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Richard Cunningham

Intense Carbon Carbine - First Look

Jul 25, 2011 at 23:42

Intense finally released its first full-carbon fiber frame after almost three years of development. The Carbine is a 5.5 pound VPP-suspended trailbike chassis with looks to kill and a lineage to match. Jeff Steber, the founder and designer of Intense said that the project began as a made-in USA project, but that it quickly expanded into an international effort after Intense collaborated with Germany's SEED Engineering to match its vision with their expertise in carbon-fiber product development. The Carbine is reportedly made at an elite factory in Asia where the available materials and manufacturing technology is arguably the best in class for composite cycling products. The Carbine frame, like Intense's new Tracer 2, has adjustable suspension travel between 5.5 and 6 inches, and the frame is said to weigh 5.5 pounds. Intense is in production, judging by the fact that they are offering demo rides to lucky riders, so get cracking if you want to ride one yourselves.

Intense Carbine made from Carbon







The outcome is remarkable: a do-it-all trail bike with a dual personality. "We took the original DNA of the famous Tracer VP and re-designed and improved it using carbon fiber construction,” says Steber.

The brains behind SEED come from years of experience in carbon fiber manufacturing. “We use all the great technology there is, but especially keep a focus on providing the best product”, says SEED engineer, Thomas Harter.


http://www.intensecycles.com/carbine/

157 Comments

  • + 31
flag RedShredder (Jul 25, 2011 at 23:45)
 That is absolutely beautiful!! Love the name too.
  • + 57
flag tom-cuthbert (Jul 26, 2011 at 0:37)
 No capability to run any kind of currently available chain guide be-it dual, single or whatever is a complete retard move by Intense.
  • + 3
flag FetusOven (Jul 26, 2011 at 0:48)
 Tommy c. You are correct sir. Stupid arrogant Americans think they don't need chain guides!
  • + 0
flag jason745 (Jul 26, 2011 at 0:50)
 One of these bad boys in the direct mount configuration should work just peachy:
http://www.mountainracingproducts.com/mrp/
  • + 5
flag jason745 (Jul 26, 2011 at 0:56)
 I meant this: http://www.mountainracingproducts.com/mrp/1x/
  • + 5
flag tom-cuthbert (Jul 26, 2011 at 1:18)
 That's got the same retention as a derailleur, you need at least bottom guide and a bash of somesort IMO.
  • + 1
flag chuchillo (Jul 26, 2011 at 3:55)
 Would something like this work? or would it just eff the frame?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=11453
  • + 3
flag tom-cuthbert (Jul 26, 2011 at 4:05)
 Those plates replace the spacers used on External BBs like what you get with Shimano cranks, but the intense frames uses pressfit BB93 bearings so nothing to hold any mount to the frame with.
  • - 21
flag Rigaud (Jul 26, 2011 at 5:15) (Below Threshold) show comment
 You don't need a chain guide with a properly adjusted derailleur, done it for many years.
  • + 3
flag chuchillo (Jul 26, 2011 at 5:15)
 Well then... Intense, ya dun goofed!
  • + 11
flag deadatbirth (Jul 26, 2011 at 7:03)
 rigaud: a chain retention system does not take the place of a properly setup derailleur.
  • + 6
flag bigburd (Jul 26, 2011 at 10:00)
 Rigaud , do you only cycle on tow paths or some thing ?
  • - 8
flag lumpy12 (Jul 26, 2011 at 10:56) (Below Threshold) show comment
 tom-c its a trail bike, why would you need a chain guide?
  • + 3
flag pipelinewill (Jul 26, 2011 at 11:51)
 lumpy 12, it looks like some people might want to run it as an am/fr bike or maybe ride stuff like whistler on it, which is hell with 2 front rings or with 1 and no guide.
  • + 4
flag RobbyBriers Plus (Jul 26, 2011 at 12:15)
 Exactly. And that is why CG tabs would be handy. With this amount of travel, it's that little more of a AM bike than it is a trail bike. As far as my memory goes back, no chainguide = chain falling off (especially the big ring).
  • - 10
flag FXRob (Jul 26, 2011 at 12:31) (Below Threshold) show comment
 BB mounted Stinger, problem solved
  • + 13
flag RobbyBriers Plus (Jul 26, 2011 at 12:52)
 Look at the pressfit BB, and come again.
  • + 2
flag lumpy12 (Jul 27, 2011 at 11:34)
 reign 0 with no chain guide seems to work just fine at whistler bike park and for am riding...
  • + 1
flag RobbyBriers Plus (Jul 27, 2011 at 12:54)
 I saw a Norco shore in your photos. You run a CG on that, so I'm wondering why? Rougher than some parts in Whistler, it can't get I believe...
  • + 3
flag Rigaud (Jul 27, 2011 at 15:36)
 On my hard tail I ran 2 chainrings with derailleur and used that bike as a back up when my DH was down. Did all the trails at Bromont and rode it at Mont Saint-Anne with no problems. Now I'm set up single chain ring because I climb with a 32-t and didn't need the granny. Yes a chain guide is nice and prefered but........You guys can neg me all you want, doesn't change the fact that without a chain guide its not the end of the world.
  • + 2
flag tom-cuthbert (Jul 27, 2011 at 17:07)
 Riding any decent track at speed requires a chain guide. Either you're a pansy and rolled everything and were on the brakes the whole way going slower than a turtle, or you'll full of it.

