For the new season, the Spaniards from BH their all-rounder Rebel Lynx with Yamaha's new PW-X motor. The optimised unit is designed to propel the classic bike even more lively towards the summit. The new e-drive has a maximum torque of 80 Newton metres and should provide more support, especially at higher pedalling frequencies. The volume has also been reduced and the battery still has 500 Wh. A new display is also on board.
Like the fork, the split pivot rear triangle on the Rebel Lynx offers 140 millimetres of travel. The plus tyres also match the area of use: touring with a large proportion of trails, our classic all-mountain category. The Rebel Lynx is only available in frame sizes M and L. The reach in frame size L is a modern 449 millimetres, the chainstays are unfortunately a little long: With a length of 485 millimetres, they keep the front wheel on the ground even on steep sections, but slow down the playfulness.
The equipment is appropriate for the price of 4499 euros: Fox 34 Float Rhythm suspension fork and Float DPS Performance shock absorb the shocks. The eleven gears are shifted by a Shimano XT-SLX mix. An integrated chain guide keeps the chain in place even on bumpy trails. The in-house wheels are fitted with 2.8 inch wide Schwalbe Nobby Nics with Apex protection. Our recommendation: Order the optional Vario seatpost from Kindshock. It sweetens the ride immensely.
When you activate the drive at the trailhead and swing into the saddle, the vehemence with which the Yamaha PW-X drive supports the rider is surprising. The motor provides the rider with five support levels. The High and Extra Power modes are particularly impressive with their powerful support. This is particularly effective in the medium cadence range - exactly where the rider can make best use of it. The noise development is very limited, only in the higher modes does the PW-X emit a quiet whirring noise. The following scenario took a little getting used to: You're standing on the trail waiting for your friends, one foot lightly on the pedal. In the highest support levels, the drive stutters under this slight load, pushes a little and causes the foot to vibrate slightly.
The rear suspension showed its most pleasant side on the descents: it absorbs (almost) all bumps softly. On flowing trails, it is a good idea to reach for the platform lever, as the increased compression damping allows you to fly over the trails even faster. Ambitious riders in particular benefit from the higher back pressure and can ride more actively. The affordable Fox 34 also does a good job, but can't quite hold a candle to the rear end.
The comfortable riding position is a joy to ride uphill. The plus-size tyres are also a clear benefit: sheer endless traction and a high level of comfort, combined with the powerful drive, make uphill riding a pleasure. The downside of the comfortable riding position is the (too) high front end. Downhill, it's a little difficult to put enough pressure on the front wheel. However, only very active riders are likely to notice this; for most, the high front provides additional safety.
Test summary of the BH Bikes Rebel Lynx 5.5
The all-mountain bike from the Spaniards impresses with its powerful motor, well thought-out equipment and fluffy rear triangle. Active riders will be held back by the high front and long chainstays, but most bikers will find the Rebel Lynx a loyal E-MTB companion for their adventures.
