New BH iLynx+ SL Trail 0.0 on test – Slim down, speed up

Jackpot! A full-power eMTB under 20 kg! That’s what many of us have been waiting for. BH presents the new iLynx+ SL Trail 0.0, which rolls into the new season with a fresh look, powerful Shimano EP801 motor and big 630 Wh battery. But how does it fare on the trail, and is the hefty price tag of nearly € 11,000 justified?

Spanish bike manufacturer BH – short for Beistegui Hermanos, a nod to the founding brothers! – introduces the iLynx+ SL Trail 0.0 as the top-tier model of its new trail eMTB lineup. Combining 140 mm of travel (f/r) and a fresh new look, the BH relies on proven technologies with a few modern tweaks. It relies on the same powerful 85 Nm Shimano EP801 motor as its predecessor but combines it , with a slightly bigger 630-Wh battery. BH rely on a new fixed battery concept, which renders a removable battery useless and allows them to keep the weight down to an impressive 19.46 kg (size L). This trend is echoed in our Light-E-MTB comparison test, which shows that e-mountainbikes are getting lighter despite bigger batteries and more torque. However, owning the BH iLynx+ SL will require a happy bank account, as it comes with a hefty price tag of €10,999.90.

What makes the BH iLynx+ SL so special?

For the iLynx+ SL Trail 0.0, BH rely on a full carbon frame that’s built using HCIM (Hollow Core Internal Molding) technology. This process essentially presses the carbon frame against an inflatable core during curing, avoiding air pockets while at the same time ensuring a uniform, lightweight, and stiff structure. BH still rely on their proven Split Pivot rear suspension, which uses an additional pivot point in the rear axle. The orange/silver paint finish complements the fancy Kashima coat of the FOX 36 FLOAT Factory fork and FOX FLOAT X Factory shock. Unfortunately, the fork features an outdated FIT4 damper, which only offers limited adjustment options. A GRIP2 or GRIP X damper would significantly enhance the bike’s trail performance.

Compared to its predecessor, the BH iLynx+ Trail 8.9, the new model relies on a straight downtube, which ensures a sharper, more rectilinear look that is likely to appeal to more buyers. However, the trade-off is that the new 630-Wh battery can’t be removed from the frame anymore and is now permanently integrated into the downtube. The battery can be charged via a cleverly hidden port above the bottom bracket, which is protected against dirt by an additional rubber cover. This means that you’ll need a power plug wherever you store your bike.

The BH iLynx+ SL Trail flagship models come standard with a 180-Wh range extender, which can be secured in front of the seat tube. Its sleek design makes it look more like a water bottle than a battery. Plus, you can still mount a bottle cage on the downtube, so you can keep hydrated even on long backcountry expeditions. The battery and range extender feed a Shimano EP801 motor, which can be fine-tuned to your riding style and preferences using the Shimano E-Tube app. BH deliver the bike with two pre-configured profiles – “Full Power” and “Endurance”, both of which can be further customized. The motor is paired with a Shimano EN600L remote and EN600 display on the handlebars.

Our test bike comes equipped with a BikeYoke Divine dropper post, which, at just 160 mm, is far too short for steep descents. On top of that, the dropper’s remote is somewhat awkward, both in terms of usability and ergonomics, and detracts from the overall sleek look of the bike. However, BH will deliver the production bike with a 160 mm Race Face DP Aeffect post. The integrated seat clamp ensures a cleaner look but doesn’t secure the dropper post sufficiently, causing the saddle to rotate slightly. However, some assembly paste might stop this from happening. Our test bike rolls on a Race Face Next R 31 carbon wheelset with Super Boost spacing. This is meant to improve stability, but finding spares for Super Boost wheels can be tricky. Super Boost hubs have a wider rear axle than standard Boost hubs, resulting in more even spoke tension and sturdier wheels. However, this requires special components, like 157 mm hubs and wider cranks, which might limit compatibility.

The BH iLynx+ SL Trail 0.0 rolls on MAXXIS HighRoller II tires in the harder MaxxTerra compound and puncture-prone EXO casing. This is a strange choice, especially given that this tire model has long been discontinued. A softer MaxxGrip compound on the front tire would make more sense. Heavier riders should consider upgrading at least the rear tire to the tougher EXO+ casing. Braking is taken care of by Shimano’s top-tier XTR four-piston stoppers, which are paired with 200 mm rotors front and rear. A cable-operated, 12-speed XTR drivetrain rounds off the high-end package.

Other spec options of the BH iLynx+ SL

The BH iLynx+ SL is available in two variants, Trail and Enduro,both of which come in four different paint finishes. On top of that, BH allow you to customise the paint finish to your own specifications.