There's no way you can ride Mt. Saint Anne without a chainguide, whatever you're riding.
  • + 2
flag Rigaud (Jul 27, 2011 at 18:32)
 tom-cuthbert: your quite the intelect and a know it all Smile
  • + 1
flag tom-cuthbert (Jul 27, 2011 at 18:38)
 Thanks :3
  • + 1
flag malvern (Jul 27, 2011 at 23:26)
 @ Jason745, Those MRP upper only guides are steaming hunks of $hit. I've had one for 6 months and it's been nothing but trouble. drops the chain all the time, jams easily. It got to the point where its folded two chainrings to a 90 degree angle, gouged the guide mount, bent that, snapped the actual guide in two places and bent the chainring mount tabs on my crank spider. That and the bolt is soft as and rounds out with very little tension. Save yourself the headache and by the E-thirteen model instead, thats actually a quality product.
  • + 2
flag lumpy12 (Jul 28, 2011 at 11:07)
 robbybriers just because i dont have a picture of the bike on my pb account doesnt mean i dont have it, those are just bikes im selling
  • + 1
flag RobbyBriers Plus (Jul 29, 2011 at 11:58)
 Point made, Lumpy. But you forget that it isn't about the bike that isn't in your photos... It's about you saying you don't need a chainguide, while you have one.

