Submitted by
tim cokayne
a Cross Country Rider
from brighton Date Reviewed: September 14, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anywhere on the south downs
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
samways
Strengths:
**update from the review below** plush & sturdy. confidence builder when it comes to aggressive XC/jumping over things. decent length top tube means you can run a 90/80mm stem.
Weaknesses:
bob in the 4" and 4.5" settings, but a stable platform shock should sort this. high stand-over height - I have short legs. don't make em any more - gits. A manual for setup should have come with the frame. Intense and their importers are bit tight on handing them out. Samways told me intense products don't have them.
Similar Products Used:
santa cruz superlight, specialized epic
Bike Setup:
fox rl rear shock, rock shox duke race, hope xc hubs with mavic 317s, shimano XT drive chain, hope mini brakes 90mm thomson stem, WTB saddle, egg beaters
Bottom Line:
Tasty bike. bob in the 4' and 4.5' settings is a pain at times- makes the bike feel heavier than it is. Sometimes the bob is distracting enough to put you off your pedal stroke, you see the horizon line going up & down in front of you! I've tried every possible adjustment on the fox rl and it doesn't seem to stop it. I've increased the rebound but it just makes the back end wallow. If anyone has any advice, feel free to email me. The 3.5 setting is heaven- bob is minimal and the bike climbs like a rocket. I might look into sticking a Romic on it as I want more travel at the back for landings.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tim.cokayne@ntlworld.com
a Cross Country Rider
from brighton, united kingdom Date Reviewed: May 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anywhere on the south downs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
samway's
Strengths:
sturdy cross country bike. very stiff. fantastic handling. will tempt you to do silly things.
Weaknesses:
heavy compared to my last bike, but this isn't really an issue as it's light enough. they don't make them any more.
Similar Products Used:
santa cruz superlight
Bike Setup:
red medium frame, shimano xt, hope mini brakes, 90mm stem with layback seat post, rockshox sid 100 [please read comments below], hope xc hubs with mavic 317 rims.
Bottom Line:
i'd wanted a tracer for some time so when i saw a frame for 400 quid off the listed price i went for it. i've been riding this bike for 3 days now and have probably done about 100 miles, so take this review as a first impression. if anything goes hidiously wrong, i will let you know.
my local terrain is quite varied, steep flint downhills to soggy grassland climbs, and i favour the 'one bike does everything' school of mtbing. i wanted a more versatile bike than my superlight and had considered the heckler but weight and single pivot brake lock were issues. you can brake very late on the tracer. there's more bob on the tracer than there is on the superlight and a smooth pedaling technique is essential. don't stand up on the tracer as this will get you nowhere- hills are best climbed seated. i'd always thought that the vague steering on my superlight was due to the flexy sid 100's on the front. i put the sids on the tracer, with a view to replacing them soon as i get the dosh, but they now feel like a completely different fork. i can now feel exactly where the front wheel is. it appears that a flexy front end isn't always down to the fork- good frame design plays a very important role in this. the adjustable rear end is a nice feature. it's not there to give you travel options, you only use it to tune the rear end to match your chosen fork. this means you can use an 80mm, 4 or 5 incher on it without effecting the bike's geometry. if you're a cross country rider looking to up your techinical riding without loosing too much ground on the uphills, i recommend the tracer. it's done exactly what i wanted it to do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TC
a Weekend Warrior
from DALLAS TX Date Reviewed: April 14, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
SUPERGO
Strengths:
Beautiful work of art machine. Handles like a dream.
Weaknesses:
Frame broke after 4 years
Similar Products Used:
Nothing is similar
Bike Setup:
Full XT. Avid mech discs. Fox AVA shock. Marzocchi Z1.
Bottom Line:
I have had my Tracer for four years now and I broke it this weekend. The frame cracked where the seat mast meets the seat tube right below the seat post collar. Bummer. I ride in the Dallas TX area. I am not bombing downhill or doing anything but trail riding in the flat lands. I use but dont abuse though i do weigh 210 lbs. The frame is a size large. This has been the greatest bike of all time but four years seems like a short life span for a $1600.00 frame. Intense tells me the warranty for all of their frames is 2 years. So here is the deal. for $330.00 they will give me a new front main frame and refurbish the rear end. Now I'm at $1950.00 for this frame. I guess you could say $487.50 a year. Is this a good deal? I would like to hear from other owners to see what they think. tcmedlock@aol.com My original rating was 5 chilis all the way. The value doesnt seem quite so good right now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carlos
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: February 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$875.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Proven FSR design, articulated with sealed bearings. Lightweight yet strong.
Weaknesses:
Rear derailleur slaps frame.
Similar Products Used:
CAAD2 hardtail.
Bike Setup:
XTR long cage reaar derailleur. F100X and Fox Float.
Bottom Line:
I resolved the rear derailleur problem by padding the contact area with some rubber -- so am not taking off any points for that.
I have experienced better climbing ability with the Intense Tracer than with my trusty old hardtail. The Tracer semms very forgiving, and gives me a feeling of control, even in the most technical climbs. Going downhill is where the big advantage becomes clear -- the Tracer can negotiate a lot of stuff -- and it makes it look easy. The bike is quiet and lets me focus on the important stuff.
What separates the Tracer from other full suspension bikes is the execution of a proven design. The sealed bearing and super strong costruction execute the FSR design flawlessly. Add the best components, and you will end up with a serious XC machine that will impress you with its performance for many years.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rassie van Aswegen
a Weekend Warrior
from Mechanicsburg, PA Date Reviewed: October 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$930.00
Purchased At:
Classifieds
Strengths:
Build Quality, versatility, balance and overall handling.
Weaknesses:
Difficult to set up right with an AIR shock in the rear. Decals are crap and have started to bubble.
Similar Products Used:
GT LTS, Santa Cruz Bullit
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Bomber Z1, LX shifters, crank and disk brakes. Bontrager Race Light wheels. Fox Vanilla R rear Shock.
