The BH Lynx was introduced in 2011 as full suspension bike using the Split Pivot rear end squishing a floating shock. Then a 650B model was announced for Europe last summer. Then, this summer, a 29er carbon version popped up at DealerCamp and was an immense joy to ride and ogle.
Now, both the 29er carbon 650B alloy Lynx are coming to both Europe and the States, along with several hardtails in various wheel diameters. Interestingly, the alloy model brings some design cues that best the carbon model’s layout (for now) while maintaining the extremely plush yet efficient Split Pivot floating shock design. Check the details and spec below…
What’s particularly impressive is how similar if not better looking the alloy version is. The rear shift cable runs internally all the way out the back of the chainstay, much cleaner than the carbon model’s (shown further down). Similar curves throughout make it a compelling and equally functional alternative at better price points. And, for now, the their only option with 650B wheels.
To compare, the Carbon LYNX 4.8 29er Medium Frame Size has a claimed weight of 2.2kg w/o shock. The Alloy LYNX 6 27.5 Medium Frame Size is 2.7kg w/o shock. That’s about 1.1 pound heavier for the alloy frame. Only one model will be offered in the US for 2014 at $3,499. It gets a Deore/SLX/XT build with a Fox fork (not shown)/Rockshox Monarch shock, Alex XD Lite wheels and Schwalbe tires.
The carbon 29er Lynk is definitely a bit swoopier, though.
Check our earlier post for full tech details. There’ll be two models for the US initially: An XTR build for $7,999 and an XT build for $6,599. They get DT Swiss or Stan’s wheels respectively and both use Fox CTD Kashima suspension all around.
Expect the slicker cable routing to make its way to the carbon bike in the future, but that’s not enough reason to delay hopping on this excellent riding bike.
The Ultimate is their race-ready 29er and 650B hardtails. Ultimate XX1 only comes as a 29er with a carbon frame (1160g frame weight, claimed).
The Ultimate RC also has a carbon frame, but is slightly heavier (1312g, size medium frame) thanks to a different carbon layup and lower modulus fiber. It’ll be available with either a full XT build for $3,899 (27.5″) and $3,999 (29er), or an XT/SLX mix for $2,999. (27.5″) or $3,149 (29er). The price difference between wheel sizes are due to slightly different wheel specs.
The carbon headtube’s shown and is massive and equally squared off and curvy.
They’ll also offer an alloy 27.5″ with an XT build for $1,599.