Test: In the constantly growing world of eMTBs, the BH iLynx+ Trail can stand out from the crowd. The Spaniards' latest bike combines the lightness of a light eMTB with the performance of a full power eMTB, making it almost unique on the market. With the Shimano EP801 motor, a removable 540 watt hour battery and a remarkably light weight of around 20 kilograms, the BH iLynx+ Trail sounds like an enormously exciting bike on paper - but how does it fare in practice?
The special feature of the BH iLynx+ Trail lies in its unique combination of performance and lightness. Driven by the latest version of the Shimano EP801 motor with an impressive 85 Nm of torque, the bike undoubtedly meets expectations in terms of power. No less impressive is the low weight, which is only around 20,5 kilograms (frame size M) for the top model of the trail version. This remarkable lightweight is also made possible by the 540 Wh battery cleverly placed in the frame's unconventionally shaped down tube.
Innovative battery solution
The battery is one of the determining factors of any eMTB when it comes to weight and design. The BH iLynx+ Trail scores here with an innovative solution: The 540 watt-hour battery is integrated into the down tube and can be easily removed via a lockable flap in the top tube. The unconventional shape of the down tube is not just for aesthetic reasons, it is also a result of this integration. There is also the option of installing a range extender with an additional 180 watt hours of capacity, which further increases the range of the BH iLynx+ Trail and increases the total capacity to 720 Wh - with a total weight of well under 22 kg.
Thoughtful frame
The carbon frame of the BH iLynx+ Trail offers a number of features such as the integrated saddle clamp, the protected loading port in the rear swingarm and frame protection on the entire rear triangle. The Superboost standard on the rear wheel allows for a stiffer and symmetrically spoked rear wheel and shorter chainstays, even if it somewhat limits the choice of suitable wheels. The lines and cables routed through the headset are tidy, but add a few minutes of extra time to some maintenance jobs.
With the so-called BH Unique program, the frame of the iLynx+ can be painted in the color of your choice, and the color of the decals is also up to the customer. This extra service is free of charge for the top models (with the designation "Pro"), for the other equipment variants it costs 300 euros extra.
Versatile variants for different requirements
The BH iLynx+ Trail is available in two basic versions: as a trail version and as an enduro version. The trail version comes with 29er wheels and 140 mm of travel, while the enduro version comes with 160 mm of travel. Both variants offer a choice of three different equipment variants. What they have in common is a carbon frame and the drive system with EP801 and 540 Wh battery.
Equipment and price of the BH iLynx+
The equipment of the BH iLynx+ Trail is mostly convincing. The use of XT components from Shimano ensures reliable shifting and braking performance. The Fox Factory chassis provides a strong basis for a variety of trail conditions, even if the fork is "only" fitted with the somewhat simpler Fit4 damping. The Maxxis tires are also good, especially with the stable Exo+ carcass on the rear wheel. On the other hand, we didn't like the very simple motor controls and the less than satisfying seat post. The price of the top model is around 9.799 euros, while the cheaper variants start at around 7.700 euros.
| frame | 140mm FS Carbon |
| suspension fork | Fox 36 Factory FiT4 |
| Power Type | Shimano EP801 |
| Battery | 540 Wh |
| Suspension shocks | Fox Float X Factory |
| Wheels | Race Face Turbine 30 TR |
| Tire VR | Maxxis DHF MaxxTerra Exo |
| Tire HR | Maxxis DHRII MaxxTerra Exo |
| derailleur | Shimano XT 12-speed |
| Gear levers | Shimano XT |
| Crank | Shimano 34t |
| Front derailleur | ohne |
| Brake | Shimano XT M8120 |
| Brake discs | Shimano XT 203mm |
| Seat post | Race Face Effect |
| Saddle | Prologo Proxim W450 Stn |
| Stem | Bra Evo 35 fit |
| Links | Race Face Aeffect risers |
Circuit: Shimano XT 12-speed
Fork: Fox 38 Factory FiT4 160mm
Mute: Fox DHX2 Factory 160mm
brakes: Shimano XT M8120
impellers: Race Face Turbine 30 TR
Price: € 9.999
Circuit: Shimano XT 12-speed
Fork: Fox 38 Performance 160mm
Mute: Fox Float X Performance 160mm
brakes: Shimano XT M8120
impellers: Race Face Aeffect 30 TR
Price: € 8.699
Circuit: Shimano XT/Deore 12-speed
Fork: Fox 38 Rhythm 160mm
Mute: Fox Float X Performance 160mm
brakes: Shimano MT520
impellers: Race Face Arc 30 TR
Price: € 7.899
Circuit: Shimano XT 12-speed
Fork: Fox 36 Factory FiT4 140mm
Mute: Fox Float X Factory 140mm
brakes: Shimano XT M8120
impellers: Race Face Turbine 30 TR
Price: € 9.799
Circuit: Shimano XT/SLX 12-speed
Fork: Fox 36 Factory FiT4 140mm
Mute: Fox Float X Performance 140mm
brakes: Shimano XT M8120
impellers: Race Face Aeffect 30 TR
Price: € 8.699
Circuit: Shimano XT/Deore 12-speed
Fork: Fox 36 Performance 140mm
Mute: Fox Float X Performance 140mm
brakes: Shimano MT520
impellers: Race Face Arc 30 TR
Price: € 7.699
The BH iLynx+ Trail in practice
In practice, the BH iLynx+ Trail proves to be an extremely agile and playful trail bike. Thanks to the Shimano EP801 motor and the balanced chassis, it offers impeccable performance on a wide variety of trails. The engine delivers a lot of power, especially compared to the previous EP8 version. The geometry of the bike is balanced overall, although some aspects like the steering angle are a bit more conservative. The BH iLynx+ Trail moves smoothly and agilely through technically demanding terrain and conveys a balanced riding experience between playful ease and smooth running. The rear end tends to get a bit unsteady on fast hits - but that can be managed with a little more rebound on the shock.
geometry data
| Size | SM | MD | LG | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube length | 400 | 420 | 440 | 480 |
| top tube length | 581 | 606 | 628 | 649 |
| Head tube length | 95 | 100 | 110 | 125 |
| Chain stay length | 440 | 440 | 440 | 440 |
| Steering angle | 66 | 66 | 66 | 66 |
| Seat tube angle (effective) | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 |
| bottom bracket height | 338 | 338 | 338 | 338 |
| Stack | 595 | 600 | 610 | 623 |
| Reach | 433 | 458 | 478 | 495 |
You can find detailed driving impressions in our test video:
Peter Wieser says
Hello Michael,
I always follow your reviews with great interest - great work!
I've been following the reviews of the new ilynx+ for a month.
For me a very hot candidate for the next bike - now ride a Levo.
The appearance is something of sausage to me.
I still have a few questions about the ilynx+
How does it work with the range extender? E.g. Can you run it empty first, like with Orbea? Can you simply add it to it and switch it off...etc.?
Unfortunately, the focus of all the tests is always on the downhill and less on the uphill.
However, since I mainly ride in high alpine terrain, the uphill is decisive for me, I still managed to get down 🙂
How would you rate the bike on the very technical climb?
And then the crucial question for me – do you think the Trail 140 or the Enduro 160 is better for technical climbs?
Thank you for the time and effort
Peet