Issue #018, Review - December 29, 2015

Bold Linkin Trail Race Day 29 Review

“I can’t, I’m not allowed, I shouldn’t…” – seriously, this is old news. The change is too risky, the route too hard, the political correctness too correct. For issue #18 we threw all those concerns overboard and got hold of the absolute sickest bikes money can (not) buy. We at ENDURO are convinced: Dreams can come true!

This article is part of our magazine feature: Dreams Come True – 7 Incredible Bike Builds.

Bold Linkin Trail Race Day 29

Wheres the shock?! — Bold Linkin Trail Race Day 29

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A fully without a rear shock – are you having a laugh? However, we quickly realize that the first appearance was deceptive. With the Linkin Trail, Bold are pushing the idea of integration to the next level and have subsequently hidden the shock inside the seat tube – it’s pure magic!

Frames don’t vary that much despite the flurry of companies that are busy creating bikes, but Bold’s newest venture, the Linkin Trail, has definitely blown some fresh wind into the sails of the industry. Dubbed ‘IST’ (Internal Suspension Technology) by the Swiss company, the rear shock is kept away from dirt and water, as it’s actually located inside the frame. A design that was solely conceivable given the airy carbon frame and compact rocker, it has been hailed a veritable success. To set up the shock, you just have to remove a small cover on the downtube to enable access to the specially tuned DT Swiss shock’s valve and rebound damping adjustment. The suspension on this particular test bike comes with some serious icing on the cake, which takes the shape of the DT Swiss OPM O.D.L Race fork with a carbon crown and 130 mm travel – an exclusive, one-time-only-for-this-test type of part! As sexy and as well thought out as the frame, the rest of the components do little to detract from this standard. Lightweight, rigid DT Swiss XMC 1200 Spline carbon wheels, SRAM’s top-of- the-range XX1 groupset, and a great Race Face cockpit are the stuff that (wet) dreams are made of, and subsequently set our hearts racing.

Given the sheer beauty of the bike, we could almost be forgiven for not giving a damn about how it rides – but that wouldn’t really be fair, we argue. We’ll start with the good news: the Bold Linkin Trail rides supremely off-road, keenly accelerating, remaining planted on the trail, and offering masses of confidence on technical sections (largely thanks to the grippy 29” Onza Ibex tyres). The rigid frame and three-tiered damping system, activated and altered using the super-ergonomic DT Swiss bar-mounted remote lever, as well as the steep seat angle, provide a super efficient climb. But it’s not just its accelerating prowess and the feats of design construction that are fairytale-esque, the way the Linkin Trail handles is nothing short of supreme. On both flowing and technical parts, the Bold wins us over with its agile and lively character, inspiring us to constantly give full gas. The 130 mm of travel is responsive and defined, offering great mid-stroke support and progression. It’s easy to forget we’re on a simple trail bike – or at least, that’s forgotten until you hit the really steep downhill sections and the geometry (the 68.5° head angle in particular) reaches its limits.

Details

Let the air flow: To keep the shock cool, the Linkin Trail has little air vents in the head tube. — **Let the air flow:** To keep the shock cool, the Linkin Trail has little air vents in the head tube.

One of a kind: Created especially for our test, DT Swiss kitted out the 130 mm version of the ODL fork with the carbon crown that features on the 120 mm model. Saving weight without impacting performance = we like! — **One of a kind:** Created especially for our test, DT Swiss kitted out the 130 mm version of the ODL fork with the carbon crown that features on the 120 mm model. Saving weight without impacting performance = we like!

Accessible: Behind this cap is the Bold Linkin Trail’s hidden rear shock. Setting it up is simple: just loosen two screws. An additional sag indicator eases the tuning of the suspension. — **Accessible:** Behind this cap is the Bold Linkin Trail’s hidden rear shock. Setting it up is simple: just loosen two screws. An additional sag indicator eases the tuning of the suspension.

One regret: The frame-integrated shock has one disadvantage: it prevents you from using a Stealth dropper post. The snake-like exterior cables don’t do justice to the clean look of the bike. — **One regret:** The frame-integrated shock has one disadvantage: it prevents you from using a Stealth dropper post. The snake-like exterior cables don’t do justice to the clean look of the bike.

Specification: Bold Linkin Trail Race Day

Fork: DT Swiss OPM O.D.L Race Carbon-Steerer 130 mm
Rear Shock: DT Swiss X313 Remote 130 mm
Drivetrain: SRAM XX1
Cranks: RaceFace Next SL
Brakes: SRAM Guide Ultimate
Seatpost: RockShox Reverb 125 mm
Stem: RaceFace Turbine 60 mm
Handlebar: RaceFace Next 740 mm
Tyres: Onza Ibex 2.25″ FRC 120
Wheelsize: 29″
Wheels: DT Swiss XMC 1200 Spline
Price: € 7,240

Strengths

Innovative and eye-catching design.
Well considered spec.
Super powerful.

Weaknesses

External cable on the Reverb.
Twitchy at high speeds.

Conclusion

A Swiss company with a ton of heritage, Bold have proven that you don’t necessarily need the biggest R&D team in the world to make a miracle. The Linkin Trail is a serious contender, and has set new standards when it comes to design and integration. A genuine dream bike, made to swoop along flowing trails.

For more information on the Bold Linkin Trail visit the Bold Cycles website.

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