Spotted: Intense Tracer 279 Prototype Carbon Enduro Bike

Jun 15, 2021
by Matt Beer  
intense prototype

We recently spotted Chris Kovarik building a fresh new bike on Instagram that's covered with Intense's prototype graphics, labeled as "Tracer 279". It's been four years since Intense has updated the Tracer model, so this could be close to a production model. We've seen Isabeau Courdurier on an alloy prototype, but the one in Kovarik's stories has a carbon front and rear triangle.

Isabeau Courdurier - Prototype Intense
The previous aluminum prototype.
intenase tracer
The current 2021 Tracer.

There are quite a few changes from the previous Tracer; the trunnion mount shock is now driven from the bottom link, lowering the center of gravity, and there is spacer for a water bottle to mount inside the front triangle. The aggressively sloping top tube looks to provide a super low stand-over height as well.

photo
The suspension layout mimics the prototype their factory downhill team has been repping.

Chris has built the bike with a Fox 38 fork, indicating that this will be an hard charging enduro bike with a similar amount of rear wheel travel to the previous Tracer (165mm), or possibly more. The bike appears to be a dedicated mixed wheel bike based on the clearance of the 27.5" tire at the chain stay yoke and seems to lack any geometry adjustments on the shock mounts.

photo
photo
photo

Intense prototype

Jeff Steber, the founder of Intense Cycles, shared this 3D printed frame back in March, which reveals more details, like a storage box for tools.

Intense confirmed that this is the next iteration of the bike Isabeau was on. They also said that Aaron Gwin contributed a lot of time testing. Intense does like to show its prototypes as they progress toward full production, and this is the next step with the Tracer model.

Author Info:
mattbeer avatar

Member since Mar 16, 2001
356 articles

204 Comments
  • 227 4
 Looks like a Nomad. There, i've said it.
  • 36 0
 Did you meant Tallson10?
  • 13 80
flag noakeabean (Jun 15, 2021 at 14:49) (Below Threshold)
 You mean a session??
  • 93 7
 looks like a megatower.. or a hightower... or a tallboy... or a bronson... or pretty much any fs bike from Santa Cruz that isn't a blur.
  • 103 12
 The worst looking Santa Cruz ever had better graphics than that.
  • 45 1
 Looks like a... little small for him.
  • 9 4
 @danielfloyd: and they all look like the 2014 Mongoose Teocali...well almost
  • 12 6
 @DoubleCrownAddict: I seriously doubt a production bike will look like that. They do it all the time. Google "Prototype Camouflage". It is done in the auto industry to hide lines and details. I am sure it is just a play on that.
  • 3 0
 Evil enduro-mad.
  • 8 2
 From Steber's IG story it looks like the lower link rotates around the BB, so maybe some differences under the hood.

Also looks like they've designed a "tool box" such that the bike will shit all your tools out onto the trail if the latch fails. So not sure I trust Intense to make a complicated BB-centric linkage work flawlessly...
  • 23 0
 Weird, the current Tracer looked like the previous Nomad too.
  • 18 11
 I honestly hardly ever look a Intense Bikes when shopping because the paint/graphics are always soooo horrible and tacky.
  • 17 2
 New Santa Cruz's, the new Enduro, Nukeproof Giga, this bike, all look like a banshee legend... which has been around since 2007.
  • 10 0
 Loving how people are upset about the (non-production) paintjob. Then others complain about the boring paintjob on Santa Cruz bikes. If people like these bikes otherwise, just buy the other bike. There is a bike for everyone Smile !
  • 3 2
 I see anaother law suit coming.......
  • 8 0
 @dennis72: From whom?
Santa Cruz?
I don't think so.
They're in bed together, and in love...
  • 1 0
 Looks like Yuri Geller gave it a stroke
  • 2 1
 @vinay: well, in this case of pink bike bitching....SC does make boring and Intense do make over the top, overly busy paint jobs. the proof is in the pudding.
  • 2 3
 except worse... maybe because it's taller than it is long. it's the chode setup.
  • 16 0
 @dennis72: Reasons to know your bike history

Mountain bike action, 2001:


