Bold Linkin

85/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
28.7, 30.6, 31.5 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Bold Linkin. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

16 reasons to buy

  • The Linkin comes in three variations: 135, 150, and LT. The 135 and 150 are each available in two tiers, Pro and Ultimate.
  • By swapping rocker links, the Linkin frame can run either 150mm or 135mm of rear travel using the same shock.
  • Experts praise the “aesthetically pleasing” fully-enclosed rear shock design and "neatly organized" cables on the Syncros one-piece cockpit.
  • Reviewers commend the three-position TracLoc lockout system for its “seamless” mode switching (Open, Traction, Lockout) via a bar-mounted remote.
  • Testers laud the “excellent” grip and efficiency when climbing, especially in Traction mode.
  • The Bold Linkin 150’s downhill performance impresses experts. One says it “loves to get wild, but never seems to lose control.”
  • Special headset cups and a flip chip in the seatstay enable easy adjustment of the head angle and bottom bracket height.
  • Testers say the combination of short chainstays and a relatively long reach delivers "superb" handling.
  • Experts revel in Linkin's “light,” “stable,” and “plush” nature.
  • Testers relish the "delightful," “easy” cornering afforded by the low bottom bracket, low center of gravity, and “well-balanced” weight distribution.
  • The low top tube and short seat tube provide freedom of movement, according to reviewers.
  • Owners appreciate the long-travel droppers on all frame sizes (170mm to 200mm).
  • Experts say the hidden shock performs at its best for longer and requires less servicing.
  • Rubber protection above and below the chainstay and inside the seat stay provides a "whisper silent" ride.
  • An included external magnetic SAG marker simplifies suspension setup.
  • The Linkin comes with Bold's “Save the Day” tool kit in the frame-integrated storage, a Syncros multi-tool, and a rear axle tool.

4 reasons not to buy

  • Experts criticize the Maxxis Minion DHF (LT, 150) and Dissector (135) tires with EXO casing for being puncture-prone and requiring higher air pressures, compromising traction.
  • Testers complain of the 180mm rear brake rotor, which heats up quickly on long descents.
  • Reviewers say the slack head angle and long reach demand great physical effort and good riding skills for maneuvers like bunny hops or manuals.
  • The Bold Linkin is expensive.

Bottom line

The Bold Linkin is a full-suspension trail bike available in three variations and five build kits, with the following travel options (front/rear): 140/135mm, 150/150mm, or 160/150mm. Experts applaud its playful character, “superb” handling, integrated shock design, and versatile performance on climbs and descents. They also praise adjustability, effective TracLoc system, and “thoughtful” details like integrated cable routing, magnetic travel indicator, and frame-integrated tools. Drawbacks are mostly minor, but the high price tag limits the bike’s accessibility. Overall, the “work of art” Linkin impresses as a premium all-mountain option, excelling on “playful, flowy trails.”

Expert Reviews

81/100 based on 4 rated expert reviews
70
ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

Bold Linkin 135 Ultimate – In Our 2022 Trail Bike Group Test

… the Bold is more on the plush side than playful, sticking to the trail like Velcro and providing bags of grip – and only getting slightly nervous in high-speed sections.

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80
Mountain Bike Rider

Bold Linkin 135 Ultimate Review

The Linkin 135 is an active bike, both in terms of suspension and ride characteristics. It snaps in and out of turns with ease and carries speed incredibly well, especially when the trail is rough or loose.

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92
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This review has been given a score. Read more here
Mountain Bike Rider

Bold Linkin 150 Ultimate First Ride Review

The Bold Linkin 150 is a work of art… As beautiful as da Vinci but as cool as Banksy.

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80
BIKE Magazin

Bold Linkin 150 Pro vs. Santa Cruz Hightower [German]

Santa Cruz and Bold meet on the ground at eye level. The Linkin grabs the uphill rating.

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brujulabike

We Test the Exclusive Bold Linkin: Love at First Sight

… a very unique bike. Both aesthetically, which is obvious, and in its versatility.

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ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

New Bold Cycles Linkin 135 2022 First Ride Review

The Bold Cycles Linkin 135 is a great bike for racers and KOM hunters.

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IMB | International Mountainbike Magazine

Bold Cycles Linkin 135 L 2022

It climbs fantastic, descends well, and feels most at home on playful, flowy trails with the odd tight hairpin or two.

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Bold Linkin 135: The Test [Italian]

… the attention to detail and quality construction of the Bold Linkin 135 are evident, making it a capable trail bike…

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Bold Linkin, the Trail Bike That Started It All [Spanish]

If you are looking for a gravity bike with which you can ride decently, and that doesn’t look like anything you have around you, the Linkin is one of the best options.

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New Bold Linkin 2022, an Avant-Garde Trail That Will Set the Trend (And We Have Already Tested It) [Spanish]

Once underway, it feels as light and maneuverable as a trail bike and as capable going downhill as an enduro bike… it is difficult for us to find weak points in the face of such a bombshell.

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Test: Bold Linkin 150 LT [German]

The all-mountain bike impresses with an extremely detailed frame, excellent handling, and high endurance qualities.

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Test | Bold Linkin 150 LT: The Culmination of a Vision [French]

The Linkin 150 is undoubtedly the most successful interpretation to date, and this LT version is aesthetically one of the most exceptional bikes on the market.

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MTB Emmental

Bözingenberg & Test New Bold Linkin [German]

… the ultimate riding machine; you immediately feel extremely comfortable on the bike…

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User Ratings

0/100 based on 0 ratings
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Rankings

Compared to other bikes
#44 Best Trail
Bottom 40%
#23 Best Enduro
Bottom 40%
#415 Best of All Bikes
Bottom 50%

Bike Comparison

Bold Linkin in comparison to averages

Forum Discussions

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