Bottom Line:
At first I hated this bike for 2 reasons which I contribute to a lack of knowledge about the setup of the bike. First I bought it with the Uzzi SL link and set it at the 5 inch travel setting which made it handle really badly with the weight bias way towards the front and the ride hight way to high. This was the first mistake. I will not recommend this to anyone, stick with the standard 3 to 4 inch link. If you want more travel by a different bike. Set up for 5 inches in the back this bike does not work period even with the 5 inch travel fork up front. Second I bought it with a supposedly upgraded rear shock which was a Rockshox SID Air. I could not get this shock set up to work with this bike period. I even had the pressure (+ and -) in the shock way up over 200psi at one point even while I am only about 175 pounds. I eventually went for a Fox Vanilla R coil shock which has made all the difference. The bike now handles like a dream and I keep it in the 4 inch setting in the rear. This setup balances nicely with the 5 inch Marzocchi Z1 front fork. I now love this bike after almost selling it due to incorrect setup in the beginning. With a stable platform Rear Shock this bike will be the ultimate trail riding machine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blake Roberts
a Downhiller
from Houston,tx Date Reviewed: August 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
steep and fast
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
light the one i rode weighed 20 lbs
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
full old stronger xtr
Bottom Line:
awesome i used it for a dh race becouse my dh bike brakes failed. i came in first and still had the energy to carry it back up its so light get one i rode about a mile of trails on it it is awesome.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darin Chester
a Weekend Warrior
from W. Sacramento Date Reviewed: July 14, 2003
Derailleur slaps frame and is noisy, not portage friendly, decals are ugly, makes it tough to mount on hitch rack due to top tube design.
Similar Products Used:
Super V
Bike Setup:
Marz '03 MX Pro w/eta, XT disc brakes/levers, Sun/XT wheels, Race Face BB, cranks, post, stem, risers, XT fr/rr der., frame is red w/ all black/silver parts.
Bottom Line:
The weaknesses are moot, after researching every other frame in it's category/price range, this was the obvious choice. Intense created a standard of how XC full suspension frames will be made (Blur, Spider). They have been designing frames for other makers for a while, which tells you that the industry standard will be built around them.
The Tracer is light, nimble, and is an excellent climber. With the lock out on the Fox RC Float climbing becomes even easier. Depending on your rider compartment setup, you can adjust the geometry to best fit you. I haven't messed with it but it is there if you need it.
The magazines even said the Tracer is the best XC frame. Now that the Blur and Spyder are out, it makes the Tracer stand out as the one that started the new era of frame design. C'dale wasn't innovative, they just dabbled too much and never got it right. Intense got it right the first time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Nelson
a Cross Country Rider
from Crested Butte CO Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Doctors, Two Elk, Teo Ridge
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
123 bikes
Strengths:
BB clearance, stiffness, geometry options, lowered top tube is good for those steep dismounts *#%!
Weaknesses:
Dented with light rock compression(my fault), paint, stickers, der slap, rear der cable routing?
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth Truth, Kona Bear, FSR, Racer X, Superlight
Bike Setup:
2002 tracer, Fox RLC 100, Hope Minis, king headset, Race face cranks, thomson post, stem, Mavic x3.1,
Bottom Line:
This bike sends shivers down my spine. I've never felt so comfortable in the saddle for so long. (over thirty miles) It corners well, it climbs great, it takes the drops and sucks em right up. It even does well enough on the road approaches and exits. Sure it's no XC racer but neither am I. If you're looking to charge it and want to go for the all around dream bike, give the Tracer a good look.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kit
a Cross Country Rider
from Plano, TX Date Reviewed: March 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Bar H Ranch
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Lonestar Bikes (www.lonestarbikes.com)
Strengths:
Stiffness, Geometry, adjustability
Weaknesses:
Rear Derailer hanger seems a bit week but other than that nothing.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first dual suspension though I have spent a little time on a Superlight, Racer X, and FSR
Bike Setup:
Frame: 2002 Intense Tracer with Fox Float RLC shock Fork: Fox Talas Derailers: Sram X.0 rear derailer, Shimano XT Front Shifters: Sram X.0 Brakes: Avid Mechanical Disc Brake Levers: Avid Ti Cranks: Truvativ Stylo Team Wheels: Shimano WM-959
Bottom Line:
After finally getting my Talas fork and spending some time with it I feel its time to submit a review of this bike. Overall the bike is SWEET. It may not be the best choice for a gram counting racer but if you're looking for a great all around trail bike then you don't need to look any further. The suspension is very responsive with minimal pedal bob and the frame is extremely stiff. I picked up a few pounds coming from a 21 pound hardtail but I hardly even notice them (bike tips the scales at about 28 lbs but could easily be built in the 25-26 pound range). The bike handles and tracks amazing. It is a very efficient climber and is a hell of a lot faster on the downhills than my old sled. I'm glad that Mike (at Lonestar) talked me into trying the SRAM X.0 (I was skeptical of switching to gripshift). It shifts flawlessly and solves the problem of the derailer slapping against the frame (this is a common problem of most 4-bar bikes). The only problem I have had was a snapped derailer hanger. The hanger itself seems fairly brittle and a replacement runs about $25 which seems a bit high but I have had any further issues with it so I can't really complain. I had thought about waiting for the spider to come out but for my type of riding I'm glad I didn't and if I had it to do over again I'd do it all the same. Its definitely not the cheapest sled out there but to me it was worth every penny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tobi taplin
a Weekend Warrior
from aust gold coast Date Reviewed: March 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
mt allen hiking trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
bike addiction
Strengths:
handling,bb clearance,headangle 69 deg,stiff,
Weaknesses:
paint,main pivot bolts were made faulty,seat tube
Similar Products Used:
jeykal,fsr,
Bike Setup:
all xtr,manatu 110m tpc,
Bottom Line:
69 deg head angle great for dh steep stuff but climbing not so good ,bike was a wepon untill the seat tube sheered away from the seat mast , but the main reason for this reveiw is to inform all owners of tracers if your rear gears are going nuts,youved tried everithing ,i know the problemo.. if your rear mec slapps,ride downhill in big ring 2nd or 3rd gear ,=less slapping ,for gear problem email me at tobitaplin@iprimus.com.au,am getting a blur..vpp yea baby ....will put the fsr out of bussiness read the reveiws ,and check sc website reviews.....vpp for me he he he would get spider but easton tubing will always fail after 12 months or so ,if your a sponsored xc racer spider best bike and fastest bike in existance,but in reality 97% of us just wanna have fun .in the sun .so live by the words ...i breath single track ....and do your research..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas DeLaney
a Cross Country Rider
from Fredericksburg, VA USA Date Reviewed: February 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Snakebite Canyon in Cuba
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1450.00
Purchased At:
CBO
Strengths:
Awesome bike.
