-Construction \\ 6061 Aluminum CNC machined by “Intense Cycles” construction, Proprietary Easton Bi Oval tubes designed for Intense Cycles, Custom Monocoque top tube construction.
-Shock \\ Fox Shox DHX 5.0 Air
-Recommended fork length \\ 145mm to 170mm
-Other \\ Custom Max Type sealed bearings, Disc brake only, Replaceable derailleur hanger
-Optional shocks \\ TBD
-Weight \\ 7.25 to 7.4lbs
-Rider \\ This rider wants an “all mountain enduro bike, go anywhere, ride anything machine,” a Freeride bike without the weight penalty. Not a hucker jumper to flat landing bike.
Submitted by
Aszman
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento Ca, Date Reviewed: January 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Boondocks
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Redstone Cyclery, Co
Strengths:
Fantastic all around ride. Great for all day epic XC rides or the chairlift. For XC it climbs like well with no bob, you can ride this bike all day with little complaint. For chairlift days it will fly down just about any drop, jump, or whatever you can throw at it and wont let you down. Can be built up semi light for an all mountain bike. Mine weighs in at around 33 lbs with my set up, I could probably drop another 3 lbs off if I wanted to. MADE IN THE USA
Weaknesses:
Flexi rear end, like a low rear tire kind of flexi. On big gaps, jumps etc rear tire will sometimes bottom out onto the frame though it doesn't really affect anything. Cable routing could of been thought out a little more. Expensive.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpy, Giant AC1, Giant Glory
Bike Setup:
Fox 36 Talus, Fox RP23, Sram X-9 components, I-9's
Bottom Line:
This bike is hands down the best bike I've ever owned to date. Admitingly I kind of expected a little bit more from it given the cost and from all the reviews I read however I would have a hard time not recommending this bike to anyone. My biggest issue with this bike is the flexi rear end however strangely enough you seem to incorporate that into your riding style. I would probably recommend buying used as to not pay full price.
Bottom line is if your waiting for a deal on this bike and find it, buy it, you wont be disapointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
raptor666
a Cross Country Rider
from Kiriat Bialik Date Reviewed: December 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Manara Cliff
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$9000.00
Purchased At:
The Single Track
Strengths:
Climbs very well for a 170mm rear travel and it goes down even better. light weight, less than 15kg. great cable routing. VPP system works awsome, i bearly use the propedal on my rear shock.
Weaknesses:
expensive but worth every penny.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Prophet, Yeti 5.75
Bike Setup:
Fox Float RC2 2009 1.5" stearer, Fox DHX5 Air, Mavic 819 on Hadley, Magura Marta Gold, XTR crank, rd - XT Shadow.
Bottom Line:
Each and every ride i finish i want to get down of my bike and kiss them. Its an unbeliveble bike, you can do with it anything you want. From steep climbs to adrenaline pumping downhills, anything you wish this bike can do. This is the best "do it all" bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KRob
a Cross Country Rider
from Ely, NV Date Reviewed: December 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Burro Down
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$4100.00
Purchased At:
Hammerhead Bikes, Au
Strengths:
Light, Great climber, bob-free, plush, active suspension on rough downs, takes abuse without complaint.
Weaknesses:
Rear triangle is a bit flexy, pedal kickback is annoying in granny ring and affects loose, rocky climbs. Customer service was slow in responding to a warranty issue.
Similar Products Used:
Turner RFX, Titus El Guapo,Knolly Delirium T
Bike Setup:
Large Hot Rod Orange, Roco TST coil, Van 36RC2, Protaper OS bars, X9 triggers and RD, XT FD, RF Deus cranks, WTB Pure V saddle, Louise FR brakes 185/160, Magura FR wheels
Bottom Line:
This is a great all-around bike. It can be built up light around 30 lbs pretty easily and be a very capable long-legged trail bike or built up burly under 35 lbs and take on some pretty gnarly AM and FR duty. I think the 67.5-68 degree HA is just right for this type of bike. The VPP rear suspension works really well for limiting bob while pedaling yet still feel deep, plush and active on fast rock, choppy downs. It locks out a bit on steep, rocky, steppy tech climbs and works better climbing in middle ring than granny due to the pedal kick back.
The rear end flex is there when you grab the rear wheel and push/pull it side to side, but I rarely ever noticed it while riding. A 10 mm through bolt rear hub helped a solve this.
I highly recommend it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
okroeger
a Downhiller
from norcal Date Reviewed: September 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
dirty harry
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
I love this bike. It climbs well, descends great, looks awesome. It is a jack of all trades master of none. I've taken it on 40 mile epics, and recently put coils on it and boosted 15 ft gaps, 8 foot drops and big hips.
Weaknesses:
It's flexy. Expensive as hell
Bike Setup:
2 setups.
both have xt cranks, x.o der, grip shift, sette carbon bar, gravity dropper, wtb laser, odi ruffians.
Stans ZTR Flow with hope hubs
light = Tals 36 rcs, dhx air time atacs=31 lbs
heavy= crank bros 50/50 pedals. zocchi 66, dhx coil. = 35 lbs
Bottom Line:
awesome do it all bike. Nomad may be stiffer in the rear. would work best in my opinion with a vanilla 36 shortened to 150 or 140 mm.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marco
a Downhiller
from Munich, Germany Date Reviewed: September 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Finale Ligure
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
rbikes.com
Strengths:
low bb, handling, suspension performance
Weaknesses:
tire clearance (with 135mm dropouts), rear end not very stiff, stickers quality is realy poor
Cane Creek DB w Ti spring, RS Lyrik 2step air, Formula The One, CK headset and hubs, DT 5.1 rims, XO rear and shifter, XTR crankset and front derailleur, crank brothers JoplinR
Bottom Line:
Nice bike, this is my one-for-all bike for the trails in the alps where you find beautiful trails and drops but need to pedal uphill! Total weight is ~15kg so not too heavy to climb but definitely strong enough to try every drop you find! Rear end is not very stiff, you feel it twistin a little when riding hard but overall downhill performance is amazing! As the price is not really cheap the quality of the stickers is a crap but this is Intense (btw this is my third Intense, so I love the way their bikes ride). Bottom line: If you search for a heavy duty trail bike the SS is an amazing choice, if you search for a pure slopestyle bike I would go for a bike with a more simple rear end like the Bullit which can be build more lightweight compared to the SS.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamus
a Downhiller
from Golden, CO Date Reviewed: April 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim, Downieville Classic
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
Demo'ed from Golden Bike Shop
Strengths:
Pedal efficiency, efficient travel, good looks, relatively light weight for almost 7" of travel. It didn't squat even when I hammered on the pedal, and felt very plush through rock gardens and landing some moderate airs (<6 feet to slight tranny).
Weaknesses:
I was having some issues with the drive train - very typical of a ragged-out demo bike though.
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth Moment, SC Bullit
Bike Setup:
Pike 426, Sram, avid juicy, 2.5 continentals
Bottom Line:
I smoked LPS to Porcupine Rim on this rig last weekend - pedaled right up over and through nasty terrain, took some buttery 5 footers, and blew the doors off the guys I was riding with on the uphills and downhills. I think the shifting/chain suck issues I experienced on tech climbs under power in the middle ring (i.e. riding up 1 foot rock ledges) were due to poor maintenance of a hard ridden bike. I'd like to ride a shiny new one to find out. Pike 426 was alright but I'd prefer a Van36 any day.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver Date Reviewed: January 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
mountian lion
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Collins Bicycles
Strengths:
Nice, handcrafted bike, made in CA. 6" trail bike with steeper angles and a high BB is perfect for aggressive XC-super D. Suspension pedals quietly. Have yet to see another one on the trail.
Weaknesses:
I guess the steep head angle can make the steering a little squirlly through fast, rough sections.
