Unusual NBD - Bold Linkin Ultimate

😍

Very nice. Even with it having a lot of major things I wouldn't have myself, there's no denying the cleanliness of its looks.

I've a rust red Linkin 150 custom from component swaps.

Lovely looking bike and has been on my wish list since the original bikes launched so a huge bonus when my 2023 genius st was delayed and I had an excuse to get the bold.

It rides great, descends superbly but weighs notably more than my previous generation genius tuned even without

A bit of play in the tracloc cable ferrules perhaps in part due to the 0.8mm inners and skinny outer means it's hard to dial in full lockout and I've pulled the rear shock more than I'd like.

Have fun though!

Oh, hello, that looks fun...

that is a lovely looking bike. congratulations.

Yes, those skinny cables were not something I've come across before and it took some time to work out how to get everything setup and tensioned correctly.

The whole bike build took a fair while as its complex and you have far, far more to do than something 'regular'. There are even a couple of service bulletins and mods to perform on the frame ex-factory, parts included, but I enjoy it, and I think it's worth it.

With everything nicely hidden away from damage like that they’re missing a trick if they don’t do a bike park version. Excellent marketing opportunity too.

Although I was sceptical about so much worth the first Bold model, and I’m not keen on headset cable routing or one piece bar/stem things, they seem to have got the geometry, the suspension behaviour, the dropper post insertion and the storage, very right. And I’m sure as Scott are how involved they’re very light too! Have fun!

Super looking bike. I hope you keep us updated on the ownership experience.

NEver heard of these... but i do love a shiny new bike thread 🙂

Looks really nice and the geometry sounds spot on, not sure I could cope with the cables myself though.

I reckon they look ace 👍 

it’s in my maybe wishlist for the future but I’d need to be able to remove the shock cabling leaving it open as the lever arrangement spoils the otherwise clean looks. Ditto, wireless gears and seatpost would be the icing on the cake.

NEver heard of these… but i do love a shiny new bike thread 🙂

Yes, we noticed 😉

Looks fantastic - especially in that carbon finish with the gloss tape over the top. Very clean looking and I’m sure it rides well.
I do all my own maintenance so I don’t think I’d fancy one myself - internal routing annoys me enough already without routing brake hydraulic lines through the stem.
You’ll have to come back and update the thread on how it rides - sounds like the geometry is sorted - I’ve got a lot of time for short seat tubes and still having decent reach. There are a few companies that do that sort of thing - Transition / Bird etc - but a lot of companies still have quite long seat tubes which puts me off their bikes

Inspired by some comments elsewhere, I thought it about time to come back to:

@theoo

Super looking bike. I hope you keep us updated on the ownership experience.

@joebristol said

You’ll have to come back and update the thread on how it rides

Best. Bike. Ever.

Naturally, there is a large amount of consumers bias in this. I got a stonking deal on it, but its still an expensive purchase and you'd bloody hope it wasnt awful but here goes...

6 months in as I'd expected given my experience with the Scott Scale, there are absolutely no issued caused by all the things the internet/pinkbikers/stwers like to scream about. Press fit BB is totally silent on both bikes. I've had the headset apart and bearings are still like new. The internal cabling has caused me precisely zero issues on either bike and I've done brake hose installs and changes on both - it takes 5 minutes longer than it would for 'regular' internal routing. Throwing a new gear inner in is no different to any other bike.

Tracloc, is superb. It really, really suits my riding. I love how different it is to regular compression damping lockouts, which give you a wooden, numb feeling bike. Because the Tracloc/Nude Shock changes the shocks volume, not just the damping - it really does feel exactly like changing to a shorter travel bike. It climbs brilliantly, grippy, active, comfortable but very efficient - just like you'd expect a<30lb 100mm travel bike to feel.

I use it constantly, flicking between modes just the same as we are use to flicking our dropper posts up and down constantly these days. Positioning of the levers took some time to get right as initially I was getting thumb pain - all sorted now though with trial and error.

I run it in slack, but high, settings. I'm on 170mm cranks, could potentially go for 165 but the true settings are more like 'low or lower', and I like my technical climbs so any lower and I''d be striking the pedals too often.

What the bike feels like is that the centre of mass is very low to the ground - which gives me so much confidence when riding - I have been absolutely charging lately, notably so, and the bike must take some credit for that. It turns really well despite being long, which I can only think is helped by the COG and the confidence in grip/traction it gives me - I feel much happier really leaning the bike over and pushing, pressuring into corners and berms. The ability to run the long dropper and get myself down really low, because of the short seat tube, is also key I think.

