mountain bikes: [Eurobike Media Days 2017] First Ride: BH Lynx 5 – New trail bike for 29″ and B+

Trail bikes have been the big topic in the MTB sector for two or three years now. As a logical consequence of the previous enduro trend, they want to reconcile the downhill skills of the 160mm machines with the all-round virtues of lighter touring bikes and a pinch of playfulness. The Basque manufacturer BH Bikes already had a bike in this category in their range with the Lynx 4.8, which will receive a completely renewed successor in the 2018 model year, which will be called the BH Lynx 5. The 130mm fully comes standard with 29″ wheels, but thanks to Boost axles and ample tire clearance, it can also be set up with wide 27,5+ tires.

With the slightly outdated geometry of the Lynx 4.8, the successor has been generously cut and given the trail bike a proper fresh cell cure. At 66,5°, the steering angle is significantly flatter, and the reach even increases by an average of 20mm. The result is a bike that is much more capable on the trail and on steep descents, but which should also cut a fine figure on the climbs thanks to the steep seat tube angle.

The split-pivot rear triangle, which is used on all fullies by the Spaniards, has been retained. That's a good thing, because the kinematics designed by Dave Weagle are among the best that money can buy and already knew how to completely convince us with the predecessor. Willing to swallow on the descents and firm and neutral on the climbs. Exactly how you imagine a modern fully. The damper is mounted asymmetrically in the rear triangle, which optically takes some getting used to due to the very long bushings, but should have noticeable advantages in terms of stiffness and stability.

The BH Lynx 5 will be available with aluminum and carbon frames and will be available in a total of seven configurations. In terms of price, the entire spectrum will be covered here, from the inexpensive entry-level (BH Lynx 5 29 Aion) at €1.999 to the premium sector (BH Lynx 5 Carbon XX1 Eagle) at €7.999.

BH Lynx 5: First impressions of the trail

At the Eurobike Media Days, BH had a number of pre-series models of the new Trailful with them for test riding. A classy FOX Factory chassis was installed on the aluminum frame, as well as the new Formula Cura brakes, powerful Michelin tires and a reliable Shimano XT drive with a chainring on a Praxis Works crank. It's nice that they also install one or the other component on the bike that you rarely see.

In order to get to the start of our test trail, we first have to climb a few tough meters over beaten paths and gravel roads. The new BH trail bike shows two faces here: on moderate inclines, it makes very good progress thanks to the well-functioning, firm rear end and the comfortable seating position. However, if you have to tackle steep ramps beyond 25%, the front wheel tends to lose ground contact a bit. To keep control, you should shift your weight a little forward. The Michelin Force AM rear tire did really well here: While almost all the other tires on the other test bikes tended to spin on the greasy surface here, the French tire clawed its way firmly into the ground.

When it comes to the trail, the Lynx 5 shows its strengths to the full: Despite the long main frame and slack steering angle, it is very agile and can be playfully circled around tight berms. In the air it is full and easy to control. The bike also masters rough passages very well, even if the last bit of smoothness is missing here. The wide handlebars and short stem suit the trail bike's orientation really well and suited us really well.

The equipment served its purpose well and inconspicuously in a positive sense. We expected the same level of performance from the Fox Factory suspension, but we were surprised by the very good Formula Cura brakes, which were snappy and sensitive at the same time, and the really good Michelin tyres, as already mentioned.