? The yes comes with the first jump: the rear end has little pop and the weight slows down the airtime. Of course, if you tune the suspension more firmly, you'll have fewer worries. But the classic setup with 30 percent sag almost makes the Flyer suck, that's how much it sticks to the ground. It is only really soft over two thirds of the stroke, then the shock has a high degree of progression. This bike shows how well a mullet setup works when it's designed correctly. As mentioned above, the bike handles tight and wide, long banked corners like no other. The agile handling means that you are always pushing your limits, because even at high speeds it is very stable for an all-mountain.

Conclusion

This bike has a lot "wrong" with it: it is long, yet agile and playful. It is heavy, but you only feel this when jumping. It has a mullet construction, but climbs better than some 29er bikes. The riding position is squat, but it doesn't get in the way. The motor has more power than most others, but it can still be very smooth. The handling is a guarantee for fun and adrenaline. However, the Uproc X also has its weaknesses. On descents, the bike rattles, but it was impossible to tell whether this is due to the motor or the frame. And if you really slam the bike into corners, you soon notice that the rear tire rubs against the frame and leaves slight marks.

Recommendation

For long days in the saddle, a slightly longer stem would provide a more ergonomic riding position. This would help if you select a support mode other than High and have to pedal harder yourself.

Specifications

Geometry

All data here: Link

Manufacturer

www.flyer-bikes.com

Test report published in issue no. 80 of Ride Magazine.