Bold Unplugged Ultimate – In our big 2024 enduro comparison test

Bold were the first manufacturer to enclose the shock inside the frame of a full-suspension bike. Now the Swiss boutique brand put its many years of experience into a potent enduro bruiser. The Bold Unplugged generates 170/160 mm of travel and promises to crank up the heat on the trail. But how did our two-wheeled Houdini fare against the competition?

Although the enclosed shock design is mostly associated with SCOTT, Swiss bike manufacturer Bold was the first to come up with this concept, launching the first bike with a fully integrated shock five years ago. With their latest creation, the Unplugged, Bold have launched a thoroughbred enduro bruiser, which relies on the same enclosed shock design. The twin-link suspension generates 160 mm of travel, paired with a 170 mm fork. The bar-mounted TracLoc lever, which is the same as you’ll find on the SCOTT Ransom, allows you to lock out the shock in three stages. Despite the mind-boggling level of integration, the Bold Unplugged weighs 400 g less than the average in this test, tipping the scales at 15.5 kg. At € 8,999, however, it’s significantly more expensive than the average in this test, though the price has dropped € 2,000 since the bike was first launched – how convenient!

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best enduro bike 2024 – 14 of the most exciting enduro bikes in our 2024 comparison test

The Bold Unplugged Ultimate in detail

The Bold Unplugged sports a super-clean, organic frame silhouette, which is partly due to the hidden shock design. However, there’s still enough room in the frame to accommodate a storage compartment, which can be easily accessed by removing the down tube protector at the push of a button. While the closing mechanism fits in incredibly well with the bike’s minimalist look, it’s constantly exposed to the elements, meaning that it might stop working properly if you ride in muddy conditions – and your hands get pretty dirty too! The storage compartment comes standard with Bold’s Save-the-Day Kit, which includes a multi-tool, spare inner tube and a mini pump.

Swiss boutique manufacturer Bold is a true pioneer of integration. No wonder it has an elegant frame with some great details.

Additionally, there’s a mini tool hidden inside the rear thru axle, which includes a T25, T30 and 6mm Allen, all in one key. The cables are routed internally, and disappear neatly into the frame through the Acros headset. Although the TracLoc system results in a rather crowded cockpit, the cables don’t rattle, ensuring a quiet ride on the trail. The chainstay protector prevents paint chips and chain slap, and is seamlessly integrated into the frame. A nice detail is the stylish chain guide, which comes standard with the Unplugged.

The spec of the Bold Unplugged Ultimate

The Bold Unplugged Ultimate is the only bike in this test to feature an Öhlins RXF38 M.2 fork: The air spring employs three chambers: a self-equalising positive and negative, and a third ramp-up chamber, which impacts the progressiveness of the fork. While the system is slightly more complex, requiring more time to set up, the ramp-up chamber allows you to fine-tune the final progression of the fork, without the need for volume spacers. The fork is paired with a FOX FLOAT X Nude shock, which was developed specifically for Bold and SCOTT, in such a way that the dials and air valve are easily accessible through the service port. A small magnetic sag marker on the non-drive side of the bottom bracket tells you how much travel you’re using, and how much you have left in reserve. While the system works well, it’s not the most reliable out there as soon as there are splashes of dirt on the frame.

The TracLoc remote lets you switch between three modes: Climb, Ramp Control and Descend. Climb mode closes off the compression damping, preventing the rear suspension from swallowing up the rider’s energy. Ramp Control mode, on the other hand, shuts off one of the two air chambers, reducing the shock’s air volume and thus increasing progression. According to Bold Cycles, this allows you to pump through flat trail sections and generate speed as if you were riding a pump track. Descend mode is for the descents and corresponds to a conventional shock’s open setting.

SCOTT’s in-house component brand Syncros supplies the 200 mm Duncan 1.5 dropper post and 780 mm, one-piece cockpit, which is a pretty good fit for a bike in size L but doesn’t allow for fine tuning, except for the handlebar width. The Syncros Revelstoke 1.5 alloy wheelset had thrown in the towel by the end of this test, with several nasty dents rendering it useless in a very short time. This happened despite the robust Doubledown casing of the MAXXIS DISSECTOR MaxxGrip rear tire on our test bike. At the front, our bike featured a MAXXIS ASSEGAI in the harder MaxxTerra rubber compound and EXO+ casing. As standard, the bike comes with MAXXIS Minion DHF tires front and rear, both in the thinner EXO+ casing and harder MaxxTerra rubber compound. We recommend upgrading to a front tire with the softer MaxxGrip compound for more traction, and switching to the more robust Doubledown casing at the rear to protect the soft rims. Another deviation from the spec sheet: Shimano XTR brakes with 200 mm rotors front and rear do stopping duties for our test model. However, Bold usually supply the Unplugged with a smaller 180 mm rotor at the rear, which we recommend upgrading to a bigger 200 mm disc straight away for more braking power and better modulation, especially on long descents. The spec is rounded off with a SRAM X01 Eagle AXS drivetrain, which uses a traditional derailleur hanger interface, unlike SRAM’s new Transmission drivetrains found on a number of the other bikes in this test.