Weaknesses:
Stickers. Der hanger. And that there aren't enough hours in the day to ride it!
Similar Products Used:
FSR, MC CXS
Bike Setup:
Same as my previous review, except now, I'm running a Z1 MCR fork vice a crappy Psylo SL.
Bottom Line:
This is update to my previous. I noticed a lot of people complaining about the rear derailleur smackin' the chainstay. Some opted for padding to remedy this. I too had the same problem. My solution (which, by the way has worked fine) was to go with a medium cage XTR derailleur and shorten the chain. I haven't had any slap since in ANY gear ratio. Most people are experiencing this knocking because they have their drivetrains setup incorrectly. More than likely, their chains are too long. My bike is setup with the chainstay bolted in the shorter of the two settings (makes the bike climb like a goat), and I'm running my rear shock in the setting that affords the greatest travel (which also creates a steeper head angle and higher BB clearance), but with a Marzocchi Z1 fork, that lessens the head angle back to an XC setup. As a result, I have a bike with XC racing geometry, but that has a whopping 14" BB clearance and nearly a full FIVE inches of travel. Granted, this puts your center of gravity higher, but you just need to learn to hunker down in the corners to alleviate it. The bike cuts corners like a knife, AND it can handle the roughest of terrain and obstacles. No more clanking derailleur hanger either. And no problem with rear derailleur cable housing hitting my calves, and I've got monstrous calved (I used to be a bodybuilder/powerlifter). Bottom line is that this bike RULES *** IF *** you know how to set it up, and most people do NOT know how to set it up properly. I learned from a Professional mechanic who's been selling Intense frames and turning wrenches on 'em for as long as Jeff Steber has been in the business. See FilzBuilt.com
GREAT BIKE, BUT LEARN HOW TO SET IT UP BEFORE YOU RIDE IT.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve H
a Cross Country Rider
from Northeast PA Date Reviewed: January 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
All of them...
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Beans Bikes
Strengths:
Excellent Ride and Feel.. Climbs great and is a blast to ride.. A great all around do it all bike from Epic rides to XC Racing.
Weaknesses:
Well, my frame cracked after 1.5 years under the top shock mount, (anyone else have this happen?) however Intense replced no questions asked. Other than that nothing really except maybe the stickers are pretty weak..
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR, Voodoo Canzo Ti, Turner FXR
Bike Setup:
Bomber Z1 up front, Chris King Hubs w/317 Disc wheels, King Headset, Shimano XT Disc Brakes, Race Face Cranks, XTR Der, Grip Shift Attack, Thompson Post and Stem, Sella Italia Gel Saddle, Shimano 949 pedals..
Bottom Line:
I totally love the bike and must say I was dissapointed when the frame cracked. I am an aggressive rider but wasn't doing any crazy jumps or big free riding.. Shawn at Beans Bikes totally hooked me up and had the new frame back from Intense in 2-3 weeks and ready to go. So let's hope this one holds up! Other than that it's a fantastic do-it-all bike and I'd highly reccomend it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Allen
a Cross Country Rider
from Fayetteville, NC Date Reviewed: January 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Black Mountain Loop, Pisgah
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Efficient climber, almost NO pedal-induced bob, sweet on the bumpy stuff
Weaknesses:
Rear derailleur cable housing sticks out and rubs my leg.
This is one heck of a groovy frame for someone who wants to get at some good, hilly cross country and go down trails just short of crazy DH. On my setup, I made the mistake of putting that PSYLO on there. For the frame, it's just too much travel (5 in) and too heavy. But, compared to my last frame, which I loved 'till I busted it, this frame it the best thing going! If you think you might be interested in it and have the cash, GET IT!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Antonio Martinez
a Cross Country Rider
from Bilbao(Spain) Date Reviewed: November 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Coast
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Local shop
Strengths:
Strong and ligthweigth. good climbing and better downhiller
Weaknesses:
Stcker very bad quality for this frame and rear derailleur very close to the frame and touch it in small cogs
Similar Products Used:
FRS xc
Bike Setup:
XTR, Hope brakes, X317+Hope wheels
Bottom Line:
This frame is one of the better bikes for all use MTB, resistant, ligthweigth and beautiful frame and it is the most resistant XC frame to do freeride. It is a litle expensive but if you ride more than 100 days at year it is nothing. You don`t have to take care of it( only to clean).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul DeCamp
a Weekend Warrior
from Silver Spring, MD, USA Date Reviewed: November 12, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Filtz Built
Strengths:
Adjustability
Weaknesses:
Weak rear derailer hanger, swingarm pivot (next to bottom braket) bolt wear (yes the bolt) even though bearing is OK hmmmm a litle too much stress perhaps?
Similar Products Used:
lots of different bikes
Bike Setup:
Usual good stuff
Bottom Line:
This is my second frame - the first was welded together incorrectly - the frame was misaligned (some may remember my last review here). They replaced it no questions. This one is slightly misaligned but within reasonable limits. I have grown to like this bike a lot. I set it up with a steep head angle and short wheelbase. I have not had any shifting problems others have complained about with this setup. In summary - I recommend you take a look at this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Racer
from Cumberland, RI Date Reviewed: November 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The more brutal the better
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1650.00
Purchased At:
Providence Bicycle
Strengths:
Bottom Bracket, No flex due to square tubing, Overall strong frame.
Weaknesses:
Derailleur hanger is made out of wax. I have broken 7. I zip tied a rubber tube patch around my r. derailleur to kill the noise of the clanking. Decals need to be clear coated. Lower pivot bearings seize up causing torsion on the pivot bolt, causing it to snap, Overall quality of bearings are poor. Cable routing is ok if you have disk. And about the fox air shock, lock it out and attach it to your road bike. Buy the manitou.
Bike Setup:
XTR shifters & derailleurs. Raceface BB, next Lp crank, low rise bars, stem, and seatpost. Selle Italia seat. Marzocchi MXR fork, Hayes hydraulic disc, crossmax disc wheels, Some other good stuff.
