It’s common knowledge that Switzerland is the very epitome of precision and the new Bold Cycles Linkin 135 2022 is proof that this isn’t just another dusty-old cliche. With its fully-enclosed shock and clever frame details, the second-generation of Bold’s trail weapon is packed with innovation. But great looks aside, how does the Linkin fare on the trail? We headed to Aosta to find out!
The fully-enclosed shock is Bold’s trademark and also the most striking feature of their latest Linkin model. According to the Swiss manufacturer, the peculiar frame design enables them to achieve the lowest possible center of gravity and optimal frame stiffness while improving rear suspension performance. Hidden inside the frame, the shock is well protected from dirt, water and impacts. With the new Linkin 2022, you can run either 135 mm or 150 mm travel at the rear, paired with 140/ 150 mm up front, respectively. However, the frame is approved for 160 mm forks, but for the time being none of the complete bikes is available with this option. Unfortunately, Bold don’t include the new Linkin range in their online configurator, offering the bike in four complete builds instead. Prices range from € 5,999 for the Linkin 135 Pro up to an eye-watering € 10,999 for the Linkin 150 Ultimate flagship model.
The Bold Cycles Linkin 2022 in detail
For 2022, the new Linkin was completely redesigned and engineered from the ground up. Amongst other things, Bold have changed the position of the rocker link, which is now positioned horizontally inside the down tube. The absolute highlight: by using two different rocker links, you can run either 135 mm or 150 mm rear travel using the same shock! However, only the frame set comes with both links as standard, which means that you’ll have to decide on one of the two travel options before ordering a complete bike.
The shock is accessible via a service flap on the extensive down tube, which can be removed easily without the need of tools. Once the flap is open, you can adjust the settings on the shock. A magnetic SAG indicator on the bottom tells you how much travel you’re using and how much reserves you’ve got left. The down tube protector not only hides the shock but also a multitool, which is securely attached to the frame and includes all common tools for quick trail-side repairs (3-5 Allen key, T25, T30, flat-head screwdriver and chain tool) as well as Bold’s “Save the Day” trail essential pouch, which can be removed from the frame by pulling on a fabric strap and has enough room for a pump, a spare tube, tire levers and a chain quick-link – everything you need to save the day ! :-) Additionally, the lever of the rear wheel axle hides a 6 mm Allen key and T25/ T30 keys. All accessories are delivered with the Linkin as standard.
On the handlebars of the Linkin, there’s a total of three remotes, one that controls the Syncros Duncan 1.5 dropper post and two more for Bold’s own-brand TracLoc system, which controls the special Fox Float Nude T shock. In addition to the open position, you can choose between traction and lockout mode. Unlike with other shocks, traction mode doesn’t just increase the level of compression damping but also reduces the (positive) air chamber. This reduces the amount of travel, allowing the shock to sit higher in its travel and thus ensuring a more efficient climbing behaviour and excellent traction. The fork, on the other hand, isn’t connected to the system and is always in open mode.
All cables run internally from the cockpit through the Acros headset, straight into the frame and all the way to the bottom bracket. The neat cable routing ensures a quiet ride and very tidy look, allowing the Swiss manufacturer to renounce cable ports altogether. Bold’s own-brand chain guide is integrated into the frame and doesn’t rely on an ISCG mount. While the proprietary system ensures a minimalist look, it precludes the use of third-party chain guides and doesn’t allow you to retrofit a bash guard.
Thanks to the low position of the shock and compact kinematics, there’s enough room in the main frame triangle for a big water bottle, even in frame size S. While the new linkage design helps save space, during our test it caused some problems, developing significant play, both horizontally and vertically. However, Bold have assured us that the they’ve solved the problem on the production bike.
All Bold Cycle Linkin 2022 models at a glance
The new Linkin range includes two versions for each travel option. The flagship Ultimate model comes equipped with an elegant one-piece Syncros Hixon IC carbon cockpit, which doesn’t allow you to change the length and rise of the stem. Moreover, both Ultimate models feature an electronic AXS drivetrain. The 150 mm version is specced with a full XX1 12-speed drivetrain, while the 135 mm version comes with a mixed drivetrain consisting of an X01 rear derailleur and GX shifter with matching cassette and chain. The more affordable ‘Pro’ models are equipped either with a full Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain and XT 4-piston brakes (Linkin 150 Pro) or SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain paired with Shimano SLX 4-piston brakes.