Similar Products Used:
Tried the Blur Lt, Nomad, and 5.5
Bike Setup:
XT, new 08 Talus 36RC, Formula K24 200/180mm, speedball r
Bottom Line:
Great all around bike that lets me push my limits and gives me alot of room for error.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jerry
a Weekend Warrior
from Spring, Texas Date Reviewed: January 7, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4300.00
Purchased At:
rbikes.com
Strengths:
6.6 is truly an all mountain bike this bike is definately and should be made to handle just about any thing you throw its way, downhill and technical trails are a plus,if you buy this bike you better have some money. i certaily didnt but i wanted to splurge on a real good ridding bike and if you ride trail alot or cross country without andy technicallity to it, i suggest not geting this bike..if you buy it you need to use it for whats its worth and thats going over root and rocks and going down roots and rocks and solid terrain with nice drops thats enough to scare you but not stop you because you know this bike can do it
Weaknesses:
weight other than that it has made me a bit stronger when i ride
Similar Products Used:
i looked at the SantaCruz Nomad but did not get to ride it
Bike Setup:
rp23 rear and 36 vanila rc2 kenda small block 8 2.35 i like to ride it kind of stiff because it has enough inches on the cush
Bottom Line:
i would recomend this bike to anyone especially the Raw finnish..this bike simply kicks you know what. when you get on it i get lots of looks on this bike, probably where im at there is alot of specialized and treks, we just dont have enough hills here in texas or at least on my side of town
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Racer
from Austin, Texas, US Date Reviewed: December 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Emma Long
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
mtbr.com
Strengths:
Suspension action is fantastic, climbs great for a 33lb bike, and feels great on ruff tight terrain. oh, and looks so good.
Weaknesses:
The cockpit is a little tight. I’m 6ft2in and the largest they make is a large. The cable routing around the linkage is silly, and the swingarm is flexy as all get out.
Similar Products Used:
Kona stab primo, specialized epic, sinister DNA, spooky metalhead, rigid singlespeed, Santa Cruz superlight
Bike Setup:
New XT all around, Juicy 7s, Marzocchi All Mountain 1SL, Maverick speedball R, Manitou evolver 4
Bottom Line:
This is a super fun bike to ride. Like the guy below me said, its good at everything but not great at any one thing. I don’t mind the steep headtube angle as I mainly ride tight gnarly singletrack. Feels great bombing the downhills, and isn’t too bad on the climbs. The pedaling efficiency of this bike is fantastic. You do get a little suspensions feedback in the small ring but its no big deal. The suspension is fully active but without any noticeable bobbing. I’m happy with the bike and cant think of another bike I’d rather have for this application. The flex in the back end is ridiculous. My XC bike doesn’t have this much flex. Unless your taking 30mph turns around the bend you wont notice it enough to piss you off. I’d recommend it to anyone who isn’t in a hurry to get to the top of the hill but wants to smoke your buddies on the way down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gravityfreak
a
from Sydney, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: December 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Hardcore trails, DH (for fun not racing) and light FR
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Pedals very well when set up right (LOTS of trial and error), very good suspension action. Handles wide variety of terrain very very well and looks great. You really CAN ride this bike up a very steep and technical DH trail and rip it on the way down. It does up and down VERY well. Strength to weight ratio is very good.
Weaknesses:
Pivot bearings had to be replaced after six months (normal use - no pressure washing)which is not good enough. This is in part due to lower pivot bearing being inboard the frame and therefore close together. This means they are subjected to very high (damaging) latteral loads. Santa Crus has them outboard and therefore further apart which is far better. Cable routing is poorly thought out. Rear swingarm not perfectly aligned with main frame (quality controll not good enough - this is an INTENSE!!) Read shock came low on damper oil and performed terribly at first due to cavitation and was impossible to set up right. Only after a year when I had it serviced did i realise how bad it really was compared to how it should be. (The pro-pedal didn't work at all) BB somewhat too high (though if it were lower you'd hit cranks too much so can't be helped). Head angle slightly too steep (.5 or 1 degree slacker would be better)Very flexy rear end. High BB and steep head angle mean not the best cornering bike unless corner is bermed or very grippy dirt.
Jack of all trades master of none. Combination of high BB and steep head angle means bike climbs very well but is a little twitch on gnarly descents. Still, suspension action is very good. If you ride HARD (i.e. used to be a downhiller but now mostly trail ride, rip the odd DH etc - this a brilliant do it all (read compromise) bike. You will win no races but you will have a LOT of fun riding it which is the only reason to buy this bike because like I said - you wont win races on it. However, for an Intense - there are too many flaws (isn't this the Ferarri of MTB's that we all dream of owning?). Flexy rear and bearing failing is unacceptable on a bike that costs this much. The cable routing is just poorly considered and the quality controll process that let my bike ship with a faulty rear shock is not good enough. That being said - none of these things have spoilt my overall enjoyment and love of this bike - though I was very annoyed by them. Over all I would not swap it for anything currently available. This bike cannot be brilliant at one thing BECAUSE it is very very good at everything ...and that's the bottom line. Low chili rating due to issues above which are due to poor quality control rather than design.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a
from Melbourne Australia Date Reviewed: December 2, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
second hand
Strengths:
lightish, steep seat angle, climbs very well, solid and capable all rounder
Weaknesses:
too small for me .......... 6.4 and 230pounds. Dont really rate the DHX Air for my wieght.
Similar Products Used:
Yeti 575, Titus Motolite, Spec Enduro,
Bike Setup:
lge with Fox 36 Talas, Sram X9, XT, Mavic XLs, Thomson, Juicy 7s, Maxis USTs etc
Bottom Line:
Intense make a lge but l need XL, oh well gave it a try. I dont freeride crazy stuff and enjoy longer rides. The 6.6 was never likely to forfill the All Mountain tag for me but it was worth a try. For shorter folks it is a wicked rig. It seriously out climbs most bikes whilst seated and handles all l wished to throw at it. It aint a DH rig so build it up light and AM it ass. Perhaps a different rear shock too. 150 on the front is perfect for all round. You will love it. Expensive new
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jase K
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: November 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Chicksands, UK
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Well built and beautifully detailed frame, rides nice up and down hill, can be "one bike" for most people I'm sure. Plenty of bling factor too. Pretty tough unless hucked big time - I've done 10 foot vertical drops, 30 - 40 ft in length with no bike problems, just me problems from the landing force. Pedals well, but see below....
Weaknesses:
...back end does wag like a dog. VPP stops bob but at the expense of small bump senitivity versus Horst link. Geo is a bit strange with high bottom bracket, so not as planted as some bikes in the bends(i.e Spec Enduro). Cable run, but can be sorted. High leverage ratio (?) results in short shock for travel so will obviously be more sensitive to set up. Fork crown hits underside of frame, high front end!
Similar Products Used:
Spec Enduro, Spec Stump Jumper, Whyte 46, Marin Wolf Ridge
Bike Setup:
Small 2007 6.6 with swinger 4 way, Marz 66SL, SRAM stuff (X9), E-13 SRS, Mavic XL wheel set, XTR brakes
Bottom Line:
Didn't want to sound too negative as it is a great bike....but I think there are a few flaws that might be exadurated by the tall 66SL fork - I can't run the fork lower as it already hits the frame, so this results in a high front end and high BB too. May be some Fox 36's would sort as they are shorter (and reduced crown width).
That said, done everything from Dirt jumping to cross country, downhill to even some 4X races (which I won!!), but are probably better all-mountain/light freeride bikes (Spec Enduro, Giant Reign X0, etc).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jerry
a Weekend Warrior
from houston, texas Date Reviewed: November 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
huntsville and double lakes
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4399.00
Purchased At:
rbikes.com
Strengths:
Intense 6.6 is a rock solid bike, trully a dream bike that hjandles just about anything you thrown in its path.
Weaknesses:
have not had it long enough to test but on the weekend i took it for a ride and i was just popping over roots and bumps and little uphill thrown in was nice
Similar Products Used:
i wish i got to test the santa cruz nomad. but this bike looks and feels like a tank. although the weight factor is there..this thing will roll over a rock garden
Bike Setup:
for 36 vanilla and rp23 ..its like riding a cadillac
Bottom Line:
once i get this bike on an all out purpose ride in colorado. i will let you know..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Leicester, England Date Reviewed: September 28, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
Pedal Power, Loughborough.
Strengths:
Does exactly what its says on the packet!!! By far the best bike I have owned, once you have set up the suspension you can go anywhere and do anything. To say it has around 6" of travel front and rear it climbes better than any other bike I have had, it also the best cycle I have had for rapid decents it just soaks up the hits without any problem at all and goes where you point it.
Weaknesses:
You are joking!!!!! OK if I must moan the price for the frame £1600 Ouch, plus the cables are a bit of a pain to set up.
XT Mechs/Chainset, XT brakes XTR calipers (203mm front / 185mm rear), Sram chain and cassett. Mavic 819 XM rims (ust) with Da Bomb rear hub and Funn front hub, Kenda tyres. e13 bashguard. Raceface finishing kit Marzocchi AM2 (140 to 160mm)
Bottom Line:
This is a do it all bike that goes up as well as down.
The bike can also handle the drops, I have landed some 6 to 8' drops without any problems at all.