Bottom Line:
The frame is what Im rating and it is good maybe evan really good. Just not in New England. As I race against many pros and semi pros in EFTA, I see them riding Fuels and bikes equivalent to that. The tracer could be more bulletproof and thats a fact. With the frame design so strong it could probably shave some frame weight and still hold its ground.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg C
a Cross Country Rider
from New England Date Reviewed: September 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
ridge trail/ hairy balls
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1650.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Loft-Burlington Ma
Strengths:
Constuction design still cool Confidence in riding
Weaknesses:
not really a huge deal...I broke the suspension bolt on the non-drive side near the bottom bracket. My LBS gave me a new one and Intense set me a spare at no cost. Thet said it was a fluke and not to be worried. I am not!
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth truth S.C stupid lite rocky slayer Klein Attitude (still ride,although not to often)
Bike Setup:
2002 tracer psylo sl fork chris king hubs and headset bontrager disk rims tompson stem and seat post avid disks xt drivetrain speedplays
Bottom Line:
After about three months of hard riding my Tracer still rules. More so than the day I bought it, because now it is totally dialed. The bike climbes incredible up the steepest grades, and floats back down. I have used the lock-out feature once, on a rode ride to the trails. I can't express how pleased I am with this frame. It has surpassed all my expectations.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from Bakersfield, Ca USA Date Reviewed: August 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
too many to list
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$3300.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
This is one of thee best trail bikes ever. It is adjustable from 3" to 4" of travel it is fully adjustable. It climbs and decends great, it is well built. Etc,Etc.
Thee best overall bike available it has the perfect balance of suspension and it is so adjustable. I love it I will only own a Tracer as long as they are available, like I said earlier the best overall bike out. I would recomend this bike to anyone who is looking for the ultimate do everything bike. if you are looking for a Xc racer or free ride bike look somewhere else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from New york Date Reviewed: July 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
rocky point
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
brands
Strengths:
frame looks hot even if it isn't the most professional craftsmanship and sticker placement. Eats up most everything you through at it. Addictive ride you will want to keep going even when your exhausted.
Weaknesses:
Grey Anno paint scratches of easily, Decals were put on like the guy was blind, came with a nice big scratch on the bb bracket area, replace two bushings on the fox shock it is very annoying creaking sound that won't go away. Now I am trying greasing the bushings still they creak. Very annoying
Similar Products Used:
foes, rocky
Bike Setup:
2002 Tracer Frame, King hubs and headset, Marathom 100m, isis Next Lp Bottom Bracket
Bottom Line:
Rides great and climbs extremely well. Once I get the kinks out of the bike I think I will be very please. I don't think I should experience the problems I am having with the bike considering the amount of $$$ that I spent. this bike offers incredible performance and will leave you wanting more. I think for the $ they should spend a little more effort on the little things Paint-Decals. In terms of ride their is no other
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tristan Beck
a Cross Country Rider
from Escondido Date Reviewed: July 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Woodson
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3300.00
Purchased At:
BeyondBikes.com
Strengths:
This bike is great. It is way stiffer than my Trek fuel. I don't know why I waited so long to upgrade. I really like the way it feels stable while flying through rock gardens. Also it climbes great. I am able to clean tech climbes that I would have never been able to on my other bikes.
Weaknesses:
None to speak of!
Similar Products Used:
01 Trek Fuel, 00 Santa Cruz Super Lite, 00 Giant XTC
Bike Setup:
I set the bike up with a fox float rlc, XT drive train, Chris King wheels. The guys at Beyond Bikes had a kit that was obviously designed for hard core Mtn Biker's. I picked the XT race kit. I would suggest getting a better seat than the Selle Italia Flite Ti. Ouch!!!!!!!
Bottom Line:
The bike makes me a better rider. I feel more stable which makes me go faster. The angles make it possible for me to climb stuff I couldn't before. I would recommend this bike to anyone. Also, a plug for BeyondBikes.com, these guys know what there are doing. They helped me select the parts that really work well with the frame. Bonus: I got to watch my frame be built on there live shop cam. Check it out!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BUCK C
a Weekend Warrior
from AUSTIN Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
WRENCHSCIENCE
Strengths:
SOLID,WELL BUILT BIKE THAT WILL TAKE YOU PLACES YOU THOUGHT YOU COULD NEVER GO
Weaknesses:
MAIN PIVOT BOLT, DECALS
Similar Products Used:
KLEIN MANTRA, TREK
Bike Setup:
MANITOU BLACK, RACE FACE, SRAM, TRU-VATIVE
Bottom Line:
I RIDE WITH GRIP-SHIFT 9.0 REAR DERAILURE AND IT HAS NEVER SLAPED AGAINST THE CHAIN STAY. I RIDE TECHNICAL TRAILS WITH 1'-2.5'DROPS ON A REGULAR BASIS AND MANAGED TO SHEAR MY MAIN PIVOT BOLT AT THE THREADS. INTENSE TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE MANUFACTURING THIER OWN BOLTS NOW AND REPEAT BREAKS SHOULD NO LONGER BE A PROBLEM. I HAD A REPLACEMENT BOLT WITHIN A WEEK! GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER OF ONE OF THE BEST MOUNTAIN BIKES ON THE MARKET IS ICING ON THE CAKE ! SPEAKING OF EXCELLENT C.S. CUDOS TO WRENCHSCIENCE
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Ojai, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Gridley
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1650.00
Purchased At:
123Bikes
Strengths:
Lightweight, incredible ride, great geometry, incredibly well built, very precise
Weaknesses:
Noisy rear derailer slap on the horst link, resolved with a small peice of foam padding.
Similar Products Used:
Trek fuel, santa cruz superlight, specialized fsr
Bike Setup:
All XTR, hope mini disks, chris king, Fox Float R - 100 mm, carbon bars, thompson elite stem and post, flite ti, hope sport hubs, mavic rims.
Bottom Line:
This bike rules. I have the 2002 frame. It feels so smooth and precise through the rockiest terrain. Things I used to do with fear and trembling on my last bike (a giant warp) are just so matter of fact now. If you can afford to plunk down the extra $$$ on this bike, you won't be sorry.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eddie
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Date Reviewed: June 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Timberline
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1650.00
Purchased At:
mail order- man what a drag
Strengths:
Very plush active suspension. Love the high Bottom Bracket Great standover. Bars can spin w/o hitting the top tube. Can be built up reasonably light w/ high end parts and meaty tires.