All complete bikes as well as the frame set are delivered with a Syncros Duncan dropper post (170 mm in sizes S and M, 200 mm in sizes L and XL), TracLoc suspension system and ‘Save the Day’ kit as standard. Unfortunately, Bold spec all their complete builds with a 200 mm rotor at the front and small 180 mm disc at the rear, which heats up quickly on long descents, resulting in an inconsistent bite point and painful arm pump. On top of that, all four spec variants rely on MAXXIS tires with puncture-prone EXO casing. To prevent pinch flats and irreversible damage to the rims, we recommend running higher tire pressures, which unfortunately come at the cost of grip and traction.
Our custom-built Bold Linkin 135 2022 test bike
Our test bike in size L is a custom build based on the Ultimate model and isn’t available for purchase. It’s specced with a 150 mm FOX 36 Factory (GRIP2) and XTR brakes, which are both standard specs of the Ultimate series.
Unfortunately, the wheel and tire combination on our test bike doesn’t do justice to the potential of the Linkin 135. Here Bold combined a lightweight Syncros Revelstoke 1.0 carbon wheelset with MAXXIS Dissector 2.6” tires with the puncture-prone EXO casing, both front and rear. If you don’t want to get two pinch flats and a broken rim on your first ride, which is exactly what happened to us, you should swap the stock tires for a sturdier model. We resumed our test session with a set of MAXXIS tires with robust DH casing, which allows for lower tire pressures and thus ensures better traction and support. Nevertheless, this setup is a little extreme for the Linkin’s range of applications. We recommend running MAXXIS’ DoubleDown casing, which offers the most sensible compromise between weight and puncture resistance for this type of bikes. Head over to our big tire test to read everything about the different types of casing and rubber compounds and find out what pros and cons each version has.
The geometry of the Bold Cycles Linkin 2022
The new 2022 Linkin is available in a total of four sizes, offering a suitable option for riders from 155 to 194 cm tall, with the values between individual sizes overlapping by a few centimeters. The short seat tube allows you to choose from at least two frame sizes based on your preferences and riding style. If you measure 177 cm, for example, you could pick a size M for a more lively handling or a size L for more stability. From size S to M, the reach grows by 35 mm, while from M to XL it increases by 30 mm intervals as the frame-size grows. Our test bike in size L has a relatively long 490 mm reach and 631 mm stack height. In combination with the low bottom bracket, this ensures a stretched and aggressive riding position. Chainstays are 434 mm across all sizes, ensuring balanced handling in combination with the relative long reach. By integrating the shock deep into the frame, Bold managed to keep the seat tube short (425 mm, size L), ensuring excellent freedom of movement and allowing you to run a long-travel post even with smaller frame sizes – on a size M, a 200 mm dropper post can be fully inserted into the frame. Using special headset cups and a flip chip in the seat stay, you can adjust the head angle by 1° and the bottom bracket height by 6.8 mm.
