BH Bikes iLynx Trail Alu: Light e-MTB with aluminium frame from 5099 euros

The light e-MTB segment continues to differentiate itself. While these bikes were still exotic in the beginning, light e-bikes have become increasingly popular since the Aluminium version of the Orbea Rise more suitable for the masses. More battery power and therefore more range than the even more minimalist minimal-assist bikes while still being significantly lighter than conventional e-MTBs - that's the idea.

The BH iLynx Trail also fitted into this concept. With 150 millimetres of suspension travel, 540 watt hours in the battery and a compact but quite powerful motor with up to 65 newton metres, it met the requirements of many bikers on paper and still promised a light-footed riding experience. Until now, the bike was only available with a carbon frame from 6499 euros. Now BH Bikes is adding an aluminium version, which saves 1400 euros in the basic version from 5099 euros.

The BH Bikes iLynx Trail Alu at a glance

• Frame material: Aluminium
• Motor: in-house BH 2EXMAG (65 Nm torque)
• Battery: 540 watt hours (permanently integrated in the down tube)
• Optional range extender: 180 watt hours can be added in a water bottle look
• Suspension travel: 150 or 140 millimetres
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Three equipment levels from 5099 euros
• Weight: From 21.8 kilograms (manufacturer's specification)
• Permissible total weight: 165 kilograms

The aluminium frame of the BH iLynx was shaped along the lines of the carbon model and offers almost identical geometry as well as internal cable routing. With a steering angle of 66 degrees, the iLynx Trail prioritises agile handling, while the 451 millimetre chainstays are not too short for a light bike and should keep the front wheel on the ground quite well even with a little motor thrust.

Motor and battery: 65 Newton metres, 540 watt hours

Speaking of motor thrust: The Alu-iLynx Trail features the identical 2EXMAG drive from BH Bikes. We have already been able to test it extensively in the cross-country version of the bike. With a factory specification of 65 Newton metres and a weight of just 2.1 kilograms, it is one of the more powerful models in the light e-MTB category and delivers enough thrust to convince even the one or other fan of classic e-bike power. This means that the BH drive also has to hold its own against the newcomers from Fazua and TQ not hide.

As with its carbon brother, the battery capacity of 540 watt hours is quite generous and is on a par with the Orbea Rise H. With moderate support, longer tours are also possible. If you need even more range, you can insert a range extender with a further 180 watt hours in water bottle format into the bottle cage. A total of 720 watt hours are then available.

BH iLynx Trail Alu: Features and prices

The aluminium iLynx will be available in four sizes from S to XL and in three equipment variants. Only the top model iLynx Trail 8.2 (6199 euros) tickles the full 150 millimetres of travel out of the Fox performance suspension. The Fox 36 all-mountain fork is fitted at the front and a Float DPS shock at the rear. There's also a shifting mix of Deore and XT components, the proven Maxxis Minion tyres, mid-range Raceface wheels and the new DB8 brakes from Sram. Unfortunately, the weight of 21.8 kilograms is not quite as low as expected. On the other hand, the bike offers plenty of reserves in terms of payload with a full 165 kilograms of permissible total weight.

The BH iLynx Trail 8.1 (€ 5699) and 8.0 (€ 5099) models are slightly heavier and have to make do with 140 millimetres of travel and slightly narrower forks. The 8.1 model is equipped with Fox 34 Performance and Float DPS shock as well as somewhat simpler wheels, while the entry-level 8.0 model relies on an affordable Rockshox chassis with the Recon fork and Deluxe Debonair shock. The brakes are fitted with simple Shimano four-piston stoppers and the gears are shifted with the 11-speed Deore.