Tuning tips: Upgrade to a 200 mm rotor at the rear (see our test bike) | More robust rear tire with tough Doubledown casing (see our test bike) | Tire with softer MaxxGrip rubber compound at the front

The geometry of the Bold Unplugged Ultimate

The Unplugged is available in four sizes, S to XL. Frame sizes S and M roll out of the factory on a mullet wheel setup, while sizes L and XL come standard with two 29” wheels – though all frame sizes are compatible with both configurations. At 490 mm in size L, our test bike has the second longest reach in the entire test field, right after the Norco. Unlike many of the manufacturers in this test, who adapt the chainstay length to the respective frame size for consistent handling across all sizes, Bold use 437 mm chainstays across the board. However, Bold do let you tweak the geometry of the bike: up front, there’s an Acros rotating headset, which allows you to change the head angle by +/- 1°, while a flip chip on the seat stay drops the bottom bracket by 5 mm, both to fine-tune the geometry, and to switch between a 27.5″ or a 29″ rear wheel. We mainly rode the Bold in the low setting.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Reach	423 mm	458 mm	488 mm	518 mm
Stack	617 mm	631 mm	644 mm	657 mm
Chainstay Length	438 mm	438 mm	438 mm	438 mm
BB Height	340 mm	340 mm	340 mm	340 mm
Seat Tube	217 mm	240 mm	275 mm	320 mm
Head Angle	63.2°	63.2°	63.2°	63.2°
Seat Angle	78.5°	77.7°	77.7°	77.7°
Horizontal Top Tube	558 mm	595 mm	628 mm	661 mm
Head Tube	90 mm	105 mm	120 mm	135 mm
Wheelbase	1205 mm	1246 mm	1283 mm	1320 mm

The Bold Unplugged Ultimate on the trail

When making your way to the trailhead, the Bold Unplugged places you in a comfortable pedalling position, without putting too much pressure on your hands. Despite that, the front wheel always remains planted on the ground, generating plenty of traction even when climbing steep slopes. The TracLoc system plays a big role in this, making the Bold one of the top climbers in this test. The rear suspension bobs only marginally, even in the Descend setting, but sits higher in its travel in Climb and Ramp Control, which ensure more efficient climbing performance than the Descend mode. We mainly used the Ramp Control mode on climbs, because it strikes an optimal compromise between efficiency and traction. Climb mode, on the other hand, generates less traction and feels rather uncomfortable on gravel – it only really makes sense when used on long, monotonous tarmac climbs.

Riding trails with the Bold Unplugged is like sitting on a wild bull, and requires a vigilant riding style.

When gravity calls you back down into the valley, the Bold Unplugged integrates you nicely between its wheels, distributing your weight evenly between the front and rear. When you lean it into the first berm, the Bold responds with nimble yet super stiff handling, which is brutally direct and not at all forgiving of mistakes. On top of that, the progressive suspension lacks traction, further adding to the bike’s twitchy character. While on one hand, this allows you to generate speed on flowing trails with rollers and berms, on the other, you don’t really get to enjoy the resulting white-knuckle ride. When the going gets rough, the Bold makes it hard to hold your line and punishes you right away if you get distracted. If you choose your line carefully and manage to hold it, the Unplugged is incredibly fast, though it requires an experienced rider and plenty of strength. In addition, the direct handling leads to arm pump far more quickly than with any other bike in this test.

Who should take a closer look at the Bold Unplugged Ultimate?

With its super-direct, stiff handling, the Bold Unplugged appeals to racers who can handle the unfiltered feedback from the ground. If you have the skills and strength to control it, the Bold is brutally fast, but if that’s not the case, you might want to look elsewhere. If you want a stylish, elegant bike with a high level of integration, and you’re not too fussed about trail performance, the Bold Unplugged also looks great next to your designer furniture.

CHARACTERISTICS

UPHILL

1. sluggish
11. efficient

AGILITY

1. cumbersome
11. playful

STABILITY

1. nervous
11. confident

HANDLING

1. demanding
11. balanced

SUSPENSION

1. harsh
11. plush

FUN FACTOR

1. planted
11. poppy

VALUE FOR MONEY

1. terrible
11. very good

INTENDED USE

Cross Country

Trail

Enduro

Downhill

Our conclusions about the Bold Unplugged Ultimate

As true pioneers of integration, Bold have been hiding shocks and cables for a few years. So it comes as no surprise that the Unplugged Ultimate has a stylish frame and a few elegant details. In combination with the TracLoc system, it’s one of the best climbers in the entire test field. On the trail, it’s nimble but also extremely stiff, which makes it suitable only for riders who have the skills and strength to keep it under control.

Tops

• Agile character
• High level of integration
• Adjustable geometry

Flops

• Very demanding
• Suspension lacks traction
• Inconsistent spec

For more info, visit Bold’s website.

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The test field

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best enduro bike 2024 – 14 of the most exciting enduro bikes in our 2024 comparison test

All bikes in test: Bold Unplugged Ultimate (Click for review) | Canyon Strive CFR LTD (Click for review) | GIANT Reign Advanced 1 V2 (Click for review) | Ibis HD6 GX AXS (Click for review) | Norco Sight C1 (Click for review) | Orbea WILD M-LTD (Click for review) | Propain Tyee 6 CF MIX (Click for review) | RAAW Madonna V3 (Click for review) | Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 (Click for review) | Santa Cruz Megatower GX AXS RSV (Click for review) | SCOTT Ransom 900 RC (Click for review) | Trek Slash 9.8 XT (Click for review) | Yeti SB160 T3 (Click for review) | YT CAPRA CORE 4 (Click for review)

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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker Translation: Eric Frajria