Swiss high-end manufacturer Bold first entered the limelight in 2015. Back then, they surprised the bike world with the Bold Linkin Trail - the first mountain bike with an integrated shock absorber. Three years later, the first Bold Enduro, the unplugged. A year ago, the Linkin a far-reaching update. For 2023, the Bold Unplugged will be awarded the latest innovations and geometry data.
On the old Unplugged, the shock was mounted vertically in the seat tube. In addition, a four-link rear triangle was used back then. The new Enduro now has a modern VP rear triangle. This allows a horizontally mounted shock, just above the bottom bracket. This generates a low centre of gravity and makes it possible to install long seat posts. Unlike the previous model, Bold has given the Unplugged a rear shock with an equalising chamber. A flip chip is also fitted to the rear triangle. This allows the geometry and wheel size to be changed.
Facts about the new Bold Unplugged 2023
- Suspension travel: 160 millimetres at the rear and 170 millimetres at the fork
- Wheel size: 29 inch & 29/27.5 inch (Mullet)
- Steering angle: 63.2 degrees (flip-chip low) // 64.5 degrees (flip-chip high)
- Seat angle: 78.6 degrees (size S) & 77.8 degrees (size M-XL)
- Reach: 490 millimetres in size L
- Chainstay length: 437 millimetres (29 inch) // 438 millimetres (Mullet)
- Weight 15.4 - 15.8 kilograms (incl. Tubeless Setup & Save The Day Kit)
- Save The Day Kit: pump, inner tube, tyre lever, multitool and tubeless salami are included with the models
Models and prices
- Unplugged Ultimate: 10,999 euros
- Unplugged Pro: 8999 Euro
- Unplugged frameset: 5999 euros
Geometry and rear triangle concept
The flip-chip allows the Unplugged to be ridden in two geometry settings. This can be adjusted to high or low. This flattens the steering angle and increases the wheelbase by 10 millimetres. It is also possible to change the steering angle by 1 degree using the integrated angled headset. The reach in size L is 490 millimetres. And all bikes have a 437 millimetre chainstay. The seat angle is 78.6 degrees in size S and 77.8 degrees in sizes M-XL. There is also a second flip chip, which offers the option of riding a 29-inch or 27.5-inch rear wheel.
In contrast to the previous model, the new Bold Unplugged uses a VP rear triangle (virtual pivot point) instead of a four-bar linkage. This should generate a better anti-squat balance and an optimised spring characteristic. The integrated damper also offers several advantages. The damper is protected from external influences such as dust and mud. The low position of the shock results in a very low centre of gravity for the Unplugged. This should make the Enduro easy to manoeuvre despite its long reach.
Newly developed damper with Tracloc
For the Unplugged, the Fox Float X shock was paired with Scott Nude technology. The result is the Fox Float X Nude. This is also used, with a different tune, in the new Scott Genius ST. The engineers have developed the shock with more air volume and higher compression. This configuration should generate a livelier ride feel.
As presented by Scott a few months agoThe Tracloc system is also used here. The damper can be adjusted in three stages from the handlebars: Descend mode, Ramp Control mode and Climb mode. In Descend mode, the shock is in the most open position and gives full downhill performance. In Ramp Control mode, the shock only makes 60% of its travel available. This is intended to provide the right position for technical uphills. The Ramp Control mode is also a good choice for flowing trails, as you have to push less into the suspension travel and get more support. Climb mode is available for long and flat climbs. In this mode, a platform is added to the shock. This generates maximum efficiency when pedalling.
The Bold Unplugged models at a glance
As many people know: Bold stands for innovation. They were one of the first manufacturers to take the step of banning mechanical gears from their bikes. That's right: you can only ride the new Unplugged with electric gears. The entry-level "Pro" model is available to customers for 8999 euros. A Fox 38 Performance works at the front and a Fox Float X Nude shock at the rear. The bike is stopped by a Shimano SLX 4-piston brake. The Sram AXS GX is used for the gears. The "Ultimate" model for 10,999 euros features an Öhlins RXF38 M2 fork. A Shimano XTR 4-piston brake and Sram AXS X01 drivetrain are fitted to the frame. The frameset for €5999 includes a seatpost, Syncros carbon cockpit, shock with Tracloc and save-the-day kit with tubeless tyres.
The new frame design makes it possible to ride a 200-millimetre seatpost in all sizes. The S and M models are delivered exclusively in the Mullet set-up (29/27.5 inches). The Bold Unplugged also has a boot containing the "Save the Day Kit". The kit includes a pump, inner tube and tyre levers. A multitool is also mounted on the cover cap. Tubeless riders have also been catered for, with tubeless tyre plugs fitted in the handlebar ends.
First test: How the new Bold Unplugged rides
We were able to test the new Bold Unplugged on the trails of Santa Coloma de Farners near Barcelona. Our first impression: Despite the ample 490 mm rake in size L, the steep seat angle placed us very upright on the bike. The new Unplugged climbs steep climbs without having to actively fight against a rising front wheel. Whether it's a technical or flat climb, the Bold Enduro can be cranked up almost bob-free. This feature is emphasised by the Tracloc system with its adjustment options. If you activate the Climb mode, the bike can be pedalled uphill quickly and efficiently.
Downhill, the true skills of the Unplugged are revealed. Despite the long reach values, the Unplugged is surprisingly playful and easy to handle. This is largely due to the extremely low centre of gravity. When the trail gets faster and more demanding, the VP rear triangle swallows up any bumps with ease. This offers the rider a secure riding experience at higher speeds. Even on the steep rocky descents of the Santa Coloma trails, the bike remains calm and stable. At the same time, the progressive rear end encourages an active riding style and benefits you when pushing through berms or pushing off jumps. Thanks to the short chainstays, pulling the Bold onto the rear wheel is child's play.
The new Bold Unplugged is full of technical innovations. Thanks to the Tracloc system, it is one of the most efficient enduro bikes on the market and makes climbing a pleasant experience. Downhill, the low centre of gravity gives the bike playful handling. The powerful rear suspension works its way through rock gardens with ease and gives the rider a lot of confidence in the bike. At the same time, the Unplugged can be pushed quickly through corners and supports the rider with a surprising amount of pop on jumps. For me, the Unplugged is a ready race enduro bike straight off the shelf.
Interview with Bold mastermind Vincenz Droux
BIKE: The new Unplugged has a shock with an equalising chamber. What were the difficulties in designing the frame to suit this?
Vincenz Droux: After designing the Unplugged on the basis of the current Linkin, we only had to make a few changes. The rear linkage had to be adapted to accommodate the larger shock. The position should still be as low as possible to generate a low centre of gravity and to provide space for a long seat post. We also changed the position of the multitool. It was previously fixed to the frame and has now been moved to the cover.
The bikes all have the newly developed Fox Float X Nude shock. Will the frame be compatible with other shocks in the future?
That depends entirely on the damper manufacturer. They would first have to design a suitable shock absorber. This must be compatible with the Tracloc system and have the valve installed at the front. That's why we developed this shock together with Fox, which perfectly matches the desired requirements and riding characteristics.
With the Bold Unplugged, you are now focussing 100% on purely electric derailleurs. What motivated you to take this step?
Basically, it is always a trade-off between tyre clearance, stability, chain line and space for internal cable routing. The design has shown that it makes more technical sense to dispense with a gear cable and the necessary holes through the carbon seat stays. This gives the rear triangle more tyre clearance and stability, which can only benefit an enduro bike and the tough loads it is subjected to. Now that the electronic shifting technology exists and has been tried and tested, the decision to use these components was quickly made.
