The Review | BH Lynx 6 Carbon 9.7 | ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

When BH Bikes hired Karim Amour as a team rider back in May this year (we reported,)the Spanish brand high-lit its interest in the Enduro sector. This was reason enough to check out the production version of Karim’s workhorse in closer detail, so we sourced a BH Lynx 6 Carbon 9.7 for an individual test. Read on to find out what we thought of the bike.

Das BH Lynx 6 Carbon 9.7 wiegt 13,05 kg (Größe M) und ist für 4.599 € erhältlich — The BH Lynx 6 Carbon 9.7 weighs 13,05 kg (size M) and costs € 4.599

The frame

BH Bikes offers the Lynx with 27.5” wheels in both aluminium and carbon versions. On our top model bike both the front and rear triangles were made of carbon fibre material. With an X12-rear axle, partly internally routed cables, press fit 92-bottom bracket, tapered head tube and Stealth seatpost the Lynx Carbon meets all current widely used standards. Whilst the aluminium version is offered in four sizes the carbon fibre frame is available in just small, medium and large.

Die markante Rahmenform prägt das Erscheinungsbild des BH Lynx Carbon — The striking frame form shapes the appearance of the BH Lynx Carbon

Die Verschiedenen Züge werden gesammelt am Rahmen zu ihrem Bestimmungsort geführt — The various cables are collected together on the frame and sent to their respective destinations

For the rear suspension system BH have used the Split Pivot concept developed by Dave Weagle. With this system a pivot point is concentric to the rear wheel axle. This aims to keep the suspension not just sensitive and neutral to drivetrain influence but also independent from braking; ensuring maximum traction in all situations.

The geometry

As already mentioned the BH Lynx 6 Carbon is only available in three sizes. We chose size medium for the test. The 426mm length chainstays are immediately noticeable, short for a bike with 27.5” wheels. Paired with a short reach of 413 mm (size M) and a moderate head angle of 67° the Lynx promises on paper to have extremely agile handling.

The specification

Looking at the data sheet we can already describe the spec of the Lynx 6 Carbon 9.7 as solid and reliable. High quality Shimano XT / SLX-shifting components have impressed us many times in the past; as have the DT Swiss Spline-wheels. In contrast to the production bike our test machine was fitted with the powerful Magura MT7-brakes, the standard spec is for the Magura MT4. Just the economical FOX Evolution-fork seem a little out of place given the high price of € 4.599.

Der hochwertige Shimano XT-Antrieb erledigt Gangwechsel schnell und präzise. Dank der 2x10 Übersetzung sind auch steile Anstiege kein Problem. — The high quality Shimano XT-drivetrain changed gears swiftly and precisely. Thanks to the 2×10 gear range even the steepest of climbs are no problem.

Das Shimano Schaltwerk mit Shadow Plus-Technology mindert spürbar das Schlagen der Kette und hält diese effektiv an Ort und Stelle — The Shimano rear derailleur with Shadow Plus-Technology noticeably minimizes chain slap and kept the chain firmly in the right place.

Auf den Remote-Hebel am Lenker zum Verhärten des Fahrwerks kann man unserer Meinung gerne verzichten — In our opinion; one can really live without the handlebar remote-lever to firm up the suspension.

Für den Preis von 4.599 € hätten wir uns eine hochwertigere Dämpfungskartusche in der Fox 34-Federgabel gewünscht. — For the price of € 4.599 we’d expect the higher-end damping cartridge in the Fox 34-Forks.

Anders als beim Serienbike sorgt bei unserem Testrad eine Magura MT7-Bremse für gute Verzögerungswerte — In contrast to the production bike our test machine was fitted with Magura MT7 brakes, which were great stoppers

Riding impressions – uphill

At my height of 180 cm the riding position on the BH Lynx 6 Carbon in size M can be described as central, compact and relaxed. After the first quick sprint at the start of the ride; the really neutral suspension impressed us. Nothing bobs and all of the rider’s invested energy is directly transformed into forward momentum. The bar mounted remote levers, which are incidentally difficult to reach remain mostly unused for the whole test. Even on the steepest climbs you can remain seated in the saddle without the front end rising. The Michelin Wild Grip’R-tyres might not have the lowest rolling resistance but as compensation they offer excellent grip especially on technical sections together with the fully active rear suspension.

Riding impressions – downhill

On the trail our theoretical expectations from the geometry table are confirmed and the BH Lynx 6 Carbon reveals itself as an exceptionally agile and playful bike. Thanks to the low bottom bracket the rider always feels integrated with the bike. Rapid steering impulses are converted with aplomb and tight trail sections easily mastered. Aboard the Lynx every trail rise or root tempts you to playing around on the bike. If the trail gets rougher, faster or steeper then the BH lacks confidence. Here the rider must stay alert and chose every line with care. Just holding on and letting the suspension do the rest only works aboard the Lynx to a degree, the reason being the short wheelbase and steeper head angle.

Enge Kurven meistert das BH Lynx mit Bravour! Hier punktet das Rad mit seinem kurzen Kettenstreben, dem 67° Lenkwinkel und dem daraus resultierenden kurzen Radstand. — Tight corners are mastered by the BH Lynx with aplomb! This is where the short chainstays, the 67° head angle and the corresponding short wheelbase score points

The suspension on the BH is more geared to comfort than hunting best times. The fork and rear shock are plush and offer full travel easily. This creates a comfortable ride where impacts are cleanly smoothed out but doesn’t give the rider much feedback. On harder impacts the linear rear end could do with more progression and in addition the rear suspension tends to dive easily on fast paced berms and after corner accelerations thus losing precious energy.

Review BH Lynx 6 Carbon 27,5 9.7 (16 von 17)

Conclusion:

The BH Lynx 6 Carbon impressed us with its exceptional epic ride performance.  With an efficient suspension system, solid spec and comfortable riding position it is perfect for long, adventurous rides, where the focus isn’t just on the fastest possible downhill times.

More info on BH bikes: bhbikes.com

Words & Pictures: Christoph Bayer

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The Review | BH Lynx 6 Carbon 9.7