| Size | S – 135 | M – 135 | L – 135 | XL – 135 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube | 546 mm | 595 mm | 628 mm | 661 mm |
| Seat tube | 365 mm | 395 mm | 425 mm | 455 mm |
| Head tube | 90 mm | 105 mm | 120 mm | 135 mm | Head angle | 64.4/65.8° | 64.4/65.8° | 64.4/65.8° | 64.4/65.8° |
| Seat angle | 78.7° | 77.7° | 77.7° | 77.7° |
| Chainstays | 434 mm | 434 mm | 434 mm | 434 mm |
| BB Drop | 41/31 mm | 41/31 mm | 41/31 mm | 41/31 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,171 mm | 1,213 mm | 1,249 mm | 1,286 mm |
| Reach | 425 mm | 460 mm | 490 mm | 520 mm |
| Stack | 602 mm | 616 mm | 629 mm | 642 mm |
| Size | S – 150 | M – 150 | L – 150 | XL – 150 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube | 547 mm | 596 mm | 629 mm | 662 mm |
| Seat tube | 365 mm | 395 mm | 425 mm | 455 mm |
| Head tube | 90 mm | 105 mm | 120 mm | 135 mm | Head angle | 64.2/65.6° | 64.2/65.6° | 64.2/65.6° | 64.2/65.6° |
| Seat tube | 78.4° | 77.4° | 77.4° | 77.4° |
| Chainstays | 434 mm | 434 mm | 434 mm | 434 mm |
| BB Drop | 35/27 mm | 35/27 mm | 35/27 mm | 35/27 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,175 mm | 1,216 mm | 1,253 mm | 1,289 mm |
| Reach | 425 mm | 460 mm | 490 mm | 520 mm |
| Stack | 604 mm | 617 mm | 631 mm | 644 mm |
Our custom-built Bold Linkin 135 2022 on the trail
We had the exclusive opportunity to test the Linkin 135 during Bold’s press camp in the beautiful Italian Aosta Valley, where we put the bike through the wringer on epic Alpine trails and flowing descents. The steep seat angle ensures a comfortable, upright pedalling position that is gentle on your back even on long epic backcountry adventures. Thanks to the low system weight and relatively drive-neutral rear suspension, the Linkin is also a great companion for epic routes with long climbs. If you’re not used to bikes with a low bottom bracket, it may take some time to adjust your riding style to prevent smashing the pedals into obstacles. The rear suspension of the Likin generates excellent traction and the front wheel stays planted on moderate climbs. Only on very steep climbs, you’ll have to actively weight the front wheel to keep it tracking. Here, the Traction mode of the TracLoc system comes in handy, keeping the bike high in its travel and thus making it easier to negotiate steep climbs while ensuring better ground clearance. The only time we locked out the shock completely is when we sprinted out of the saddle to the local bar – and on tarmac!
Point its nose down into the valley, and the Linkin 135 shows its strong side, conveying huge amounts of confidence from the get go. The long 490 mm reach mm in size L and deep bottom bracket ensure a low and very aggressive riding position, which, together with the smooth character of the bike, inspires huge amounts of confidence and encourages you to keep your fingers off the brakes.
The supportive rear suspension passes on plenty of feedback from the trail. Only when smashing through technical terrain or landing big jumps, the rear suspension of the Linkin reaches its limits, reminding you that 135 mm travel isn’t that much after all. However, a few volume spacers in the shock will help improve the final progression. If you get too excited and blow through the travel, the puncture-prone casing can no longer keep up, passing on hard blows directly to the rim.
The slack head angle combined with a low center of gravity and balanced handling provide excellent and predictable cornering traction. As a result, the Linkin encourages you to hit corners faster than its radius allows, forcing you to slam on the brakes to make it through the corner in one piece, with both wheels drifting at the same time. However, what can be great fun at high speed, is often a curse in tight switchbacks, where the progressive geometry and long wheelbase of the Linkin require greater physical effort. Nevertheless, the playful character of the Linkin allows you to negotiate tight corners with a cheeky Scandi-flick or picking the high-line.
Aggressive riders who love playing with the trail features have to work hard with the Bold Cycles Linkin 135. The slack head angle and long reach require great physical effort and good riding skills to pull the front wheel into a bunny hop or manual. Once in the air, the bike feels stable and balanced.
The Bold Cycles Linkin 135 – Our conclusions
The Bold Cycles Linkin 135 is a great bike for racers and KOM hunters. Active riders will benefit from the geometry but also push the conservative 135 mm rear-travel to its limits. That being said, the excellent and smooth rear suspension ensures lots of fun on the trail. The innovative design is truly impressive and the many unique features such as the integrated mini tool, the storage compartment and the practical ‘Save the Day’ kit are well implemented into the overall concept and well thought out. Unfortunately, the spec doesn’t do justice to the potential of the Linkin.
Tops
- Innovative design
- Excellent traction at the rear
- Lots of freedom of movement thanks to the low seat tube
- Integration of the shock and tools
Flops
- Flimsy tires
- Small 180 mm rotor at the rear
Fore more information, visit boldcycles.com
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Words: Timo Walter Photos: Peter Walker, Daniel Geiger