Intense state it can be used for light freeride (can anyone tell me what light freeride is these days, with people like the 'Claw' doing insane drops / stunts on a very simualr bike)
ALL IN ALL THE BEST BIKE YOU CAN OWN ,AND IF YOU ARE LIKE ME AND HAVE A WIFE WHO SAYS ONE BIKE IS ENOUGH THEN THIS IS THE ONE TO DO/TAKE EVERYTHING YOU CAN THROW AT IT.
BUY ONE YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Downhiller
from Albuquerque NM USA Date Reviewed: August 29, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
colorado cyclist
Strengths:
nice 1.5 head tube
Weaknesses:
very poor cable routing options. Short top tube. The bike is not designed for people over 6 feet tall. Even with propedal the VPP sucks out any climbing momentum over uphill bumps.
Fox 36 RC2, Fox DHX Air, Hope brakes, Hadley hubs, XT Shadow
Bottom Line:
The frame had a serious problem from the factory. The top shock mount tabs were a millimeter and a half off from each other. This placed the rear of the shock a full centimeter off to one side causing the shock to stick badly and break the seals. I sent it back to Intense and they tweaked the mount tabs on the top tube and sent it back saying it was fine. It wasn't fixed at all and I ended up having to elongate one of the holes to allow the shock to sit centered in the rear mount. As far as the ride the 6.6 climbs poorly but decends excelently. A big problem is that they do not recomend it for light freeriding duty, drops, jumps, etc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yu Kion Chai
a Weekend Warrior
from Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Date Reviewed: August 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Indian Tample & KBH runs
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1857.00
Purchased At:
KSH bicycles
Strengths:
Best bike i've ever ridden, the geometry are just right,it climb easily, plush suspention but the pro pedal really works on this bike.
Weaknesses:
My 's'size frame has too small downtube-fork crown clearence with my Fox36 talas rc2; even i used a 14mm lower stake hight head set, the travel adjuster knob will scratch the downtube. A 2mm spacer or higher stack hight headset will solve the problem or switch to Fox36van rc2 with no travel adjuster. Flex on the rear end(not a big problem since notting harm when it flex) friends will lought at you riding 'a dog that sway it's tail'
Similar Products Used:
05 Kona Stinky
Bike Setup:
Fox36talas rc2, Token reducer headset, Thomson stalk, Truvativ DH bars, X0 shifters/derailers, hayers9 8"disk, Sun rims, WTB saddle FSA seat post, FSA dual speed chaingard (previously e-13 dual ring security) GAB krankset Time Z paddle The bike weight about 16.5kg
Bottom Line:
Good if not the best 'Do it all bike' that suit my riding needs:- training on weekday evenings, Xc style Bike Hash run every forthnightly & some entry level downhill, dirt jump & free ride every other weekends.& i can only have 1 MTB at a time!(an agreement with my wife :< The only frame i consider to change is the Intense 6.6ss which they clammed to have beefer rear end and lower BB hight, if they bent the downtube a little bit to produce more clearence for the fork crown will produce the best frame i ever wanted.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Cross Country Rider
from Aspen Date Reviewed: July 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
depends on my mood or b.a.c.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4800.00
Purchased At:
Ute City Cycles - Carbondale, CO
Strengths:
Rigid, moto geometry, light, climbs very well, makes you look/feel pro on descents.
Weaknesses:
Expensive than a maphucka!
Similar Products Used:
Foes FXR - The only bike that's truly in the same category.
Bike Setup:
Big FOX suspension all round and some other trick shyt....
Bottom Line:
Best bike I've ridden to date. It's fun to blast by fat dudes on downhill bikes then pedal uphill while they watch from the lifts. For real though, this bike is a seriously engineered hunk of aluminum that will push you to the limits. I built mine up with some nice goods and kept it right at 30 lbs with pedals. Not bad for a 6" plus travel bike (front and back) with a 1.5 steer tube. This thing scares me. The only draw back is the greens you're gonna have to spend to get one. Don't dress this rig in crap components. If you're gonna spend the coin, pimp it proper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
e-dawg
a
from AJ,AZ,usa Date Reviewed: May 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
pedals and jumps (very well!), goes up and down (very fast and with aplomb), doesn't break
Weaknesses:
swingarm wag in corners
Similar Products Used:
enduro, i-drive
Bike Setup:
put a small 1 or 2mm shim under the drive side bb cup to push hte cranks away from the swingarm gusset (for front drealer clearance), then put a mathcing shim under the cassete to keep chain in line. got a 10mm thru axle for 135mm hadley/intense rear hub to increase rear end stifffness as munch as possible.
Bottom Line:
broke a bunch of frame pieces on my specialized, and got sik of having to warranty stuff that shouldn't have broken and rebuilding my bike every 4-6 months. got this one for more travel, more confidence, and more durability. so far nothing has broken and the folks at the company have been most hlepful resource for setting the baby up as mentioned in setup. coming off hte enduro on this is another world. I have gotten stronger riding this one as it's built burly at 32 lbs and the speshlized is 27. the flip side wis worth the waet thouggh. I goes down the mountain WAAAAAY better and likes to jump over stuff more betterr than the nduro evver did. i'm pestering the folks over at INTense for a heveir duty reear end to help eleimingate the tail wag in ccorners and to get a whole replacable drpout on both sides. also worth gettign the unpainted frame to keep ugly scufffs from beeing ttooo notticable specially when you live where the big nasty reoxk and cactusses will bite anything neerby. i love my intense and would get it all over again. maybe the next on will bethe new 4x ht on their website. :) happy rideon! PS:-} get 6.6 if ya want to go and jump/p.lay hard on a brly bike. DONT GET THIS ONE IF YA WANT LONG LEGS LITE WEAIT XC: SHES TOO MUCH FOR YA AND YA CNT HANGLE IT!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Wheelwright
a Weekend Warrior
from Bad Soden, Hessen, Frankfurt Date Reviewed: May 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Chatel Bike Park - France
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
www1.hibike.com
Strengths:
- agility and balance - inspires a point and shoot approach on all trails - with lighter weight tires works well for >4 hour trail riding - also works great for local DH / freeriding / Bike park stuff
Weaknesses:
- there is some pedal induced feedback in the small ring - VPP is very sensitive to getting the right sag level set each time you ride - cable routing isn't the best - got some chain / front mech rub with the Schwalbe 2.4" tire on the rear
Similar Products Used:
as below
Bike Setup:
As my review below but for past 3 months (when I've been trying to build up my fitness) have removed the Truvativ Shiftguide; run Shimano SPD pedals; changed the stem to a Thomson 70 mm; changed tires to IRC Mibro 2.35"
For summer 2007 am planning to spend a lot of time ion the portes Du Soleil so will revert to a more freeride spec: E13 DRS; Race Face diabolous cranks (can't get the DRS to work with Atlas); back to a 50 mm stem and flat pedals; and will change tires to a Black Betty in front and an Intense EX DC 2.35" on the rear + move up to 36/24 chainrings
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up to my earlier, initial impressions, review.
As you can probably tell, I was massively impressed and happy with the 6.6 after the first few days of riding. It somehow seemed to blend the agility of an out and out trail bike with the confidence inspiring ride of a freeride bike.
Since then I've use the bike regularly (2-3 days per week) for the last 9 months in all conditions (snow, rain, sun, hot and cold) and remain really happy and impressed.
What's been great is the ability to swap a few parts (tires, tubes, stem generally) around to get a really different feel to the bike that allows it to be used on anything from 6 hour all day trail riding epics through to hitting the local DH / Freeride stuff without any problems at all.
Climbing remains relatively easy on the bike - I really like the slightly 'upright' seated position as it gives you great balance and prevents the front wheel from wandering on steeper stuff. VPP works amazingly well for climbing - when seated hardly moves at all until it needs to and the traction is amazing. Only issue I've found is that out of the saddle climbing can sometimes result in a lot of bobbing - i think this is down to the body weight shift moving the suspension away from the SAG sweet spot. Adding extra pro-pedal helps tame this tendency though.
Descending - amazing - total point and shoot confidence; the 6.6 sinks into its travel really well giving you loads of traction and grip. This also means that the supposedly 'sky high' bottom bracket height hasn't been a problem for me at all - in fact I've found that I've clipped the 170mm Atlas cranks a few time so went with 165 mm Diaboolous for when I've got the bike in full on freerdie mode. Rock gardens and roots are obliterated; drops are handled without any fuss; corners whether bermed or not are railed. I run the bottom out resistance at max with c. 180 psi - which helps prevent bottoming out without comprising the travel in the early part of the shock stroke
Singletrack - 6.6 IMO is a real singletrack ripper; easy to pump, manual over whatever gets in the way, manoeuvre through the trees and bounce of trail debris.
