Launching out of Switzerland, Bold Cycles’ is making a statement with its debut bike, the Linkin Trail.
Yes, it’s a full suspension frame, but the shock is completely hidden inside the seat tube, driven by the upper rocker arm. The carbon frame has ports in the headtube to let air inside to cool the shock, with exit vents just below it. Behind that, a Boost 148 rear axle makes room for a 27.5+ tire or a less rotund 29er. Travel is 130mm, and it’s got all manner of trails in its sights…
The shock inserts from the bottom of the frame, putting air valve and any damping controls within reach after removing a protective cover plate.
Inside the frame is a DT Swiss shock, developed in partnership with Bold Cycles.
The purple-ish lines show the airflow through the frame to help cool the shock. Without some method of moving heat off the canister, air and oil pressure could rise under heavy use and harsh the ride.
Even with the room for tires, it’s front derailleur ready and Side Swing compatible for Shimano’s latest.
Even the packaging is elegant, which suggests a direct to consumer model. Their website says things go live May 8th, which should be soon considering they’re a quarter day ahead of us. More as we get it.
