Unusual NBD – Bold Linkin Ultimate

@Bearback thanks again, the Spark does look interesting, eg ST 910 TR, with 120/80mm rear and Fox 34 Perf Elite Grip2 140mm fork. 12.7kg.

I’m not racing at the moment but looking at XCO/XCM in age group, maybe XTERRA (have triathlon background). Mostly it’ll be trail+ for fun though, red graded UK stuff.

Also relevant perhaps is that the Oiz I’ve spent 2 years on is 68deg front, from just before they slackened it by 1deg. Quite a handful when chasing pals downhill on their Stumpjumpers, Tallboys and Ariel. Previous experience was with much older geometry, having spent the intervening decade on road/TT bikes.

My 2022 910 is essentially set up as a TR aside from running a 140 fit4, not a 140 grip2.

I added synchros Silverton 1.0 carbon wheels and that wider carbon bar stem and it’s a rocket ship up and down.

It’s one of those bikes where no matter how low your fitness is (I hit 34hrs this year due to life getting in the way) but I can go out for my monthly ride and still feel like a superhero.

I’m appreciating how even for 2025, the 910 still looks exactly like my 2022 version. Has saved me from the usual model year color  upgraditis.

@snotrag did you switch to a 150 fork or try one, as you originally thought you might? Or has the Fox 34 140mm worked out just fine for all your UK riding?

Been thinking about Genius (possibly ST), Spark (possibly ST), Linkin 150/135 and keep coming back to the latter. I’d likely keep my Oiz for xc/general riding with the new bike for trail+. The adjustability of the 150/135 does appeal, as I’m not sure how big to go at this point; partly inexperience.

One general point, rigidity/compliance and grip. Benji’s review of the Genius ST Tuned commented on stiffness reducing grip on rock/roots. That bike had carbon wheels as well as the Genius HMX frame. But I’m wondering whether the same might apply to the Linkin too; anyone care to comment?

All the Sparks seem to be listed as HMF, unless I’ve missed one. Quite light already, which I’d appreciate being quite light myself. Standover is listed 20mm higher than I’d like on the Spark, even the small frame oddly.

Hoping to call at a proper dealer around the coming weekend, possibly Run&Ride, J’s, Peak Tri or On yer bike Burnley.

I get the idea of the 135/150 swap, however it’s not a simple case of making the switch depending on how you feel that morning.

It’s a case of depressurizing and removing the shock, removing the cranks, removing the BB, undoing the special BB nut and disassembling the linkage parts out of the frame then putting it all back together.

Plus you’d also need the alternative 135 or 150 link which doesn’t actually come with the bike, it does come with the frame set only.

Transforming the bike quickly, imo would be better and easier as a wheel/tire swap and leaving the travel alone.

Scott typically pair their hmf fronts with an alloy rear.

I’ve had almost every iteration of Scott over the years. The current spark is my favourite of them all, however, my 2018 genius tuned would be close behind and a ran it with a variety of 140-160 36’s. It was a 28lb trail bike perfect for squamish/whistler pedalling.

As far as the hmx/hmf/alloy comparison, I can only do that with the previous ransom platform. I started out with the 900 tuned and had a pretty big year of riding. It was still fast up the hill but almost too fast down in that I carried way more speed into things that I could then manage in corners. The next season I got the 910 (hmf-alloy rear) which I liked less. All the same build components grafted on from the tuned, but it was heavier, slower up and down and just didn’t feel as good.. then, with and idea of having a dedicated park bike that wasn’t precious I got a 930 alloy. Again same build kit except a 38 and x2 and it was definately the least good of the bunch.

Aside from the shipping delay on what was going to be my 2023 genius 910 st, the bold was the quicker option to arrive and I knowing it was carbon/carbon as opposed the the 910 st hmf/alloy build didn’t dissuade me not to swap my order.

The Linkin frame is listed as hmx but I’m positive that my 2019 ransom tuned was noticeably lighter as it was still a sub 30lb bike (yes still with the same build kit as on the bold)

Actually, if I was just to have 2 bikes, the spark and that 2019 hmx ransom tuned would be perfect.

Interesting comments, I still haven’t really found the time to get out on my 135 ultimate as yet (hoping to sort that shortly). But I’ve (slowly) done a pretty nice re-build (selvas, T-type xx, Curas, carbon wheels, reverb axs, hixon bars/stem) and it’s come out at 30lb. Hard to see it getting any lighter and maintaining it’s intent.

I’m still trying to settle on a the best travel for the Selva to match the 135mm rear. (The Selva is a bit shorter axle to crown so may get away with a bit more travel).