Yeahbro... Yeahhh ehmmm... No.
  • + 1
flag Rigaud (Jul 29, 2011 at 13:24)
 Tom: I was being sarcastic because you live on the other side of the planet from me and obviously don't ride regularly at Bromont and MSA. If ride @45-50kph just for fun is slow then so be it. LMAO
  • + 1
flag tom-cuthbert (Jul 29, 2011 at 18:03)
 Lol did you just say you ride MSA at 50kph...?
  • + 1
flag pipelinewill (Jul 30, 2011 at 0:05)
 Rigaud is full of shit, the frame is sick, but the lack of iscg tabs is a flaw, and chain guides damn near necessary if you want to shred your bike fast down technical stuff, so if you run 2 rings and don't lose chains, your not pushing it and going fast. now stop clogging my inbox with this stuff.
  • + 1
flag z-man (Oct 30, 2011 at 22:02)
 ... chain-line has everything to do with dropping chains. If the chain-line is dialed it shouldn't be a big problem.
[Reply]
  • + 19
flag christiaan (Jul 26, 2011 at 0:49)
 No ISCG? Bummer! Deal breaker for me
  • - 1
flag taletotell (Jul 26, 2011 at 18:27)
 Nevermind
[Reply]
  • + 12
flag davidstuartkelly (Jul 26, 2011 at 0:15)
 Very tasty indeed, do you buy two??. One for hanging on the wall and one for riding..
  • + 19
flag jraclao (Jul 26, 2011 at 5:19)
 Maybe I'll get three? One for hanging on the wall, one for riding... and one to sleep with between my wife and I...
[Reply]
  • + 12
flag Icculus19425 (Jul 26, 2011 at 5:55)
 No ISCG and a QR in the back??? Did they design this over breakfast at the International House of FAILcakes?
  • + 1
flag taletotell (Jul 26, 2011 at 18:30)
 You can swap out the dropouts. Don't know if they have a thru axle option yet but it is possible.
  • + 2
flag Icculus19425 (Jul 26, 2011 at 19:12)
 I guess, but why would they release a 5-6in trail bike with a QR in the back? Does not compute
  • + 0
flag taletotell (Jul 26, 2011 at 19:55)
 I admit I'd like an axle on my mission, but it isn't necessary on a 6" if you are mostly riding small jumps and hills. Consider the SC nomad and heckler. Qrs on both of them.
  • + 1
flag WAKIdesigns (Jul 26, 2011 at 23:02)
 Such design as vpp or maestro uses single piece swingarm frame which is stiffer by nature than any system using separate bars/ stays like fsr or abp
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag spacedoutboy (Jul 26, 2011 at 4:52)
 The omission of ISCG is a puzzling one, it is becoming more commonplace to run 1x10. What I find most disappointing about the frame though is the cable routing. It almost seems as an afterthought. Surely they could have made it so it was all internal. I think the La Pierre Zesty for 2012 would be a better option.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag TheRealJacob (Jul 26, 2011 at 12:12)
 I love it how a week ago, everybody was screaming "SESSION!" at Norco's new downhill bike, which was clearly different than the session, and now here intense releases a new bike, the exact same platform, and now the exact same material as SC's carbon blur, and no one's sayin shit.
  • + 1
flag seraph (Jul 26, 2011 at 13:11)
 Intense and SC bikes have looked very similar for many many years. It's old news.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag jaybird951 (Jul 26, 2011 at 3:44)
 impressive, this is clearly a response and intended to compete with the mojo slrs and the likes of other bike makers in carbon right below the all mountain 160-180 bikes.....some wonder why no chain guide...I would say because this is meant for the all around rider that will be riding this on flowy singletrack and occasional hucks....but not in the rockgardens of heavenly all mountain downhill...look at the mojo slr...similar design no ISCG mounts...

intense finally decided to shave some weight off their bikes...i may get one of these in a year, once frame design issues are hammered out and delivery from taiwan is accomplished. ibis mojo slr is still undeliverable at this point by ibis and was promised in june.....lets see what intense can do with those boys in taiwan...
  • + 1
flag iamamodel (Jul 26, 2011 at 4:25)
 How do you know it is made in Taiwan?
  • + 2
flag elzorroinphilly (Jul 26, 2011 at 5:16)
 article says it's manufactured in asia. if it's made in asia and it's carbon fiber - it's made in taiwan
  • + 4
flag sngltrkmnd (Jul 26, 2011 at 10:22)
 A modular ISCG interface woulda been cool. Take it off if you want a la Spesh.
  • + 2
flag jaybird951 (Jul 26, 2011 at 10:28)
 well, it better be made in taiwan, otherwise it would mean it is made in china, which if it was, I would never considering commenting about, ....also, Intense does not have carbon fiber laying specialists on staff nor a facility to produce the carbon frames in the USA....you think they steered left and went to china instead? when they are already in taiwan producing the tazer? everyone is making their carbon frames there at some super steal rate per frame (santa cruz, ibis, etc, etc, etc...)
made in the USA will become a thing of the past even with intense bikes.....just watch....
  • + 1
flag iamamodel (Jul 26, 2011 at 16:23)
 Jaybird, I asked because you mention Taiwan and Ibis as if they were related, but I'm quite sure Ibis is made in China. I've heard that from industry types and a quick Google agrees (not that Google is always right, but it adds a little more weight to what I've heard).

If the Carbine is made by 'best in class for composite cycling technology" then I assume it is made by Giant, who have been making carbon bikes for, from my memory, twenty years. It could be Merida.