Trail Models:

The entry-level model in the Trail series is the Trail 8.4, which retails at € 6,999.90 and comes equipped with a Shimano XT drivetrain, Shimano MT520 brakes, and FOX Float Performance suspension. The Trail 8.5 costs € 8,499.90 and takes things a step further. It relies on a Shimano XT drivetrain, matching XT brakes and higher-end FOX Float X Performance shock. It features the same alloy wheels as the 8.4 model.

The BH iLynx+ SL Trail 8.6 comes in at € 9,799.90 and features aShimano XT drivetrain and matching XT brakes too. The main difference to the other models is the FOX Float X Factory shock.

Enduro Models:

The Enduro 9.4 is the most affordable variant in the Enduro series, retailing at € 6,999.90. It comes equipped with a FOX 38 Float Rhythm fork and FOX Float X Performance shock. A Shimano XT drivetrain, MT520 brakes, and alloy wheelset round off the package. Priced at € 8,999.90, the Enduro 9.5 offers a significant suspension upgrade. The FOX Performance suspension, combined with the Shimano XT drivetrain and brakes, is designed to deliver high-performance riding.

The Enduro 9.6 is the flagship model in the Enduro range. Retailing at € 9,999.90, it comes equipped with a FOX Float DHX2 Factory coil shock, Shimano XT brakes and matching XT drivetrain– and also features an aluminium wheelset despite being the top of the range model .

The geometry of the BH iLynx+ SL Trail 0.0

The BH iLynx+ SL Trail 0.0 is available in four sizes,SM, MD, LA, and XL, offering a suitable option for riders between 1.50 and 2.10 m tall. Chainstay length is 440 mm across the board. Our test bike in size L combines 483 mm reach and a 440 mm seat tube, which should offer plenty of freedom of movement – at least in theory. In reality, however, the short 160 mm dropper post limits freedom of movement significantly on steep descents.

Size	SM	MD	LA	XL
Top tube	582 mm	609 mm	631 mm	651 mm
Seat tube	400 mm	420 mm	440 mm	480 mm
Head tube	90 mm	100 mm	110 mm	125 mm
Head angle	65.5°	65.5°	65.5°	65.5°
Seat angle	77.5°	77.5°	77.5°	77.5°
Chainstay	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm
BB Drop	31 mm	31 mm	31 mm	31 mm
Wheelbase	1,183 mm	1,212 mm	1,236 mm	1,256 mm
Reach	438 mm	463 mm	484 mm	499 mm
Stack	601 mm	609 mm	619 mm	634 mm

Agile Power Package – The BH iLynx+ SL on the trail

Riding uphill, the BH iLynx+ SL Trail 0.0 places you in an upright, comfortable pedalling position that only puts minimal pressure on your hands and is therefore ideal for long tours. The iLynx feels compact and agile from the get go. On the way to the trailhead, the Shimano EP801 motor provides powerful assistance, and the reliable Shimano XTR drivetrain handles gear changes effortlessly.

When gravity takes over, the lightweight iLynx+ SL comes into its own. The intuitive handling and low system weight make it easy to negotiate technical trails and flowing sections. Even tight corners are a piece of cake with the BH iLynx+ SL Trail 0.0. The FOX suspension offers solid support, allowing you to pump through berms and build up speed. The MAXXIS HighRoller II tires only provide little rolling resistance, helping maintain speed while at the same time providing decent traction.

Tuning tip: Heavier riders should upgrade to amore robust tire in the tougher EXO+ casing.

On steeper, rougher trails, the short dropper post robs you of confidence. On top of that, the iLynx also lacks composure, and as a result you’ll find yourself relying heavily on the Shimano XTR brakes to control the bike on technical descents. The Shimano EP801 motor makes a loud clunking noise on descents, detracting from the riding experience – a clear downside on an otherwise well-designed bike.

Who should take a closer look at the BH iLynx+ SL?

The BH iLynx+ SL Trail 0.0 is a perfect match for riders who appreciate a comfortable, touring-friendly pedalling position and want to cover long distances without too much effort. The big battery and (optional) range extender make it an excellent companion for ong days in the saddle. The agile, lively handling will appeal to riders who enjoy nimble, fast trail riding.

If you’re the type of rider who likes to push the limits on rough, technical terrain, the iLynx+ SL Trail 0.0 might not be your ideal choice. In that case, the Enduro version with more travel and a burlier setup would be a better match.

Conclusions about the BH iLynx+ SL

The BH iLynx+ SL Trail 0.0 impressed us as a lightweight and agile E-MTB with versatile trail capabilities and excellent uphill support. The bike’s low weight, despite its large battery, is remarkable. However, it reaches its limits in rough terrain. The new design will likely appeal to many buyers, but the high price may deter some.

For more information, check out BH’s website!

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Words: Benedikt Schmidt Photos: Mike Hunger