The Swiss luxury manufacturer Bold stands for full integration. Already In 2015, they surprised the bike world with the clean carbon bike Linkin Trail. In 2018, Bold presented the Unplugged the enduro bike with the shock fully integrated into the frame. After Scott took over the majority shareholding in Bold in 2019, the Scott Spark 2022 equipped with the patented Bold deflection system.
However, Bold has not been idle in recent years following the Scott takeover and is now presenting its Linkin trail bike with a revised frame. While the shock on the previous Unplugged model was still in the seat tube, on the new Linkin it is positioned horizontally in front of the bottom bracket. Thanks to shorter rocker arms, this improves stiffness, creates space for long seat posts and ensures a lower centre of gravity.
Bold Linkin 2022: More enduro than trail bike?
The new Linkin feels particularly at home downhill. A long reach and a slack steering angle ensure a lot of safety downhill. The short chainstays still give the Linkin plenty of pop. Depending on the rocker arm, either 135 or 150 millimetres of travel are available at the rear with an identical shock.
However, with 150 millimetres of travel, the bike could almost pass for an enduro bike. Those who like it more direct should therefore opt for the 135 mm version. Both versions come with an angled headset from Acros, which can be used to adjust the steering angle by up to one degree. This makes the Linkin even smoother or more manoeuvrable, depending on the setting.
The Linkin can be pedalled uphill in a neutral position. Even without a platform. If you still want a firm rear end, you can choose between closed, trail and open mode using the three-stage remote control on the handlebars.
The cables disappear elegantly into the integrated Syncros cockpit and run safely through glued-in channels to the gears and brakes. At least on the top model. The cheaper version comes with a conventional cockpit.
Carefree biking
The "Save the Day Kit" is hidden under the maintenance flap in the down tube. Tube, mini pump, chain lock, mini tool and tyre levers are part of the puncture kit, supplemented by a spanner hidden in the rear axle for larger bolts (HX6, TX25, TX30). This means that you can leave your rucksack at home on the Bold Linkin when you're on tour, and there's room for a water bottle in the frame.
The Bold Linkin is a bike for those who want something special. And that comes at a price. The cheapest version costs 5999 euros. The top version costs a whopping 10999 euros. For this you get Sram's AXS wireless drivetrain, carbon wheels and factory suspension from Fox. The frame kit (without shock) costs 4299 euros. With a shock, an additional 700 euros is due.
