Intense’s flagship model, the Tracer, has had a long lineage. It has seen MTB change dramatically since it’s release back in the mid 90’s. It’s defined and redefined the modern trail bike with every overhaul of it’s incredibly capable chassis, leaving Intense with a big challenge to up the ante come their much anticipated 2017 release. With recent additions to the range showcasing the new JS Tuned linkages, the Tracer was the only bike left in Intense’s range that hadn’t been updated from the venerable VPP linkage. With the longer, lower, slacker mantra in full effect, the new Tracer really brings the bike into a new era, the previous iteration, while Bike of the Year in 2014, did have a top tube length that seemed to almost get shorter as every other brand caught up and went longer.
For 2017, the new bike offers up modern trail geometry, with longer reach and a full extra inch of wheelbase, for a more stable ride. The JS Tuned suspension platform has been refined and offers an updated carbon top link and forward mounted lower linkage, providing a stiffer package and more efficient pedalling platform. The video below tells the story, complete with Jack Moir and Dean Lucas wording it up when not slaying corners on the new bike. Stoked to see Jeff Steber getting his wizard on with the prototypes too…
We’ll be test riding the new Tracer very soon, lets just say we can’t wait to see and feel the improvements over the already super capable 2015/2016 model that we still rate as one of the most versatile bikes out there.
For now check the build options below, ranging from possibly the best build you could imagine to an affordable all-mountain weapon. Should you want to build you own, yes, it’s available as a frame only, like the good ol days of Intense!
FACTORY BUILD
ELITE BUILD
Carbon Front & Rear Triangle / JS-Enduro link pivot system / Carbon upper link / Sram X01 Eagle / Fabric Saddle / RoxkShox Reverb Stealth Seatpost / Sram Guide Brakes
PRO BUILD
Carbon Front & Rear Triangle / JS-Enduro link pivot system / Carbon upper link / Sram X1, 11-speed / Fabric Saddle, RockShox Reverb Stealth Dropper Post / Sram Guide Brakes
EXPERT BUILD
Carbon Front & Rear Triangle / JS-Enduro link pivot system / Alloy Upper Link / Shimano XT, 11 Speed / WTB Saddle / RockShox Reverb Dropper Post / Shimano XT Brakes
FOUNDATION BUILD
Carbon Front & Rear Triangle / JS-Enduro link pivot system / Alloy upper link / RockSox Lyric RC 160mm fork / RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 rear shock / Shimano XT, 11-speed / WTB Saddle / Shimano XT Brakes