BH Lynx SLS test: Spanish speed train for racers with a stroke of just 80 millimetres
Peter Nilges
· 19.02.2025
Tight suspension travel at the rear, a slim carbon silhouette and, of course, a handlebar/stem unit that sits flat over the front wheel. BH's latest creation epitomises racing in its purest form and follows the concept of a Trek Supercalibre or the Specialized Epic Worldcup. While the front suspension fork has a generous 110 millimetres of travel, the rear only has a tight 80 millimetres of travel.
The approach tailored to racing is consistent and aims to combine the comfort and traction of a full-suspension bike with the propulsion of a hardtail. In BH's own model range, the Lynx SLS is therefore positioned between the Ultimate race hardtail and the classic BH Lynx Race marathon full-suspension bike with 100 to 120 millimetres of travel. In order to give the Lynx SLS a hardtail-like propulsion, the frame has been put on a strict diet. It weighs 1693 grams without the shock and is therefore on a par with the Trek Supercaliber. The frame of a Specialised Epic World Cup on the other hand, is another 116 grams lighter.
Together with the Fox Float shock and remote linkage, the scales come to 2060 grams. A decent figure, even if it is a good 600 grams more than the hardtail. However, in view of the fact that modern race tracks, whether marathon or cross-country, are becoming increasingly demanding, this is a very good investment in extra weight. The majority of customers seem to agree, which is why the Lynx SLS is already replacing the top-of-the-range Ultimate hardtail models.
BH Lynx SLS equipment
- Fork / shock: Fox 34 SC Factory / Float Factory
- Gearing / Bandwidth: Sram GX AXS Transmission / 520 %
- Brakes: Sram Level Bronze / 180/160 mm
- Wheels: BH EA 30 SL
- Tyres: Pirelli Scorpion XC 29 x 2.4
- Seatpost / Stroke: Bike Yoke Divine SL / 125 mm
- max. system weight: 145 kg
- Guarantee: for life
- Special features: Handlebar-stem unit with optional tool
From the test lab
- Total weight: 11.21 kg without pedals
- Frame weight: 1693 g
- Weight of wheels: 4243 g
- Impeller inertia: 3219 kg x cm²
BH Lynx SLS: Ball bearings instead of flexing carbon
In order not to have to compromise on the sensitivity and function of the rear triangle despite the short suspension travel, the decision was made in favour of a conventional rear suspension mount instead of flexing seat stays. The Lynx SLS thus continues the long tradition of the split pivot, which was first used by BH back in 2012. With the split pivot, a rear triangle joint sits at the height of the rear wheel axle. The wheel axle is therefore the pivot point. The wheel lift curve is therefore similar to that of a traditional single pivot. Compared to rear suspension systems with flex pivot and without an additional bearing, BH promises a finer response and more absorption capacity in rough passages.
Our test bike, the Lynx SLS 9.0, is the second most expensive model at 7400 euros. The model range starts at 6300 euros and goes up to 12,000 euros. A closer look at the equipment confirms this: The 9.0 already has everything that racers could wish for. BH goes all out, especially with the Fox Factory suspension with a 34 mm Stepcast and Float shock. With a Sram GX Transmission, the gearing also leaves little room for improvement in terms of function. The only drawbacks are the rather cheap aluminium wheels and the less powerful Sram Level two-piston brakes in the bronze version.
Balanced to compact
In terms of geometry, the Spaniards have returned to traditional dimensions. With a steering angle of 67 degrees, the BH has agile handling and weaves effortlessly through tight bends. The extremely short chainstays and the associated compact wheelbase emphasise the lively character of the Lynx SLS. The reach of the BH is also rather short at 459 millimetres in size L. In combination with the 60 mm stem, this ensures a balanced to compact riding position. So there is no question of an overly stretched posture or exaggerated saddle cant. The resulting uncomplicated handling pays off on long hours in the saddle. With a seat angle of 76.1 degrees, there is enough weight on the front wheel. Only on extremely steep ramps does the rider have to actively put pressure on the front wheel due to the short chainstays.
More comfort than expected
With 110 millimetres of travel, the Fox 34 Stepcast whizzes over the trails with its usual sensitivity and ability to swallow. And what does the short-travel rear end do? We were surprised at how well the rear end matches the fork and shines with sensitivity and traction. The suspension is well balanced and only reveals its travel difference in really rough sections. Even in sprint mode, the rear suspension remains pleasantly calm, even without a platform. This is a good thing, because the remote lever, which locks the fork and shock at the same time, requires so much force that your thumb almost hurts and you think twice about whether you really need a lockout. Not only in the test lab, but also on the trail, the low frame stiffness and the strong flex of the handlebar-stem unit are noticeable, even though BH releases the bike for a system weight of an impressive 145 kilograms. Especially for heavy or strong riders, the torsion is clearly noticeable when pedalling or under high cornering loads. On the one hand, this reduces fatigue for the rider, but on the other hand it reduces precision.
Conclusion Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
The short-stroke BH Lynx SLS surprises with a fully-fledged rear triangle that delivers sensitivity and the best traction. The price-performance ratio is also impressive. Only the low frame stiffness and the strong flex of the handlebar/stem unit are not ideal for riders over 80 kilos.
