Bold Unplugged
01.02.23 09:04 5252023-02-01T09:04:00+01:00Text: NoMan, PM (translated by AI)Photos: Sebas Romero, Andreas Vigl, Fred LeiserThe Swiss present a new enduro that is expected to hit the market this spring — fully integrated, with a substantial 160/170 mm of travel and the lowest possible center of gravity for uncompromising handling.01.02.23 09:04 5372023-02-01T09:04:00+01:00Bold Unplugged
01.02.23 09:04 5372023-02-01T09:04:00+01:00 NoMan, PM (translated by AI) Sebas Romero, Andreas Vigl, Fred LeiserThe Swiss present a new enduro that is expected to hit the market this spring — fully integrated, with a substantial 160/170 mm of travel and the lowest possible center of gravity for uncompromising handling.01.02.23 09:04 5372023-02-01T09:04:00+01:00
Bold Cycles presents: the new Enduro Unplugged. With two model variants aimed at well-stocked wallets and a frameset for DIY builders, the Swiss want to tackle rough terrain from spring 2023.
A standout feature of the bike — available in sizes S and M with a mullet setup, and otherwise as a 29er — is integration above all. As is typical for Bold, the shock is mounted entirely internally, and there are several highlights hidden from view.
Redefine the rules
The motto of Bold Cycles, at Unplugged more relevant than ever
Vincenz Droux, Head of Engineering & Design at Bold Cycles, explains: "Integration has always been a core feature of our bikes. With the new Unplugged we have consistently pursued this credo. By transferring forces into the frame interior at the bottom bracket shell, the shock is positioned horizontally, deep in the down tube. This provides an extremely low center of gravity, short and stiff linkage arms and plenty of space for long-travel dropper posts. In addition to the IST VP spring technology designed for progressive enduro riding, the bike offers further innovative solutions. The 'Save the Day Kit' in the down tube, the optimized SAG and bottom-out indicator, as well as the geometry adjustment options at the front and rear are additional innovative features. The playful yet composed handling, coupled with a suspension that has lots of pop and plenty of mid-stroke support, deliver top performance and round out the package for the ambitious enduro rider."
If that was too fast and cursory, here again is the most important information in detail:
Unconventional frame
The basis of the enduro, with 170 mm travel up front and 160 mm at the rear, is what the manufacturer calls a lightweight — how light exactly Bold doesn’t say — and torsion-stiff HMX carbon frame designed exclusively for wireless drivetrains, with Boost standard, UDH derailleur hanger, BB92 bottom bracket, progressive geometry adjustable in two positions, an integrated shock, integrated cables and various integrated storage solutions.
The shock is mounted horizontally in the lowest possible position in the main triangle — more precisely in the down tube. Central and low mounting points for the shock, rocker link, pivot and bottle cage result in a very low center of mass and are intended to provide excellent handling. This also creates plenty of room for long dropper posts with, incidentally, a 34.9 mm diameter. Even in size M, 200 mm posts should be usable without difficulty.
As for the rear suspension design, it’s a virtual pivot linkage. The kinematically optimized spring curve of the four-bar aims to combine sensitivity to small bumps — and thus good traction — with perfect mid-stroke support and sufficient bottom-out control.
Internal Suspension Technology
With frame stiffness and a low center of gravity, two of the three main advantages of the so‑called Internal Suspension Technology, or IST, have already been mentioned.
Furthermore, the damper’s performance benefits. Completely integrated into the frame, the shock absorber is always protected from dirt, water and crashes — and is therefore supposed to always operate optimally, which ultimately should lead to better handling, longer service intervals and more stable riding behavior.
The internally positioned damper is accompanied by a very compact linkage system with low weight and high stiffness. It is attached directly to the damper and mounted on an axle in the frame, so the suspension pivots no longer have to be designed around the frame.
And what is compact on the inside creates space on the outside — in this case, for example, enough room in the main frame to mount a large water bottle.
Adjust, reposition, park
The Unplugged is delivered with a Fox Float X Nude, which is actuated by the TracLoc suspension system. Remember: this is the technology that, with its three positions, allows changes to both the compression damping and the spring curve, thereby dynamically altering the bike's geometry.
In Traction mode the damper is not only stiffer but also simultaneously reduces travel. The bike sits higher, has a steep seat angle for climbs and thus becomes more agile. In addition, the Unplugged has a third mode with full lockout to master even the steepest trails as efficiently as possible.
A cover in the down tube serves as a gateway to the shock. Rebound damping, compression damping and shock pressure should be easy to adjust this way, and the cable of the TracLoc suspension system is also made accessible. The shock bolts are accessible from the outside.
Whether the SAG has been set correctly is shown by an externally mounted, magnet-equipped travel indicator. And the clever display also informs about the end-of-stroke travel, important for controlling bottom-outs.
The geometry of the Unplugged, described by Bold as 'progressive' per se, is not only variable thanks to TracLoc.
Using the FlipChip, the bottom bracket height can be changed by 6.3 mm.
And by rotating the headset cups 180 degrees, an effective head-angle adjustment of +/- 1 degree is possible.
Fully integrated
The Unplugged’s integration concept doesn’t stop at the shock. At the front sits the Hixon iC handlebar‑stem combo from Syncros, which also allows internal routing of cables at the front of the bike and through the headset. Regarding width, rise and sweep, Bold says they’ve hit the sweet spot for everyone — or “riding at the highest level.”
And then there are the many small, hidden and altogether nice details: inside the frame, where you also gain access to the shock via the down‑tube cover, a Save The Day kit is housed: it contains a spare tube, a mini pump, tire levers and also offers space for something like a chain lock, to be able to save the day in case of a mechanical.
In the same vein is the Syncros Matchbox SL‑CT multi‑tool stored in that very spot — more precisely: on the inside of the cover flap. As if that weren’t enough, the rear thru‑axle contains a combined T25/T30/hex key. And tucked into the handlebar grips are, on the one hand, plugs for quick tire puncture repair and, on the other, the matching cutting tool for the plugs — both clever Syncros inventions.
Models and prices
This spring, the new bike is set to land in a total of 40 markets worldwide. Prices may vary depending on local currency, but will be around €10,999 for the grey Unplugged Ultimate with M.2 Air fork, Sram Eagle AXS component mix (X01/GX), Shimao XTR 4-piston brakes (203/180 mm) and Syncros Revelstoke 1.5 wheels with Maxxis Minion DHF tires (2.5").
Two thousand euros less, i.e. €8,999, costs the turquoise Pro version, which is fitted with the same tires but Revelstoke 2 wheels, a Fox 38 Float Performance Air Grip, full GX Eagle AXS and SLX brakes (4-piston, 203/180 mm rotors).
In addition to these two complete bikes, the frame set with Syncros Duncan Dropper Post 1.5 and the above-mentioned Syncros cockpit is offered at €5,999. Color-wise, DIY builders can choose between black or grey.
| Unconventional frame |
| Internal Suspension Technology |
| Adjust, reposition, park |
| Fully integrated |
| Models and prices |
| Links |