Looks like you are buying the Carbine, not the Mojo - and you would be making the right choice from what I've seen first-hand of the quality of Ibis frames.
  • + 1
flag jaybird951 (Jul 27, 2011 at 3:59)
 Well, thanks, this is great to hear. I will be not buying any ibises or carbines...good info.
  • + 1
flag iamamodel (Jul 27, 2011 at 4:19)
 Why wouldn't you buy the Carbine?
  • + 1
flag jaybird951 (Jul 27, 2011 at 6:25)
 for me its pretty simple [and dont think I am whining because I hate intense (i like Intense bikes and owned/own the following: 2010 Spider, Slopestyle, 951, Tracer + and now 2011 Intense M9], however i like to ride 1 x 10 or 1 x 9 configs and prefer not to have to mess with a front derr..Thus, if this frame had the ISCG tabs so I can set it up as a 1 x 10 with a chain device and bashguard (no, the LOPES crap wont do even if somehow worked with this BB92 standard), I would have considered it...cable routing is still lagging..they could have integrated cable into that FlickGuard...similar to ibis..clean and nice...this is my 2 cents, however, even if I bought this today I am sure I would have loved it if I would be able to keep my front derr. tuned....Intense bikes are by far the best bikes I have ridden....and I am still buying them...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag X10SIV (Jul 29, 2011 at 9:58)
 This is a beautiful bike but with the lack of chainguide compatability it does slim down the buyers. I run a rf godring and love it. But they are right. If your shit is set up right it won't fall off. nor is this a extreme downhill. Its an all mountain bike. I'm a little cautious about carbon anyway. I'm a hardtail guy and always will be. As for you all saying intense screwed it up with the whole no chainguide thing your wrong. They made it how they wanted it. If you want all that extra weight go buy a kona. Enough said.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag panzer103 (Jul 26, 2011 at 4:46)
 Its very cool but too bad I just spent the grip of money on an aluminum Tracer 2 a month ago, grrrr. Oh well. Mine frame is made in the states!
  • + 1
flag jaybird951 (Jul 26, 2011 at 12:39)
 i almost did too, and then the ibis mojo HD came to mind....carbon, light, and pedallyefficient....
  • + 2
flag panzer103 (Jul 26, 2011 at 15:44)
 Well, I'm very happy with it and its plenty stiff for me. Stiff as carbon? No I doubt it. The thing is I just don't like the look of the Mojo but I was considering it. I'm very happy with my Tracer 2 and also pedals wonderfully.
  • + 1
flag jaybird951 (Jul 31, 2011 at 13:03)
 enjoy the tracer...that s a really nice bike..i sometimes miss it over the mojo hD..hmmm
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag farmer-john-2000 (Jul 27, 2011 at 21:39)
 MRP make a direct mount 1X device that will go straight on this instead for the front mech... Though I can't find a picture anywhere with it fitted, it's the same as this one but without the band. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Images/Models/Full/61253.jpg
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Bmxerch (Jul 26, 2011 at 10:18)
 Do want. And to those bitching and whining about Intense being dumbasses and not putting ISCG tabs on it.... I'd really like to see you make a nicer carbon frame than this with the ISCG's. Go ride your bikes you armchair mechanics.
  • + 7
flag seraph (Jul 26, 2011 at 10:47)
 *cough* Nomad Carbon *cough*

I think the main problem is not that this new frame doesn't have ISCG tabs, but that it has no feasible way to mount any sort of chain guide. In a market where 2x10 and 1x10 drivetrains are prevalent, it seems strange for a company to release a frame with more than 5 inches of travel without a way to attach a chain device.
  • + 5
flag SDGRYDER (Jul 26, 2011 at 11:16)
 It wouldn't be bad if it was a standard bb, as they have options to mount chainguides for them, but with the new pressfit BB's you cannot use adaptors to mount chainguides....I'm sure they will think of them soon, but in the meantime, I have no use for this beautiful bike.
I've been running a 1x9 for 8 months and will be hard to go back to a front derailleur with the simplicity and quietness of a guided chain.

Btw. It takes a lot more than a armchair mechanic to be able to pedal my bike up all the hills that I do in So-Cal.
  • - 2
flag Bmxerch (Jul 26, 2011 at 12:36)
 Im more talkin about the jackasses with the comments of " it is useless because it doesn't have a ISCG tab "
  • + 1
flag james182 (Jul 26, 2011 at 14:24)
 Nicer carbon frame with a chain guide option? Ibis mojo HD, its not so much the absence of a chain guide mount that is puzzling to me. i just don't see the need for integrated bb assembly. Nice frame here tho.
  • + 1
flag grifrowl (Jul 28, 2011 at 19:37)
 Having ridden the HD extensively, and having just gotten off the Carbine a few hours ago, I can say that the Carbine blows the HD out of the water on handling on the flat/downhills, that said, the HD pedals stiffer, it just feels harsher at sag.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mudd (Jul 27, 2011 at 10:56)
 Intense Facebook page comments....