I've done a few longer Marathon type rides, e.g. the Fox antifreeze, lots of midweek trail centre laps, a fair bit of off-piste woodsy exploring and the Hamsterley Beast Enduro last month, which it was absolutely ideal for.

I bought some really nice, mega bargain Zipp carbon wheels which were intended for my hardtail but I could not help put them on the Bold when riding tamer trails/XC and they naturally only improved it, dropping more weight too.

I did a 6 monthly partial strip/bolt check/deep clean and had one pivot bolt that was slightly undertorqued, all bearings feel like new, no play or looseness anywhere. Shock came out to check, its absolutely spotlessly clean, none of that oily tide mark you get no matter how well you look after it. The built in chain guide is a little underwhelming and flexy, however I never used to drop chains anyway so I might just take it off. Doesnt rub or make noise though, and it probably onle weighs ten grammes.

Finally, the bike, even with a downtube full of spares and tools, is absolutely silent - which is so satisfying!

I do wish there were two sets of bottle bosses, 2 smaller bottles would be nicer than one big one, I reckon on the size large at least they could have managed another set under the top tube.  The rear axle with the built in 6mm/T30/T25 is useful and though this fork is a Fox QR, my other Scott has a bolted up Rockshox SID and its great having the tool always to hand when loading into the car etc.

This is massively vain, however definitely linked to how much I'm loving it - it gets a lot of comments - What is it, it looks awesome, I've never seen that before, hey look at that bike etc.... yes, cringe I know, but it does make you feel good.

To summarise - I've been riding for 25 plus years, I've had some really cool bikes but this one is bloody special. It was a massive indulgence for me and it pretty boutiquey, but I am very glad I bought it.

Sounds like you’ve ended up with a great bike for you!

When you have a bike that you gel with and that brings out the best of your riding, and that doesn’t do anything annoying (creaking, rattling, breaking etc!) it’s just the best place to be in as a MTBer.

(Actually, some more time to ride my bike would really help too!)

That really does look nice with the lack of cables.

I'm impressed you have had so little trouble with it in 6 months, sounds like it's getting loads of riding.

How much does it weigh? Just curious 😃

I bet it’s lighter than my steel hardtail!

While I personally don’t like the headset cable routing or all the integration. I do think that they are extremely good looking bikes. Possibly one of my favourite as they just look so clean and the black colour makes it look even more stealth and tidy.

I hope it rides as well as it looks because she’s a beauty.

Just weighed it for interests sake - complete with caged (heavy, budget) spd pedals and big dollops of tyre sealant, 2.4 Maxxis Forekasters, but no tools in the downtube it's 13.4kg (29.5lbs).

In reality that's an easy 12 point something kilo bike when comparing manufacture specified weights which are always dry and without pedals etc.

Not XC mega light but pretty good for what it can do.

See, it is lighter than my hardtail and that doesn’t have any gears!

@snotrag thank you for the in depth posting. I’m very unlikely to ever have a bike like that but I’m interested in innovation so it’s very interesting, hope you continue to enjoy it!

Great feedback, thanks. And happy that you are enjoying it so much. Still a great looking bike.

Great weight! mine with xm1501s and kryptotal/xynotal, XT and an oneup carbon bar/alloy stem cockpit is probably 32lbs.

If I didn't have a spark I'd totally do the light carbon wheels thing.

What's the angle adjustment headset like - is that dependent upon proprietary parts? Can a normal headset replace it if needed?

I'm curious about one of these given the deals to be had. But slightly weary of proprietary parts that could be hard to source if anything goes wrong.

@allyharp its the Scott/Syncros sytem, which I am now running on two bikes.

This is listed for a Spark but its the system in the Spark, Scale, Bold Linkin etc etc...

https://www.syncros.com/gb/en/product/syncros-zs56-28-6-zs56-40-mtb-headset?article=2882510001222

This is what the cups look like:

https://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/scott_spark_headset_cup_kit_2022-18967

Bog standard bearings. Cups are 'keyed' and fit one way or the other.

With each frame or bike you get the regular 0 deg headset cups, then also the plus/minus 0.6 deg cups, plus the parts to run with either a regular stem, or the Syncros cockpit.