Jumps - feels totally sorted on jumps and in the air - a bit like my dedicated hardtail jumpbike but with benefit of suspension to compensate for my all too often sketchy landings.
Maintenance - have just re-greased the pivot bearings for 1st time; a 30 minute job to remove the shock and rear triangle, prise off the bearing covers, degrease and clean, and then pump them full of new grease, job done. Apart from that no issues with the frame.
Conclusion - very, very happy with my 6.6. Love riding it - makes me feel like a better rider each and every time and gives me the confidence to keep progressing my riding. Think the fox 36 up front really helps and suits the bike - I would not recommend going for anything with a shorter axel-to-crown length if you want to maintain the downhill / freeride capabilities and feel.
Overall IMO 6.6. the Intense 6.6 continues to exceed all expectations as a one bike fits all rig!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
christian
a Weekend Warrior
from Kittery, ME, USA Date Reviewed: May 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Ft Rock- Exeter NH, Red Tail- N. Conway NH, Kingdon Trails- VT
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3700.00
Purchased At:
rbikes.com
Strengths:
Quality, Geometry, Suspension
Weaknesses:
hmmm...
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Enduro, Rocky Mountain Switch, Yeti ASX, Santa Cruz Blur
Super fun bike... could not be happier... turns well, climbs amazing and downhill is amazing... rbikes did a great job working with me picking out the components after starting with one of their cheaper build kits... the juicy 7s work great though I might switch to larger rotors for lift access riding throughout New England and Canada.. this bike absolutely soaks up the big hits.. forget about turning on downhills- just point it over everything... the SPV design is great- better then the old 4 bar on my Enduro.. climbing is surprising great for a bike with so much travel- of course a bit more play than a hard core XC bike, but the downhills, oh the downhills.. and stunts.. the riding position is quite high- takes some getting used to, but I find it is just so comfortable and ready for any movement- left, right, drops- it is just perfect for pushing yourself to new levels.. alot of twisty stuff in NE but since you can plow over anything it actually seems like less effort than bikes where you try to aboid all the rocks and roots- on the flats, uphills and obvioulsy the downhills... great all round ONE bike for a mix of technical XC, stunts, downhill, climbs and smiles...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DAVE
a Weekend Warrior
from MAUI Date Reviewed: February 15, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
WEST MAUI CYCLES
Strengths:
RIDE, FIT, QUALITY, FINISH, LOOKS
Weaknesses:
SET UP LOOKS COMPLICATED, LET THE SHOP DO IT AND THEY DIALED IN PERFECTLY
FITS LIKE A DREAM, INCREDIBLY BALANCED AT ULTRA-LOW SPEEDS, STEEP GEOMETRY ALLOWS FOR QUICK DECISION CHANGES, ENDLESS SUSPENSION SUCKS UP THE REST. DHX 5.0 AIR IS UNREAL. DON'T KNOW ABOUT OTHERS, BUT MINE SET UP EASY AND IS INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE. VPP IS THE REAL DEAL. BELIEVE IT!FEELS TALL, BUT SAG ALLOWS YOU TO SINK INTO IT. IT CORNERS ON RAILS AND IS VERY EASY TO MANUAL. NOT FOR HUCKING BIG! MAKES ME WANT TO RIDE LONGER AND MORE FREQUENTLY. I USED TO LOOK FOR EXCUSES NOT TO RIDE. NOW I MAKE EXCUSES TO RIDE. AFTER I SAW AND RODE IT FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE STEEP PRICE SEEMED LIKE A BARGAIN! DON'T HESITATE, SPRING'S COMING! THANKS AGAIN WEST MAUI CYCLES FOR HOOKING ME UP IN RECORD TIME AND DIALING IT ALL IN FOR NO-BRAIN RIDING!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Cold Lake, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: January 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Toss up between any trail at Doumont (Nanaimo BC) or Snowden Forest (Campbell River BC)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
River Valley Cycles (Edmonton, AB)
Strengths:
Geometry, Handling, Weight
Weaknesses:
Cable routing, rear drop/derailleur hangar
Similar Products Used:
Norco VPS, Kona Stinky (last bike owned), Test rode Santa Cruz Nomad, Rocky Mountain Slayer, Giant Reign
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi 66 SL, Saint cranks, XTR drive train, Avid Mechanical disks (203mm), Big Earl wheels, Kenda Nevegals 2.35s
Bottom Line:
Purchase: Lucky break, saved $600, everything in the shop was on sale, and they had one frame my size on the wall. As for the other parts, used some from my old bike, but the wheels and the fork were also good timing, saved another $400. I guess buying after the snow is on the ground can be advantageous, until you want to ride….
Build Up: Installed a FSA Orbit Extreme reducer headset, as recommended by Intense. It pressed into the frame, but was very tight, more effort than usual or expected.
Almost everything else went together very easily. Complete bike is approx 31 lbs with air shock, a couple of pounds heavier with coil spring.
Two notable issues. First the rear derailleur hangar seems to be slightly off. It shifts well, but the nut of the Q/R skewer must be removed completely to get the rear wheel off, never had this issue on any other bikes.
Second, cable routing. The cables and housing are run under the top tube and it is pretty busy there with cable, cable stops, shock mount, rear shock, etc. The cable stops are well-made and thought out, with provision for a full-length housing or hose to the rear brake and slots for zip ties. Where to run the rear derailleur housing is tricky and how long to make the housing section from the swing arm to the frame is a pain. I looked at all the pictures of built 6.6s I could find on the internet and finally settled on running the rear brake and derailleur housings through the swing-link. This worked very well for the full-length brake cable housing, but the short section from the frame to the swing arm cable stops required repeated installation, removal and resizing. It would be too long, then remove 2-4mm and then be too short. Frustrating.
Finally the set-up looked good and escaped the snow for a couple of weeks of riding. This section of housing was flexing as the suspension cycled and rubbed the paint off the seat tube and even started to rub a groove into the aluminium. Duct tape over the scuff and continued to try resizing the housing. It is better and duct tape shows me if there is any contact with the tube before any more damage is done. I will switch to full length housing once I can find some hose-to-cable stop adaptors. No problems at all on the other side with the full length housing for the rear brake.
Intense, I recommend getting rid of the cable stops and have another “mount” like for the rear brake cable/hose, forcing the use of full-length housing.
Ride: Breaking in the new parts and trying to find the best rear shock pressure took a couple of rides, but a good guess for the stem length and the fit was ideal. The ride is amazing!!! Even in very wet, slippery, rooty conditions couldn’t get the rear wheel to slip/spin out with the air shock. Switching to a coil shock changed the feel of the bike a lot.
Now you’re asking switch to a coil? Yes, the Fox RP3 blew after 3 rides. Luckily a terrific bike shop in Nanaimo, BC – Pacific Rim Bicycles hooked me up with a loner shock. A used Fox Vanilla R while the air shock is getting new seals. The loner was the correct fitment for the bike and allowed me to keep riding on my X-Mas, see the outlaws (really a bike) vacation.
I just can’t say enough good things about Pacific Rim Bicycle. Thanks!!!
The geometry and handling are remarkable. The steep seat tube makes long climbs more pleasant and efficient (only 1 degree less than my road bike). The slack head tube makes for forgiving handling. The overall fit of the frame is as close to ideal as I’ve ever tried. Felt very comfortable on the bike and my riding improved immediately, giving me more confidence on steep, gnarly sections of trail.
VPP rear suspension:
General - The rear suspension is very rider position sensitive. Push your weight back a bit and the rear suspension compresses, making manuals a breeze. This also meant a surprising amount of travel was used when climbing on steep inclines, but this may have contributed to the amazing traction. The RP3 felt over damped and was slow to extend after hits. I ran the rebound completely off and still the suspension seemed slow to extend. With the coil spring the rear was much quicker to extend after hits, but was also easier to make it loose traction.-
The Good - climbed very efficiently and gave awesome traction. It did not seem to stiffen when braking either. Rear suspension was very active at all times, much more so that 4 bar or linkage bikes.
The Other – Recommended air pressure for the shock is body weight, this still produced too much sag, ended up running about 110-115% of body weight to get the right sag. Even still rear end seemed to go through a lot of travel on little bumps. Noticed this a lot on the first couple of rides and then didn’t notice it. Could have been due to a reduction in this sensation with the coil spring and/or just getting used to the bike.