Ok guys, a lot of negative chatter about the new Carbine frame not having ISCG-05 tabs. Can you explain why?
Yesterday at 8:22am · Like ·

Intense Cycles Inc
Hi Joe, fair question given the volume of unqualified postings. [Sharples here,] its not a down hill bike, it was designed to be the best all Mountain/trail bike. It goes up, and it goes down. Front chain rings are needed for a good ride, I personally have never lost the chain. That is - NEVER. I actually have a Carbine, I ride it very hard. I dont live on the internet making reference to things I may not actually have any real knowledge about. The biggest causes of chain derailment is - poor set up, wrong chain length, worn out or low quality rear derailleur, bad chain or chain rings, bad suspension design, bad suspension set up, or rider error. Chain guides are a solution to a problem that can be fixed many other ways.
13 hours ago · Unlike · 2 people

Intense Cycles Inc
Please check out the new generation of tension retaining rear derailuers, they are sweet and really work , no need to add friction inducing guides and rollers etc. to drive train.
14 hours ago · Unlike · 1 person

Intense Cycles Inc
BB 92 allows for the mega wide BB and seat tube / DT junction for added stiffness, very light too.
14 hours ago · Unlike · 1 person


Fair enough answer! I wanna test ride one soon.
12 hours ago · Like
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag foghorn1 (Jul 26, 2011 at 4:58)
 Nice geometry, thanks for posting the stack and reach. Even if it is geared for xc, I agree that iscg mounts would have been smrt.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jaybird951 (Nov 1, 2011 at 20:14)
 I hear an XTR Shadow Plus rear derailleur with the chain slap suction feature turned to ON negates the need for a chain device....going to test one out tomorrow and will post feedback..on an Intense Carbine....yah!
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag White-Chocolate (Jul 25, 2011 at 23:47)
 My heart fluttered when I saw the article.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag fathairychickenlegs (Jul 26, 2011 at 1:01)
 Asia ***!!! ...Is this the end of "Handcrafted bikes made in america with pride"
  • + 3
flag deadatbirth (Jul 26, 2011 at 7:12)
 their hardtail is made in Asia too....Asia is a leader in CF work with a significantly reduced price too
  • + 3
flag Views (Jul 26, 2011 at 10:37)
 i think theres no more advanced place then asia to build anything at this point, we allready switched production of nearly everything to there, the knowledge and experience is there =)
  • + 1
flag FetusOven (Jul 27, 2011 at 12:12)
 It seems like it, 1 example out of millions. A microcosm to a large part of our stagnant unemployment rate. I hope Intense still produces some of their bikes in the US we need every job we can get right now.
  • + 1
flag Views (Jul 27, 2011 at 14:33)
 thats what we ALL wanted, we wanted 40" flat tvs for 500$, we got em, we wanted computers starting at 250$ pricetags, we got em. now that the advantage of quality build things isn't at our country's anymore aswell, we lost our last big advantage...

if you see it from a logical side, why should we earn more then ppl in china? =)
  • + 1
flag FetusOven (Jul 27, 2011 at 15:38)
 sad but true. thankfully I work in a business that can't get outsourced.
  • + 1
flag jaybird951 (Nov 2, 2011 at 12:53)
 Asia is a leader in not having OSHA tell them they cant produce carbon frames......
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag mudd (Jul 26, 2011 at 7:01)
 C'mon Jeff...... get an ISCG-05 mount!
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag ScottJensen (Jul 25, 2011 at 23:47)
 No ISCG tabs, no care
  • + 8
flag tom-cuthbert (Jul 26, 2011 at 0:00)
 No possibility of BB mount either with the BB92.
  • + 2
flag Lehel-NS (Jul 26, 2011 at 0:09)
 What they were thinking?!
  • + 3
flag FetusOven (Jul 26, 2011 at 0:45)
 That bike looks dreamy as a mofo but no iscg seems like a bad idea
  • + 18
flag RichardCunningham Mod (Jul 26, 2011 at 1:24)
 Jeff Steber is one of the earliest adopters of the ISCG standard, so the lack-of leads me to believe that the Carbine is intended to be an XC/trail design and that the absence of the ISCG-05 is an intentional statement. I would expect a sequel is already in development - a sweet carbon AM frame designed around a 180/160mm single-crown fork and that one will definitely have chain guide tabs, and a much slacker head angle than the Carbine's 68-degree figure.
  • + 3
flag FetusOven (Jul 26, 2011 at 8:55)
 Fair enough Richard. Thank you for the explanation.
  • + 1
flag frijolemoreno (Jul 26, 2011 at 9:40)
 RC--nice to have you on the forum; honestly this conversation was a bit misguided w/o your inside scoop. THANKS! Thanks for your dedication to bikes and bikers.

