Review: ILynx+ DL Enduro 9.7: A Spanish ‘invisibility cloak’ with Avinox Super Power

​Visually, the Spanish manufacturer’s new bike is very reminiscent of its predecessors fitted with a Shimano motor: sleek, understated, unassuming. But the key specifications of the new iLynx+ DL Enduro Bra Unmask the wolf in sheep’s clothing. 180 millimetres of fork travel, plus 29-inch wheels and a decidedly progressive geometry. There’s some proper enduro in there. At least on paper. In this test, we found out whether the bike can deliver on what the figures promise when riding on tough terrain.

When it comes to the drivetrain, the iLynx+ DL initially fits right in with the familiar line-up of many Avinox bikes. Super-powerful Avinox M2S motor (reviewed here), plus the large 800 battery, which is permanently fitted inside the down tube. This gives the bike a sleek look and, combined with the full-carbon frame, keeps the weight down. Our test bike weighed in at 22.6 kilos, which is quite a feat for a 180 e-enduro. Of course, at a price of 8,000 euros, we’re no longer in the entry-level category by any means. Yet you won’t find any genuinely lightweight components on the iLynx+. The spec is solid across the board – neither excessively high-end nor designed for ultimate durability.

A look at the features

The mid-range aluminium wheels are actually quite heavy. There are no carbon parts, not even on the handlebars or cranks. At the front sits the high-end Fox 38 Factory fork, albeit with the slightly stripped-back GripX damping. At the rear, only the more compact Float X is used instead of a full-fledged enduro shock such as the Float X2. When it comes to tyres, too, BH has opted for a solid solution that isn’t uncompromisingly geared towards gravity riding. At the rear, the bike runs on a DoubleDown casing, whilst the lighter EXO+ variant is used at the front. For an e-enduro with such a long travel, a little more puncture protection might actually be welcome.

When less is more

For moderate touring and trail use, it has By the way, the BH is a trail version of the iLynx+ DL Ready to go. Even though the little brother looks very much like the Enduro, it features its own frame. It’s also full carbon, but with only 140 millimetres of rear travel. Prices start at €3,899 for the aluminium-framed model, though a truly trail-ready spec is only available from €5,499, whilst a lightweight package with a carbon chassis starts at €5,999.

And even within the Enduro range, not all models are as heavily geared towards downhill riding as our test bike. The 9.0 comes with slightly less suspension travel and, as a result, slightly more docile geometry. These are two features that could suit the bike’s character rather well. But more on that later.

Full throttle

Watch out, things are about to get wild! Not only does the suspension travel on our test bike scream ‘downhill’, but the geometry is also fully geared towards a smooth ride. It’s been a long time since we’ve measured a 1310 wheelbase on a size L e-MTB in our test lab. A long reach (486 mm), rather long chainstays at 451 mm and a very flat head angle of 63.1 degrees all add up to this record-breaking measurement. The bike therefore feels quite large, which is something you should definitely bear in mind when choosing your size.

Thanks to a very steep seat angle, you sit well forward on the iLynx+, but in a stretched-out rather than a crouched position. This is well-balanced and comfortable. On steep climbs, you can maintain control with ease, even when the motor is pushing hard. However, this long bike needs to be ridden with foresight, as tight bends demand precise line choice and a bit of effort. The rear suspension has quite a long travel. Traction is decent, but given the amount of suspension travel, the rear end feels rather subdued rather than supremely comfortable. Traction could be better on slippery terrain.

A big moment in downhill racing?

This character is also evident on descents. When cruising at a leisurely pace, you don’t get the feeling you’re riding a bike with massive suspension travel. The suspension could be a little more responsive to small bumps, but it does provide plenty of support. The advantage is that on gentle trails, this long bike doesn’t feel sluggish or cumbersome, but remains responsive. Its moderate weight also helps with this. However, the iLynx+ DL isn’t exactly an agile ride. It takes a fair bit of physical effort to get the rear wheel to lift.

You only really appreciate the power of this enduro bike when the going gets fast and rough. That’s when its radical geometry really comes into its own. The iLynx+ DL tackles fast straights, scree slopes and root-covered sections with exceptional stability and confidence. The suspension also comes more to life at high speeds. However, other bikes in this travel class offer even more absorption capacity. The rider always receives clear feedback from the terrain. As a result, you can’t fully exploit the geometry’s enormous reserves.

There has also been criticism regarding the noise levels: the motor cover twists against the frame, causing an annoying creaking noise. The rattling coming from the M2S motor’s gearbox suggests variation in production quality, as other motors of the same design proved to be significantly quieter in testing.

Strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

• ​powerful performance both uphill and downhill
• slightly
• very high weight limit ...

Weaknesses

• ​... but not approved for extreme stunts
• Battery permanently fitted