Weaknesses:
Crummy paint, decals, and chain/derailler slap. The wheelbase adjustments make the der slap worse and messes up shifting. Riding with the head angle steep screws up the front shifting; tough to get it to drop into the little ring. Rear shock bushings wear fast but that's a FOX prob. Rear shock placement makes for faster wear on air sleeves in the FOX. Seems to be the lightest flexing der hanger I've ever dealt with. I think it's made of butter. Kinda screwy cable routing.
Similar Products Used:
Tomac 78 special, KONA kikapu, Sugars, Diamondbacks, Schwiens.
Bike Setup:
King Hubs/headset, Monkeylights, FOX float forx, thomsen post/stem, revolution spokes, 517 rims, xtr brakes, xt drivetrain, conti tires (2.3) weighs in @ 25lbs 12 oz.
Bottom Line:
This bike rides great. It bugs me that the bike is supposed to be versatile in it's setup but really isn't. Steepn the head angle and the front won't shift very well. If you have ideas let me know how to fix it- I've tried all I can imagine. Shorten the wheelbase and the rear der slaps around like the swingarm is falling off and screws up the rear shifting, with an XT rear der anyway. the decals are shiite and the paint looses it's gloss fast. The frame itself looks as though it was assembled with an old caulk gun. Magazines write about the beauty of the build and I wonder if the 1/2 dozen frames I've checked out are just welded up with a hangover. Climbs great and descends in a very confidant way. Each time I'm a bit over my head the bike says "Don't worry about it, I'll take care of it. You can go back to sleep." So even with all that praise I gotta say it's not worth all the damned $$$$$It's an amazing ride but NOT WORTH the usual retail price. I feel ripped off that I can't adjust the bike as reported and still shift cleanly. I've tried everything I can think of and called dealers and they laugh that I'm fighting the same probs that they are. 1650!!! for this rig that still has it's share of bugs??!! Guess I'm just used to a clean quiet hassle free hardtail in some ways- just not the sketchy loose rutted haggard descents where this freak shines!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paulo Abreu
a Weekend Warrior
from Portugal Date Reviewed: June 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
BTT Madeira
Strengths:
Design, solid quality build, bulletproof, Fox float RC, Excellent handling.
Weaknesses:
Sorry but NONE
Bike Setup:
Manitou X-Vert Air, Hayes hyd disks, XTR, king, RaceFace cockpit, cookbroos, DT Onyx, F519, Conti Vertical Pro.
Bottom Line:
On my MTB life i owned ParkPre (HT) and Trek Bikes (FS). Intense Tracer frame is ideal for who want to ride everything, is a kind of "all terrain" bike, if i made my self clear; it climbs very well, is fairly light (at 1580 grms with shock) and it is terribly well built! It´s rear suspension is solid as it was on first day. The only thing i had to do was to replace the fox shock lower bushing (Alu) because of wear. If you can take the money, this bike will be cheap at long term ... and ... it´s an Intense.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe L.
a Cross Country Rider
from Balto,Md USA Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Avalon, Shaefer Farm
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1650.00
Purchased At:
123 Bikes
Strengths:
Rock Solid Frame, 4 bar linkage, Streber built
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Trek fuel, Giant Nrs
Bike Setup:
Full XTR, Hope Mini Discs, Fox Float R 100mm
Bottom Line:
If your serious about a lightweight full suspension cross country rig, this is the one for you. I rode a friends on one outing for about an hour and I was hooked. This thing takes whatever I throw at it, handles great, and the 4 bar linkage blows away any other full suspension design. Yes, the tracer is a pricy frame, but looking at the top line factory jobs which run from $3200+ that come with only xtr rear derailer, and shifters if your lucky with some crap v brakes on them, I figured spend a couple hundred more and get FULL XTR and an open system hydraulic brake. The Fox Fork is also great on this bike. I considered a Sid Sl for less weight, but went with the Fox for the extra inch of travel and also the skechy reviews on the Sid. RockShox going out of business didnt help either. :P
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Manny E.
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin Date Reviewed: March 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Greenbelt, Bluff Creek, Kelly Creek Ranch
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
....Jeff Steber makes it.
Weaknesses:
....
Similar Products Used:
Tried many bikes....but got the best!
Bottom Line:
So here it is, almost two years later, and not one bike out there has changed my mind! I glance through "Mountain Bike" , or "Mountain Bike Action", all I do is go to the adds in the back, and look at he dealers who are selling Tracers, Uzzi Sl's, and Uzzi SLX's. Are other manufacturers making good bikes? Sure. Are they as good as Intense bikes? --Hell no!!!
The only thing I regret is that I have marred the frame paint so much! But, the 'lemon fresh Pledge' does a good job of covering up my crashes!!( No dings on it yet; and everyone knows me as 'crash')
I never thought I'd be in love with a bike... but this baby treats me better than most of my girlfriends ever did! I ride my baby hard, and she ain't cried or b*tched once!!
Peace to ya!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Barbara, CA Date Reviewed: December 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tunnel Trail / Powerlines
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3800.00
Purchased At:
Supergo Santa Monica
Strengths:
Very light. This bike loves to climb & scampers uphill. Extremely construction. Smooth and sure-footed on decents. High clearance means you'll smack into fewer obstacles and can thus maintain rhythm, keep riding longer. Comfortable for very long cross-country rides.
Weaknesses:
This bike has no weaknesses, but I do. It took me several rides to get used to the high bottom bracket and feather weight - I kept on falling while climbing (couldn't figure out how far back / how far forward to put my weight). That passed after about 4 rides.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 90, Specialized S-Works M5, Santa Cruz Superlight
Bike Setup:
2002 Psylo SL Uturn fork, Chris King headset, Avid Magnesium levers/brakes XTR rear derr XT front derr XTR shifters XTR crankarms w/RaceFace compact drive rings (2x9) via an AC spyder adapter. Time ATAC Carbon pedals XTR cassette Thompson Elite post Titec Big Al stem Titec 118 bar ODI Lockon grips Selle Italia Trimatic saddle Spzd hubs/Mavic 222 rims
Bottom Line:
I'm 6'2", about 205 lbs, 44 years old, not the most gifted rider out there anc certainly not a racer. I pound on my bikes fairly hard (OK, I'm an oaf), ride 2 - 6 times per week and prefer longer rides. My friends look at me like I'm nuts when they hear what I spent on this thing - until we hit the trail. Then they turn green with envy. This bike is making me look like I'm climbing better, decending with more confidence (and faster), and getting less tired in the process. Supergo in Santa Monica saved me about $1,200 off what I would have paid for this setup in Santa Barbara. It is expensive, but what's money for, anyway? What are you going to do, buy furniture? Clothes? Please. Buying the Intense Tracer (and paying to set it up with top-quality components) is worth every penny. Great bike! Start saving!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Downhiller
from P'tree City Date Reviewed: December 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mansell Rd
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Fat City Bikes
Strengths:
Design and build quality second to none and outstanding customer support.
