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Submitted by
Gordon Turner
a Weekend Warrior
from Glasgow
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Strengths: | Highly thought of manufacturer, not a common bike (UK). Damm good looking!! | | Weaknesses: | Minor; carbon sticker started (althought not yet) coming of after 18 months, Scottish weather. | | Similar Products Used: | Spesh Enduro, Giant XTC Team. | | Bike Setup: | Fox front and rear, RF everything, Hope disks. | | Bottom Line: | MTBing for 10 years+. Never ridden a bike like this, when you first jump on it, instantly its an extention to your right arm, a long lost twin, in fact it sits as nicely as a free chilled beer at the end of a riding on a summers day.
I will admit I came from a hard tail to the Tracer, so maybe I aimed to high to soon & in terms of the quality of bike I get from now on, things will only stay the same in comparison (or get marginally better). If this is true I dont care, the bike is very good at most things and excellant at all things as far as I'm concerned.
At 28lbs, its no race bike. However it has never felt heavy in any way. I came from a 23lbs race bike & cant tell the diffrence (apart from its instantly more fun). I'm 210lbs and I have hammered this bike for two years with nothing yet to go wrong with it.
I'm not an engineer, so I'm not going to go into any technical waffle about "the back end being stiff" I'll leave that to others who know more than me about these things. What I will say, if you want an excellant bike that will take years of abuse & give years of fun go get a Tracer!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kyle
a Cross Country Rider
from new york
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | all of em | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr classifieds | | Strengths: | makes me better rider. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Sc blur
m5 epic
fisher sugar | | Bike Setup: | what ever I can scrounge from ebay | | Bottom Line: | It is almost wrong how good this frame is. My first ride was like I have owned it forever. I was attacking trails that I had been spit off of for years like they were rail trails. If you can find one of these used within your budget, you are an idiot if you don't buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Eder
a Weekend Warrior
from W. Orange NJ USA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | mountain creek | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$4300.00 | | Purchased At: | Sid's Bike Shop NYC | | Strengths: | great all around bike, not for gram weenies, but acceptable, awesome craftsmanship, a thing of beauty. | | Weaknesses: | I'm on my second set of decals, my first badge got blown off by the wind when on my car rack. But by far my biggest gripe is the replacable derraileur hanger. I'm on my 5th one.! All you need to do is lay the bike down the wrong way and it bends. | | Similar Products Used: | ellsworth truth, Rocky mountain element race | | Bike Setup: | Z1 xfly 100, hope C2, chris king hs, Raceface, Sram, Time, -replaced stock swing link with Uzzi SL - etc. | | Bottom Line: | The adjustability is a definite plus. For trail riding I use the shorter chain stay setup, For shuttle runs I switch it to the longer setting and throw on some 2.35 DH tires. It pretty much handles most of the things I throw at it. I do use discernment though, after all It's not a DH rig, so I wouldn't attempt 10 foot drops. It's just the hanger that gives my reason to gripe. I know it's better the hanger than your derraileur, but in all the other bikes I had with replacable hangers, I never had to replace them that frequently. I've probably spent over $100 on hangers alone. If it weren't for that I'd give it 5 chilis, because this bike can do it all | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Hayter
a Cross Country Rider
from Guildford, UK
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Peak Trail, Brekenridge | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Direct from UK importer | | Strengths: | Very laterally stiff; smooth, adjustable suspension; very well built; confidence inspiring ride... | | Weaknesses: | Er, let me think... the paint's not so tough... er... that's about it. | | Similar Products Used: | Raven, FSR, Serotta, G-Zero. | | Bike Setup: | XTR hubs, shifters, brakes, derailleurs. Race Face headset, cranks and seatpost. Easton EC70 flat bars, Titiec carbon bar ends, Bontrager Mustang Rims, Syncros stem, Time ATAC pedals, Fox F80RLT. | | Bottom Line: | Well, it's almost 3 years since I last wrote a review of this bike, and a lot has happened. First off, I took the bike to Brekenridge, CO and Moab, UT for a riding holiday. What a blast! But the bike was much better suited for the trip than I was, I was SO unfit... All the same, the Tracer was superb, so confidence inspiring ripping downhill in Brekenridge and eating to bumps in Utah. Due to lack of fitness, I fell about 1.5 miles into the Slickrock Trail and cut myself pretty badly, so instead of testing the bike on that trail I had to walk back to the truck, dripping blood...