I did read the MBR review had the 135 Linkin pegged at about 140 mm or so travel. Not sure how true that is but in my mind it did call into question whether it’d be worth jumping to the 150 at all being so close in travel anyway. The LT is running a 160mm though so should be strong enough at least.

Imagine a Genius tuned might come in a wee bit lighter but I’d not expect it to be much more than 1lb given it’s intent. Reviews do suggest a lot stiffer a bike though. It’d be interesting to hear if anyone had compared a genius v bold Linkin but given the bolds lack of boxy frame I’d expect it to be a bit more forgiving. Some reviews suggest the hixon bars may be part of the added stiffness too which would be easy to change as has been said.

Hi all, yes I’ve run mine in both configurations now – 135mm with a 140mm Fox 34, and at 150mm with a 150 and then 160mm  Fox 36.

Its not a 5 minute job to change, you need to remove your BB cups. However, the partscare very nicely made and it goes together very well.

I’ve ridden the Spark in both its normal and `Super Trail’ guises – if you want to rsce, a proper Spark is the bees knees. However if you think you want a Spark ST – dont, get a Linkin 135 instead. The geo is far more prpgressive, its much lower, faster and more stable.

When I did change the build a bit I started with my 36 at 150mm then quickly changed it to 160 as theres basically no reason not to.

For the OP I think a Linkin at 135mm is perfect, its incredibly capable (would do a weekend riding with all my mates on Enduro bike) but still feels light and lively, especially in traction mode. You can build light enough to do some Marathon events (I did!) etc if you want to. Using a 34 over 36, Pike over a Lyrik etc.

Never had any isues with it being overly stiff. It works best when the suspension is set very plush in its default open mode, it still resists bottom out well and this then lends itself to using the traction mode a lot – I quickly got used to it and found I’m changing modes every few seconds (akin to when we all thought droppers were a gimmick but its now 2nd nature).

@AndyOiz no idea where you are but i think WetRockNRide might have a few bikes in.

@snotrag thanks, appreciate that.

Travelling west Midlands to Northumberland today, returning Sat/Monday, so I could call Hartlepool and other places in my return. Am in the sticks so tend to make the most of such journeys!

Good write up Snotrag, Have you settled at 150mm at the rear for now?, whereabouts are you riding by the way I seem to recall your not far from me.

Just figuring out where the line is these days, think the max full suss I had to date on a 29er was 120mm so 135mm should be good and wondering if 150mm is overkill or actually worthwhile in conjunction with the lockout traction mode.

I was wondering whether to ditch the remote lockout if it pedals so well but sounds like the added versatility it can provide with the right sag setup maybe worth exploring.

Incidentally, as tidy as it is, the lowest lever of the three does just unbolt for removal (without any dramatic exploding) leaving just two levers if a simpler setup is required or while exploring other dropper controls.

The lowest lever is the dropper, so you don’t want to be taking that off 😉

@snotrag WetRocknRide are closed the next few days it seems. I’m in the north east over the weekend and probably return home via 3 Scott shops – J’s at Wakefield, Onyerbike in Burnley and RunNride in Stafford.

I’m thinking Linkin frameset or a 150 or an LT, or alternatively a Genius ST 900 Tuned given some of the current discounts. If a frameset then maybe build with a 140mm fork and decide later on whether to go longer travel. Definitely want to check on M or S being bang in the middle, 5’7″ (170cm) with longish legs, 31″ inside leg. The generous standover of the Linkin makes M most likely for that one I think.

Back home towards the Welsh border it’s more of an effort to view a range of bikes.

Thanks all for sharing experience and advice.

Hi again,

On my travels over new year I managed some Bold/Genius/Spark discussions/viewing. First I called at J’s at Ferrybridge, not realising that’s just their workshop but I had a useful chat with the mechanic. Most of their staff were off for new year when I called. Next up was Run and Ride at Stafford who were great – they have Linkin framesets on display (only) and Spark/Genius to browse. Good advice from several shop guys over coffee. WetRocknRide were closed but phoned me back with great advice, keener on Scott than Bold due to Bold being paused right now. Finally, my very local small shop (Blazing Bikes) who sell Scott but have none on display and they’re keener on their Trek range I think.

I’m still keen on a Linkin and here are my current thoughts. With the Fox 36 I understand you can change the travel up/down with a relatively simple swap of air cartridge, and I’d like to ride all my local stuff with it as a 135. The link is available from Bold at around £40 I’m told, so I could go 150 later (this summer) and use an air cartridge to take the fork to 150/160.  With that in mind there are deals on the 135 in white, or by spending more there’s the 150 Ultimate in black. Actually, with the top spec and claimed weight of 13.0kg the latter looks attractive; for the price of the link and an air cartridge it could also be run as a properly light short travel trail demon…..

