BH iLYNX+ SL Enduro Carbon 9.5 in Review

HCIM (Hollow Core Internal Molding) technology is used by BH on the full carbon frame to minimize weight and maximize stiffness. A high-modulus ballistic carbon layup is said to improve impact resistance. The frame weight without motor and battery is stated by the Spaniards to be only 2.1 kg.

At the dropout, there is a Split Pivot bearing that keeps the rear suspension always active even during braking. An oversized main bearing is supposed to provide additional stiffness.
The rear axle spacing follows the Super Boost standard with a 157 x 12 mm installation width. The strength and durability of the rear wheel is said to be increased thanks to improved centering and tension on both sides of the wheel. The maximum tire clearance for the 29" tire is specified as 2.4".

Between the swingarm and the main frame sits a frame guard to prevent small stones or similar from getting caught between the moving parts. Additional protective devices on the chainstay and the underside of the seat stay reduce noise from chain slap.

An internal cable routing facilitates the threading of the cables, which are routed through the headset into the interior of the bike. Furthermore, the internal routing should prevent rattling noises. The speed sensor of the motor is also excellently integrated on the inside below the brake mounts.
Speaking of brake mounts: Here, the threads are inserted from the back (think of some Ikea cabinets), so you don't have to worry about ever destroying the entire frame due to a damaged thread. The rear disc brake mount follows the Postmount 180 standard, with a maximum rotor size of 203 mm.

The seat clamp is aesthetically pleasing and integrated into the top tube. The maximum insertion depth of the seat post is 200 mm for size S frame, 220 mm for M, 240 mm for L, and 280 mm for XL.
The headset features a mix of Direct Mount 52 on top and Zero Stack 56 on the bottom to accommodate a tapered steerer tube. The Acros Blocklock headset limits the steering angle to 120 degrees, thus preventing damage to the frame.

A special chainguide is mounted directly to the frame. A chainring with 34 teeth is installed, with a maximum upgrade to 38 teeth possible.
The seat tube prominently features a Made in Portugal sticker. In reality, the carbon frame is of course manufactured in Vietnam, with only painting and assembly taking place in Portugal.
The frame is designed for loads of ASTM category 4 (Enduro). You can choose from four frame sizes (S, M, L, XL).

The travel of the Enduro version is stated by the manufacturer to be 160 mm at the rear. The iLynx+ SL is also available as a Trail version with 140 mm travel. This is achieved through different damper strokes of 55 and 50 mm respectively, with the same installation length.
The Enduro is equipped with a damper with an installation length of 210 mm and a stroke of 55 mm. This results in an average leverage ratio of 2.91:1.

The specified travel values are not entirely consistent. If you calculate back from 160 mm travel and 55 mm stroke of the Enduro, with a leverage ratio of 2.91:1, the Trail model should have about 145 mm travel with a 50 mm stroke.
Conversely, if you start from 140 mm travel of the Trail model with a 50 mm stroke, this would result in a leverage ratio of 2.8:1. Multiplying this leverage ratio with a 55 mm stroke results in 154 mm travel.
Ergo: Since the stroke is the only changing factor, it can be assumed that the actual leverage ratio for both models lies between 2.8 and 2.91. Accordingly, the real travel of the Enduro is probably between 154 and 160 mm, and that of the Trail model between 140 and 145 mm. Unfortunately, BH has not yet responded to our request for clarification of the specifications.

The anti-squat value is slightly over 100%, in order to make the rear as bob-free as possible, but still fairly neutral in suspension behavior.

The lightweight concept relies on Shimano's latest version of the EP801 with a maximum torque of 85 Nm.
The bike is powered by a 630-Wh battery that is permanently integrated into the down tube. The battery contains 21,700 cells. In terms of energy density, this means: With a specified weight of only 2,600 g, an impressive 242 Wh/kg is achieved.

A highlight is the XPro DD auxiliary battery with a capacity of 180 Wh included with the iLynx+ SL Enduro 9.5. This range extender may have the shape of a water bottle, but it doesn't take up the bottle cage's space, instead finding its own position on the seat tube.
Together with the XPro DD, the maximum capacity can be expanded to 810 Wh. The weight for the XPro DD auxiliary battery is 1,000 g, suggesting an energy density of 180 Wh/kg for the 18650-type cells.
The DD in the name stands for Dual Discharge. When riding with the auxiliary battery, both batteries discharge simultaneously, ensuring the iLynx+ SL always has 100% motor power available throughout the entire ride until complete discharge, whether you're riding with just the internal battery or also with the auxiliary battery.