On the rooty forested mountain tracks of Brekenridge, the bike couldn't really be faulted. Superb geometry, very stiff rear end. Cool. Never was happy with that Rock Shox rear shock, though.
One area where the bike did proove difficult was very short, very steep climbs. I kept falling off the back. I couldn't figure out what was going on! I figured I didn't like riser bars after all...
On my return to England, I played a game of football (sorry, "soccer") and hurt my knee. Off the bike for 20 months. Bummer.
Got a few rides in last summer, but was never happy with the suspension feel on the less challenging trails where I live.
So we get to 2003. Toy with the idea of getting a Specialized Epic, but it's too much money. So I chage the bars and front forks, moving to Easton EC70s with bar ends and Fox F80RLTs.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE!
The Fox forks are superb (see my review of them) and really complement the bike. Feels like a whole new bike, in fact -- a better one!
Even though I've put on even more weight, the bike handles it superbly, never flexing under power. And it's still pretty damn light, too. My next move is to get the SID rear shock re-valved to cope better with my fat gut...
This is one of the greatest bikes of all time.
But I haven't tried a Spider XVP yet... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason S
a Cross Country Rider
from Calhoun,Georgia,USA
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bear Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Atlanta Cycling | | Strengths: | Atteniton to detail. Adjustability. Not everyone has one. | | Weaknesses: | The decals were a little nicked but the frame had been built by the dealer so it could have happened there. Give me a break, I'm looking for a weakness. | | Similar Products Used: | Numerous hartails, and a few other FS bikes, but I read all the articles and new this is what I wanted | | Bike Setup: | Large frame, Manitou X-vert, All XTR except XT V-brakes & Chris King hubs. Chris King headset, Race Face cranks & stem, Thompson seat post, Time pedals, Mavic X618 ceramic rims, Profile carbon bars, UDI lock on grips. | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden many bikes in my 7 years of mountain biking, but this one is the absolute best. There is none of the rear end flex that I had come to believe was just something I was going to have to accept due to my weight(230lbs.) after riding may other FS bikes. I have tried the 3" travel setting, although this was only due to the fact that the kid at the bike shop had no idea what he was selling me, and could not offer me a owners manual or a warranty card, but I am currently running the bike in the 4" setting with the slacker head angle. The head angle felt a liitle steep in the 3" setting so I opted for the slacker setting.
As others have already stated, I was truly amazed with the customer service I received from Intense. When I called shortly after purchasing the frame, and told my dealer story, I was sent an owners manual, a Manitou manual for the OL shock, a warranty card, and two Intense catalogs, within 3 days. The sales manager who answered the phone acted as if he had nothing better to do than to stay on the phone as long as I wanted and answer the many questions I had about linkage, wheelbase, and shock set-up.
This alone erased any concerns I had following my dealer episode.
I highly recommend the company and their product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkeley
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo (LA) | | Strengths: | Solid construction, adjustablity, FSR/Horst link design | | Weaknesses: | weight (compared to other trailbikes), minor paint durability issues, derailleur clanking | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized M4 FSR XC ('00), Ventana El Habanero (like the Marble Peak) | | Bike Setup: | XTR, Marzocchi Atom Bomb, Race Face, etc. | | Bottom Line: | I moved to this bike from a Specialized M4 FSR and I have been impressed but not overwhelmed. In the 3" setting it did not feel substantially more plush than the M4, though the 4" setting is better. The handling is more solid, and the rear end stiffer than the M4, but I think the handling is also a bit slower -- probably better for fast downhills but not very agile through tight singletrack. With a 100mm fork it would be even slower (I had an 80mm fork). The frame geometry is well suited to general trail riding (and the top tube is much more appropriate than the stunted, very short Specialized frames) but I wouldn't race on the Tracer, even in the 3" mode.
That said, the suspension design is great; I don't think you can beat the standard four-bar, Horst link setup. The rear end is quite stiff and the whole bike is way overbuilt and very solid. This also accounts for its weight: my medium is at least 6 pounds, whereas the Specialized was about 5.5 and other frames, like the Ellsworth Truth, claim to be even lighter.