Overall: So far I’ve had a couple of boring rides and 2+ weeks of excellent terrain to ride the bike on (BC – Vancouver Island and the North Shore). Intense is definitely onto something here. When I rode the Nomad I felt instantly comfortable on it, but the reach to the bars was way too short. The 6.6 has the same instant comfortable and relaxed feel but with a better reach.
The Marzocchi 66 SL fork has adjustable travel 150-170mm. In the short setting the bike was very quick and agile on tight twisty singletrack and climbed superb. In the 170mm mode the front end was light feeling and wandered when climbing, but high speed and steep down hill sections were an absolute blast. Great control and easy to stay relaxed and focus on the trail.
Final Thoughts - This is the best riding MTB I’ve ever been on. Allows you to climb anything your fitness will allow and descend/play however and wherever you want. Cable routing and shock problems aside, I highly recommend this bike. Now if the snow at home would just melt so I can get out and ride it more……..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AS
a
from NYC Date Reviewed: January 16, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Strengths:
-read review
Weaknesses:
-read review
Bottom Line:
I remember how psyched I was to ride this bike. That changed once I actually threw a leg over it. I tried to give the 6.6 the benefit of the doubt for a good six months when I started having problems but, in the end, I decided it was not for me. It’s an excellent bike, just not for rocky East Coast trails, with short and steep climbs. I don’t know how or where you ride but, do yourself a favor and test-ride the Intense 6.6 before you drop coin on one.
The following review is for anyone who plans to do a lot of XC/All-mountain style riding with the 6.6.
First off, this bike will feel like it rides very high. Only when it sinks into its recommended sag are you sitting IN the bike and not ON TOP of it. Too much air pressure in the rear shock causes this but you also get that feeling when you hop on and off the bike during inadvertent dismounts. Make sure you test ride one if you have shorter legs because this could be a real issue.
Plan on grinding up long, rocky climbs in the middle or big ring because doing so in the granny gear will produce some annoying chain pull and pedal feedback. Forget about standing and trying to crest any hills. And even though you're supposed to stay seated and pedaling smoothly, that's easier said than done on a 35lb bike with 6+ inches of travel. You better have strong legs and be able to stay out of the granny in order to fully enjoy this ride.
Cable routing is difficult and tricky. The rear hydraulic brake line wants to bend outward, along the chainstay, making contact with your heel on the pedal stroke. Zip-ties cure the problem (temporarily) until they end up breaking from the pressure of constant suspension compression. Who wants to carry zip-ties on every ride? Another annoyance was the constant loosening of all 4 linkage bolts. I tried blue locktite twice but finally had to use red in order to keep them in place. An easy fix but the fact they kept coming loose tells me something isn’t right.
Jeff Steber once stated that the 6.6 was not a “freeride” bike but a long travel “All-Mountain” bike… huh? Is that why he made the headangle fairly steep? That’s too bad because downhill performance was very good. Shuttlers and lift assisted freeriders will enjoy the ride of the Intense 6.6 – even with its small amount of brake jack. Only thing is, if that’s how you’re planning on using your bike, you’ll want the SoCom or VPX instead.
In the end, the pedaling efficiency of the VPP did not out-weigh all the negative traits of this bike. But that is just my opinion. My advice would be to seriously test ride one (on actual dirt trails) before you buy. Good luck.
Send me an e-mail if you are interested in buying my frame: Medium / baby blue / great condition savemtncreek@yahoo.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
iain adams
a
from WHYTELEAFE Date Reviewed: January 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
afan argoed
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
bromley bikes
Strengths:
Awesome bit of kit. No bob on climbing, handles inspires a confidence beyond ability and downhills like a dedicated DH race bike
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Turner 5 spot, Ellsworth Moment, s works enduro,
Bike Setup:
Tune fastfoot cranks, DT 5.1 Rims on Hope Pro 2 hubs, Thomson stem, post, Easton monkeylite dh bars, 2007 XTR gears and shifters. Bel air saddle, top notch finishing kit etc etc
Bottom Line:
This is the finest MTB that money can buy. dont f*ck about with anything else. Ride the 6.6, you WILL love it and if you have the dough BUY IT. Bikes just dont come any better than this, it does it all ....better than anything else comparable. I was after an Ellsworth Moment but the UK importer was a complete a-hole and treated me like an inconvenience. I did eventually get to try one out and I loved it- great bike. Then I tried the 6.6 , forget it Ellsworth, no competition. This bike IS JUST THAT GOOD!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rural
a Weekend Warrior
from Autralia and USA Date Reviewed: December 2, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
rbikes.com
Strengths:
So much fun to ride, see bottom line...
Weaknesses:
None so far
Bike Setup:
XT Cranks, SRAM X9 Shifters, X0 Rear Der, FOX DHX Air Shock, Fox Van 36 RC2 Fork, Truvati Team stem/post, Truvati Holzfeller bar, Mavic Crossmax XL Wheels, Shimano 959 pedals, Avid Juicy 7 brakes (203 frnt, 165 rear) - Total Weight 32lbs
Bottom Line:
Ok – I’ve waited for 6 months after getting this bike to get over the initial euphoria of the first rides so that I could put in a fair review.
Really happy with all the component listed above, at this point I wouldn’t change a thing. I started with the Cane Creek Double XC headset and changed it out to a FSA 1.5R flush mount. This changed the geometry of the bike slightly and made it a little less free ride and faster on the single track. If you were using the 06 (or earlier) Manitou fork that has a shorter axle to crown height, you could get away with the larger headset. The reduction in height after installing the flush headset was noticeable and made fast single track with tight uphill turns noticeably easier and I think the bike is better for it – so if you are going with a fork that has a long axle to crown height and do a lot of single track – I’d recommend using a flush headset.
I am amazed at the bikes ability to climb. I live at the bottom of a mountain and climbing was high on my requirement/concerns list. This is my first VPP bike so I have no idea how much of this is down to Intense or just the VPP design – but the climb concerns were put to rest on my very first ride. Also, I can stop for an extra long breather on the top of the hill as it’s like a rocket downhill and I can easily catch up with my buddies on the downhill. It has the ability to be far quicker than I’ve had the nerve to push it. If you get off line on the downhill, it really doesn’t matter, the bike just takes the hits when you take the worst possible drops instead of the correct line. You soon find yourself purposely taking the line that includes the bigger drops just for the fun of it. Once you get a bit of speed under the bike it takes on a really subtle and responsive personality, this just makes you want to go faster. At slow speed the balance is great. Sitting at a standstill this is the most well balanced bike I’ve ever ridden. As a whole, fast, slow, drops… the bike just gives you that added confidence and trust that makes the ride more fun. This bike is like a serious addiction, I get up early, move work appointments around – anything just to squeeze another ride in. I would strongly recommend this bike to anyone that can put the coin together to buy it – you cannot wipe the smile off my face when I hit the trails on this thing!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL, USA Date Reviewed: November 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Swallow Cliff
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
rbikes.com
Strengths:
Great handling, extremely efficient, light weight for a 6" travel bike, very durable. CNC machined. Beautiful finish. Everything and more than I expected out of the bike!
Weaknesses:
After 6 months of riding, none that I've found so far.
Similar Products Used:
Trek's, GT's, Ellsworth's, Foes, and others.
Bike Setup:
Fox Vanilla 36 RC2, Hayes El Camino's 8"F, 8"R, Cane Creek Double XC headset, XT Shifters, XTR Rear Derailleur, Saint Cranks, top of the line Hadley Hubs w/ Ti Bolt on rear & 20mm front w/ Mavic 823 rims, Thomson stem & post, TruVativ Team bars, great build kit!
Bottom Line:
I've owned quite a few bikes and I would have to say that the Intense 6.6 has been a pleasant surprise as far as durability, handling & efficiency. The bike does pedal much better than I assumed it would. With 6 inches of travel, this bike climbs exceptionally well. I chose the Manitou Swinger over the Fox and have been extremely happy with my choice. By far the best long travel bike that I've owned. The guys over at Richards really helped me pick the right parts for this bike. The combination of the Saint cranks, rear Ti bolt on axel and the front 20mm thru axel was by far the best advise that any shop had given me. The bike has absolutely no side to side flex and tracks/handles better than any bike I've owned.
I've talked to many shops, and these guys really cared about the purchase of my new bike. I would definitely recommend them if you're looking to buy a new bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matthew loitz
a Downhiller
from new britain, ct usa Date Reviewed: September 7, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4300.00
Strengths:
"All mountain" literally
Weaknesses:
Chain line forces it to rub a bit in middle and small one and two on the front D. Others I talked to had the same problem but not really a problem more of a small annoyance.
