Fail alarm or racer trick? The BH Lynx SLS 9.0 Racefully in the endurance test

The Lynx SLS is designed to combine the comfort and traction of a full-suspension bike with the propulsion of a hardtail. To achieve this, BH is pursuing the same approach that we already know from the Trek Supercalibre and from the Specialised Epic World Cup know: very little rear travel (80 millimetres), combined with a longer suspension fork. In the case of the BH, this is a 34 Fox Factory with 110 millimetres of travel. On the Supercaliber, which we also rode in the endurance test (BIKE 11/20), this approach has proven to be very successful. "Find out whether BH's 'Al-dente-Race-Fully' works just as well and for just as long." - This was my assignment when the editors gave me the Lynx SLS as an endurance test bike.

• Click here for the detailed presentation and the first individual test of the BH Lynx SLS
• You can read the endurance test story by photo assistant Lukas (pictured above) here!

BH Lynx SLS 9.0: the fact check

Do any of you have a spanner like this? My rear triangle wobbles like a cow's tail - and I can't get the shit tightened, Max is annoyed that you need a face spanner to tighten the main bearing of the rear triangle.

The first impression

Before the bra I was allowed to Putting Arc8 Evolve through the long-term test. With 120 millimetres of travel at the front and rear and an extremely flat geometry, I was able to speed downhill like on a trail bike. I was therefore sceptical as to whether I would continue to get my money's worth with the short-travel BH. However, I can now say that the short suspension travel is not the limiting factor - quite the opposite. I was surprised at how well the rear end matches the forgiving fork and how sensitively the split-pivot rear suspension floats over the trails. On the other hand, the geometry holds me back: the steep head angle and the short wheelbase don't provide much composure when things get steep and fast.

Fault list and tuning

In view of the slim carbon silhouette and the high-end parts, the BH weighs a little too much in my eyes - at least for a race bike. Annoying on the long haul: the mounting points for the second bottle cage are very high up on the seat tube. Unfortunately, only a small second bottle fits into the frame triangle. After the first few kilometres, two volume spacers flew out of the fork. Why? The front was too progressive for me. My shoulders and palms suffered on long descents. With the larger air chamber, the fork now works much more sensitively and fits better with the comfortable rear - and I finally utilise the full suspension travel.

After about 500 kilometres, I noticed that the rear main bearing had come loose - not really a problem. Unfortunately, you need a face spanner to tighten it, which you won't find in any multitool.

Interim conclusion: slim, fast - with minor weaknesses

After 1000 kilometres, the BH Lynx SLS proves to be a successful sports bike. The rear suspension works sensitively, the combination of short suspension travel and sporty riding position ensures razor-sharp propulsion. The geometry demands full attention at high speeds, and smaller details - such as the moderate ease of servicing or the unfavourable position of the second bottle cage - are annoying in everyday use. Nevertheless, if you're looking for an agile race bike with character, you'll get a lot of riding fun with little suspension travel.

Even more current endurance test bikes

• Liv Intrigue LT
• Whyte ELyte Evo RS
• Canyon Spectral CF 9
• Rockrider E-Feel 900S