One quibble: as with many Horst-link designs, the rear derailleur hits the chainstay and makes noise constantly on downhills. I eventually zip-tied a piece of rubber to the XTR r. der. to solve this problem, but it's the sort of minor detail you might expect to be worked out already on a $1600 frame (I've seen other, cheaper designs that include this kind of padding). My decals were also not perfectly straight. Also, rather bizarrely, I have noticed that some of the paint rubs off when I clean the bike with 409-type cleaner and a paper towel. The paint is now a bit more matte instead of nice and shiny. Stick to simple soap and water, perhaps??
As others have noted, it takes a bit of time to get the rear shock dialed in. For a long time I couldn't seem to find the right balance between a higher shock pressure that reduced initial sag, and rebound damping that kept me from being bounced off the saddle on hard hits but didn't cause the rear end to feel sluggish. I have finally found a happy medium but it took a lot of experimentation.
The bottom line: by any reasonable standard this is a great bike, with a very efficient and time-tested rear suspension design, extremely sturdy construction, and useful and practical adjustability. What it is not is a light, or quick-handling, full suspension racer. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Manny E.
a
from Austin,Tx.U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Barton Creek Greenbelt- @ 360 entrance | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Excellent construction,and the materials are first rate.
Well engineered design.
Very attractive design lines!
| | Weaknesses: | No FRAME weaknesses!
Aesthetics:
Paint does chip/peel-off.
The DECALS on the bottom tube,and top tube (for 2001 models,at least) peel-off with exposure to water/wet conditions. The "TRACER" moniker is ok. | | Bike Setup: | Race Face stem,post,handlebar,cranks,gears,BB.
XT on the rest. 517 rims. Panaracer FIRE XC Pro tires. | | Bottom Line: |
This is the only bike that I'd buy,if I could only have one bike in the world!
I've ridden some good bikes,including: Kona King-Kikapoo; Klein Adept Pro; GT I-drive 1.0 ;Titus Racer-X & Switchblade; Turner XCE (?); Ellsworth Truth 2000 & 2001; Giant,Cannondale,Trek & Gary Fisher.
They're all excellent bikes,and I really like them all!
But as I said above: I could only get ONE bike,last year.
....So I picked the best bike for me --which just happens to be the best bike you can get! INTENSE TRACER.
It's more popular than ever;especially in California,where Intense operates from. But it will NEVER lose it's e-x-c-l-u-s-i-v-i-t-y,as some reviewers may have written,or implied. A good bike never gets overlooked!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Colfax, Calif, USA
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | So far...2nd divide (d'ville) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Over engineered, Bulletproof construction, adjustability, ride, stability, asthetic quality, compatibility. | | Weaknesses: | ha..Stickers. i havent had stickers on mine for a while. limited seat height adjustability due to interupted seat post. rear derailler and brake cable (rim brakes) routing at junction of seat tower & shock linkage. No replacable derailler hanger.
| | Similar Products Used: |
Ellsworth Truth, Specialized FSR, & SC Heckler. | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi Z3 LT, Fox vanilla R , RF Turbine Crankset, Action tec Ti BB, XT front derailler, Sram 9.0 SL shifters & rear derailler, XTR 12-32 Cassette, Mavic 317's, Avid mech disc brakes, 2.3 Conti Vert Pro (f), 2.1 Pana XC Pro (r). RF air alloy 1" riser, Easton 60 90o stem, SDG belair saddle. | | Bottom Line: | most recent build makes this bike the "GOD" of all trail bikes. I have beat the daylights outta this bike and it keeps coming back with a vengence. Its handling and attributes just seem to improve when built with more durable parts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy
a Cross Country Rider
from Stamford, CT
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Mianus River Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Northeast Bicycles, Stamford CT | | Strengths: | Horst link suspension, cartridge sealed bearings, adjustable geometry and travel, f*%@ing sweet looking. | | Weaknesses: | none once you have itdialed in to your desired geometry | | Similar Products Used: | Y2K K2 Evo Pro 2.0; 1999 Giant XTC DS2 | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox Psylo SL, XTR drivetrain, XT brakes and shifters, White Industry cranks, kore stem and handlbar, Azonic seatpost, Mavic Crossride wheels with 2.1 IRC Mythos XC tires | | Bottom Line: | I had read several reviews on this bike before I bough it and one resonates in my mind: "This bike makes you a better rider." It is true. It inspires confidence - it will have you riding harder, jumping higher, clearing things that you previously couldn't in no time. Part of the reason is its solid foundation. This is a finely built, durable steed.