Similar Products Used:
Nomad, SC VP Free
Bike Setup:
07' Fox Float, 07' RP23 rear, Easton Havoc Rims, Thompson stem and post......
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that this bike rocks. I have not wanted or needed to get back on my VP Free. This bike truly does it all. The bike feels more active all around than my VP Free and handles with ease all that I have thrown at it including many drops 5-8'. It has also made the XC loops fun again or as we say in the NE..Cross Stuntry loops. I am 215 LBS and the bike feel plenty stable with the Fox float in the front, which was pricey but well worth it. The RP23 is sick and feels bottomless. I would put one on my VP Free if they made one to fit. The bike has exceeded all my expectations. I jumped on a Nomad for a spin and I have to say it felt as capable. All Mtn all the way. I had a credit on a frame to use toward this bike. I probably would not have made the jump based on price without the assist, but would now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Sammamish,WA USA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2006
'07 Fox 36 Talas RC2, Fox DHX Air, Crossmax XL, SRAM drivetrain with GripShift, Titanium seatpost, XTR Cranks
Bottom Line:
All I have to say is WOW! This bike is absolutely insane. Take a bike with serious travel (6.75" rear, 6.3" Front), that weighs only 29.6 lbs, climbs WAYYYYY better than a FSR design and descends like crazy and this is the 6.6...I have been able to do things on the last 5 rides that I never have been able to do in 5 years of riding on the same trails (not from lack of trying!). The 90 degree sweep Fox Fork is awesome, and is so easy to go big or small within seconds of hitting something.
I have ridden Tiger, and blasted down the main descent at close to 25 miles per hour, climbed Tolt easily, and finally nailed the sandy stump turn (twice now). I passed 4 groups, 10 people or so, that all left the parking lot before me at Tiger last week, just ripping down hill. I have been climbing things so much better, that it's been enticing me to try climbing more, truly going for the epic rides. The VPP suspension feels like its pushing me along, and at times is so effortless it almost feels like something is not right (hard to explain)! Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie today was a blast, climbed well, put a smile on my face on all the technical spots, and felt refreshed at the end.
I am 40 years old now, and have been riding hard since 1987 and this bike is about the finest I have been on so far, I definitely recommend giving it a shot if you are thinking about snagging one.
I am rating it a 5 of 5 on both categories, because I honestly don't think you can put a price tag on this experience-making machine and all the bikes it can replace in the garage.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
A S
a
from NYC Date Reviewed: August 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
ALL DIRT
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Purchased At:
Bay Ridge Bikes
Strengths:
+Craftsmanship +Suspension action +Wicked looks
Weaknesses:
-Quirky suspension traits -Price
Similar Products Used:
=Norco Six =Turner Burner =Intense Uzzi SL ('97)
Bike Setup:
Race Face / TruVativ / King hubs / Singletrack rims / Hayes discs
Bottom Line:
The first thing I noticed on it's maiden voyage was how amazing the suspension action worked when pedaling the Intense uphill. The VPP setup does a great job of eliminating 'bob' and stayed active during long climbs. It's a VERY noticable improvement over almost every other long travel suspension design. I don't have to comment on descending with the 6.6... nearly perfect.
There are some quirks. The suspension must be set up right, with the correct amount of sag for each individual rider, or the bike will ride like doo-doo. There is a slight amount of pedal feedback which was noticed on a few tight uphill switchbacks. Ride the bike with flat pedals on rocky xc trails and you'll see what I mean. If you ride with clips, I doubt you'll notice. The frame rides pretty high and that may feel odd to anyone with shorter legs. Lastly, the suspension does stiffen up slightly when braking hard.
Take these statements with a grain of salt. I've ridden a lot of different bike designs and can identify different suspension traits. Overall though, the Intense 6.6 is my favorite bike and IMO worth every penny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Wheelwright
a Weekend Warrior
from Bad soden, Hessen, Frankfurt Date Reviewed: August 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Chatel Bike Park - France
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$6500.00
Purchased At:
www1.hibike.com
Strengths:
- Top quality build and looks - Superb geometry - rails corners; stable in the air; solid off drops; slays singletrack; very agile and balanced on climbs - Suspension tracks and swallows everything in it's path - Braking is a lot more active than I'm used to coming from an Orange Patriot so helps setting you up for corners - It's an Intense so has plenty of bling factor
Weaknesses:
- Still not completely sold on the air shock but will paly with it for longer before making a final call
Frame - Intense 6.6 Medium Forks - Fox 36 Van RC2 Headset - DaBomb Headlock - USE Safe T Crankset - Race Face Atlas Chaindevice - Truvativ Shiftguide Wheelset - Easton Havoc AM / FR Cassette - Shimano XTR CS-M960 Rear Mech - SRAM X0 Medium Cage Front Mech - Shimano XTR - FD M960 Shifters - SRAM X0 Chain - SRAM PG99 9SP Hollow Link Brakes - Magura Louise FR 210/190mm rotors Brake Hoses - Brake hoses - Goodridge Pedals - Burgtec Saddle - SDG Bel Air Seat Pin - Thomson Elite Seat Clamp - Hope Stem - Race Face Diabolous - 50mm Handlebar - Easton EA70 DH - High rise Grips - Odi Lock On - Ruffian Tyres - Schwalbe Big Betty 2.4" Inner Tubes - Schwalbe
Bottom Line:
I ordered at end of May 06 after a long weekend on a test bike and finally took delivery at beginning of August so promptly headed down to the Portes du Soleil for it's first outing - here's the initial impression:
The build I went for was at the burlier end of all-mountain but the overall weight still came in at around 15kg but feels considerably lighter out on the trails.
I took time to set the VPP suspension up right (sag 25-30% which translates to 14-17 mm) which translated to crisp acceleration coupled with really sweet, smooth suspension right from the off.
The 1st morning was spent sessioning the SuperChatel blue downhill course. This run is not too technical but super fun and a great course with which to get familiar with the bike.
The 1st thing that I noticed was how I felt a lot more central in terms of position on the bike than my Patriot but how good this felt going into berms and corners. Cornering's an area I always feel I could do a lot better with but the 6.6 it all suddenly clicked and I started to hit all corners a lot quicker, with more stability and grin factor!
At speed the bike felt super stable with the front and rear suspension working well together to flatten everything they encountered.
The back end felt a bit light at first on jumps but once I'd got used to the balance of the bike, it felt great getting airtime and knowing you could easily position the bike in the air and hit whatever landing you felt like.
Going off the ladder drop felt really smooth and easy - the 6.6 does feel pretty bottomless in its travel
Even on the loose rock towards the bottom, 6.6 felt super controlled and stable.
In the afternoon I headed over to check out the Morgins downhills. Again, lots of high speed berms and jumps that simply reinforced my opinions from the morning but with bigger grins as my confidence on the bike continued tom grow.
Day 2 saw me venturing on some of the other, more technical downhill course (the Avoriaz-Lindarets downhills + Les Crosets) as well as hitting a bit of singletrack including some climbs before finally ending up sessioning the bike park at Chatel.
Once again I spent the entire day feeling massively impressed by the 6.6. At no time did the bike feel out it's depth (even if the rider did - but I’ll put that down to the wet weather). Rooty and rocky sections were tamed with ease as was the easier North Shore stuff at Chatel.
It bombs along singletrack with a real sense of enthusiasm and responsiveness and even going up hill the combination of the geometry and VPP suspension means it climbs like a goat - albeit at 'slow and steady' freeride pace rather than XC race pace (but again maybe that's more the rider than the bike!). I'd been slightly concerned that the Fox 36 Van at 160 mm might make the front end drift when it comes to point upward - but Intense have clearly thought about this and I was really impressed with how well the 6.6 climbed especially on the reasonably steep and loose section up from Lac Vert.
Appreciate that a handful of days isn’t enough to really get a feel for a bike but my initial impression is hugely positive - the Intense 6.6 does exceed all expectations as a one bike fits all rig!
I will update with some long term thoughts in a few months – when hopefully I’ll have started to get somewhere near the performance boundary of this bike!
If you've got the dough and want to rationalise your bike collection - go for it, you'll not be disappointed!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave
a Cross Country Rider
from boulder, co Date Reviewed: July 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
rocky, technical, steep, natural terrain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
www.redstonecyclery.com
Strengths:
Stiff, smooth as butter, beautiful welds and construction, fits great. The geometry is dialed for all day epics. Intense craftsmanship is worth every penny.
Weaknesses:
some folks think the bb is too tall, but it's perfect for the Colorado Rockies. 1.5 head tube really narrows headset selection. I had an issue with the pivot bolts, but a little Loctited took care of that.
