Bold Linkin Trail LT 29 Gold Edition review
Gold chains aren’t exclusively reserved for hairy-chested pimps in velour…riders too get pretty stoked on the golden SRAM XX1 Eagle components. For the Linkin Trail LT 29 Gold Edition, Bold have gone one step further, teaming the Eagle parts with some bling titanium screws and even more travel. But is all that glistens gold?
The young Swiss company raked in a heap of attention last year with the launch of their Linkin Trail, securing several awards including the coveted Design & Innovation Award 2016. The new LT rig has upped its travel to 154 mm at the rear thanks to the revised rocker arm and longer shock stroke. Our test bike was fitted with a RockShox Lyrik RCT3 fork with 160 mm of travel.
The addition of the gold SRAM XX1 Eagle doesn’t just add a splash a bling, but also lends the bike a generous gear ratio. But that’s not where the goods end: there are the SRAM Guide Ultimate brakes, oh-so-fine DT Swiss XMC 1200 carbon wheels, and a Race Face cockpit. The riding position is compact, but it’s comfortable. Flick the rear shock’s three-mode lever to stiffen up the rear, and the Linkin Trail surges forward with enthusiasm. It’s happiest on not too steep, techy, tight switchback-filled trails, and makes good use of its agility.
Bold Linkin Trail LT 29 Gold Edition in spec
Fork: RockShox Lyrik RCT3 160 mm
Rear shock: DT Swiss X 414 O.D.L 154 mm
Brakes: SRAM Guide Ultimate
Drivetrain: SRAM XX1 Eagle 1×12
Seat post: Race Face Turbine Dropper Post
Stem: Race Face Turbine 60 mm
Handlebar: Race Face Next 760 mm
Wheels: DT Swiss XMC 1200 Spline ONE
Tires: Onza Ibex 29
Weight: 12.87 kg
Price: € 8,266
Not just vibrantly gold, the SRAM XX1 Eagle also has a massive gear ratio thanks to the 50-tooth sprocket.
The revised rocker arm delivers 24 mm of extra travel at the rear, taking a big step forward in comfort. Unfortunately, it also raises the bottom bracket and shortens the reach, making the bike too compact.
There are two screws to remove to reach the innards of the rear shock, where you can set up the air pressure and rebound as usual. There’s a template to help set the correct sag.
As Bold are a Swiss brand, it’s not surprising to see the stunning DT Swiss XMC 1200 carbon wheels in use on their top model. We love their low weight and great stability.
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The teaming of the high bottom bracket, steep 67.1° head angle and the compact frame (436 mm reach for the size L) unfortunately does not render it the most stable bike on test, and you feel unceremoniously plonked on top of the bike. Once the rear suspension is set up properly then it works brilliantly, charging across terrain without diving through its travel. The Linkin Trail has an air of efficiency, sitting nicely in its travel on compressions.
Conclusion
The Bold Linkin Trail LT can’t shake off its roots, and it was perhaps inevitable that it’d come out of the test showing its true colours: a comfortable trailbike rather than a purebred enduro whip. If you’re looking for a capable, burly bike for charging down tracks, then the Linkin Trail LT will leave you wanting. However, for those who value its distinctive look and comfortable suspension on longer rides, then the Linkin Trail LT is worth a closer look.
Strengths
- Incomparable image
- The most exclusive spec on test
- Great acceleration
Weaknesses
- Lacks confidence in difficult terrain
- Nervous handling
For more information head to the Bold website!
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: Does it get better than this? – 9 high-end enduro bikes in comparison
All bikes in review: BMC Trailfox 01 XX1 | Canyon Strive CF 9.0 Race | CUBE Stereo 160 C:68 Action Team 27.5 | Giant Reign Advanced 1 | SCOTT Genius LT 700 Tuned | ROTWILD R.E1 FS EVO | Yeti SB 5.5C X01 | YT Capra CF Pro Race