I’m not sure the “paused” concern is any more relevant to bold than it is to Scott.
Yes Scott will launch the new gambler and the spark gravel for 2025 but Scott see holdovers on the Spark (design and some colors) and Genius and Ransom colors for 2025 – you could call that paused I suppose. Bold don’t have the depth in product lines to worry about when it comes to needing to update an end of cycle product. The Unplugged was revised in 2023, the Linkin revised in 2022. They used to have a proper lighter short travel trail bike as a 3rd in their range, perhaps that’s what’s being held to 2026.. although the Spark covers this segment in spades.
Presumably, with the shift to reduced manufacturing overheads via Scotts network and no longer being low volume boutique,  bold have overstock and are looking to sell through before committing to new production?
Even if Bold discontinued entirely, law would stipulate that Scott maintain warranty/repair inventory, unlike brands like Nukeproof, GG etc who are no longer an entity. Buying one wouldn’t concern me.

Interesting on the link pricing, I’d be interested at that price if 135mm turns out to not be enough travel (tho I suspect not for the UK and my riding style). Might be a nice spare anyway if I ever get back to the alps maybe for a holiday.
I did contact Scott about a link but the guy I spoke to was unable to find it on their system. Is there a special tool required too by the way?

Still need to ride mine but have decided to give a Selva a go and up the ante on the brakes from Cura 2 to Cura 4 already so it’s already headed in that direction.
The Selva is dual air so easy enough to adjust travel on the fly and experiment with. It’s the lenger 170mm version but I’ve set it at 155mm ish at the mo. The axle to crown is around 10mm or so less than the fox 36 that was on there so geometry is about the same still.

Thanks @Bearback

Although the stocks are patchy there’s one shop here (J’s) listing an LT in my size, although it was ‘hiding’ in their warehouse when I asked. That has a Lyric Ultimate at 160mm on the front and also Rockshox (150/100) at the rear.  With one of those I’d explore varied terrain as standard (Welsh trail centres+), with the later option of a 140 air cartridge in the Lyric along with swapping the link at the back. Not sure how the Lyric Ultimate (would compare to Fox 36 Perf Elite.

Part of the quandy is that so far my experience is mainly xc on a Fox 32 fit4 with a 68deg head angle, plus marathon/xc on much earlier tech. Would love to add several MTBs to the garage but I also have triathlon/road/gravel demands on my time and space!

I missed the updates and questions on here…

Reading back, the 135mm version is a very capable bike – see my photos in the first page, thats at 135mm with a 140mm Fox 34, pretty light for a trail bike, and very capable – I did endurance XC races AND sporty Enduro events on this.

It very much depends on your build though. Once you’ve fitted a Fox 36 and some tougher wheels and tyres, its pretty pointless not running the bike at 160/150 – the actual travel costs you nothing in weight and the effect on climbing is minimal. Tracloc is a big part of this.

As for the travel change – bear in mind you will need to Link, AND the tool – there is no way round this.

It is not difficult but it is also not a quick change – remember you will also need to remvoe your chainset, and then a suitable bottom bracket punch and press tool for the pressfit BB which needs removing and refitting to change the link.

Its a job for the workshop and completing alongside a thorough service, checking your shock seals etc – not a trailside change or something you’ll go back and forth with depending on where your riding tomorrow.

Thanks Snotrag, all good points there. I’m coming from an occasionally ridden Vendetta X3 and an Evil Following FS before that which didn’t get a whole lot of use and it feels like things gave maybe moved a touch in the FS works of bikes a bit.

I’m not sure my build would change as it’s fairly solid otherwise so your right if I did change to 150 I’d probably just leave it there then (no real impact to weight). I could let the Selva out to 160mm (or maybe 170 and still maintain the same Geometry as an LT haha). The trackloc might get a look in there too then and become a bit more of a used feature.
From the reviews to date some seem to think it’s superfluous but then again maybe if the option to setup a bit softer comes into play it could be very useful and bring that extra dimension/flexibility.

@snotrag thanks, the 135 does look like a real sweet spot. It comes with a 36 Grip2 at 140mm, and will be carrying 200-300g more than the equivalent 34, ie less significant a difference than a tyre change or carrying the tools in your backpack for example.

Appreciate your comments on the link swap. It’s something I’d envisaged to do once, if at all, but nice to have as an option. As mentioned earlier if the 135 is actually 140 rear travel then perhaps there’s a case for putting a 150 air cartridge in the 36 and leaving the link alone.