MBA: What was the reasoning behind Santa Cruz handing the exclusive rights to the VPP patents to Jeff Steber at Intense?
Rob: My partner, Hans Heim, that there is strength in numbers. Shortly after we obtained the VPP patents, Hans walked up to me and asked, ?What company do you regard to be on top of it–one that really has their [stuff] together??I said it was Intense. When you hear the name, Intense, you think quality bike. Jeff [Steber] already knew about the VPP concept and when we contacted him, he was very interested. I talked over the details with Jeff and we gave Intense the exclusive rites to the patents that we purchased. Of course, we are in competition with each other, but we are also cooperating right now to insure that the initial success of the new VPP bikes. There is a lot to learn about the benefits of the VPP design. Competition is the best way to speed that process up.
  • 1 0
 @daugherd: i love how this comment thread is still going
  • 1 0
 @Winjones8: Its all in the linkages my friend.
  • 2 0
 @twowheelfury: I feel the opposite. Santa Cruz and Specialized bikes a just too plain.
  • 1 0
 @orastreet1: yeah why the heck don't they make those plaid demoes anymore
  • 1 0
 @TheBrosCloset:
VPP is soooooo old and somewhat outdated. DW-Link is the way to go these days.
  • 120 3
 Is there a "Beginner Build", say, something in the $3700 range?
  • 56 3
 Yup, giv me that $3800 and here's your frame. Start building.
  • 116 2
 Hello, I am brand new to mountain biking. I'm not sure I'll love the sport but I watched a few Brandon Semenuk videos on YouTube last night and all my friends at the office are posting Instagram stories about all the fun they are having riding the plentiful IMBA approved, sustainable flow trails with pedal access near me. I'm seeking an entry level bike to learn on, but I don't want to commit too hard in case I don't end up liking the sport. I'm thinking of spending $3,700 US, do you have anything for me?
  • 4 42
flag ol-sidewinder (Jun 15, 2021 at 15:00) (Below Threshold)
 @jrocksdh: Sarcasm doesn't play well in writing.
See www.pinkbike.com/news/intense-announces-951-series-aimed-at-new-mountain-bikers.html for full details!
  • 6 41
flag jaznomore (Jun 15, 2021 at 15:28) (Below Threshold)
 @j-t-g: For that budget I would look at the Ibis Ripmo AF.
  • 2 0
 LOL!!! Smile
  • 7 1
 While I see the humor, why are so many new cyclists actually buying high end bikes? I think that the influx of new riders has come from a lot of people who are not poor
  • 21 12
 @Mntneer: stimulus checks and no questions asked unemployment. . . . .
  • 17 2
 @Mntneer: friend bought himself and his wife nicer bikes than I've owned in 20+ years riding. They've been shredding the gnar of the gravel bike paths of the Biltmore Estate. Wink
  • 1 0
 @Mntneer: because that’s all that’s available
  • 11 0
 @Mntneer: Just let it happen. They eat the depreciation, we buy the gently used frames.
  • 1 4
 @4thflowkage: I can't get myself to buy someone's "gently used" Gucci bike.

Only thing I'd ever buy would be the fully decked out Demo Center DH rigs at Whistler. Big Grin
  • 7 0
 @blowmyfuse: And what's more gently used than a demo bike from a bike park?
  • 1 2
 @ol-sidewinder: I know right?

The nice thing about the Demo Center rigs is that they ACTUALLY have new and/or freshly serviced parts on them rather than the pot luck deals people post for $5-7k . I've heard plenty of nightmares.
  • 79 22
 So many salty commenters today.

