E-mountain bikes: Test: BH Atom X Carbon Lynx 6 Pro S - different but good

Test: The Atom X Carbon Lynx 6 Pro S stands out with unorthodox shapes and in bright red. Since you should never judge by looks and we don't believe in advance praise, we did a few laps on the bike to put the carbon E-MTB to the test.

We don't want to dwell on the optics for long. Yes, it polarizes. When something is new, different, there are always two camps. That's how it is with the Atom X. On the other hand: nobody wants to be uniform and someone has to go ahead courageously. So: "Bravo beistegui hermanos!" In addition, one can speak of "form follows function" with the Atom X. The battery can be removed from the top, so the shape is more than just design. So now the Atom X is available in carbon fiber, we were able to test the aluminum version a year ago. At that time we had little to complain about, except for the few frame sizes. But here BH has improved.

The BH Atom X Carbon Lynx 6 in detail

Two highlights of the Atom X Carbon are certainly the new Brose Drive S Mag drive with a long-range battery and the extraordinary carbon frame. Presented last season, the new Brose motor with a magnesium housing has now found its way onto one or the other complete bike. One of the first is the new BH Carbon E-MTB, which is powered by said new motor from the Berlin manufacturer. Without wanting to go into too much detail at this point (all information about the Brose Drive S Mag here), the new drive promises more power, more acceleration than its predecessor, without sacrificing the inimitable, natural feeling of support of the Brose drives. With the 720Wh battery, which is also new, long tours without changing the energy storage or charging in between should also be possible without any problems.

The design of the completely newly developed carbon frame is clearly based on the optically striking aluminum counterpart. However, transitions and design language are much more pleasing on the carbon fiber version and result in a harmonious overall picture despite the unorthodox approach. The geometry has also been fine-tuned here and there: The overall balanced geometry of the Carbon Atom X is a touch sportier and more downhill-oriented: The steering angle is now a bit flatter, the main frame is slightly longer. As I said, fine tuning; nevertheless, in a direct comparison, the Atom X Carbon should be able to be maneuvered a little more smoothly over the trail without noticeably affecting the comfortable seating position and suitability for touring.

Before we get to the specs of our test bike, a few words about the Atom X Carbon model family. The new BH E-MTB is available as a Lynx 6 variant with 160mm front and 150mm rear travel, and also as a Lynx 5. The latter offers 140mm front and 135mm rear travel. Both model series offer a choice of three different specs. Our test model, the Atom X Carbon Lynx 6 Pro S, represents a 6-year-old model.999 Euro represents the mid-range configuration. The entry-level model, the Lynx 6 Pro, costs €6.299, while the top-of-the-line Lynx 6 Pro-SE will cost €7.799. However, there's hardly anything to complain about in terms of the spec on our bike: Fox Performance suspension with the massive 36-tooth fork up front, Shimano XT 11-speed drivetrain, and SLX brakes with large 200-tooth rotors; consistently solid, yet without using particularly high-end components.

The app and operation of the BH Atom X Carbon Lynx 6

We would like to comment on the app and the operation of the engine and software in general in a little more detail. In general, the app is a good thing. It is clear and quick to set up and works immediately. Pairing with the e-bike is also extremely easy. The map material for navigation is usually chargeable with the app (e.g. Europe map 4,79 euros), you can actually live with that. BH gives the buyers of the Atom X an initial gift: When you register the bike, you get maps for free. We noticed a few minor teething problems, for example translation errors such as: "The navigation will work after the map is installed". Also not quite optimal: If you switch off the system during a break, the tour already driven is reset to "zero". But that should be fixed with an update.

When booting up, the system greets the user with a nice colored animation, which subjectively shortens the long loading time somewhat. But it can also take a while, because the part has 256MB of RAM and allows a wide variety of developments for the future. The display sits a little exposed, but we couldn't determine during the test that it was particularly at risk. In addition, BH did two things right: -1- The display sits solidly in metal, as part of the stem, it is screwed to the handlebars and makes a very robust impression overall. -2- If the worst comes to the worst, the display can be replaced for a fraction of what Nyon and Co cost. So you can rate this solution as a whole positive. Also because the information content, the operation and the optics are simply good! We received information about this at the last minute: from the coming season, as an alternative to the current "HeadUp" display, there will be the option of using / converting to a simpler display placed behind the handlebars. Unfortunately we are not allowed to show it yet, but we can clearly confirm that it makes a very good impression.

The control lever is well made, gives additional feedback via vibration, the modes can be selected intuitively, everything is wonderful.

BH Atom X Carbon Lynx 6: On the trail

The design of the Atom X results from the top-removable battery with a whopping 720 watt hours. A decent range is guaranteed. The removal via key or smart key bracelet works easily and intuitively, we like it much better than other Intube solutions. The latch engages somewhat reluctantly when installing the battery. However, this circumstance could also be due to our test sample. The Atom X clearly benefits from the new Brose drive. Still harmonious, but with more power, the drive goes to work. The Brose Drive S Mag motor is 17% smaller, has a triple sensor and a maximum cadence of 130 rpm and 5 levels of assistance; Eco 75%, Eco+ 150%, Sport 250% and Boost 410%. What can we say about that, we are completely satisfied with the Brose. While we have always praised it in the past for its handling and its pleasant, harmonious and intuitive power delivery, we always missed a little power. The S Mag flexes its muscles much more than its predecessors. An almost perfect compromise between everything we want from an e-bike drive.

The chassis holds no surprises. It feels like the current bra models. Atom X, X Tep and also Atom X Carbon differ little from each other here, and that's a good thing. The chassis is rather comfortable, but enduro pros who want a lot of feedback might not like it. But we think that 99 percent of drivers will be happy with it. It doesn't rush through the spring deflection, but rather swallows well. The Fox suspension elements do their job very confidently, even without lengthy tuning orgies. The fat Magic Mary tires contribute to the good traction. Uphill, the drive pushes properly, the tires dig into the ground, and thanks to the rather long rear, the Atom X climbs very well despite the relaxed seating position.

You should move the BH downhill like almost all e-mtbs: Ride with foresight, choose the direct line, wild tricks and daring flight maneuvers should be well thought out. Point and Shoot works great. The BH Atom X Carbon wants to be significantly stiffer and lighter than its aluminum counterpart. We cannot feel that without a direct comparison in the practical test. But that's not meant negatively at all, after all, neither rigidity nor weight were a problem for us in any way with the aluminum model. If you want to move the bike even more sportily, you could certainly change the performance quickly and easily in favor of greater agility with slightly lighter and narrower tires.

Also worth considering: We miss a 4-piston brake caliper on the front wheel, but BH is aware of this and wants to improve it in 2020. Nice, when many details like the Ergon grips are so successful. The gears work perfectly, the wheels are inconspicuous in the best sense of the word, the Selle Royal saddle is ok, and the in-house BH parts also fit. Big riders couldn't get along with the built-in seat post, neither could small ones. The frame construction in the "X-System" has advantages, but also requires the length of the seat tube, which is not lavish. That wasn't optimal in our test because we had testers of different sizes on the bike. In practice, this is not a problem, because the competent dealer will usually install the right setting and the seat post with the right stroke for his customer.

All in all, we would recommend the Atom X Carbon: If you are looking for a powerful E-MTB with a long range, you will definitely find it here. During our test, it happened again and again that passengers with a 500 battery made a long face when the Atom X was still pulling through. The high level of comfort and the excellent running smoothness also knew how to please. One thing is also certain: If you choose the Atom X Carbon, you shouldn’t have a problem with being noticed and being asked about your bike – that happened to us several times during the test. All in all simply a very good, innovative E-MTB with a versatile character!