The charging port is unconventionally located in the main bearing of the swingarm. Since the auxiliary battery is connected directly to the bike via a port on the top of the motor housing, it can be charged directly.
Unlike many other companies, BH does not shy away from specifying possible ranges for a total weight of the rider and bike of 100 kg. With the 630-Wh battery, you should be able to reach up to 3,500 meters in Eco, 2,500 meters in Trail, and 1,600 meters in Boost. The 810-Wh combo should allow a range of up to 4,600 meters (Eco), 3,300 meters (Trail), or 2,100 meters (Boost).

The riding modes (Eco, Trail, Boost) are controlled via the Shimano EN600L control unit, and the EN600 serves as the display. In addition to the existing display, you can pair your smartphone or a Garmin device to obtain precise data (including battery charge percentages) and metrics for performance and route analysis.
Using the Shimano E-Tube app, the riding modes can be individually adjusted. Part of the iLynx SL concept includes two pre-installed profiles: Full Power provides maximum performance, Endurance for maximum range. These profiles are also fully customizable. You can switch between the different profiles at any time.

Geometry

Basically, the BH iLynx+ SL is supposed to come very close to the regular Lynx series in terms of geometry. The frame of the iLynx+ SL is said to be able to keep up with the Trail and Enduro categories with its different setups.
The only thing that changes the geometry between the models is the installation height of the suspension forks. As a result, the steering and seat angles change by half a degree between the models, and the bottom bracket height changes by 5 mm. Inevitably, the reach on the enduro bike will also be a few millimeters shorter, while the wheelbase will be slightly longer.

On our test frame in size M, the reach measures 455 mm with a seat tube length of 420 mm. The head tube is short at 100 mm, which allows the handlebar to be set low if desired.
The chainstay length remains unchanged at 440 mm for all frame sizes. The bottom bracket height is 350 mm. The head angle is 65 degrees, the seat angle is 77 degrees.

The iLynx+ SL Enduro is available in three equipment variants from 9.4 to 9.6. Our 9.5 test model is priced in the middle at €8,499. There are four more equipment models of the iLynx SL Trail variant.
In its lightest version, the iLynx+ SL Trail 0.0, the bike is said to weigh only 18.8 kg. Our iLynx+ SL Enduro 9.5 in size M weighs 21.025 kg with the installed additional battery. Without it, you can subtract 1 kg, which is also a remarkable value.

The 9.5 model is equipped with a Fox 38 Performance fork with 160 mm travel, rebound and compression adjustment, and a Fox Float X Performance shock with rebound adjustment and a lever for activating a climbing function. Those who want to play with the progression of both components can make adjustments using volume spacers.
Handlebar (Aeffect Riser 35), seat post (DP Aeffect), and wheels (Aeffect 30 TR) are from Race Face. The wheels have a Super Boost axle width of 12 x 157 mm and an internal rim width of 30 mm.
The dropper post offers 100 mm drop for S, 150 mm for M and L, and 175 mm for XL.

The drivetrain is firmly in the hands of Shimano. A combination of SLX lever with XT derailleur and SLX cassette with 10-51 teeth ensures smooth gear changes. The brakes are also from Shimano: The 4-piston XT variant with 203 mm rotors front and rear is intended to reliably stop the bike.

Tech Specs

In some models, the BH FIT Tool - a tool kit that hides inside the steerer tube - is pre-installed. In our Enduro 9.5 with BH FIT Stem, it could be retrofitted if needed, although it would not be easy to remove the installed star nut.
The FIT Stem works with two integrated washers that support each other and can avoid the installation of a star nut. To tighten the stem, you must pay attention to the sequence of the three screws during clamping and adhere to the specified torque settings.

The frame is available in four color variants, or with the BH Unique program, even in a custom color variant that you can assemble yourself from a large color palette.

For an enduro bike, a head angle of 65 degrees is considered agile by today's standards. Together with the short chainstays of 440 mm, the BH iLynx+ SL Enduro is a nimble cornering machine that feels right at home on tight, winding trails.
In return, the short chainstays require a slight shift in body balance towards the front, especially with larger frames with longer reach, to increase traction on the front wheel.