@intensecyclesusa , congrats on bringing another bike to market. I hope this bike sells well for you and your customers enjoy it!
  • 39 31
 Well look at mr. self righteous. Bow down before him
  • 7 6
 @hi-dr-nick: Well shucks, if you insist!
  • 39 0
 What about the prototype 250mm dropper post pictured?
  • 6 5
 Much prefer the scoop on another fox dropper post that will need to be sent in for a rebuild with a return time of six weeks.
  • 19 0
 Heard the code name for that one is “catapult”
  • 5 0
 It just looks long because it hardly fits into the seat tube Big Grin
  • 8 1
 Holy High Rise Seating Batman!
  • 3 1
 @Elkulp: they upgraded my Fox Transfer. New model too. OneUp.
  • 4 0
 Did some measuring. If the fork is 160mm, then the dropper is 210-220mm.
  • 6 0
 I’ve had mine for three seasons never seen a rebuild works like new. @Elkulp:
  • 33 3
 That Santa Cruz sure has an ugly paint job
  • 3 19
flag DHRAW (Jun 15, 2021 at 15:52) (Below Threshold)
 I seriously doubt a production bike will look like that. They do it all the time. Google "Prototype Camouflage". It is done in the auto industry to hide lines and details. I am sure it is just a play on that.
  • 6 1
 @DHRAW: have you not seen an Intense paint job in the last 10 years...? It does look like they slapped on some prototype stickers, so maybe not all of that is the production paint. BUT its just as possible that is 99% of the production graphics right there...
  • 7 6
 Which Santa Cruz doesn’t have an ugly paint job?
  • 6 1
 In all seriousness, Santa Cruz does put out some questionable color schemes sometimes on their bikes
  • 2 0
 @speedy-toast: yeah, they are kinda like Patagonia’s ski clothes: one year they will have great colors and you want every one, then the next year you wonder if they got the men’s colors mixed up with the women’s on the order, because none of them make sense.
  • 2 0
 @whambat: Or like Nike trail running shoes. They go out of their way to pick the ugliest color schemes. Blah. Lol.
  • 1 1
 @TheR: You may not like the colors, (I know I regretted the pepto pink fairly quickly, though mostly because it felt like a "steal me" sign on the back of my vehicle. Course probably the average bike thief would never steal a pink XL mens bike so maybe it was a PLUS?) But pretty much all of SC bikes are solid color with only logo graphics. And there are always logo kits to change the graphic colors. And there is nearly always one version that is a basic color to choose. So overall really easy to live with VS 80% of EVERY bike Intense has released in 10 years.

No crazy/ugly paint jobs going on...???
  • 1 1
 @stiingya: You’re 100 percent right about Intense. There were models maybe around 2014 that were awesome. Since then, the clown colors have been out of hand.
  • 30 2
 Came for the Intense hate.
  • 15 3
 Not sure why the Intense hate.
  • 59 9
 @tacklingdummy: because they made cool as f*ck US made frames with welds that could match anything nicolai could do and graphics that just chanted USA, USA and now they sell plastic Chinese catalogue bikes with graphics that look like a migraine. So yeah a Alloy version would be nice. Wink
  • 10 11
 Dear Intense -
You have the ugliest seatpost brace in the industry. I can’t take my eyes off of it. There I said it.
  • 3 2
 @thenotoriousmic: I've never seen a more saturated seizure inducing paint job than this
m.pinkbike.com/photo/15893117
  • 7 4
 @wda1wustl:
They have the ugliest everything
  • 4 0
 @wda1wustl: yea, it's a shame they needed to use a gusset. A lot of hate, but I think it's a gorgeous looking frame design.
  • 3 2
 @wda1wustl: Oh no - a bike company prioritised functionality over looks, grab your pitchforks everyone!
  • 10 0
 @thenotoriousmic: I have owned 5 Intense bikes over the years. Both aluminum and carbon. Their carbon bikes of late are way better than before. Their sale carbon frames are same price as aluminum, so not many would still choose aluminum over carbon. Some of their graphics are not great, but many manufacturers have lame colors too, so for me it is a wash.

Pretty much every manufacturer has their frames made in Taiwan except for a very, very, short list. I don't know any high end bike manufacturer that is sourcing to China.
  • 6 1
 @thenotoriousmic: "graphics that look like a migraine" - yep sums it up for me.
  • 3 0
 @tacklingdummy: the Taiwanese companies outsource carbon production to China and often then send them to places live Thailand and Vietnam to be painted most of the aluminium frames are still made in Taiwan. Giant for example who are the biggest bike manufacturer in the world has a factory in China where it’s makes carbon frames and a factory in Taiwan where it manufactures alloy frames.
  • 1 0
 @thenotoriousmic: totally agree, if this was aluminium id buy one.
  • 1 2
 @thenotoriousmic: The bikes that are made in China are low end bikes not the high end bikes.
  • 2 1
 "graphics that look like a migraine" is wonderfully descriptive
  • 2 2
 @thenotoriousmic: funny because once they produced overseas, their aluminum frames had straight rear ends for once in the company’s history!
  • 2 0
 @lockwood: You say that but if the cost for a USA made alloy frame was similar to that of Carbon, I bet you would have a different tune?
  • 1 0
 @scstrail: Absolutely not, ive damaged two carbon frames this year!
  • 20 0
 Certainly not for beginners
  • 20 4
 I can't believe all the hate lately on pink bike. Y'all are never satisfied with anything. Personally I'm stoked on this bike. I can't wait to see how the JS tuned lower shock driven suspension compares to the new Bronson. Intense bikes have well... Very intense paint schemes yes. I think they look great in person, and it seems like they've toned down the crazy paint schemes in the last couple years.
  • 2 14
flag RonSauce (Jun 16, 2021 at 4:38) (Below Threshold)
 Then buy one. It makes way more sense to say "I dont like x-y-z, so I'm not gonna buy this bike that I now hate" compared to "oh my God, it looks so good, everything about it is so forward thinking" and your wallet stays closed.