I'm actually reviewing the Haro Werx XCS, which is a beefed up Tracer. The bike rides like no other. I was comfortable on it from the first ride. It has allowed me to elevate my technical skills and speed. I have broken many swing arm bolts and Intense keeps sending them. I race the thing in DH and DS and do some freeriding. Other than the hardware it's holding up to my 200# fat Richie Schley wannabe ass. When it rains out I go in the garage and just look at it. My wife is jealous of Blue Thunder. It's just a dam good looking bike. I'm purchasing an Uzzi SLX based on the excellent customer support I've recieved and the quality of Intense frames.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dirt Surfer
a Weekend Warrior
from Camarillo Date Reviewed: November 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Latigo Cyn
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Strengths:
Strong and smooth. Looks great and welds are like butter. No sweaks or creaks. stiff up front and in the back. feels like every ounce of power goes to the back wheel with or without using the lockout
Weaknesses:
rear derailer slap. I glued a piece of rubber on the frame and now I don't hear anything.
Similar Products Used:
GT, Diamond back, K2, FSR
Bike Setup:
2001 tracer, Marzocchi Z1 Alloy 4in, Race face stem, Easton Monkey Bar, Thompson seat post, race face rings, xt ft & rear derailer, conti vertical pro tires
Bottom Line:
Awesome trail bike. Climbs good, downhilling is awesome. makes you want to jump and fly. saved my butt many times. I now look for things to ride over instead of trying to avoid them. corners like on rails. I let a "friend" borrow it over the weekend to try it out and he won't give it back!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bryce matthews
a Cross Country Rider
from aurora,colorado Date Reviewed: November 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any tecnical singletrack
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1450.00
Purchased At:
cbo
Strengths:
bullit proof construction, unbelieveably smooth, rails trails that i once worked @, nice high bb, gee wiz factor
Weaknesses:
stickers need to be the type installed under a clear powdercoating, godawful rear d. slap
Similar Products Used:
rocky mtn speed, maverick, santa cruz superlite, etc....
Bike Setup:
race face bars,stem,headset,cranks,rings&bb,xt f. der,xtr rapid rise rear der., sram x-ray shifters, avid mag. arch vee's w/mag. levers,mavic cross ride wheelset w/coni. vertical pros-2.3, lazer v wtb saddle, time atac pedals, marzocchi z1 cr
Bottom Line:
smoooth baby...very smooooth. w/ my build i was lookin' to put together a bomb proof package to ride anywhere. i succeded! w/the tracer format in 4-in mode you can go wherever your little heart desires. i consider myself an aggessive cross-country rider and as of yet my tracer has not let me down. i've always tried to ride w/people that where better riders than me. after getting used to my new horse, its hard to find those kind of people anymore, especailly when the trail turns down or technical. i was skeptical when i layed out so many bones for a frame, but for me, it's the best money i've spent on myself in a very long time. yea...i'd do it again in a heartbeat! every one i let ride it comes back with a wet spot in their shorts.@ this point in my riding career, there is no substitution.this bike rocks. the people in the trade rags all seem to be of the same opinion as i, they love this bike too. save your pennies-buy a tracer be happy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas DeLaney
a Cross Country Rider
from Dale City, VA U.S.A. Date Reviewed: October 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Walnut Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1450.00
Purchased At:
CBO
Strengths:
Bombproof design and finish (gray anodized)! Incredible craftsmanship! Too many to name 'em all here! Great cable routing. Came with 2002 Fox Float RL! Sweet! Nice headtube badge!
Weaknesses:
Stickers are pretty weak. For an expensive frame, you'd expect better stickers, but then, some people would just as well take 'em off. So, it's not that big of a deal. Accompanying manual could've been a little better.
Similar Products Used:
FSR Moho CXS
Bike Setup:
2002 Psylo SL fork Chris King headset Avid Magnesium levers/brakes XTR rear derr XT front derr XTR shifters XTR crankarms w/RaceFace compact drive rings (2x9) via an AC spyder adapter. Time ATAC Carbon pedals XTR cassette Thompson Elite post Titec Big Al stem Titec 118 bar ODI Lockon grips Selle Italia Trimatic saddle Spzd hubs/Mavic 222 rims
Bottom Line:
I can't believe the whiney reviews people are submitting for this frame -- "it's too heavy" or "not enough rear travel" or "only one water bottle mount", etc. ad nauseum. PAAALEEEEASE people. You want light? Shut up and buy a hardtail! You want more rear suspension? Shut up and buy the Uzzi SL! You want more water? Shut up and buy a CamelBak! BB too high? Take up BMX'ing! Bottom line: This is the best built frame in its category for what this bike was designed to do: RIDE! I race mine and at 25lbs, it's light enough! Straight up people, if you want the best trailbike on the planet, this is it! Pictures in magazines or on the web DO NOT COMPARE with seeing this thing up close and in person. It is that awesome!! 5 chilis across the board, because you get what you pay for. Face it, you can't buy a Ferrari for the price of Yugo, and neither can you buy a Tracer for the price of a Huffy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Silly Rabbit
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, CO Date Reviewed: October 5, 2001
Santa Cruz Superlight, Rocky Mountain Instinct, GT I-drive, Ellsworth Truth, Moots YBB, Titus Swithblade
Bike Setup:
Manitou Black Super Air, Hope Minidisc/hubs, King h/s, Easton Monkeylite, Thompson stem/seatpost, XT/XTR drivetrain, Mavix X317, IRC Mythos XC, Flite
Bottom Line:
I've only had the bike a couple days, but man what a ride! Incredible handling, soaks up the small stuff and takes the edge off of the big while cruising on flat, rocky single track...hit the uphill and lock out the back and you've got a stiff climbing machine. But the downhill is where it really comes alive, almost telepathic in it's performance, rolling over loose rock, babyheads, waterbars, small rodents, even pedestrians with grace and beauty. A little bit of power loss is felt in the rear, but no more than any other FS bike I've tried. Superior welds, beefy gussets everywhere, built to take abuse, but with weight still comparable to my old Aluminum hardtail. Truly a work of art and function, as of right now I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for an all purpose, go anywhere XC frame. 4 flamin' chilis for the value because you pretty much have to be sick in the head to spend this much on a bike (like me), but 5 big ones for overall due to the fact that this bike is the Pimp Daddy King.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Manny E.