Regarding the additional battery, we concluded that while it's great to have one for extended tours, the extra kilogram of weight is noticeable in the handling. Once you know the difference, you want to make use of the optimum as often as possible.
It's a pity, by the way, that the additional battery only uses cells with lower energy density - some weight could have been saved here. Whether the open socket could cause problems, especially in adverse weather conditions, when the additional battery is not in use remains to be seen.

BH has done its homework in tuning the kinematics. Very sensitive, eager to absorb, but still equipped with enough end progression to prevent constant bottoming out even in harder riding. This gives enough confidence to not hold back before tough sections and to let the bike run over rocks and roots.
The 29" wheels help with roll-over capability over obstacles, including sharp edges.

We were actually very satisfied with the comfortable setup at 30% sag. For extra support and bottom-out protection at high speeds, the 25% sag setting also provides a nice compromise.
If you want to be able to charge through rocky trails without concern, you will likely need a more robust tire carcass - at least on the rear tire. For more stability at high speeds, we would opt for the size-L model, provided the leg length harmonizes with the seat tube length and the insertion depth of the dropper post.

The Split Pivot system contributes to the suspension being able to work actively even when braking. Overall, you don't have to think much about how the suspension works - it just does what it's supposed to do.

The Fox Float X shock fits well with the character of the iLynx+ SL. With the size of its air chamber - smaller than the X2 shock but larger than the DPX2 shock - it offers a defined counterpressure in the mid-stroke area and helps in conjunction with the kinematics to playfully lift the bike over waves and pull it off the ground when needed. Fallen tree trunks can be relatively easily overcome using a bunny hop or by alternately lifting the front and rear wheels.
Once the Fox 38 Performance with Grip damping is broken in, it works very sensitively and also handles high speeds in rough terrain well. However, with aggressive riding, it helps to close the compression lever on the right fork leg by a third to half to prevent the fork from diving too much.

Like all Shimano motors, the one on the iLynx+ also rattles without load when going downhill - you have to be able to live with that, there is no solution for it. However, the resonance of the frame is not as disturbing as with some other bikes.

BH could have cut the seat tube length a bit more. A seat tube length that is 30 to 35 mm shorter compared to the reach for sizes S to L is average – only 12 mm shorter for XL is weak.
The bigger problem with the design is likely the kink in the seat tube – presumably to attach the additional battery at the preferred angle. This limits the insertion depth of the seat post, especially for sizes S and M. For smaller riders who like to ride longer frames or dropper posts with a lot of drop, this could become a problem.
The 150 mm drop on the tested size M frame also seems outdated, and the same drop on size L even more so. Not to mention only 100 mm of drop on the size S frame. On technically challenging trails, you miss the freedom of movement that dropper posts with greater drop allow.

Just sat on the Conway Ryvon in Large with its 485 mm reach and 64° head angle, now on the nimble BH iLinx+ SL (without Range Extender) in M with 455 mm reach and 65° head angle. And what can I say: the difference couldn't be more pronounced. Both are modern, relatively light, and extremely casual trail eMTBs, yet they are very different in their characteristics.

The BH feels really sprightly to me from the first few meters, almost making me forget the 160 mm of travel supposedly working beneath me.
The Shimano motor has bite, its torque control noticeably and precisely multiplies your own power and is thus less dependent on cadence than the smaller Bosch SX motor. The only downside is the frequency of the motor noise at high RPM, which is above the level of some competitors but much quieter and less annoying than its predecessor (Steps e8000). However, the Shimano delivers solid torque in every situation, making key uphill sections on the home loop no problem. Due to its more compact design, the bike does require a more active riding style on steep uphill passages.

An active riding style is also rewarded downhill on the BH iLynx+ SL. I myself always tend to opt for the smaller frame in case of doubt, and the BH hits this mark exactly, as in reality, the M frame is at the lower limit for me. On the trail, this results in a loose and very lively downhill experience. Almost like a non-electric bike, the BH can be thrown over rocks, roots, and into corners - and that's a lot of fun. The compactness becomes even more apparent in tight, steep sections.

All in all, I really enjoyed the few hours on the BH iLynx+ SL. Additional plus points: paint job, controller, display. Wish list: low-pass filter for the Steps motor.

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