Similar Products Used:
Intense Tracer, Turner 5 Spot, Turner Flux, etc
Bike Setup:
Maverick Duc 32 fork, Magura Marta SL brakes, XT/XTR drivetrain, 819 tubeless rims on Hadley hubs. Thomson bits
Bottom Line:
This is the bike right here. I've been on quite a few different rides over the last few years and couldn't really settle on a bike that met my riding style on the type of terrain I ride. I spend a lot of time in the steep, loose, and rocky backcountry. The type of riding where there's lots of hardcore natural downhills but you've got to climb for a while to get to them. This bike handles everything fantastically.
I come from an xc racing background, so the head angle and all the other numbers add up to a bike that is quick, confident, and mates well to the way I like to ride. For some, this may be too quick of a bike - it rides like a burly long travel xc bike but can suck up some pretty major hits and wack lines. I'm now a real believer in the VPP, too, coming over from Horst Link bikes for the last several years. There is some slightly noticeable pedal feedback when climbing square edged step ups, but that's it. I think it's a good trade for the squatting characteristics of HL bikes.
Anyway, the bottom line. Rides great, handles quickly but confidently, suspension is dialed and the bike is beautiful. The 6.6 is a little overkill for some of the tamer terrain out here, but some wouldn't consider that a problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Mission Viejo, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: July 20, 2006
If you weigh over 200 pounds, your pedaling platform should be a VPP linkage rear end. It pedals so well, stays stiff and activates when you need it. The 6.6 is a trailbike that is weight proportioned as a Xcountry bike for a 200+ pound rider. Big guy cross country bike. The frame seems to fit best with the 66 light and the 66 light offers eta so you can get into the appropriate climbing position during the steeps. The DHX air works well on this bike and i don't seem to be blowing through the mid stroke on this bike. This setup (66 light and 6.6 frame) defies the myth that Intense has a steeper head angle feel, in contrast the 6.6 seems to feel rather slack and handles well when descending. This bike does require you to ride more forward than other bikes, but in riding forward you get quicker response when turning.
With all custom bikes you will find strengths and weaknesses. Thousands of dollars spent on frames from various makers has taught me that. What separates INTENSE is their customer service. They stand behind their product, period. When the owner of a company personally helps you with a situation, then he stands behind the product, the result is customer serice and then customer satisfaction. My experience with Intense has been nothing but a postive experience and this is one aspect that truly helps to justify the cost of a frame. Other aspects also help to justify the price such as quality and craftmanship. If you have ever looked at an intense frame up close, they are very well made.
My last bottom line point is the Bling factor. When I go out in the garage and unlock the Intense, I get excited to ride it. It begs to be ridden and this classy looking machine is a motivator to ride, get to sleep early, and not party too hard so the next day ride will be fun. If you are contemplating a custom, step up to an Intense, maybe you too will become motivated.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryce The Dawg
a Cross Country Rider
from Tejas Date Reviewed: July 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
anything technical
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
If I tell ya, I gotta kill ya......
Strengths:
Beautifully built, awsome welds, paint.........handles like a bike with half as much travel. Lots o' gee whiz factor.
Weaknesses:
Perhaps someday these folks will get off their over priced bike producing asses and learn about clear coated logos....get a clue!
Similar Products Used:
Came from a Tracer, Specklized, Crack n' Fail, Rocky Mountain but honestly, nothing on the market comes close.....no really!
Bike Setup:
Zoke AM1, FSA headset, Easton CF bars and seatpost, WTB saddle, Sram triggers and rear d., XTR front d. and levers, Avid cable discs, RaceFace stem and crank/bb combo(DUES), Mavic Crossmax XL's with Nevegal's and Stan's, Time ATAC's
Bottom Line:
1st, the Ass Clown that wrote the review prior to my own is an idiot......like you can know how a bike rides after renting one for a week, is recockuless! You can even get the suspension dialed on this ride in that length of time. However, once you do get it set.....OMG!! Point ride, repeat.......FOREVER!! They took their time bringing thig bike to market for a reason, and riding it for a while let's you appreciate the thought that went into that process. All Mountain, All Terrain, All Time. Want to bomb down a mountain? Certainly. Need to climb said mountain? No problem. Wanna dodge trees? Roots? Rocks? Bring it. Bottom line.....if you love the ride, and want a machine to you can ride ANYWHERE....look no further. Save your pennies, by the bike, and smile on EVERY ride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Downhiller
from Pasadena Date Reviewed: June 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Very nice build quality. Aesthetics.
Weaknesses:
Large is still too small. Great bike but felt dead compared to other VPP bikes.
Similar Products Used:
VPP Free, SC Blur, Nomad, Foes FXR.
Bike Setup:
Shimano XTs all around, Fox 36.
Bottom Line:
I rented this bike for a week from the Competative Cyclist off Intense's website. They shipped it out to Colorado where I was meeting some friends for our annual trip to Moab. Was in Moab for 3 days. In those three days we hit 6 major trails so I was able to get a pretty good idea of how this bike handles in a variety of terrain. The bike came to me brand spankin' new and was it pretty. The build quality is top notch and the bike gave me now problems mechanically over those 3 days. I'm 6'4" tall and weight 230 pounds. I rented this bike because I'm in the market to buy a VPP bike...just didn't know which one. Initially I didn't have the shock setup properly which caused to bike to bob a fair bit which had me concerned. After I learned that I could add a few bit more PSI to the DHX shock it pedaled much better. I liked how the bike handled but wasn't blown away, which I kind of expected. IT handled everything I threw at it but it just didn't react very well. It felt like I was riding a shorter version of the first generation V10. Nice ride...just unresponsive and dead. The top tube is also a 23.8" which for my stature i still a bit too short. While in Moab I had the opportunity to trade bikes with some guys I met on the trail who had a DH kitted VP Free, and another guy who had a Nomad. The VP Free, despite having a dorado up front and DH wheels and tiresl, felt much more lively and in my opinion climbed better than the 6.6. Also very true of the Nomad, it was a livelier climber than the 6.6, which i was really impressed with. I really didn't want to like the NOmad...I still think that top tube is horrendous looking...but the benefits of the Nomad that made me decide to look more at that than the 6.6 was the longer top tube and better ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay Bee
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: June 26, 2006
I N T E N S E - Just like the name implies. It handles as if it were on rails and responsive like a servant to its master, just as long as you have tires that compliment its abilities. The VPP technology is a work of art, thanks to SC. You have to try one of these rigs to believe it, you wont be dissatisfied. After I bought mine, two of my buddies followed suit. Now, that action should speak for itself.
Weaknesses:
Nothing, except for weight. But!... For an all mountian rig, it's worth every oz.
Similar Products Used:
Ehh?. Why even bother.?
Bike Setup:
All the guuuuuuuud stuff.
Bottom Line:
Put on your helmet; a pair of riding gloves and prepare for take-off! It will take you to the limits of your riding abilities, not the other way around. Two words to sum it all up... QUALITY & CRAFTSMANSHIP.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Easterly
a Downhiller
from Little Rock Date Reviewed: June 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Syllamo and Allsop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Competitive Cyclist.com
Strengths:
CNC machining throughout, great welds, good ground clearance, VERY plush, but responsive @ same time.
Weaknesses:
Nothing really, to be nit picky though I would like slightly beefier dropouts.
Similar Products Used:
Turner RFX(6pack), Santa Cruz Bullit, heckler, super 8,Klien Mantra, Giant Vt, Kona Dawg, Titus Super Moto.
Bike Setup:
Crossmax XL's, Xt cranks, Marzocchi 66RC fork, Dhx air, Sram X9, Maxxis Highrollers, Hayes Brakes, Easton bars Etc.