It's riding chracteristics are literally point and shoot. The bike tracks exceptionally well. The suspension is supple and almost unnoticable on small bumps. It climbs like a three balled mountain goat on crack. You have the ability to lockout the suspension, but I haven't found a need for that yet. The Horst link (or FSR) suspension does an excellent job of dealing with pedal bob, especially on climbs. The bike itself isn't the lightest out there on the market, but at no time does the bike feel heavy. I honestly climb better than I did on my 23 lbs. titanium hardtail (that I sold to buy this baby).
One thing to keep in mind when purchasing this bike is that the geometry and the travel are adjustable. The first time I rode it I was unhappy with the way I felt, especially on the climbs. With help from my bike mechanic, we talked about my riding style and dialed it in perfectly. The feel was immediately evident the next ride. Keep this is mind, should you demo one or hop on one and aren't happy with it's geometry. WHatever your preference, the bike can be dialed in to fit your needs.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Buy one. Don't worry about cost b/c as soon as you ride it, you will get an immediate return on your investment. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paulo Abreu
a Weekend Warrior
from Portugal-Madeira Island
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Shop | | Strengths: | Quality build, flawless suspension design, Fox Float RC, Geometry, Bearing pivots, weight, made to last, adjustability. | | Weaknesses: | What ? | | Similar Products Used: | Several other susp bikes (owned Trek VRX500) | | Bike Setup: | Race Face cockpit, Manitou X-Vert Air 2001, Cookbros E cranks, King, XTR, Hayes Hydraulic, DT Onyx hubs, F519 rims and Conti Vertical Pro tires | | Bottom Line: | Undoubtly the best bike i had and, for me, the best i tried so far. Intense hit the goal to make a bike that can manage every challenge with "A" plus. I ride it on the more "Downhill" setup that gives me for confidence on speed and still fine for single tracks and fire roads (longest wheel base and less stepier head angle). A had several rigid frames and suspension frames, but sorry to say for now, this is my last one ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ashley Wright
a Weekend Warrior
from Godalming, Surrey, England
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | North Downs / Puttengham | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | www.beyondmountainbikes.com | | Strengths: | No flex, Sealed bearings, Horst Link, Well built, lots of mud clearence | | Weaknesses: | Paint a bit thin, Fox shock leaks (but I can't blame Intense for that) could have better disc brake mountings | | Similar Products Used: | FSR XC, Whyte PRST1, | | Bike Setup: | 18", with Judy Sl's (100mm) 4 inch travel with steep head angle, full XT gears, race face low riser bars, 100mm stem, hope/f519 wheels and hope C2 disc brakes (weighs about 26lbs) - in gloriuos black and silver | | Bottom Line: | WOW - the best bike I have ever ridden. I weigh 210lbs and I fly on this thing. The bike is set up for long distance cross country with a bit of free riding thrwon in and it handles it all perfectly. I had a bit of leakage from the FOX shock (no surprises there!) and the paint has started to rub off quite badly on the rear suspension arms, but apart from that I have put over 1000 miles of UK mud onto the frame in a very short while. This bike enables me to cycle for an extra hour easily.