Changing from +0.6 to -0.6 requires nothing more than loosening your stem bolts and spinning the cups round. Changing to the 0deg cups you need to de-cable.

You cannot run a 'regular' headset, however from my own research and what I've read, Syncros are pretty good at supporting stuff (look how many bits for older Scotts are still available online).

Plus, although its proprietary, its not specific to this bike, its fitted to LOADS of other Scott models.

See the animation about 2/3rds of the way down this page:

https://www.scott-sports.com/gb/en/spark-rc

For reference, my Scott is now 18 months old and the Bold is 7 or 8 months old, both bikes have been ridden regularly through winter and beyond, both have been regularly hosed and washed. Both have bearings that  absolutely fine and zero play/creaks/anything at all to worry about.  Ditto the PF BB.

I quite fancied one of these and wondered if you'd weighed up any alternatives. I've been looking at the Genius ST and wondered if anyone had compared the two.

Also has anyone compared the two different travel versions back to back and care to offer some feedback?.

The genius st has the piggy back nude so theoretically a better shock, however the platform and kinematics are different. Wether or not the bold is/isn't optimised for 150/135 as it can do both is a fair question. I does go up and down really well though

My kid loves his genius st although he has the alloy version and it's a bit porky.

I really like my Linkin 150 but I think i'd be too heavy a bike in 135mm when my spark feels several pounds lighter and significantly faster.

My previous genius was also lighter but the Linkin is a much more competent descender

If I were building up a bike for my wife, I might do a linkin 135 and a 150 fork, but her current  2018 hmx Genius at 28lbs is still all the bike she needs. I can't see a linkin getting anywhere close to that even with silly light carbon wheels

Yes the fox x on the genius appeals along with the slightly longer stays on the genius. However I think I prefer the look of the bold just a touch, need to see them in the flesh ideally. But as you say two different systems vpp v single pivot. Both similar overall use  concepts although perhaps the genius st errs a bit more towards the downs and comparing a 150 pro to the genius 910 ST similar specs as well.

Weight wise I can't quite get my head around it. My man maths spreadsheet says the builds would be similar as a Linkin hmx carbon frame is about 3kg and the Genius 910 hmf carbon/alloy is about 2.8kg plus shock at around 550g so 3.35kg.

Not much in it but I'd have thought the Linkin was a fair bit lighter, may just be the deceptive chunky genius silhouette tho. I'm a bit of a recovering weight weenie but think I'd maybe get a build in around 29lbs with some nice kit.

Anybody been able to source a spare linkage for the Linkin too. Scott (importer) seems to think it's not orderable. In truth I'm on the fence I'm not sure I'll need it as have a Vendetta X3 for milder days out and the tracloc should help anyway.

My Bold came with both linkages, plus the tooling required to change.

I had initially assumed I would be wanting to get a bigger fork ad run it in the longer travel mode, but as it stands I'm running it with the (fantastic) 2023 Fox 34 factory at 140mm and the frame at 135mm.

I did look at both the Spark and the Genius, I think the Linkin falls somewhere between the two which felt about 'right' for me and the crucial one - the Bold has much, much more progressive and suitable geometry - in particular the seat tube length:reach ratio.

The Scotts  are always considerably taller in the seat tube, and shorter in reach. Makes a big difference for me at 5ft10/178cm but long torso/short legs.

I've been a bit e-curious too and the Lumen really appeals but I'd have to go down to a medium.

@hutchgee I'm in Yorkshire if you wanted to look at one.

I did enquire about one yesterday  but  problems for me is its 3 weeks out and 250 miles away to view ..

Thanks guys, good to get some feedback. I've not been looking at full suss bikes for a bit and think I may have gotten drawn into the old bigger is better malarky when really I won't be doing much really big stuff... (tho a little bit of me thinks the Linkin or the genius tracloc will let the bike deal with most things terrain wise anyway).

My last trail bike was a Following which was fine for most things travel wise.

Thanks for the offer of a look at yours snotrag. I'm in Lancs so not too far away (don't hold it against me, I used to live in Sheffield).

Anyway as has been said the Linkin 135 looks a good middle ground so I panicked a little and went for it (seemed to be selling out in a few shops in my size). I've had vpp before (in an Intense Tracer) so hopefully not too much of a surprise there and will just have to see how I get on with the geometry. Should be fine as I tend to just go with the flow with these things.

