{"id":151,"date":"2021-11-02T18:18:08","date_gmt":"2021-11-02T17:18:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=651426"},"modified":"2021-11-02T18:37:22","modified_gmt":"2021-11-02T17:37:22","slug":"the-new-bold-linkin-gets-internal-suspension-and-super-adjustable-geometry","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/the-new-bold-linkin-gets-internal-suspension-and-super-adjustable-geometry\/","title":{"rendered":"The new Bold Linkin gets internal suspension and super-adjustable geometry"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Katherine Moore\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 02 November 2021 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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The new Bold Linkin is a\u00a0trail bike<\/a> offering either 135 or 150mm travel, adjustable through the hidden shock, and takes inspiration from the latest Scott Spark.<\/p>\n

Most noticeable is the integration of the shock into the frame, sitting just above the bottom bracket<\/a> and anchoring to the inside of the down tube, along with in-built storage for emergency tools (or the \u2018save the day kit\u2019, as Bold calls it).<\/p>\n

Similarities with the 2022 Scott Spark RC<\/a> aren\u2019t a coincidence \u2013 Bold was acquired by Scott in 2019 \u2013 and the Linkin is also specced with finishing kit from Syncros, Scott\u2019s in-house componentry brand.<\/p>\n

\""Syncros\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
It comes as no surprise that the Bold Linkin is specced with Syncros kit, including this one-piece Syncros Hixon iC Carbon bar.<\/span><\/figcaption> Bold Cycles<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Suspension goes internal<\/h2>\n

The low and central positioning of the shock, rocker link and pivot optimises the low centre of gravity, which, according to Bold, yields excellent handling.<\/p>\n

Being protected from trail dirt, water and grime, the internal shock is claimed to perform at its best for longer, with increased intervals between shock servicing.<\/p>\n

\""Bold\"<\/picture><\/div>
The downtube access panel is removed to reveal the internal shock and tool kit.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Bold Cycles<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Bold\"<\/picture><\/div>
Remove the door on the downtube to access tools and the shock.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Bold Cycles<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

As the shock is housed inside the frame, the link can be made more compact and shorter than conventional designs (shorter links also tend to be stiffer).<\/p>\n

The virtual pivot linkage design has apparently been optimised for maximum efficiency, while the shock is said to offer excellent small bump sensitivity and generous traction, plenty of mid-stroke support and a controlled ramp-up at the end of the travel.<\/p>\n

Save The Day Kit stash<\/h2>\n

Making the most of the internal frame integration, Bold has added its \u2018save the day kit\u2019 feature to the down tube, allowing you to stash tools and spares securely inside the frame for when you need them.<\/p>\n

The kit comes complete with a spare tube, small pump, tyre levers and a recess for you to add a chain quick link, as well as the Syncros Matchbox multi-tool.<\/p>\n

Accessing the kit is said to be easy: simply pop open the down tube cover to fetch what you need.<\/p>\n

Progressive geometry that can be adjusted<\/h2>\n
\""Bold\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Linkin models feature adjustable bottom bracket height thanks to a shock mount flip-chip.<\/span><\/figcaption> Bold Cycles<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Both the Linkin 150 and 135 are offered in four sizes, small through to extra-large. Each of the sizes features adjustable geometry thanks to a shock mount flip-chip and headset cups.<\/p>\n

The flip-chip changes bottom bracket height by 6.3mm while the headset cups adjust the head angle by 1-degree.<\/p>\n

However, the two adjustments can be combined to increase the overall range available.<\/p>\n

According to Bold\u2019s Linkin geometry charts, by combining changes to both the headset cups and flip chip, the Linkin 150\u2019s head angle has 1.4-degrees of total adjustability.<\/p>\n

This means you can switch from the head angle from 65.6-degrees in the high and steep setting, down to 64.2-degrees in the low and slack setting.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the same story for the 135, where head angles start at 65.8-degrees and slacken to 64.4-degrees. Bottom bracket heights shift between 342mm and 334mm.<\/p>\n

This level of adjustability will be welcomed by many.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, the two bikes share reach figures. The smallest size has a minuscule 425mm figure, that jumps up to 460mm for the medium. Both frames max out at 520mm for the extra-large, which will appeal to the lofty riders out there.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, the geometry chart states both of the Linkin bikes are fitted with 50mm stems. Arguably for modern trail bikes, this is quite long, and could make the extra-large a bit of a handful to ride.<\/p>\n

