Brush ears and stubby tail - the trademarks of the lynx - are nowhere to be found on BH's bike of the same name, but the fact that the Lynx can outrace the competition in the dark forest is certainly clear to see. The Spaniards have given their fastest cat a comprehensive visual and technical makeover for 2021.
New frame for more rigidity
The focus was on an updated geometry, but the frame itself and the rear triangle construction were also heavily tweaked. The new frame, which weighs 1850 grams according to the manufacturer, now has a much tidier appearance: The shock linkage is now fixed to the seat tube instead of the top tube, and a large thru-axle on the main bearing is intended to provide stiffness in the rear triangle. The engineers promise an increase of 30 per cent for this design alone, which should result in more lively acceleration and more precise handling.
Geometry: Longer and flatter, but not extreme
The new Lynx will also benefit from the new geometry, which is more downhill-orientated but by no means extreme. The reach increases slightly by just under 15 millimetres to 456 millimetres in size L, the steering angle flattens out by half a degree to 68 degrees and the chainstays increase slightly from 426 millimetres to 430 millimetres. All these changes should give the Lynx more confidence on the descents, but the longer chainstays and the significantly steeper seat angle (75.8 instead of 73.5 degrees) also ensure a better riding position on the climbs. With this and the lower stack, even the steepest climbs should be easy to master at race pace.
LT model: For more comfort and long tours
Brand new for 2021: If you want to let it rip even more on the descents or are looking for a slightly more comfortable and fault-tolerant bike for touring, you can now choose an LT model for the first time. The Long-Travel comes with a dropper post ex works and offers 120 millimetres of travel at the front and rear thanks to a longer fork and more shock travel. Chic details such as cable routing integrated into the headset and a mudguard integrated into the chainstay can be found on both bikes, the race bike and the LT model.
Prices and equipment
The Lynx is available from € 4200, while the entry-level 8.0 model offers a lot of performance for the money with a complete XT drivetrain, Deore brakes and Fox Performance suspension as well as in-house wheels. If you want Fox Factory and XT brakes, you have to go for the 8.5, which is also affordable at 4900 euros. Carbon wheels and components are available from the Lynx 9.2 for 6000 euros, while the 9.5 and 9.9 with XTR and AXS components and prices of 7300 and 8300 mark the upper end of the scale. The only LT model to date with 120 millimetres of travel costs 5500 euros.
Further information on the new BH Lynx can be found on the Website of the manufacturer.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