If its so good, buy it.
  • 17 0
 Looks like a bike
  • 3 0
 Was gonna say the same
  • 20 7
 When you want to buy a Nomad with geo from three years ago.
  • 5 0
 Bikes with the same suspension platform WILL LOOK LIKE EACH OTHER!!!! How many different ways do you expect a bike design to go? Grab your lego set and put it together as many different ways as you can. Eventually you will run short of ways.
  • 7 0
 Man honestly this bike looks pretty rad I might just have to get a bigger piggy bank...looking forward to this rig!
  • 5 1
 Not sure. Every SC bike looks like an Easter egg and the colors are hands down the worst. I personally think that since Gwin has joined Intense there bikes look rad. Intense has always supported racing and racers. I would buy this bike in a second.
  • 9 0
 Looks like a Enduro
  • 8 1
 Dear Intense, please go back to making sexy welded alloy frames... thats what you were known for!
  • 4 1
 They can’t - no more Frank the Welder.
  • 4 0
 @LCW1: As far as I’m aware Frank’s still welding
  • 5 0
 @LCW1: FTW is still welding and still making awesome frames, at his shop in Vermont. He certainly worked for Yeti and Schwinn (among others) but don't believe he ever worked at Intense?

www.frankthewelder.com
  • 6 0
 If this rides like a mini m29 it’s gunna be a park slayer. But for real why the f*ck isn’t this alloy and raw and 180-180
  • 4 0
 Ok, 951 was super disappointing, however that one looks much better! Sta still look far beyond modern standards, however intense bikes typically run higher in the travel and have good pedaling platform;

Not sire about mullet, however frame looks quite good!
  • 3 0
 Finally a bike company putting a structural brace on the seat tower, rather than just chopping it off at the low standover point and saying f*ck you to anyone over 5"10. Doesn't look as good - but actually functional, unlike maaaaaany other brands
  • 3 0
 Tough looking rig,
Always loved intense & they way they look.
My first true DH race bike was a 03 M1 & man what a horny looking bike that was.
I reckon intense paint jobs are sick, they stand out.
That first model M29 , the red,black & white frame with the red boxxers is easily one of the best looking bikes ever mad.

I’ll be buying one of these when they are available.

Good work intense
  • 4 1
 The frame and suspension design looks strikingly similar to santa cruz nomad BUT there could be suttle difference on the linkage design. The HTA looks pretty steep for an enduro. what is it, 66 or 67?
  • 1 0
 It’s very very different
  • 1 0
 I kinda wish Intense still built aluminum bikes. Not because I think carbon is dumb, I have no problem with carbon, but the Spider XVP I owned years ago was on of the most beautiful pieces of welding I've ever seen. Granted, the pivot bolts all backed out every week regardless of how much loctite you put on them, but that bike looked and rode good.
  • 1 0
 @PAmtbiker I still own alu intense - most aligned right, well welded frame I ever own, also looks absolutely cool, most probably will outlast a lot;

