BH Bikes iLynx+ SL: Lots of power, low weight! Spanish E-MTB for trail and enduro
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 11.06.2024
In Spain, the air seems to awaken particularly creative spirits. Alongside Orbea, BH Bikes is also going its own way when it comes to e-mountainbike concepts. The latest addition is the iLynx+ SL. The hard facts: At just under 19 kilos, it should get going without having to sacrifice motor power (Shimano EP801!) and battery power (630 watt hours!). These key data are inevitably reminiscent of the new Orbea Rise, which was also conceived on the Iberian peninsula and is also designed to deliver a lot of thrust with low weight. A similar concept with around 20 kilos and EP801 with 630 Wh pursues the new Cannondale Moterra SL.
But let's stay with BH Bikes. Here, too, the concept of lightweight e-MTBs is not new. The Spaniards have two different approaches in their portfolio. The iLynx Trail is the minimalista genuine light e-MTB with moderate motor thrust. The BH iLynx+ runs in parallel. Here, a full 85 Newton metres come from Shimano's EP8 and the 540 battery is classically removable. The latest star was derived from this, the iLynx+ SL.
The facts about the BH Bikes iLynx+ SL
- Motor: Shimano EP801
- Battery: 630 Wh, permanently installed
- Optional: additional battery with 180 Wh
- 3 Enduro and 4 Trail variants from 6999 euros
- Suspension travel: 160 mm (Enduro) or 140 mm (Trail)
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Weight: from 18.9 kilos (top model Trail 0.0, manufacturer's specification)
- Carbon frame
BH Bikes specifies 18.9 kilos for the top model. That would be an extremely good value, given the large 630 watt-hour battery and the powerful Shimano motor. The suspension elements with Fox 36 and Fox Float X shocks also leave room for tuning. According to the Spaniards, the frame weight is 2150 grams. A strong value that could explain the low weight, at least to some extent. We are excited to see what the extravagant Spaniard will weigh in the BIKE lab!
The e-drive of the BH iLynx+ SL
Fazua Ride 60, Bosch SX or TQ HPR50 - there are now many special motors for particularly lightweight e-bikes. However, BH Bikes does not want to compromise on performance and therefore installs the powerful Shimano EP801 on the iLynx+ SL. It delivers a full 85 Newton metres of torque and is also on a par with Bosch's Performance CX in terms of peak power. At a good 2.6 kilos, it remains relatively light. Compared to the light specialists mentioned above, however, it is around 500 to 700 grams heavier.
The iLynx+ SL also outperforms most classic light eMTBs in terms of battery size. The Spaniards install 630 watt hours in the slim down tube. In order to save weight, the battery is permanently installed. unlike the familiar iLynx+. If the 630 watt hours are not enough, there is an additional battery in water bottle format. An additional 180 watt hours can be stored on the bike. This means that up to 810 watt hours are available. Special feature: With the exception of the two entry-level models for 6999 euros, the range extender is included on all bikes.
The geometry of the iLynx+ SL from BH Bikes
Moderate chainstays and moderate angles should give the BH iLynx+ SL manoeuvrable and neutral handling. The Enduro model in particular does not have an extreme steering angle of 65 degrees, and the wheelbase is also rather moderate. As the two versions are based on the same frame, the reach of the Enduro model is slightly shorter and the seat angle is slacker. The stack is low on both models, which favours a sporty riding position with a lot of pressure on the front wheel.
BH Bikes iLynx+ SL: Models and prices
The iLynx+ SL is available in a total of seven equipment variants from BH Bikes. Three of these come as an enduro bike with 160 millimetres of travel, four in trail trim with 140 millimetres. The cheapest version costs 6999 euros, the top model 10 999 euros. Remarkable: The weight-optimised trail versions come with robust suspension consisting of Fox 36 and Fox Float X with reservoir. The tyres (Maxxis Highroller) are also blessed with a grippy tread and the brakes come with four pistons. The bikes should therefore be able to do full justice to the "trail" part of their name. All seven bikes are available in the four colour variants shown below - or in a self-configurable colour combination via the Unique range.
BH iLynx+ SL Trail 0.0 - 10,999 euros
- Suspension fork: Fox 36 Factory, 140 mm
- Shock: Fox Float X Factory
- Gear system: Shimano XTR
- Brakes: Shimano XTR
- Wheels: Race Face Next 31 TR
- Tyres: Maxxis Highroller II EXO, 29 x 2.3
- incl. 180 Wh additional battery
BH iLynx+ SL Trail 8.6 - 9799 Euro
- Suspension fork: Fox 36 Factory, 140 mm
- Shock: Fox Float X Factory
- Gear system: Shimano XT
- Brakes: Shimano XT
- Wheels: Race Face Turbine 30 TR
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II EXO, 29 x 2.5/2.4
- incl. 180 Wh additional battery
BH iLynx+ SL Trail 8.5 - 8499 Euro
- Suspension fork: Fox 36 Factory, 140 mm
- Shock: Fox Float X Performance
- Gear system: Shimano SLX/XT
- Brakes: Shimano XT
- Wheels: Race Face Aeffect 30 TR
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II EXO, 29 x 2.5/2.4
- incl. 180 Wh additional battery
BH iLynx+ SL Trail 8.4 - 6999 euros
- Suspension fork: Fox 36 Performance, 140 mm
- Shock: Fox Float X Performance
- Gear system: Shimano Deore/XT
- Brakes: Shimano MT520
- Wheels: Race Face Arc 30 TR
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II EXO, 29 x 2.5/2.4
BH iLynx+ SL Enduro 9.6 - 9999 euros
- Suspension fork: Fox 38 Factory, 160 mm
- Shock: Fox Float DHX2 Factory
- Gear system: Shimano XT
- Brakes: Shimano XT
- Wheels: Race Face Turbine 30 TR
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II EXO, 29 x 2.5/2.4
- incl. 180 Wh additional battery
BH iLynx+ SL Enduro 9.5 - 8499 Euro
- Suspension fork: Fox 38 Performance, 160 mm
- Shock: Fox Float X Performance
- Gear system: Shimano SLX/XT
- Brakes: Shimano XT
- Wheels: Race Face Aeffect30 TR
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II EXO, 29 x 2.5/2.4
- incl. 180 Wh additional battery
BH iLynx+ SL Enduro 9.4 - 6999 euros
- Suspension fork: Fox 38 Rythm, 160 mm
- Shock: Fox Float X Performance
- Gear system: Shimano Deore/XT
- Brakes: Shimano MT520
- Wheels: Race Face Arc 30 TR
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II EXO, 29 x 2.5/2.4
CONCLUSION on the BH Bikes iLynx+ SL
Lots of power, a decent range and a low weight are a mixture that should appeal to many e-mountain bikers. The option of placing the range extender AND water bottle in the frame at the same time is also anything but common - and a real added value. The BH iLynx+ SL will soon be able to prove whether the Spaniards can fulfil their promises in a BIKE test - we're looking forward to it! - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Head of Test and Technology at EMTB Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
