It’s worth mentioning that this bike is a lot like its predecessor, the BH Ultralight. Besides EVO added to its name, the differences are subtle. Focused primarily on how BH says it laid up the carbon, using Toray carbon and the shape of the bike’s bottom bracket, which in part helped them shave 50 grams of frame weight.
The bottom bracket, on the other hand, is clearly a point of emphasis on this bike. It is wide, big & stiff. You notice it at first glance and more importantly, upon your first pedal stroke. No mushy feel here. The BH Ultralight EVO takes power in and turns it into forward momentum, whether grinding up a climb (where this bike shines all day) or dropping like a stone down a decent (where it also fairs really well).This is achieved in part via the BB386EVO bottom bracket.
The chainstays further enhances power transfer and improves overall handling, especially when it’s time to drop down the backside of a climb. Plus, with it having the wider tubes, they help shave weight without sacrificing stiffness because less overall material is needed.
That increased overall stiffness doesn’t mean a harsher ride though. Thanks to the really thin seatstays and a bump absorbing full carbon 27.2mm seat post, the BH Ultralight EVO does a fantastic job soaking up road chatter before it reaches your body. That said, this is not an all-day off-road adventurer, because it’s most certainly not. If gravel grinding is your main objective, this clearly isn’t the right bike.
It will however satisfy the racy endurance rider who will appreciate the feel, speed & tall’ish headtube, which leads to a slightly more upright position than you might expect from a bike with such a competitive pedigree. You don’t have to will this bike through turns. Instead it craves to be leaned low and cycled hard.
Bottom line, if you’re in the market for a super bike with serious climbing pedigree and precise yet confidence inspiring handling on smooth roads, the BH Ultralight EVO should be on your shortlist.
Highlights
- Efficient climber
- Very light
- Stealth looks
- Compliant rear end
- Very stiff at BB
- Tall head tube
- Smooth cable routing
- Tapered headtube
- One-piece carbon fork
- Convertible internal cable routing
- Great power transfer
- Sharp, precise handling
- Confident descender
- Bump absorbing seatpost
- In- molded front derailleur hanger