ps as a trail rider, the intense speaks magic to my soul
  • + 2
flag seraph (Jul 26, 2011 at 13:18)
 Richard your point would have been more valid a few years ago, when 1x10 and 2x10 drivetrains weren't the industry standard for even XC racing. Having a single or double these days on a full suspension almost always requires a chain retention device, if only a top guide (such as on the Specialized Epic 29er Evo). The lack of even a regular European BB disallows the rider to mount any sort of chain device, limiting the marketability of the bike to people who want to run a 1x10 or 1x9 drivetrain.

Also since when is 150mm of travel "XC/Trail"? I consider XC to top out at 110mm front and rear, and Trail to be more in the 120-130mm range. IMO 150-160mm is AM, 160-180 is FR, and 180+ is DH.
  • + 1
flag iamamodel (Jul 27, 2011 at 4:22)
 ^^ I agree with your travel definitions.

The shape of the seat tube looks like it wouldn't even accept some of the seat-tube mounted chain guides that have come out recently in response to press-fit bottom brackets.
  • + 1
flag jaybird951 (Nov 2, 2011 at 12:56)
 Kowtow is the act of deep respect shown by kneeling and bowing so low as to have one's head touching the ground. An alternative Chinese term is ketou, however the meaning is somewhat altered: kòu originally meant "knock with reverence", whereas kē has the general meaning of "touch upon (a surface)".
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag ManuelMTB (Jul 26, 2011 at 8:28)
 Sexy bike...but I think I'll wait for the Spec Carbon Demo 9 to come out Wink
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag joneschri (Jul 26, 2011 at 13:19)
 all this no mount for chainguide crap, just use a bb mount one, you are getting it frame only, so you are going to have to fit a BB anyway, so fit this at the same time, and if you are spending this much on a frame, then you can spare £30 for a bb mount guide anyway
  • + 3
flag floody (Jul 26, 2011 at 16:28)
 Sorry mate, enlighten us, what bb mount guide fits BB93 pressfit?