a
from Austin,Tx,U.S.A. Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Barton Creek - 360 entrance
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Excellent materials & construction! Not one part on this frame is made "second best".
Weaknesses:
NO FRAME WEAKNESSES! --ZERO!
Aesthetically speaking~
Paint- It's peeled a bit,near the headset,BB,and chainstay. Decals- Maybe INTENSE & Co. should consider a more durable vinyl decal,with better water resistant adhesive?
Similar Products Used:
Klein Adept Pro Ellsworth Truth 2000/2001 Turner XCE(?) Titus Racer X & Switchblade GT i-Drive 1.0 Kona King Kikapoo Santa Cruz Superlite TREK,Specialized,Gary Fisher,Cannondale,Giant,etc.,etc.. Everything that's considered 'good'!
Bike Setup:
RACE FACE: stem,post,bar,chainrings-compact,cranks-Next LP,BB. XT on all other parts. 517 rims;Panaracer FIRE XC Pro -2.1 .
Bottom Line:
Best single bike that money can buy! I tried all of the rest -as mentioned above- and I bought ONE bike. The TRACER was best for me,personally. And as I've said many times before- it's the best bike anyway! --Period!
I've got many possessions. Sure - the TV is Sony,the Stereo is JVC. the house is full of Thomasville furniture. I wear Italian shoes,and shirts from Hong Kong. I'm an avid camper/hiker ;I have top of the line gear.
... but the BIKE is what I love the most! now I'm thinking of getting ANOTHER bike. Yeah- I'll go and try all of what's available this year.
Hell- I'll end up getting another Tracer!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a Cross Country Rider
from Vienna, VA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Filtz Built
Strengths:
Great on the twisty,tight singletrack, Plush and very stable; up or down it feels rock solid. It goes faster than it feels. Super trailbike.
Weaknesses:
Not the best if you race due to weight.
Similar Products Used:
Superlight, Trek Fuel 100, Sugar 1, Owned a Proflex 856.
Great bike for hills and singletrack. 4-bar suspension works in all bumps even while accelerating or braking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike bike
a Cross Country Rider
from britain Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
abertillery
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
cambiabike.com
Strengths:
build quality, handling, price(for what you get!) ride
Weaknesses:
rear derailleur/fsr link contact, weight? 1 bottle mount!
Similar Products Used:
c,dale, fsr
Bike Setup:
c,king, xtr, mavic, thomson
Bottom Line:
this frame has been gettin rave reviews and for good reason. its probabily easier to list its faults.: you have to run 1 link longer in your chain to prevent the constant banging of the r.mech against the fsr style dropout. 1 bottle mount nearly kills u in moab! some fox shocks had probs with the ifp, fox will replace as necessary, this can happen on any old shock, not just intense! 6.1lb for a med frame isnt the litest, by far!. strenghts, peps who moan about the cost should look at what they're gettin!! so much machining! the build quality is extremely good when you look at what you get for more $$ from turner, santa cruz, elsworth etc. for a 6.1 lb frame the bike climbs very well requiring little concentration up steep grades.lock out not req! once you dial in the shock and set up, i like short chainstays, 41in travel, this bike plain motors. there r dh bikes that dont feel this plush and easy 2 ride dh, but i can still out climb my mates on 21lb yeti hardtails! there r so may cliches that can b used, but basically the bike feels bomb proof, gives loads of confidence and floats down the trail. you cant compare this to an fsr, theres no comparison! highly rec
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Ontario Date Reviewed: August 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hanger Hill, Calabogie, Ont
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2850.00
Purchased At:
Dukes Cycle, Toronto, Ont
Strengths:
Very smooth active travel, excellent quality of craftsmanship, wicked unique look, reputation, sealed bearings, weight (@ 27.5lbs it is only 1.5lb heavier than my GT) I weigh almost 200lbs and didn't want an ultralight bike , anyway show me an ultralight FS bike that can even compare with an Intense. 4 hours + in the saddle on this bike is one hell of a lot easier than on the GT.
Weaknesses:
Yeah right!!
Similar Products Used:
First full suspension, previous bike was a 1995 GT Zaskar LE. After buying the Intense my back has finally forgiven me for five years of abuse
Bike Setup:
2001 Intense Tracer, polished, fox float RC, XTR shifters, deraileurs, brakes. 517 ceramic on XTR hubs. Selle flight trans am. Thomson seatpost and stem. Raceface crank, bottom bracket, team sl headset. Marzocchi atom 80. Easton EA70 bar
Bottom Line:
If there were only one bike that I could have this would be it. This bike is so smooth on the trail, climbing or descending it just feels like cheating. The first time on the trail I had a smile on my face that lasted the whole ride and for several hours afterwards. The only downside to this bike is it cost a ridiculous amount of money ($2850 can is the cost for the frame only!!). However looking back I would'nt change my mind for a second, it is worth every penny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GARY DUPREZ
a Racer
from SMITHTOWN, NEW YORK Date Reviewed: July 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
ROCKY POINT RACEWAY
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
BIKE JUNKIE BETHPAGE NY
Strengths:
ALL AROUND GREAT FRAME. THE BEST OF THE BEST! AFTER 18 MONTHS OF SERIOUS HAMMERING NOT ONE SINGLE COMPLAINT. EVERYONE I LET RIDE THIS BIKE BUYS ONE! LOCALLY WE HAVE ONE IN EVERY COLOR OFFERED. GO FOR IT, IT WILL BE YOUR BEST PURCHASE EVER.
