FLYER UPROC7 test with Panasonic motorization

Flyer is a Swiss company among the first in the world (if not the first) to produce electric bikes as far back as 1995. Historically, it has always been very strong in the Touring and Urban segment and all this experience has allowed it to launch into the world of more technical mountain bikes. Let's get to know Flyer's enduro model, namely the Uproc7.

Video featured in episode # 17 of PULITI dentro BIKER fuori: http://365mountainbike.it/puliti-dentro-biker-fuori/17-motore-panasonic-gx-ultimate-come-si-comporta-2-battute-con-s8/

27,5 ”format, 160mm front and rear travel, with aggressive geometries. Before entering the technical characteristics of the vehicle, we wanted to show you the excellent Flyer guarantee on its products, one of the strong points of the Swiss brand: in fact we find 10 years on the frame, 3 years on the engine, display, battery charger for the MTB line (1 year of extension compared to the standard). While, just for info, there are 5 years on the City and Touring sector, Flyer uses both Bosch and Panasonic motors (on the Uproc7 model we find only Panasonic motorization) and the batteries have the canonical 2-year warranty. For further information, please refer to Tribe Distribution, Flyer's contact person for Italy.

FEATURES

I would focus on the engine used, the Panasonic GX Ultimate, which is not often seen mounted but which pleasantly surprised us. The declared power is well 90 Nm of power (one of the highest in the category) with a weight (low but not record) of 2,95 kg. The Q factor is very compact and this makes us take on a very profitable pedaling gesture. The value is 166mm. There are four assistance modes: Eco, Standard, Auto and High.

Auto mode is, as the name implies, automatic, that is, it varies the power from Eco to Standard and can be “positioned” as first assistance (therefore Auto, Eco, Standard and High) or between Standard and High, or how I used it in the test and found it more comfortable. It should be noted that FLYER offers this mode on its e-bikes since 2016.

VERSIONS AND COMPONENTS

The Uproc7, therefore an Enduro model, we find it in 2 assemblies: 6.50 and 8.70. The 6.50 in test is offered at 4600 € (complete assembly on the last page of the test) while the 8.70 is 5.599 € with 160mm Rockshox Lyric Select + fork, RockShox Super Deluxe Select + RT shock absorber. Shimano XT brakes and gearbox (12v). Both mounted with Panasonix GX Ultimate motor with 630wh Flyer battery.

GEOMETRY

In tests we have the size M which proves to be very compact at the seat level due to the very vertical seat angle (75 °). The head angle is 65 ° while the reach is quite in line with the size (430mm). Then we will go into this topic further in the test.

The rear stay is 450mm, a very compact value in the e-bike field which also keeps the wheelbase contained (1200 mm). Lo stack is 614mm.

THE RESPONSE OF THE TEST

The Uproc7, as soon as you get on it, is very compact: it gives the feeling of having one size less and, in my case, which are always between M and L, the M is restricted. This, however, is given a lot by the fact that the seat tube is very vertical since then, as we will see, in the descent it seems to regain the lost size (the reach has a compact but not extreme value of 430mm). Remember that reach is the value that reflects the measurement when we are standing on the saddle.

An advantage of the Flyer are the changes in the race via the display, including the customization of the power level of the assistance. In fact, you don't need apps or anything else, but in a few clicks you can change everything: management of the display brightness (also available in the very convenient Auto mode), changing the wheel diameter, knowing if it's time for a service to the drive unit, oil change ... no this no, but the customizations / info are many and are part of the FIT (FLYER Intelligent Technology) which makes the various components of the ebike communicate with each other.

The Panasonic engine has amazed: it is an excellent engine and has nothing to envy to the most popular systems, with truly brilliant solutions (see the customizations via the display). The delivery of the engine is good and the power is not lacking: the Auto function is very appreciated, the assistance that we perhaps appreciated the most, since it makes driving very fun and "natural" (natural in quotation marks since we are talking about a -bike).

The Panasonic GX is ready to start and with little response delay, allowing you to easily climb technical climbs. The only note is that when you stop pedaling, there is often a small delay in the response on the pedals. It is a "problem" that many engines have and Panasonic is average. Appreciated the 10-51 at the rear in 12v, which allows you to maintain a nice agility and preserve the engine in particular situations. Particular mention to the tires, of the performing Schwalbe Magic Mary Addix Soft who, in soft compound, they are really tanks. Excellent la Walk mode that pushes a lot even with relationships that are not really adequate.

Downhill the Uproc7 is very fun and stable: although in the saddle it seems short, then downhill it is fun and safe. Accomplice, as mentioned, a very vertical saddle angle that accentuates this situation of being short when sitting on the saddle but, as soon as you get up on the pedals, you find a more appropriate measure and the open steering angle (65 °) gives stability to the together. On the broken-down it gives its best, thanks to functional geometries and a granite structure that does not break down: the Uproc7 gives a lot of safety and is very enjoyable. A bike of substance that, as long as you are with the wheels on the ground, is really very performing. Like any e-bike, it suffers a little in changing directions and in those maneuvers where a little less weight would be required. On the raises the shock absorbing system is very sustained and, if we close the shock absorber, it allows us to pedal it really well without annoying oscillatory movements.

The Magura MT Trail are excellent: the 4-piston front has an abnormal power, to be afraid it has to brake hard in parking, while the 2-piston rear does its job (the 4-piston rear, given the behavior of the front, would have been too much and always nailed around the corner).

The verdict
stable and functional e-MTB

The verdict is naturally positive given the concreteness of the Flyer Uproc7 6,50: an eMTB with cutting-edge solutions and choices. Everything is in its place: fewer choices dictated by aesthetics / marketing but everything revolves around performance and efficiency. Don't be afraid of the Panasonic, on the contrary: a powerful engine, well manageable and customizable. If you are between the 2 sizes, opt for the larger and then prepare your body for the desire for sport as the Uproc7 will make you want to go out every single day!