Bit boneheaded I think not to have ISCG. I for one run 1x10 on my AM rig; if I can't pedal up in 34:36 I walk because an even smaller gear would be no quicker!
  • + 3
flag iamamodel (Jul 26, 2011 at 16:34)
 A BB mount guide won't work with the press-fit BB.
  • + 1
flag floody (Jul 26, 2011 at 20:36)
 That would be my point.
  • + 0
flag iamamodel (Jul 27, 2011 at 4:17)
 ^ Sorry mate, I was typing my answer just as you posted yours.
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag shishka (Jul 26, 2011 at 21:27)
 Ok so they got too stoned while designing and forgot the isg tabs. The one part they really over looked is admitting its produced in an "elite factory" in "asia". That really means made in taiwan by some goon. Intense slipping for real, Some idiot will pay out they ass for this frame and try running it at whistler till it cracks in half 2 runs later.
  • + 0
flag jacque-lucque (Jul 27, 2011 at 3:33)
 You mean like 90% of the rest of the industry that has already outsourced their production? Don't see many Santa Cruz's snapping do you?
  • + 0
flag shishka (Jul 27, 2011 at 10:03)
 Ya actually I do see alot of bikes snapping these days at every event. They never post up on internet when a bike fails so you wouldn't know unless seeing it in person. I'm referring to aggressive riding not the fire road pedaling. Take a 24lbs trail bike to a real mountain and wait for the creaking and problems to start. Maybe in another 5-10 years they will figure out how to make lightweight linkages hold up to heavy riding conditions.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag badbietz (Jul 26, 2011 at 8:33)
 Looks nice but no size XL for the big boys, no ISCG and a pretty low BB for the class of bike, probably handles nice but I foresee a lot of pedal strikes
  • + 1
flag racerfacer (Jul 26, 2011 at 8:58)
 Yeah that max 24" TT is short. Too short to be a trail bike (for tall people), yet the lack of ISCG tabs limits utility as an everything bike.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag callumsmyth (Jul 26, 2011 at 8:13)
 Carbon bikes are the future !!
  • + 2
flag frijolemoreno (Jul 26, 2011 at 9:42)
 ^^^...and the present
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag gerigtuning (Jul 27, 2011 at 22:46)
 that bike is gay. i should hea down to the disign office and give em a kic in the pants.... why why why wold you design a frame without icg tabs??? or any kinda tabs for that matter
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Raggi-Boy (Jul 26, 2011 at 4:13)
 looks nice but they need chain guide mount, they also need to do this to the M series. do u really need to use that shity shimano BB?
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag armyof1 (Jul 26, 2011 at 0:59)
 yea no iscg go back & try again.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag iamamodel (Jul 26, 2011 at 1:44)
 Firstly, beautiful bike, drool-worthy photos and, most importantly, I am sure it rides like it looks and would have few equals. Nice job Intense!
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag Wa-Aw (Jul 26, 2011 at 1:30)
 It's the little things Intense...

No ISCG, no full 1.5" head tube, thru-axle rear end would have been nice, and carbon links for 100% carbon frame bragging rights since this would be a big part of buying the frame.
  • + 1
flag Primoz (Jul 26, 2011 at 5:59)
 There is the possibility to run a thru axle, 142 mm is a given and i think there might even be an option for 135 x 12. You just need to swap out the dropouts. They are the same as on the Tracer 2.
  • + 1
flag deadatbirth (Jul 26, 2011 at 7:13)
 you can run a bolt on rear end. also a full 1.5" HT is useless on this type of bike. hell, no DH bike even has a full 1.5" HT
  • + 1
flag seraph (Jul 26, 2011 at 13:14)
 Off the top of my head, the 951 and the M9 both have full 1.5" headtubes. There are others but I can't think of them right now.
  • + 2
flag deadatbirth (Jul 26, 2011 at 17:01)
 der, that part came out wrong...they all do
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag nightfox (Jul 26, 2011 at 0:23)
 Intense is pimp and all but I read really bad things about the customer service on their mtbr forum. :\
  • + 4
flag MooMoo2323 (Jul 26, 2011 at 1:46)
 My experience has been great with them!
  • + 2
flag Views (Jul 26, 2011 at 10:42)
 heard of loads of broken intense, anybody confirms?

