BH Lynx 4.8

Looking for a ride with the ripping handling of an enduro bike but with shorter travel? (Hey, we ride the trails we have, not the trails we want.) BH’s carbon-framed Lynx 4.8 blends aggressive geometry with a 120-millimeter-travel package.

With 27.5-inch wheels and a 68-degree head angle, the Lynx is quick, but it doesn’t feel scattered on a fast, rough descent. Fox deserves a good bit of credit for its 34 Float Factory fork. The rear suspension features a “Split Pivot” around the rear axle, a-la Trek’s Full Floater, but it isn’t saddled with the unreliable DRCV shock. Instead, BH chose wisely with a Fox Factory Float shock.

Since the Lynx’s personality encourages rowdy riding, it deserves a more secure single-chainring drivetrain than the Shimano XT double-ring setup that comes stock. Fortunately, BH includes a RaceFace narrow/wide ring in the box, which can be fitted to the Turbine cranks.

After long-term testing, the rear linkage developed a bit of clunky play. This didn’t affect the bike’s performance, but it was unnerving. We’ve contacted BH engineers to learn more about the source of the problem.

Component highlights: Shimano XT drivetrain; Shimano XT Trail brakes; Fox EVOL Float Factory shock; Fox 34 Float Factory fork; Easton Heist 27 tubeless-ready wheels.