Finally, seat tube angles are steep, sitting between 78.7-degrees for the small Linkin 135, slackening out to 77.4-degrees for the large Linkin 150. However, we commend Bold for going down the steep route, even if it didn\u2019t manage to keep the seat tube angle the same across sizes.<\/p>\n

Bold Linkin 135 geometry<\/h3>\n
<\/colgroup>
\ufeff<\/th>S<\/th>M<\/th>L<\/th>XL<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Geometry setting<\/td>Low – slack \/ high – steep<\/td>Low – slack \/ high – steep<\/td>Low – slack \/ high – steep<\/td>Low – slack \/ high – steep<\/td> <\/tr>
Head tube angle (mm)<\/td>64.4 \/ 65.8<\/td>64.4 \/ 65.8<\/td>64.4 \/ 65.8<\/td>64.4 \/ 65.8<\/td> <\/tr>
Head tube length (mm)<\/td>90<\/td>105<\/td>120<\/td>135<\/td> <\/tr>
Top tube (horizontal, mm)<\/td>546<\/td>595<\/td>628<\/td>661<\/td> <\/tr>
Standover height (mm)<\/td>675<\/td>707<\/td>733<\/td>760<\/td> <\/tr>
BB drop (mm)<\/td>41 \/33<\/td>41\/33<\/td>41 \/ 33<\/td>41 \/33<\/td> <\/tr>
BB height (mm)<\/td>334 \/ 342<\/td>334 \/ 342<\/td>334 \/ 342<\/td>334 \/ 342<\/td> <\/tr>
Wheelbase (mm)<\/td>1171<\/td>1213<\/td>1249<\/td>1286<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube length (mm)<\/td>365<\/td>395<\/td>425<\/td>455<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube angle (degrees)<\/td>78.7<\/td>77.7<\/td>77.7<\/td>77.7<\/td> <\/tr>
Chainstay (mm)<\/td>434<\/td>434<\/td>434<\/td>434<\/td> <\/tr>
Reach (mm)<\/td>425<\/td>460<\/td>490<\/td>520<\/td> <\/tr>
Stack (mm)<\/td>602<\/td>616<\/td>629<\/td>642<\/td> <\/tr>
Stem length (mm)<\/td>50<\/td>50<\/td>50<\/td>50<\/td> <\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>

Bold Linkin 150 geometry<\/h3>\n
<\/colgroup>
\ufeff<\/th>S<\/th>M<\/th>L<\/th>XL<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Geometry setting<\/td>Low – slack \/ high – steep<\/td>Low – slack \/ high – steep<\/td>Low – slack \/ high – steep<\/td>Low – slack \/ high – steep<\/td> <\/tr>
Head tube angle (mm)<\/td>64.2 \/ 65.6<\/td>64.2 \/ 65.6<\/td>64.2\/65.6<\/td>64.2 \/ 65.6<\/td> <\/tr>
Head tube length (mm)<\/td>90<\/td>105<\/td>120<\/td>135<\/td> <\/tr>
Top tube (horizontal, mm)<\/td>546.8<\/td>595.9<\/td>629<\/td>662.1<\/td> <\/tr>
Standover height (mm)<\/td>683<\/td>715<\/td>740<\/td>766<\/td> <\/tr>
BB drop (mm)<\/td>35 \/ 27<\/td>35 \/ 27<\/td>35\/27<\/td>35\/27<\/td> <\/tr>
BB height (mm)<\/td>340 \/348<\/td>340 \/348<\/td>340 \/348<\/td>340 \/348<\/td> <\/tr>
Wheelbase (mm)<\/td>1175<\/td>1216<\/td>1253<\/td>1289<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube length (mm)<\/td>305<\/td>395<\/td>425<\/td>455<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube angle (degrees)<\/td>78.4<\/td>77.4<\/td>77.4<\/td>77.4<\/td> <\/tr>
Chainstay (mm)<\/td>434<\/td>434<\/td>434<\/td>434<\/td> <\/tr>
Reach (mm)<\/td>425<\/td>460<\/td>490<\/td>520<\/td> <\/tr>
Stack (mm)<\/td>604<\/td>617<\/td>631<\/td>644<\/td> <\/tr>
Stem length (mm)<\/td>50<\/td>50<\/td>50<\/td>50<\/td> <\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>

2022 Bold Linkin specs and prices<\/h2>\n

Bold\u2019s new Linkin is available in four different builds and two framesets, as well as a frame-only version.<\/p>\n

Bold Linkin 135 Ultimate<\/h3>\n
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\""Bold\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Bold Linkin 135 Ultimate<\/span><\/figcaption> Bold Cycles<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n