If I do ever get tempted to go for bigger travel I can look into the longer linkage if anyone finds themselves not using one maybe. It'll take a 160mm fork too so it should be solid.

Any reflections on setup. I noted that the shock only has rebound settings (rather than the float x on the Genius), is it relatively easy to dial in anyway?.

Ref setup - the Fox Nude Shock is effectively the current model Fox Float with the extra air chamber added on so you do only get the rebound adjustment but sacrifices compression adjustment for the dual air chamber setup.

Initially I had set it up way too firm - it's important to note that the travel indicator shows 'actual' travel and not shock shaft travel - with most bikes being progressive, this means on the Bold you need to set the sag quite deep compared to what you might be used toon some bikes, more towards the 30% figure.

This means you get a lovely plush, bottomless feel in full travel mode, and use the traction mode for when you want something firmer feeling - climbing, flow trails etc where you want some support. Full lockout works for Tarmac.

Is anyone aware of a rear mudguard that works with this style of super low seatstay? To cover both the rider and the bike.

I recently purchased a Linkin Ultimate 135 (at a substantial discount) and was surprised how many extra bits came with it:

Two extra headset spacers
Different angle headset cups
Two tubeless valves and 125 ml bottles of Synchros sealant
Front fender
Crank arm boots
Small magnet (and two spares) to measure rear shock sag and travel
...

Initially rode it in the default setup and stock configuration (other than removing Fox front fork volume spacers and swapping the wheels with a hand-built carbon set). The "save the day" tube/pump kit is cool though adds 430g and separate mini tool (magnetically attached in the same underside compartment) weighs 76.5g.

Liked the feel of it overall though the carbon bars (with integrated stem) seemed a bit low. I added the extra pair of headset spacers (raised it a total of 1cm above the steer tube) and will have a go with it again today.

Cor, I really like the look of these! A few bargains around still too.

Looking at geometry side by side I think the fit would be similar to that of the Genius and perhaps the Spark. Does that sound about right? I'm right between M and S, 170cm with longish legs. Currently riding Orbea Oiz size M, red trails as well as xc.

Any issues with maintenance, now that some of you have ridden them for months? How's that shock cover coping when there's water, mud and stones being flung at it?

Am interested in a 150 Pro but a little wary of the Ohlins fork. I'm 60kg and not actually that bold on a rough trail (yet, coming from an xc background).

Really useful real experience in this thread, thanks for that.

Geo is almost identical to the genius iirc. I ride a large spark and a large Linkin.

A medium linkin is a little longer up front than you oiz, although steeper seatpost. It'll be plenty heavier though, lightest bike I've worked on was a world cup ravers oiz... Really flexy though whereas the bold is not.

I tore off the ohlins on my 150 pro and swapped a factory 36 grip2 straight on. Been on fox since 2006 and it was a net Zero cost swap with what I sold the ohlins for

I didn't think I had the arm/hand strength in my current fitness to make the most of the ohlins.

@Bearback thanks for the reply. Looking at Oiz Genius Linkin geo, the extra reach did indeed jump out. Although I've not tried for size yet I was thinking possibly S for the Scott/Bold whereas my Oiz is M. I'm travelling Shrops-Northumberland just after xmas so will try call at a shop or two. My Oiz is a modest 12.5kg, a budget build with alloy frame, lightened with XT, Hunt wheels and a smattering of carbon.

Linkin 135 a possibility too, in fact may be a better fit for my current level of trail+ riding.

Having a spark and a linkin 150 (well Linkin LT as i run 160 fork), I wouldn't replace the spark with a 135.

The spark is so good as a 120mm bike that there's no way a Linkin 135 could be better.

That said, as the 135 is built with a 36, you might as well go 150 as the tracloc gives you the shorter travel feel bike anyway.

Coming from an oiz, a 50% sale Scott 910 carbon might be a better bike if you're targeting the shorter travel bike, it's absolutely trail+ ready. I think it's also the one bike in their trail range that has the cheaper carbon front triangle along with carbon chainstays. Other 910 and below builds are carbon/alloy.

The spark is 1.2kg lighter than the lighter Linkin 135 too. Lighter wheels at some point down the road and it's race ready too.

@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

https://www.wetrocknride.co.uk/products/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.

Finally got out for a first ride on mine yesterday, chilly but fairly dry tails local to me at Rivington Pike area (Lancs).