Bottom Line:
Well worth the price, the bike begs to be beaten, it eats up the roughest terrain with ease, very pedal friendly, stable @ speed, and in the air, manuals easily, feels lighter than it is(34.5lbs) The ultimate bike, you could not pry it away from me, haven't been disappointed yet. On a scale of 1 to 5 this is deffinitely a 6, (yes it's that good)The bike does everything I need it to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA, USA Date Reviewed: June 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Tahoe Rim Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2050.00
Purchased At:
Downhill Zone, Seattle
Strengths:
Balance, handling, suspension, Pearl White means I call it "White Flite"
Weaknesses:
Wicked chain slap requires taping, baffling the stay in several places. So plush you can get a bit sloppy. Tore off rear derailleur on my 3rd ride doing launch from blowdown, simply because suss compressed so much more than I'm used to.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Enduro Expert, Ventana El Salt with 6-inch kit, Turner 6-Pack
Bike Setup:
Zoke AM1 fork, otherwise Chris King/Thomson/Hayes/Mavic/SRAM/Shimano
Bottom Line:
White Flite tips out at 32+ lbs but my TT climb times are essentially comparable to my Turner XCE (26 lbs., 4-inch travel). Try it, you won't believe your eyes. There's no bob on climbs, even under top load. And guess what. You get to absolutely rip on the downhills. I'm doing doubles where I kinda flinch on singles with my XC Turner. I tried the Salt, Spec Enduro and 6-Pack so I have some basis for comparison. The Salt is a great bike but the angles are too steep for 6 inches. The Enduro Expert actually handles a wee bit better than the 6.6, it's slightly more whippable. But it cannot bomb the downhills like the Intense. The 6-Pack is the worst Turner I've owned/ridden. It's a tank and just doesn't have the famed Turner responsiveness -- Dave, take it from a fan, back to the drawing board on this one (recognizing that it's been replaced by the RFX but not seeing much difference). I'm waiting for Fox to quit taking their sweet time on the 36Talas '07 model (any day now) or I'd have put a 36 Fox on it long ago. I never give 5 anything but cannot figure how Intense could improve this rig.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jez
a Weekend Warrior
from Reading, England Date Reviewed: June 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
White's Level, Wales
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Mountain Trax, Wokingham
Strengths:
Does what it says in the tin - this really is a do it all bike. This is the the beefiest bike out there (to my knowledge) with all-mountain geometry, but it ascends fantastically even with a 7" fork. I got this bike because I snapped my Gary Fisher Sugar 2+, and figured I needed something stronger but was worried how well it would climb - trust me there's nothing to worry about. Fast singletrack is its forte, with the uberplush back end digging in on corners (which has got excellent lateral stiffness). Handles very predictably in dirt jumps and is very forgiving when you get it wrong! Soaks up the drops nicely too.
Weaknesses:
Paint scratches up easily as pointed out by others. I invested in a pack of frame saver tape immediately, and that does the job and keeps it looking like new. This stuff is a must on this bike. Oh, and it's bloody expensive.
Similar Products Used:
Orange 6.6 Deore 2005 (doesn't go uphill), Orange 5 HC(rides nice but my mate has got one), Specialized Enduro Expert 2005 (rides quite nice too but my other mate has got one)
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi 6.6SL's, Hope M4's with floating discs (anodised gold - very pimp), SRAM X9 shifters and rear der, XT front der, Gold Hope Pro II hubs, Mavic 321's, Race face Evolve DH cranks, Easton 70 oversize bars and Easton Vice stem, Maxxis Minions
Bottom Line:
Great bike, can't think of a way to improve it yet. I've built it with mostly freeride/DH kit, and it weighs in at 35.5lb. The oversize bars, DH stem and 66SL's keep the front end mega stiff and it gives you confidence to hit anything. In my opinion, it's worth putting a 7" fork on it - it doesn't compromise the climbing but gives you so much more on the way down. 66SL's are perfect for stiffness and keeps the weight down (and oh-so-tuneable and plush once broken in). I tried a 65mm stem at first which was fine but it needed an 85mm to give that little bit extra weight over the front for climbs and front end traction on loose corners. I guess that's fine tuning and down to personal preference. One word of caution though- the DHX Air shock with the vpp linkage is awesomely smooth, but I'm not sure how it will hold up with a heavy rider. I'm only 170lbs so it's great for me, but to run approx 20-25% sag, I need 290psi in the chamber and 300psi is the maximum safe pressure. This means I bottom out on drops of about 5 feet if the landing is a fairly flat (which is about right for a 6.75" travel bike). If you're a big bloke/lass, a test ride before purchase is a must. Overall - expensive but worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Highlands Ranch, CO Date Reviewed: May 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
Overall balance! I previously owned an Ellsworth Moment (which was a great bike), and I expected that I would have to sacrifice either climbing or descending ability in making the switch. With that said, the 6.6 climbs better than the Moment and handles much better on the Colorado trails on the way down. The 6.6 is the best do-it-all ride I have ridden.
Weaknesses:
Paint. Read Anodized! Also, cable routing was tough to get correct.
Similar Products Used:
Moment, Slayer, Nomad
Bike Setup:
Fox 36 RC2 Talas Easton Havoc Wheels XT cranks & shifters El Camino brakes (8 in front and 6 in rear) Answer protaper bar Thomson stem and post WTB saddle
Bottom Line:
Climbs like a bike with significantly less travel and descends like a banshee!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Riddoch
a Weekend Warrior
from Glasgow Date Reviewed: May 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Innerleithen Black & I line
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Pro Bike Sports Innerliethen
Strengths:
VPP Suspension is great...climbs technical like a scalded cat..descends even better. Today I was taking lines I wouldn't have even considered on my Heckler
Weaknesses:
Maybe a wee bit noisey ...but I think I need to cable tie the cables better.
Similar Products Used:
Heckler, VP Free, Blur LT, Orange Patriot
Bike Setup:
Medium Satin Black, Fox 36 RC2, XTR Groupset, Hope M4 Brakes etc
Bottom Line:
Best Bike I've been ridden .......buy one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Beasley
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: May 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
city park motocross
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4600.00
Purchased At:
hammerheadbikes.com
Strengths:
VPP kicks ass with suspension tuned to perfection (thanks Howard and Beth of Hammerheadbikes!!!) it is extremely plush yet responsive. Just like driving a cadillac. I repeatedly find myself choosing lines with the biggest drop just to satisfy this bike--it eats up everything the trail has to offer and then screams for more... Admirable performance on climbs, surprisingly spry and maneuverable. Great pedalling.
Weaknesses:
All that plush travel dialed in for technical terrain results in a slight tradeoff in top speed for flat cross-country conditions.
Similar Products Used:
hammerhead, titus motolite
Bike Setup:
xt front/rear/shifters, dhx air 5.0, nixon super 145 fork, magura marta brakes, chris king hubs, gravity dropper seatpost
Bottom Line:
a fun and fast do-everything bike that soaks up all the bumps, makes all the drops feel smooth as butter, and leaves you with an ear-to-ear grin at the end of the ride
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary Fielding
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, England Date Reviewed: April 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Lea Gets
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
NWMTB
Strengths:
Looks & finish, pedals up the hill like a hardtail and comes down like a DH bike.
What a bike!!!! I originally had the bike set up with Fox 36's on it but wasn't too keen on the fork so changed to Zocchi 66SL's and what a difference. The bike feels fantastic down the hills and is by far the best bike i've ridden uphill, especially technical uphills. It really is a 'do it all' bike. I enjoyed riding my Enduro but my 6.6 really is in a different league. Highly recommended!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cowboy-jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Schweiz Date Reviewed: March 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
new trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Purchased At:
can't/won't say
Strengths:
Workmenship,Quality,paint finish and Intense reputation.
Weaknesses:
Front Mech hits chainstay when in granny at full bottom out. Dialing in the DHX is a bit difficult, seems to blow thru it's traval easily.
Similar Products Used:
Intense 5point5
Bike Setup:
Zocchi AM1, Mavic UST 819 with XT hubs, XT drivetrain, Saint 6" brakes, Speedball seatpost, Easton EA 70 bar, Thomson stem.
Bottom Line:
I've only had a hand full of rides due to the poor weather (winter) here in Switzerland. It climbs very well for a bike with this much suspension. IMHO feels like a full blown Downhiller on the way down the hill and it sticks like clue around the corners.Plush, plush, plush. I have my 6.6 set up more for All-mtn, but it's up to you and your type of riding style. I'll post an update once (if ever) spring arrives. This bike earns 5 chilis without a doubt. If you got the cash, buy it and you won't be disappointed!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Becker
a Cross Country Rider
from Spokane, WA, USA Date Reviewed: February 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
trail 306 upper preist lake
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1560.00
Purchased At:
Beyond bikes
Strengths:
Pedals uphill very efficiently for a bike with this amount of travel and weight
Weaknesses:
A little expensive, other than that none so far.
Similar Products Used:
Uzzi SLX 03'
Bike Setup:
Large red frame, fox Van 36rc2, hope 2peice rotor m4's, Crossmax xl disc, Sram XO trigger shifters and XO med. cage rear der., FSA carbon megaexo cranks, Easton ec70 oversized bar+ec90 zero seatpost, fizik aliante carbon saddle, thomson x4 stem. oh and xtr front der. and cassette. pc99r hollow pin chain.
Bottom Line:
kick ass bike for an all around, do everything with one bike bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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