Flyer expands its sweet spot. This could be the headline for the manufacturer’s first major new product launch in the 2024 calendar year. The Uproc X is very popular in the Swiss company’s mountain bike range. So why not give this favourite of the masses a few new facets and generate even more interest? That’s exactly what Flyer is trying to do by adding four additional bikes to the range. These differ significantly from the previous models.
Numerous manufacturers are paying particular attention to their e-mountain bikes in the all-mountain category, to which the Flyer Uproc X also belongs. These models are considered to be something like the greatest common denominator among full-suspension e-MTBs. The geometry and riding position have been chosen in such a way that many people will find them comfortable. Not too stretched out, but not too relaxed either. Ideally in such a way that sporty climbs can be just as much fun as challenging but not too demanding descents. Usually, the whole thing is paired with a suspension travel that settles somewhere between 135 millimetres and 160 millimetres.
1. Novelty number 1: the geometry
2. Novelty number 2: the e-drive
3. Novelty number 3: the colours
4. These features remain the same
5. Range of the new models
1. Novelty number 1: the geometry
As mentioned, the Uproc X is not a completely new model. Its previous versions have already won several awards, including the German Design & Innovation Award in 2022. Nevertheless, Flyer apparently wanted to tweak various details. No sooner said than done. One result of this is the reworked geometry of the frame. This was already quite balanced and enabled rapid progress both uphill and downhill. Both core disciplines of mountain biking have now been further sharpened. The slightly steeper seat angle improves efficiency when pedalling uphill. On the way back down, a steering angle that is one degree slacker provides additional safety.
Basically, the four new models should be even easier to control on the trails than was already the case before. With the bottom bracket sitting even lower in the frame, the centre of gravity drops further, which improves handling. The further lengthened wheelbase takes the same line. This gives the Uproc X a smoother ride, especially at high speeds.
2. Novelty number 2: the e-drive
The second decisive change concerns the ebike system. Until now, Flyer has relied on a Panasonic drive for the Uproc X. Its GX Ultimate motor impresses above all with its enormous torque of 95 Newton metres. There are also batteries with a capacity of up to 750 watt hours, which can be removed from the side of the down tube for charging. In combination with the FIT 2.0 system, which Flyer played a key role in developing, we end up talking about something like Flyer’s own in-house drive system.
Flyer proved that this is not the last word with the Uproc Evo: X presented last year. It features a drive unit from Bosch’s Smart System. The same step is now being taken with the Uproc X. The difference is that in future you will be able to choose between two drive manufacturers for a more or less identical e-mountain bike. The new models feature the Bosch Performance Line CX motor. This means a slightly lower torque compared to the Panasonic unit. Flyer supplies the motor with the four riding modes Eco, Sport, eMTB and Turbo. After upgrading the eBike Flow app to version 1.18, you can add some of the other support levels afterwards.
Riding on and on
In terms of range, the new and old models are on a par. Each of the new Uproc X models contains the large Bosch PowerTube with 750 watt hours. You can also remove it for charging. However, in this case by pulling the battery downwards out of the down tube. One advantage of the Bosch system is the option of extending the range with an additional battery. The corresponding models are approved for combination with the Bosch PowerMore 250, which increases the total capacity to an impressive 1,000 watt hours. Anyone who likes to extend their tours or wants to tackle a lot of metres in altitude will be particularly pleased with this extra.
Wild mix
Flyer’s choice of operating concept is admittedly slightly confusing. The Uproc X models with the Bosch system feature a Mini Remote, the System Controller integrated in the top tube and the Kiox 300 display. We don’t immediately realise what the big advantage of having so many access points to the system is. A combination of Mini Remote and Kiox 300, System Controller and Kiox 300 or even Mini Remote with System Controller would hardly have offered fewer options. Especially as these solutions would have resulted in a more favourable price. But maybe we’re missing something here. So, feel free to let us know in the comments what speaks in favour of Flyer’s strategy.
When deciding which Uproc X is right for you, the GPS tracker on the Bosch models could be important. The Bosch ConnectModule allows you to record your tours, including all kilometres travelled and metres in altitude. It is also linked to functions such as eBike Alarm, which you can use to track your ebike after it has been stolen and increase the chances of it being recovered.
3. Novelty number 3: the colours
Another striking feature of the presentation of the new products is the unusual colour scheme. With White Ceramic Gloss and Deep Purple Gloss, the range is limited to two colours. That in itself is quite common. The question of who Flyer wants to reach with the white and a dark purple colour is more exciting. It feels like this ebike segment is currently still very male-dominated. The manufacturer is not deterred by this and shows a certain courage. Many people still see white as a neutral colour. The purple colour really pops, but it wouldn’t put us off at all.
4. These features remain the same
Despite the changes mentioned above, the basic character of the Uproc X remains the same. This is partly due to the fact that a few features have remained the same. Flyer continues to offer the all-carbon frame in the four frame sizes S, M, L and XL. In terms of its concept, it is designed for the Mullet configuration with the 29-inch front wheel and the 27.5-inch rear wheel. Shocks and bumps are absorbed by the familiar 4-link suspension with a suspension travel of 150 millimetres.
In addition to these main cornerstones, there will also be some smaller, useful features in the future. For example, the magnetic MonkeyLink interface. Connected to the ebike system, it can be used as an adapter for lights and other accessories that are supplied with power directly via the ebike battery. Another practical helper is the multitool hidden under the ahead cap of the stem.
5. Range of the new models
As mentioned several times, Flyer is launching four model variants on the market. In terms of price, this ranges from 5,999 euros in three steps up to 7,999 euros. The usual suspects – suspension components, gears and brakes – are responsible for the price differences. For the top model, the Uproc X 8.30 SE, the manufacturer takes a slightly different approach. It dispenses with the Kiox 300 display in favour of the best suspension in the range.
Flyer Uproc X 2024 at a glance
- Variants: Uproc X 2.10, Uproc X 6.10, Uproc X 8.70, Uproc X 8.30 SE
- Frame: Carbon
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 750
- Display: Bosch Kiox 300
- Control units: Bosch System Controller, Bosch Mini Remote
- Suspension fork: Fox 36 Float Factory E-Optimised, Fox 36 Float Performance E-Optimised, Fox 36 Float Rhythm E-Optimised, SR Suntour Aion 36 Boost EQ 2CR-PCS
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT, Shimano Deore, Shimano Cues U6000
- Brakes: Shimano XT M8120, Shimano MT520, Shimano MT420
- Weight: approx. 26 kg
- Maximum permitted total weight: 140 kg
- Colours: Ceramic White Gloss, Deep Purple Gloss
Pictures: Flyer AG