Took me a while to get it dialled in and shock pressures about right. Still not quite there, partly as it was a bit chilly to be faffing too much and in part as I was making do with a slightly too large sag marker magnet. (Mine seemed to be missing upon delivery of the bike and the make shift one I was using was a tad big to fit in the indicator pocket so to speak. Anyone have the actual diameter and thickness of the sag magnet they could share?).

I started with the shock wayyyy to soft but then got to around 160psi I think for my circa 85kg weight kitted up. The trackloc didn't make a dramatic difference so suspect I've a little more experimenting to do yet. Also scope to run my forks a bit softer too as didn't hit full travel there either. What pressure is everyone else running out of interest?.

Theres work to do yet but there's hints of great stuff in there I think. The geometry was great on the DH sections and fast rooty trails too. There was some signs of zippiness in the dry too but think I'd gotten a bit cold and tired to really drive on by the end when I'd got to the twisty man made trails at the Nab by dusk. (fitness is a bit low and was out on the roadies yesterday too). I've got some new Schwalbe radials to try as well once I get it dialled so plenty to come yet I think.

My magnets were in the bag with all the bits and pieces in the cardboard box. Reflectors, spare ferrules, manuals etc. the magnets (x3) were in there but took a bit of finding as they had stuck themselves to other parts.
I have lost 2 already.
I'm running over 180psi I believe and will lrobably go firmer still. -10c, snow and a chest infection stopped my decent January run of rides.

Haha yes I can imagine them going walkies quite easily.

I was thinking of ordering some more from Amazon (4*1mm maybe) but I'll have another check in the box they came in, good shout. I'd borrowed some 6mm magnets from a noticeboard in the house, which is definitely a tad too big.

Ok 180 psi, I'm in the ballpark then. Presumably your a similarly svelte weight (ahem ignoring post Xmas excesses of course).  

About 80kg I think.
Make sure to set sag in fully open mode as that's the one that matters.

Righteo, I'll try and get magnets sorted and give it another go I think. A bit more pressure required I think for starters...now I can feel me fingers again😂

Forks to setup too so it's taking a wee bit of head scratching haha, that's even before I get the new tyres involved. Gulp.

Just as an fyi, managed to source some 4*1mm magnets off eBay that seem to do the job ok. (In case anyone loses theirs).

Looks like 180-185psi should be on the money too for my 80kg ish kitted up.

Now to actually find time to ride again. 😂 

Bit of a thread resurrection but was wondering how you are all getting on with your Linkin's, have you had any reliability problems?

Any issues with the rear swingarm, possibly with "stickers" appearing on the bottom pivot of the rear triangle, the side facing/hidden against the linkage?

Mine had been faultless. Coped with a week in Morzine as well as plenty of long xc trips.

What do you mean by stickers?

Any issues with the rear swingarm, possibly with "stickers" appearing on the bottom pivot of the rear triangle, the side facing/hidden against the linkage?

If you think your frame is cracked, communicate with your dealer. Others don't also have to have failures to justify a potential claim.

Your lbs should be referencing a tolerance chart when submitting a claim.
I've had issues where the lower linkage will loosen off in riding which requires the BB to get taken out to tighten it back up.
If it were to keep backing off I can see this stressing those bearings as they would technically get pushed apart relative to the rear triangle...but you'd also feel the knocking well before there's enough deflection to make those two bearing housings fail...I'd think.

Oh interesting, thanks. I'll have a bit of a inspection. To be fair I'm not the most energetic of riders these days, so mine is probably having quite an easy life. Other than the odd Pleney Black!

BearBack, thanks for the info about the tolerance chart - I'd asked the shop to request tolerance information but it's not clear if they did or if they have access to any.

Is it the castle nut that binds the 3 piece linkage together? Mine originally didn't even have that finger tight. Discovered before being ridden as the bike is from the first batch of production where the top pivot aluminium pinch bolts were meant to have been replaced by the bike shop during the PDI with steel ones as well as the red preload ring  and rubber wedge meant to have been replaced for the ones with more aggressive knurling.

If anyone's keen on these there is one in the window at 99bikes in Chichester that looks an absolute bargain.

Still kind of blows my mind that you can have a £5k discount on a bicycle... I remember dreaming of a Kona Fire Mountain for £399!

But you're absolutely right, that's a steal for a bike like this, and would be great to see another on the trails around my neck of the woods.