I’m back in Yorkshire in 4 weeks and keen on J’s cycles having talked to them and having read your comments on them earlier.

@snotrag I just realised you had a Five Evo before the Bold. That’s a bike I’d considered too, having played briefly on a pal’s one, and there are a couple more enthusiasts locally. Would you care to compare the Bold to the Orange? Big step, huge difference? Why the change, after not very long..?

Hi mate – it was a Stage Evo, but close enough. I’ve sent you a PM to save all the waffle here!

If someone could please buy this, I can stop working out how I’ll explain it to my other half

Thanks

Bold Linkin 150 Ultimate Bike

If someone could please buy this, I can stop working out how I’ll explain it to my other half

Haha, it’s everything I dislike about modern MTBs but somehow I still quite like it.

Too big for me though, sadly (and I’ve just got a new Orange way cheaper).

Great to read through this post and all the contributions, thank you – there’s not much out there to read or see about the Linkin in the UK. (That I’ve found!)

I’ve had mine about 2 months now – the result of a new job and the Cycle to Work scheme: I’d never heard of Bold Cycles, but the CTW scheme offered such a huge range of bikes there seemed only one logical way to narrow the field – I set a limit for budget, and then searched by biggest % discount to see what the good deals were. 59% off a ’22 Linkin 135 Pro and then the CTW deal made it a pretty good option.

Big change from the my last bike – I’ve been riding an On One Inbred 29er since the end of 2010, steel frame and rigid carbon forks. Those materials, plus some fat Schwalbe Hans Dampfs were all the spring I had!

So all change for this bike – front and back suspension, and all the pumps / rebounds / settings and lockout that comes with, a dropper seat post, carbon frame, integrated tools, internal cables, tubeless tyres… Yep, a lot of change. I’ve got the XL frame, pretty good fit though I ride with the seatpost about 25mm higher than the marked limit. Still a bit low, but pretty close to what I need. In comparison to the On One, the chainstays and reach to the handlebars is exactly the same, though the head of the bike is about 100mm higher than the On One. The bottom bracket is a little higher too. The seat tube is a little more upright, and the headtube angle a whole load slacker, meaning the wheelbase is about 200mm longer than the 21″ On One.

At slow speeds I still find the Bold really twitchy – possible the very short stem, or just getting used to it. At speed, well, I’ve been giggling out loud at times – the sheer speed with which this thing deals with the local rooty and bumpy trails is amazing. I did okay up to a point on the old bike, but too much speed on longer rooty/bumpy sections and sooner or later my timing would go and I’d find myself getting bucked off balance. The Bold soaks up a lot of this. I ride in the South Downs, so mainly fairly natural singletrack, and a few purpose built trails. It’s dirt and roots, clay chalk and flint. In all honesty, the Bold does neutralise some of the previously technical stuff – it’s almost too much bike for the trails, and certainly more capability in a bike than I need or will really make use of. I am seriously excited for the drier days of summer though, when I’ll be able to really push some of those trails.

I’m not feeling the love for the current tyres at the moment – not much is great on slimy clay over chalk, and I possibly haven’t got the pressures right yet, so maybe they’ll come good. Equally, I have never changed or fitted tubeless tyres, so that is something to avoid or get into asap.

I certainly wouldn’t have spent the best part of £6k on a bike, but at less than £1400 spread over a year, it seemed a no-brainer. It might not be the perfect style of bike for me, but it’s like swapping a 15 year old Ford Focus for a top of the range Porsche Cayenne… that’s a choice you can make without too much fear of being disappointed. Plus, it’s a stunning bike to see – I love the simplicity and cleanliness of the lines – something I’ve always valued in design. Plus, it’s kind of nice riding something different – I wouldn’t say it’s better than another bike, but like the On One, it’s the one I wanted, and I love riding it. I smile every time!

seatpost about 25mm higher than the marked limit

if you mean you can see the insertion limit engraving on the seatpost and theres still another 25mm before the collar, then I’d address that PDQ. No ones warrantying a frame that’s had the seatpost levered through the back of the seat tube.
Yes, I’ve seen it happen, no it wasn’t mine.
Best I can find is that the 200m Duncan post looks to be 538mm long, a 240mm Oneup is 610mm. There’ll be +/- due to stack etc, but I’d honestly address that insertion sooner than later

Thanks BearBack, you’re absolutely right – it’s bad practice, and I’ve been on the lookout for a swap. Thanks for the suggestions.

Jess.