would happily purchase modern geo alu bike from them, do not like carbon bikes due to impact resistance, and necessity to be precise accurate with torque wrench, and other maintenance and carry on stuff (like bike rack's etc)
  • 1 0
 I'm sure i'm late to this, but why do intense and santa cruz bikes use the same design for almost all their bikes? no hate on either, genuine curiosity.. do they have some kind of shared patents or something?
  • 1 0
 If they can sort out their bikes with some subtle colors or classic Intense colors, I'M IN! Most of the current color iterations from them are not great, to much "Formula one" and not enough "Mountain"
  • 4 0
 Why is it not "297"? I mean 29 front 27 rear.
  • 1 0
 Back to front when you look at it from the drive side.
  • 4 0
 Like more companies adding frame storage.
  • 3 0
 Bring back early 2000’s Intense. Clean lines, aggressive geo, aluminum. Leave the outdated ugly carbon rigs alone.
  • 3 0
 The Aluminum one looks so much better and stronger than the plastic one. This obsession with plastic!!
  • 1 1
 Someone needs to lower that seatpost and saddle for him. Looks like it sitting about 3" too high which makes the bike look absurdly tall. OR, this bike is too small for this rider. Somehow this does not look like a 29/27.5 mullet rig but rather like a 26er but I think it's the FOX 38 and that crazy long seat post creating that illusion.
  • 2 0
 Does it really matter?! We all love the nomad frame. As long as its cheaper than the Santa cruz bike frame... I'm all in for it.
  • 2 1
 Lol Intense... so disappointed for this "new" bike.
It just a batter paint job with mullet SC nomad
I've been coming to be a intense hater
  • 1 0
 I really wish Intense would go back to aluminum frames with questionable alignment instead of just playing second fiddle to Santa Cruz. Le sigh.
  • 2 0
 so intense tried to sue over a copied frame and releases a santa cruz / specialized?!?!?!?!? ummmm
  • 6 5
 Way to go intense, you are only like 4 years behind santa cruz but still cost just as much as them, "great business strategy cotton, lets see how it plays out for them!!"
  • 6 0
 R&D budget went to Gwin
  • 1 0
 @jaydawg69: yes, their budget wastefully went to Gwin
  • 5 6
 "Lower center of gravity" - see this claim multiple times with all the bikes that lower a freaking shock mount. True, yes. BUT seriously as a noticeable benefit?!? NO. You are moving a 650g shock and maybe 300g of hardware and linkage down 8" from typical mount position - that's essentially moving 2lbs or 1kg down 8". Compare that to an average system weight (rider + bike) of 200lbs or 90kg with COG somewhere in front of the hips, below the belly button area. This is definitely a negligible marginal gain.
  • 4 1
 The bike and rider are a system, not one piece.

A lower center of gravity is noticeable on a bike, most especially in loose or gravel situations. When deflected the bike will want to pivot under you, in the "roll" axis. If the CoG is lower, its more like a metronome with all the movement at the top instead of the bottom. With a high CoG, the bike will want to behave more like a pendulum, with the movement happening at the bottom where the tires are, causing the bike to "dance" and feel less stable. Obviously this is even more important when jumping or performing tricks/stunts. This is something that even average riders like myself can notice.