P.S.: why do you neg. prop nightfox for telling you what he did read? ....idiots...
  • + 1
flag Ohiorider6 (Jul 26, 2011 at 18:04)
 I know a lot of there 951's get cracks in the chainstays.
  • + 1
flag motoxscott (Jul 26, 2011 at 21:44)
 Intense has always helped me out so I can say their customer service is just as good if not better than most.
  • + 1
flag Views (Jul 27, 2011 at 10:17)
 i heard 951_s like to crack at the headtube, weird... i realy dunno what to think of them, could be all blabla for sure, but its still not confy
  • + 2
flag jaybird951 (Nov 2, 2011 at 12:57)
 i have a test bike in my hands.....black...taking her out on the trail ina few minutes...
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag Jase76 (Jul 26, 2011 at 4:13)
 Needs ISCG.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag hevi (Jul 26, 2011 at 5:46)
 More info available here: New Intense Carbon Bikes: http://spokenaboutbicycles.blogspot.com/ I'll be riding one later today and filing a report.
  • + 1
flag jaybird951 (Nov 2, 2011 at 12:53)
 that link you posted is something else....wtf
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag tdoyle1995 (Jul 25, 2011 at 23:47)
 well thats a tounge swister name.... not really i geuss... unless youve been shot with horse tranquilizer or some shitt
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag WonderAnt10 (Jul 26, 2011 at 12:35)
 So sexy! I really love the Flk:Grd. Think I`m gonna try and get something like that for my Reign.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag sup3rc0w (Jul 26, 2011 at 6:33)
 Not happy about this , not one bit!
Just recently built up my Tracer 2, now they bring this out!!
  • + 1
flag grifrowl (Jul 28, 2011 at 19:42)
 Its a different bike man. Be stoked on your Tracer, its an awesome bike for just about everything.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag robert80 (Jul 27, 2011 at 9:03)
 Too bad it's not made in the States...that *was* a major draw for me with the Intense brand.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bastienguillot (Jul 26, 2011 at 8:41)
 Maybe they just thought new XTR rear derailleur would do the job, instead of retention device...?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag godfried (Jul 26, 2011 at 13:29)
 I wish they made a detachable skid-plate to protect not only the down tube but also the area around the BB mechanism.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag teamdoa (Jul 26, 2011 at 0:49)
 Jeez, I think they all smell money, all these carbon frames suddenly appearing now.
  • + 2
flag frijolemoreno (Jul 26, 2011 at 9:41)
 supply and demand...perhaps uninspired, but it gets me what I want Smile
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag godfried (Jul 26, 2011 at 13:31)
 I also wish the design of the frame could be more exotic. Not much change from the previous version......
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag huck4fun (Jul 26, 2011 at 21:24)
 why is everyone dogging on riguad? he has a good point
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag farmer-john-2000 (Jul 27, 2011 at 13:48)
 MRP make a DIrect Fit 1X, which would fit perfectly btw...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag cat-walk (Jul 28, 2011 at 14:46)
 composed in the USA, designed in Germany, then made in Asia?..... blah
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag markmac (Jul 29, 2011 at 11:02)
 OMG - I want one.

Anyone want to buy my wife & kids????
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag nightmareterror (Jan 11, 2012 at 14:16)
 Looking like my next bike.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jdotr (Jul 26, 2011 at 7:55)
 one of the cleenist bikes ive seen in a while!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ScaryGerry (Jul 26, 2011 at 6:58)
 Next step... Carbon M9... Drool
  • + 1
flag FetusOven (Jul 26, 2011 at 8:56)
 Carbon m9 would be GREASY.
  • + 1
flag Views (Jul 26, 2011 at 10:43)
 and out of all bounds price wise Razz
  • + 1
flag ScaryGerry (Jul 26, 2011 at 10:54)
 I'm sure its just a matter of time now
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag armyof1 (Jul 26, 2011 at 0:27)
 does the fox shock have 2 stages?????
  • + 2
flag sngltrkmnd (Jul 26, 2011 at 10:22)
 I think that's reserved for Trek only
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag qirill (Jul 25, 2011 at 23:55)
 WOW!!!! thats what I want now as my everyday trailbike!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag DHnewboy (Jul 25, 2011 at 23:48)
 WELL its about time! its going to be a hell of a lot of money too!
  • + 0
flag DHnewboy (Jul 26, 2011 at 14:49)
 holy BALLS!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag fullbug (Jul 26, 2011 at 8:11)
 just bring back the original Intense 5.10s!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag TIZZASPAIN (Jul 26, 2011 at 7:31)
 But...where is the iscg?!?!?! hammer isn`t possible.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag sngltrkmnd (Jul 26, 2011 at 10:22)
 Meh. Ibis has better lines IMO.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ridesanoldskool (Jul 26, 2011 at 10:29)
 thats one damn sexy bike wouldnt mined riding her
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag danielharmon (Jul 25, 2011 at 23:46)
 waaaaaaaaant
  • + 1
flag surupel (Jul 25, 2011 at 23:59)
 Nice... ... ...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jonnyqt (Jul 26, 2011 at 3:16)
 plus internal cable's
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ScaryGerry (Jul 26, 2011 at 6:55)
 work of art!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mountguitars (Jul 26, 2011 at 15:06)
 how much for the frame?
  • + 1
flag jaybird951 (Jul 26, 2011 at 16:19)
 under $2600 looks like...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Team831 (Jul 26, 2011 at 9:25)
 looks dialed
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag brookshardtail (Jul 26, 2011 at 23:37)
 "Get cracking..."
Oh, the irony.
[Reply]

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