Weaknesses:
MY WIFE WON'T LET ME BUY ANOTHER ONE UNTIL I BREAK THIS ONE!
Similar Products Used:
G.T. LTS TEAM
Bike Setup:
ALL THE GOODIES - CROSS MAX, COMPLETE XTR, SID, MONKEY LIGHTS, THOMPSON, CHRIS KING ETC.
Bottom Line:
IF YOU WANT THE BEST THIS IS IT!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Weekend Warrior
from Falls Church, VA, USA Date Reviewed: May 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Avalon (for quality and proximity)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3400.00
Purchased At:
123Bikes.com
Strengths:
Great descender, suspension stays active over smaller stuff while not bobbing annoyingly, climbs great despite the added pounds
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
First FS
Bike Setup:
The price I listed was for the complete bike including Hayes Hydraulic Discs, Raceface LP, Thomson post/stem, Carbon Monkeylite riser, Mavic x317, Flite, IRC Mythos, X-Vert Super, XT drivetrain, King headset & 858's
Bottom Line:
Love it! First, I'm 6'3" and 200 lbs so I'm riding a large (polished) frame. My biggest concerns in moving to this (or any) full suspension rig from my Klein hardtail were that it would feel like a beast on climbs and that the rear end would bounce all over the place. One ride was all it took to silence those fears. Now 3 weeks later I just returned from a weekend at Elk River Touring in WV and REALLY appreciated all this bike can do. The suspension remained active but unannoying during the rootiest, rockiest climbs (I like to sit and climb on all but the steepest) and descending was a blast -- as would be expected from a proven downhill frame manufacturer. And on the 7 mile road ride back to lodge, I simply locked out the Fox Float RC and cruised. >>>On a separate note, the Hayes disc brakes rocked! We rode in a downpour one day, and I could still rip the downhills knowing that those brakes would not fail me.<<< The one other complaint I've heard others have is the high BB, but since it was relatively high on my Klein, I've grown to appreciate it here on the east coast where log crossings are a given on any ride. Truly the best trail bike I've ever owned!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack Rector
a Racer
from Palo Alto, CA Date Reviewed: April 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
South Leaf @ Corte Madera
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Strengths:
Great craftsmanship. Beautifully machined parts. Well designed.
Weaknesses:
High bottom bracket. Horst link is designed poorly with derailleur interference. Top tube length is a bit short. Wish frame had option for 4.5" travel.
Similar Products Used:
Mountain Cycle San Andreas, CXS, Shockwave, Specialized FSR XC
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox Psylo Race(@100mm), XT discs, King/Mavic 317 wheels, King HS, Thomson stem and post, Easton Carbon riser bars, Truvativ Team Stylo cranks and BB, Time pedals, XTR shifters and derailleurs (26.5lbs)
Bottom Line:
-I am fairly impressed with the bike so far. I am still trying to get the suspension dialed in. With the Psylo's set at 4 inches of travel and the suspension set up for the shallower head tube angle(and 4 inches travel), the bottom bracket height measures 14.5 inches(quite high in my opinion). With my seat height set at the same height as my hardtail, I feel like I am way off the ground. This is particularly noticeable when cornering. -Even with rubber zip tied to the rear derailleur, the slapping of the derailleur against the pivot is incessant and annoying. -The bike floats really well through rough sections, but doesn't unweight as easily as other bikes when you want to get airborn (probably shock set up). -The rear end is super stiff during out of the saddle efforts. -Fox shock is already showing signs of blowing out(I'm not worried about Fox hooking me up when it goes).
Bottom line, the bike is so smooth, you barely know it's there. I am faster, smoother, and more in control on this bike. It's a hoot to ride!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kilpatrick Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Chapel Hill Date Reviewed: April 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Snowshoe and Tsali
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1650.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Solid construction. Sealed bearings. Excellent reputation and reliability record. Reviews have all been outstanding.
Weaknesses:
Expensive but you get what you pay for.
Similar Products Used:
1999 Klein Mantra Race, 2000 Cannondale Jekyll
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Z2 X-fly 80, ODI lock grips, Bontrage race lite flat bar, Shimano XT disc brakes, XTR shifters and crankset, XT cassette, Chris King headset, Thomson stem (130mm and 10 degree rise) and seatpost, Selle flight trans am saddle, speedplay frogs, Mavic Crossmax Disc wheelset, Hutchinson Mosquito tubeless
Bottom Line:
I also posted this review under the Intense Tracer frame 2000...but since my frame is a 2001 and I think it better fits here. This is an incredible bike. With all the componentry listed above my bike weighs 27 lbs (large 20" frame). I worried that this bike might not climb as well as my Mantra but I am beginning to think it may be better. Additionally, compared to the Mantra it is an incredible descender. I understand now why the bike was so highly rated in both Mountain Bike and Moutain Bike Action magazines. The latter said that if they could have only one trailbike this would be it (see mbaction.com under bike reviews). To be sure, there are bikes that probably climb better, there are bikes that probably descend better, but I doubt there is any bike which does everything as well as the Intense Tracer. It is clearly the best all-around trailbike I have ever owned...hands down! Although some might consider this bike heavy I would emphasize the size of my frame...most trail bike reviews evaluate bikes between 16 and 18". Always read the fine lines. So far I have put about 200 miles on it...I will post a second review in about 6 months to comment on durability.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Stamford, CT Date Reviewed: April 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Northeast Cycles
Strengths:
The Tracer is a very well designed XC frame that is built to last.
Weaknesses:
Rear derailleur hits chain stay on rough descents.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale CAAD 2 Large frame
Bike Setup:
Large frame, Psylo SL, Race Face lo-riser bars/stem/cranks/seatpost, Chris King Discotech hubs/headset, XTR f/r derailleur, Grip shift, Mavic 519's, Hayes Hydraulic, Panaracer Fire XC Pro.
Bottom Line:
This is a fantastic bike!!! I have only had the bike for 1 week and I am still experimenting with the various travel/headtube/wheelbase/sag settings to suit my riding style. This is my first full suspension mountain bike and in only four rides, I feel confident enough to tackle all the same obstacles and technical sections (including climbs) that I was doing on my hardtail. I highly recommend this bike to any one who is looking for a good all around, well built bike that will take you to the next level of mountain biking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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