Where this idea becomes disingenuous is that somehow moving an air shock around will actually affect the CoG in a meaningful way. If you have an old school, steel coil spring shock then yes it matters, but air shocks are so freaking light that its lighter than a comparable section of aluminum tubing.
  • 3 0
 @hamncheez: Seriously...a lower CoG on a 240# Moto IS significant. For a 30# push bike...not so much.
  • 2 0
 It's not just CoG. Standover is 800mm+ on a carbine, and about 100mm less on newer bronsons with lower shock mounts.
  • 1 1
 The weight difference becomes exponential as you move away from your point of rotation. Think about how small wheel weights are on cars.
  • 1 0
 Why is the seat tube expended so far above the top tube? Surely that will omit shorter riders as much as where the top tube is
  • 2 0
 That's an intense seatpost height
  • 2 0
 Looks like a mountain bike...
  • 2 0
 it looks like every new bike this year and last year
  • 2 1
 Holy shit, having those long legs could suck so much, just imagine seeing your bike this ugly with that seat naturallyFrown
  • 2 0
 But the Nomad doesn't have a swat-like tool/tube storage.
  • 2 1
 Alright Pinkbike… Time to bestow the Grim Donut upon Intense as the manufacturer. Save them!
  • 3 1
 Dear intense... WE WANT ALLOY BIKES!
  • 2 0
 Do I want one? Oh hell yeah I want one.
  • 1 0
 Jeez, the Intense horrific color schemes continue. Surely they can save some money with a single color frame.
  • 3 0
 Stay rad Intense.
  • 1 2
 Cut the seat tube off at the top-tube so that the standover is superlow. This allows better jumping and body movement. Nothing worse than a high seat, a longer dropper post for those who want it.
  • 2 4
 Well I think it looks quite promising, but I have a few notes for you Intense (I know you're reading this):
- Slightly lower seat tubes would be cool
- Along with slightly longer reaches
- And significantly slacker head angles
- If Kovarik's saddle is at pedaling height, shouldn't he be on the next size up?
- I know US-produced aluminium bikes used to be your thing and you probably made the right move to go carbon, but if I were you I'd seriously consider some Taiwanese alu frames. I think you're missing a lot of potential sales.
  • 1 0
 I'm 6' on a Large primer with a 170mm dropper. That's not long enough for you? I disagree with every point you make except the last one.
  • 1 0
 @JohanG, @chakaping
- seat tubes length are ok on majority of bikes, dropper insertion sucks so( 7 inch only possible or so)
- steeper seat tubes would be appreciated
- on all bikes I own saddle hight looks the same, it is more about your ape index
- alu agree, bring alu bikes back, at least as a frame
  • 1 0
 Looks weird with that super long dropper as it makes the reach look shorter....like a 90's bike.
  • 1 2
 Allowing for sag you would be sat over the rear axle entirely with a saddle that high. As soon as you point it up any hill you will surely just roll backwards down it rather than climb it...
  • 1 0
 How come Gwin went from spectacular to mid range as soon as he got on INtense?
  • 1 0
 Cuz he doesnt care to ride really. I mean look at what he throws out there....working on his mansion, playing vintage fenders...really doesnt care about racing. He doesnt have any intensity anymore hjonestly
  • 1 0
 I DON'T like small bearings on my Intense. This has the same problem. They last VERY short time.
  • 1 0
 I think this bike looks awesome, also in the prototype paintworks.
  • 14 16
 Lol 951 series Tracer coming at you tomorrow! Seriously Intense WTF. Pawning off old frames/molds as a different brand for not much of a discount.

Also they obviously ripped off Santa Cruz's new lower link VPP.
  • 29 0
 TECHINCALLY, the Intense m3 did it first, and Santa Cruz designed the first gen v10 (their first bike with the lower mount shock) in collaboration with Steber.
  • 7 0
 Link is pretty different, basically looks like an m29 and rotates around the BB
  • 10 0
 @hamncheez: Totally. We're showing our age here but I remember the V10 mk1 release and the m3 release very well, those were the golden years for me!
But from memory the V10 mk1 came out before the M3? I might be wrong but think it was about 2002.

Then the M3 came out in 2003 or 2004 and around then feels like the dawn of modern dh frames. Of course a lot of folk don't realise Intense and Santa cruz collaborated with VPP ideas. SC bought the patents for VPP originally from Outland.

It was around 2006/07 when Intense and Santa Cruz dh frames looked VERY similar, think M6 and V10mk3!

So yeah a lot of folk are gonna say this just looks like a Santa Cruz and it does. But it's not just a case on Intense ripping off Santa Cruz. But having said that it would have been nice if it did at least look a little different from the current crop of Santa Cruz bikes. I say this as someone who rides a Nomad 4.
  • 3 0
 @whatisthecolour: I don't remember which came out first now. The fog of decades ago.
  • 2 0
 @hamncheez: I just had a look at the SC archive, V10 mk1 apparently started in 2002. I hadn't looked at the mk1 for ages... its pretty ugly looking at it now!

I remember the first advert in the magazines for the V10, it was like a blueprint drawing of the V10 with stats on the suspension travel. The marketing pointed out it was to be run with 4 inches of sag leaving 6 inches of full travel. In the UK it was often seen with a 5th Element shock. Good tmes.
  • 1 1
 @whatisthecolour: hense the paint job, it's a disguise... no Santa Cruz lookin bike here..
  • 8 1
 Intense & Santa Cruz purchased the Outland VPP suspension patent several years ago in a partnership to bring it to the masses out of obscurity. Seriously, mountain biking needs some sort of history book.

That's why both brand are so similar. Neither brand copied the other. They both have been developing VPP linkage bikes since that time.

