Are Intense Bikes Good?

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Are you hunting for a high-performance mountain bike that can handle any terrain? Founded in 1993 by Jeff Steber, Intense has been at the forefront of mountain bike innovation for nearly three decades.

From the iconic M1 downhill bike to the modern-day Tracer, Intense bikes have earned a reputation for their exceptional ride quality and durability. But are Intense bikes good?

Let’s take a closer look at the history and features of Intense bikes to see why they’re a top choice for serious riders.

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The intense bike is a good investment for those seeking a high-performance mountain bike with a proven track record, innovative technology, and exceptional ride quality. Intense has been in the mountain bike game for nearly three decades.

Do you know their bikes have been ridden to countless victories at the highest level of competition?

Intense has always been at the forefront of mountain bike technology, from their early use of hydroformed tubing to their modern-day use of carbon fiber and cutting-edge suspension systems.

Best known for their responsive handling and excellent suspension performance, Intense bikes allow enjoying a ride on any terrain.

These bikes are available in different mountain bike models, from the gravity-focused downhill and Enduro bikes to the cross-country and trail bikes, to find the perfect bike for your riding style and preferences.

One of the best things about Intense Bikes is that they offer a variety of build kits and customization options to help you build your dream bike exactly the way you want it.

History of Intense Bikes

Intense Cycles was founded in 1993 by Jeff Steber, who began building bikes in his garage in Southern California. Throughout their history, Intense bikes have been ridden to countless victories in top-level competition, including World Cup downhill races and Enduro World Series events.

Their bikes are known for their exceptional ride quality, innovative technology, and attention to detail.

Here are some notable achievements of Intense Bikes.

1994-Intense released the M1 downhill bike, quickly becoming a favorite among top-level downhill racers.

In 1998, Shaun Palmer won the UCI Downhill World Cup on an Intense M1.
In 2000, the Intense Tazer, one of the first full-suspension dirt jump bikes, was released.
In 2001, Intense introduced the VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) suspension system on the Tracer, a trail bike that quickly became a best-seller.
In 2005, Intense released the 6.6, a long-travel trail bike with a carbon fiber front triangle.
In 2008, Sam Hill won the UCI Downhill World Championship on an Intense M3.
In 2010, Intense introduced the Tracer 29, one of the first long-travel 29er trail bikes.
In 2014, the Intense Carbine, a 27.5″ trail bike with 155mm of rear travel, was released.
In 2016, Intense partnered with DVO Suspension to develop the Tracer DVO, a limited-edition bike with custom-tuned suspension.
In 2019, Intense released the Sniper XC, a carbon fiber cross-country race bike with 100mm of rear travel.

Old Intense Bikes Vs. Modern Intense Bikes

From classic aluminum frames with simple suspension designs to modern carbon fiber frames with advanced suspension technology, there’s a world of difference between old and new Intense bikes.

Modern Intense bikes are lighter, stiffer, and more advanced than older models. They have more refined geometry and suspension designs and are built to handle even more challenging terrain.

However, many riders still highly regard older Intense bikes for their classic looks, durability, and excellent ride quality.

Comparison Table

Old Intense Bikes	Modern Intense Bikes
Aluminum frames	Carbon fiber and aluminum frames
Single pivot or four-bar suspension	VPP or HPP suspension
Longer chainstays, slacker head tube angles	Shorter chainstays, steeper head tube angles
Less travel	Significantly more travel
Classic looks and ride quality	Advanced technology and design

Are Intense Bikes Reliable?

Intense Bikes are regarded as reliable and durable, thanks to their quality materials, advanced suspension designs, attention to detail, and proven track record.

Intense bikes have a proven track record of reliability, with many models ridden to countless victories in top-level competition. The best mountain bike brand has been a trusted name in the mountain biking world, with a reputation for building bikes that can handle even the toughest riding conditions.

Where Are Intense Bikes Made?

Intense Bikes are designed and engineered in Temecula, California, USA. However, their frames are manufactured overseas in countries like Taiwan and China. Once the frames are manufactured, they are shipped back to the USA, assembled, and finished by Intense Bikes’ skilled technicians.

How Expensive Are Intense Bikes?

Intense Bikes are a premium brand with prices that reflect its high-end materials, advanced technology, and attention to detail.

An aluminum-framed Intense bike with mid-range components costs around $3,000 to $4,000.

Prices for higher-end models with carbon fiber frames, top-of-the-line suspension components, and other high-end features can cost upwards of $10,000 or more.

Here are the models and prices of popular Intense Bikes.

Intense Primer- $5,399 – $9,499
Intense Sniper- $4,999 – $10,499
Intense Tracer- $5,599 – $10,099

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is The Vpp Suspension System On Intense Bikes?

VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) suspension system on Intense bikes is a patented suspension design that uses two short links to create a virtual pivot point, resulting in an efficient and active suspension system.

What Is The Ideal Tire Pressure For Intense Mountain Bikes?

The ideal tire pressure for an Intense mountain bike is around 25-30 PSI for the rear tire and 22-27 PSI for the front tire. Adjusting the tire pressure based on the specific conditions you’ll be riding in for optimal performance and control is essential.