Bold Unplugged

89/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
34, 35 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

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

17 reasons to buy

  • The Bold Unplugged is available in two build options (Pro, Ultimate).
  • Experts praise the "futuristic" fully integrated rear suspension design.
  • Sizes S and M feature mullet wheels (29"/27.5"); L and XL run 29" wheels. All sizes can be set up mullet or 29er.
  • A reversible headset cup and rear flip-chip allow adjustments to headset angle, bottom bracket height, and rear swingarm.
  • The TracLoc offers three suspension modes (Climb, Ramp Control, and Descend) for "convenient" on-the-go adjustments.
  • Experts praise the “stellar” climbing performance, maintaining stability and remaining planted on challenging uphill terrains.
  • The Unplugged excels on downhills, feeling "plush" and "agile" on the trail.
  • Reviewers highlight the bike's ability to handle high speeds, steep trails, and rough terrain.
  • According to testers, the rear suspension provides “supple” small bump sensitivity, “exceptional” traction and mid-stroke support, and “perfect” bottom-out control.
  • On mellower trails, the Unplugged feels “light” and “playful.”
  • Testers laud the responsive handling, comfortable riding position, and well-balanced geometry for both climbing and descending.
  • During testing, the Öhlins RFX38 m.2 Air fork (Ultimate) excels with its “highly tunable” 170mm travel, providing excellent traction and composure.
  • SRAM's wireless electronic shift systems ensure “smooth” shifting and allow for customizable paddle functions via the AXS app.
  • The Small frame has 170mm dropper post, all others have a 200mm dropper.
  • Owners appreciate the "quiet" operation thanks to the integrated cables and rubber protectors on the chainstays, seatstays, and downtube.
  • An included external magnetic travel indicator simplifies sag tuning and checking end-stroke travel.
  • Bold includes its “Save the Day” tool kit in the frame-integrated storage, a Syncros multi-tool, a rear axle tool, and a tubeless repair kit in the handlebar ends.

6 reasons not to buy

  • Experts say the Maxxis Minion DHF tires hinder the Unplugged's performance due to the EXO+ casing requiring higher air pressures.
  • The 180mm rear brake rotor is undersized for this bike. Testers find it overheats quickly.
  • Two reviewers experience issues locking the frame storage door after just a few weeks of use.
  • An expert reports an instance of the rear shock's "active end" coming loose during testing.
  • One reviewer finds the rear shock's compression adjustment dial hard to reach, and the clicks barely audible.
  • One expert says reinstalling the rear shock into the frame is challenging.

Bottom line

The Bold Unplugged is a high-end enduro MTB with 170mm front and 160mm rear travel. It's available in two builds (Ultimate and Pro) and four frame sizes. The Unplugged is praised for its fully integrated rear suspension and customizability. Experts relish the "superbly" balanced ride, "stellar" climbing, and "plush" downhill performance, even on rough trails. Some reviewers highlight the EXO+ tires and undersized 180mm rear rotor as points for improvement. Others find maintenance of the integrated shock a challenge. Despite these concerns and the premium price, the Bold Unplugged is deemed an enticing choice for enthusiasts seeking top-notch enduro performance.

Expert Reviews

85/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews
84
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This review has been given a score. Read more here

Review: 2023 Bold Unplugged – TracLoc, Hidden Shock, & Two Smoking Barrels

Bold has made something very commendable with the Unplugged 160 [Ultimate]. However, I’m still not exactly sure who will be the kind of rider to buy this bike.

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80

Bold Unplugged Ultimate Review

Precise, balanced and planted, the Bold Unplugged Ultimate performs as well as it looks. However, its clever integration also limits customisation.

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95
BIKE Magazin

Bold Unplugged Ultimate Test [German]

With the [Unplugged Ultimate], I was the fastest downhill. The suspension feels planted… the handling of the Bold is playful enough to have fun even in milder terrain.

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ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

New Bold Cycles Unplugged Ultimate 2023 First Ride Review – Something to Hide…

As soon as you drop the saddle and gravity takes over, the Unplugged [Ultimate] shows its true strengths, feeling pleasantly plush and well balanced on the trail.

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Mountain Bike Rider

Bold Unplugged Pro First Ride Review

It’s nearly as beautiful to ride as it is to look at though, never has the term active suspension been more appropriately applied. 

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Bold Unplugged 2023: The Test [Italian]

… the Unplugged [Pro] especially shines downhill, with a Virtual Pivot rear suspension designed to have the right amount of anti-squat uphill and be lively downhill…

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Gravity Mountainbike Magazine

Test: Bold Unplugged – The Swiss Noble Enduro [German]

… one of the most exciting enduro bikes in recent years. We rode the 170/160mm bike and were thrilled.

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PIANETAMTB

Bold Unplugged 2023: No More Cables, Only Wireless Groups [Italian]

… the full enduro bike for those looking for performance without necessarily having to think about races; compared to a racing vehicle it is much more versatile.

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world of mtb

Bold Unplugged Ultimate I Test I Biketest I SRAM AXS I 160MM I 170MM I Trail Bike I Remote Lockout [German]

… first-class shock integration, powerful chassis, smooth running downhill, first-class climbing behavior as well as high-quality, lightweight equipment…

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The MTB Rider

Bold Unplugged – Test Bike Festival Riva Del Garda [Italian]

Despite being a big bike it has a very slack steering. In fact, it requires a fairly aggressive ride. But I must say, it is fun overall…

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Bold Unplugged V2, a Work of Art Made Bicycle [Spanish]

… the Bold Unplugged [Pro] is a true monster ready for the most aggressive riders. In fact, it demands a high pace and difficult terrain to really enjoy it.

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New Product Test | Bold Unplugged Pro: 50 Shades of Integration [French]

Despite a similar design to the Linkin on paper, it is much more accessible on the ground and also proves to be a good pedaler for a bike with a 170 mm fork.

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Bold Unplugged 2023 Enduro Bike in the First Test [German]

The new Bold Unplugged [Ultimate] impresses in the first test not only with its unique design and low center of gravity but also with its excellent rear-end performance and numerous successful detailed solutions.

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BIKE Magazin

The New Bold Unplugged Enduro [German]

For me, the Unplugged [Ultimate] is considered a race-ready enduro bike directly from the shelf.

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BORN Mountainbike Magazin

In the Test: Bold Unplugged Pro [German]

The Bold Unplugged Pro is almost certain to win the beauty prize… Even more important: the unplugged is comfortable to rock on hard terrain.

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Vélo Vert

Bold Unplugged II: Accessible and Effective [French]

Despite a few complaints, this Unplugged [Pro] remains one of the mountain bikes we had the most fun riding!

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Test: Bold Unplugged Ultimate [German]

… it is an excellent enduro bike with a very wide range of uses, including high alpine tours, and with downhill-oriented tires, it would also look great in the bike park.

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User Ratings

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Bike Comparison

Bold Unplugged in comparison to averages

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