The Intense linkage in DH form, at this point, has deviated substantially from the original patent from what I understand.
  • 2 0
 @blowmyfuse: @blowmyfuse: i thought that Santa Cruz bought the patent, and Intense licensed it from them. That is why when it expired, the Intense suspension became "JS tuned", instead of VPP./

Interesting that when the Horst link expired, a ton of companies jumped on the design. When VPP patent expired, Diamondback started using it...and that's it to my knowledge.
  • 3 1
 @ReformedRoadie said: " i thought that Santa Cruz bought the patent, and Intense licensed it from them"

That may be more accurate. Was trying to clarify the implications that Intense was somehow mimicking the decision without consent or copying the visual aspects of the Santa Cruz.

mbaction.com/the-return-of-the-virtual-pivot-pointmay-15

I just tried to look it up & you're correct . Article states that Intense has "Exclusive Rights" to VPP.
I'm also OLD AS FOKK because I was at NORBA Nationals staring at the Outland & watching it go by. At the time, it overcame the flaws of the VERY PEDALLY courses, tiny shocks & flimsy frames of the time.

Article reads as though Steber & Roskopp decided to try to figure out implementation into mountain bikes was good for two US companies to come up with engineering mules simultaneously to see what the possibilities were. Thanks for the reminder
  • 4 2
 Well they nailed ugly
  • 1 0
 It looks like whoever rode that bike was too tall for it.
  • 2 1
 I like it! and I want it!!
  • 1 0
 Shut up and take my Nomad. lol
  • 1 0
 Damn that thing is busy and ugly...
  • 4 4
 I never understood how this brand makes money. I haven't seen anyone on their bikes since 2017.
  • 1 0
 So many mullets! I should mullet my forester!
  • 1 1
 so whats the deal with SC and Intense? They collab or one's leading the other?
  • 1 0
 Yeah that's gonna be a no from me dawg...
  • 1 1
 Is there a ‘Beginner Build’ for $650 with garbage parts and pre established crack in the frame?
  • 1 0
 I mean, Gwin already won a few regional enduro races on this bike.
  • 2 0
 Looks really nice.
  • 1 0
 It looks like Santa Cruz.
  • 1 0
 I really want to like you Intense, I really do Frown
  • 1 0
 2010 called, they want their graphics back
  • 1 0
 looks like a.....oh someone else already mentioned....
  • 1 0
 Nothing like making a proto 3 sizes too small.
  • 1 0
 Why do all intense bikes look like they have crashed into Halfords
  • 1 0
 That poor rear shock in the mud and wet.
  • 2 2
 Intense and their ugly AF color schemes. At least they have their suspension dialed ....oh wait.
  • 1 0
 Just bring back the Uzzi already.
  • 1 0
 Press Release and First Ride Impressions dropping tomorrow?
  • 1 0
 This must be the giraffe build
  • 1 0
 Dont make us say it...
  • 1 0
 Christ he's tall!
  • 2 3
 Can anyone make sense of the Intense product line/ model names? I swear they have like a dozen
  • 1 1
 Up up and away with that seat. Looks dangerous
  • 1 0
 Seat height?
  • 1 0
 Moar seatpost
  • 1 1
 Enough with the carbon already.
  • 3 3
 Needs an idler
  • 2 5
 Looks like it has an idler
  • 1 1
 @Jdorph: not sure where you’re seeing that?
  • 2 3
 @johannensc: behind the chain ring on the low side
  • 3 0
 @Jdorph: that’s a chain tensioner.
  • 4 7
 Is anyone sure intense is still in business i have not seen one of their bikes in about 10 years
  • 1 3
 Intense is just one step behind everything else in the mkt.
  • 2 3
 Nomad copycat????? lol
  • 3 6
 The brand no one cares for anymore....
  • 2 1
 Weird isn't it? I always wanted an M1 in my teens. Dream bike material and they followed that up with some other tasty stuff but I don't recall seeing anything from them in the last 10 years I'd actually want to buy over anything else.
  • 1 3
 @daveyboywonder: same... many years ago I wanted one....now they are just out dated and poorly engineered bikes....plus there are so many new better brands
  • 3 0
 @Pmrmusic26: How can you say the bike is outdated and poorly engineered? All you have are the shots from an Instagram page. No review, no geo numbers, nothing. Most all brands make a good bike these days so to say one is "better" than another seems like opinion. You know what they say about opinions??
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv65 0.056225
Mobile Version of Website