The market is literally flooded with new technologies, standards and innovations, and while many big brands are left trailing in its wake, the new Swiss brand of Bold Cycles couldn’t be more forward thinking. Called the Linkin Trail, they’ve launched a 130mm fully with the Boost standard and plus-size tyres, as well as an entirely new suspension set-up. Have things gone a step too far or is this exactly the sort of progressive spirit that’s needed? Here’s our first impression.
Alongside the absence of a rear shock – more on that later – you can’t help but notice the top-rate spec. In fact, all three models are kitted out with the best components that the market has to offer: the super lightweight 29er race-orientated model, Race Day, a more touring-style 29er, Early Bird with 2×11 drivetrain and a downhill-orientated Sick Day which also comes with 27.5+ wheels. However, all this quality comes at a price, and depending on the model, prices look to be between 6,600 and 8,300€. If you want to tighten your wallet, then the frame set with DT Swiss X313 shock costs around 3,500 €.
After a short getting-to-know-you ride, we got our hands on the Race Day model for a proper First Ride. And we weren’t disappointed with the XX1 gearing, lovely Race Face carbon parts, super lightweight DT Swiss carbon wheels and DT Swiss suspension. Compared to the original version, our test bike had fatter 29×2.4″ ONZA tyres and tubes, but thanks to its high-end spec it still only weighs a meager 11.95kg.
It’s deceptive though as the enormous tubes – also at the four-pivot rear – give the bike a big look. Elegantly shaped, these wide tubes should guarantee better rigidity – and they’ve enabled Bold to hide the X313 shock entirely within the frame. In turn, this allows compact and stable attachment, a low centre-of-gravity and more space on the frame for a bottle cage or just to carry the bike. It also means the shock is completely removed from any external influences. IST (Integrated Suspension Technology) is what Bold Cycles have named the system, which was developed alongside DT Swiss. With an easy to remove base plate, which also doubles as a frame protector, you have the access to adjust the air pressure and rebound of the suspension. It sounds a bit odd, but it’s an easy procedure and you’ll probably only do it once. Adjusting compression damping is done by the high quality remote lever, which also takes care of the DT Swiss OPM 130 forks to set them in the three modes, from open to complete lock-out.
Set-up and first ride
Through a window in the carbon frame, it’s equally as quick to read the rear sag as you’d expect on a regular rear design bike, just use the acrylic stencil that comes with the bike. Fully turnable, the air chamber valve on the DT Swiss X313 shock further eases access. Set the air pressure, mount the base place once more, and aim for the trails.
The first few metres of riding on the Linkin Trail immediately hit home just how top-end it is, and that’s not just because of the spec. It rides brilliantly, plush and stable, with effective suspension and winningly neutral geometry.
Climbing
Thanks to the three settings on the lock-out lever, the entire suspension system can be locked-out with just one push of the thumb, making you feel as though you’re on a hardtail with rigid forks. Naturally, this means it climbs like a pro. The big wheels plough on effectively, and the steep seat angle of 74.7° and the not overly slack head angle of 68.5° means you’re unlikely to lose front wheel traction on ascents, no matter how steep they get. Even in the mid-mode, the Linkin Trail pedals commendably on climbs, and it’s only in the fully open mode that it shows any inclination for the wheels to kick out. The low weight of just 11.95kg is naturally key here too, although our test bike with its 2.4″ tyres and tubes were a little lumbering. However, the series model bikes are set to be much more agile and effective climbers.
Descending
The rear works well with great stiffness. It ramps up the progression brilliantly in the mid-travel range and holds sufficient in reserve over consecutive bumps, which makes your arms grateful and the 130mm of travel feels significantly more. Aligned with the X313 shock, the Race Day model’ DT Swiss OPM130 forks show little sign of packing down and performed well across the whole travel. Their stiffness is perhaps the only feature that doesn’t live up to the RockShox PIKE forks, which all the other models boast.
Unfortunately we’re limited for climbing when it comes to the trails around our office, so we can’t pass the judgment on how well ventilated the rear shock is with the openings in the frame. But we’re heading down to the Alps shortly and we’ll certainly report back on the situation.
A note on the frame size: our tester Daniel, who is 183cm tall, always chooses a large frame, and the Linkin Trail seemed more than fitting on the classic ‘car park test’. But it was a different story on the trail: “The 29″ wheels, the 451mm reach and the 60mm stem meant that I lacked a lot of pressure on the front tyre, which meant the front kept trying to break away on corners and slip on burms. On the other hand, the longer wheelbase provided more stability at higher speeds.”
As the bike only comes in three sizes, the spectrum is pretty broad. For those around 180cm, we’d recommend trying out both the medium and the large frames for size. Bold Cycles do offer a range of stem lengths for every bike so you should be able to get the perfect bike to fit you.
Character and judgment
There are bikes whose character comes out screaming as you soon as you start to pedal, or at least after the first trail ride. Then there are those just begging to be thrashed mercilessly and ever faster on descents, those who can’t get enough of swooping, narrow trails, and those who climb like such beasts that your burning lungs are soon forgotten and you just pedal harder.
Zigzag trails, high-speed sections through rock gardens and those 35% gradients that you rarely make on your first go… The Linkin Trail proceeds like a true, stoic emperor, as potent and stable on descents, as it is efficient and capable at climbing. But it doesn’t quite nail either of them, somehow not motivating you to dive headfirst into either climbing or downhilling; is it hiding its true character? After our first ride, we’re convinced it has a rather cool neutrality.
Let’s be honest, the Linkin Trail has priced itself out of reach of most of us. However, it is irrefutable that Bold Cycles have created a bike that boasts the market’s best, newest, most innovative and most technologically-advanced parts. And, more importantly, this isn’t just paper-based hype; the high quality goes right through to the ride – which is sure-fire proof of the young company’s outstanding performance so far!
Words: Andreas Maschke Pictures: Robin Schmitt
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