The only problem is the UK importer went belly up, and the wait times are over 3 months here. Plus the bike is becoming very popular and starting to lose some of it's excusitivity. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Riverside,California
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Angeles Oaks | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$5000.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Extremely tight, and stable. Rides like a dream. Unlimited adjustability. All around great bike. I was unhappy with the performance and lack of attention to detail. The customer service was the main reason for switching bikes. Intense has been extremely pleasant to deal with. I have had a small warrantee issue, and was prompted to contact them directly. The expirience was the oposite of what I was used to dealing with the other guys. Absolutely proffesional, as well as efficient, and curtious. I am a very happy camper. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized S Works M4 Stumpjumber FS | | Bike Setup: | Marzochi Z-1 Xfly w 4" of air travel. Custom Built Chris King Disk Wheelset. Complete XTR. Panaracer Fire tires. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike so much, thats obvious by my Email adress. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fred santos
a Weekend Warrior
from ny
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | saxon woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | versatile frame w/ lots of adjustments. strong welding & gussets. beautiful engineering. xcellent climber & descender. confidence inspiring, lots-o-funnn!! | | Weaknesses: | u serious?? none whatsoever | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale super v, haro ex1, many others...none of which come even close! | | Bike Setup: | tracer frame, psylo sl(5"), hayes hydro, xtr f&r der.,xt shifters. lp riser bars, vuelta xcalibur rims w/ nokian 2.3s. raceface cranks(next lps), rf stem, rf seatpost (xy), king headset, salsa qrs | | Bottom Line: | write-ups on this frame- no exaggerations. absolutely best trailbike on earth. versatile, strong, beefy, and still remains feathery. props to jeff steber. intense reps at customer service are friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable--very important. buy one...quickly! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack Rector
a Racer
from Palo Alto
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2001 | | Favoriate 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
Adam Davidson
a Cross Country Rider
from Chelmsford MA
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Tophet Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | The Cycle Loft | | Strengths: | Very Stiff, suave travel, love the adjustability, beefy... | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Trek VRX (ewww...no ofense dan), Sugar, GT XCR 2k | | Bike Setup: | Grey ano frame, xt crank, brakes, shifters and full drivetrain, king headset, RF stem, icon riser, RF post, sun rhynolites, Spec. team treads, odi lock ons, shim. slalom platform spds, marzocchi z3 bam 80 | | Bottom Line: | I love this frame. It was worth the money, very beefed frame. Smooth travel, stiff rear, love it. Look into one if you're going for high end fs! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from AZ
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Sealed bearings on every pivot. Companys warranty reputation. Build quality | | Weaknesses: | Not much mud clearance between bottom braket and swingarm. Sand and mud wore all the paint off in that area. | | Similar Products Used: | 93' GT Karakoram. 97' Cannondale F2000 | | Bike Setup: | Marzoochi Z1 CR, XT, Cris King | | Bottom Line: | This is my first taste of a full suspension bike. I am completely amazed every time I ride it. I can not belive the way this bike takes all of the skill out of riding. In a way I don't like that because I am afraid that the bike will make me lazy. There is nothing this bike does not do flawlessly.
I'm not the a guy that buys a new bike every couple of years. I wanted a bike that would last a long time. With sealed bearings at every pivot, and a very sturdy frame and swing arm, there shouldn't be any problems.
Intense has a reputation for outstanding customer service. Not likely that I'll ever need it.
If you want a well made bike that does not flex in any way, goes exacty where you point it, makes you feel invincible, and will last a very long time. Buy the Intense Tracer. Worth every penny. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Chapel Hill, NC
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Snowshoe and Tsali | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1649.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Solid construction. Sealed bearings. Excellent reputation and reliability record. | | Weaknesses: | Expensive but you get what you pay for. | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 Klein Mantra Race | | 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: | 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 by both Mountain Bike and Moutain Bike Action magazines. To be sure, there are bikes that probably climb better, there ar 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 17 and 18". Always read the fine lines. So far I have put about 100 miles on it...I will post a second review in about 6 months to comment on durability. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Racer
from Washington, DC
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | hmmmm | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | I didn't buy this bike. I just demo'd it. IT IS FREAKING AMAZING! It's like getting 2 years of experience just by changing your bike. Floats over anything. | | Weaknesses: | Unless you go all out to get ultralight parts, the thing will weigh at least 26 lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | FOES FXC, Santa Cruz Superlight | | Bike Setup: | Twas full xtr. | | Bottom Line: | If you plan on racing, seriously, then this bike may not be for you. It is on the heavy side with a solid xtr drivetrain, and that's why I chose the FXC, which is a pound lighter. It is a perfect trailbike for people who race on occasion. It makes you a better rider just by sitting on it. You feel like you can do anything on it. I wish I could buy this bike for riding, and also afford a top-drawer race bike but I can't. Peace out yall. BTW it gets FIVE for value even though it costs a lot because it's one bike that is actually worth a sky-high tag. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | The Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikesource | | Strengths: | Proven rear suspension setup, bomb-proof frame quality, jet-fighter handling, smooth and adjustable ride, killer image and looks. This thing climbs and descends smooth without any hassles. Due to its light weight, the Tracer shines in an increadibly wide spectrum of terrains. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't noticed anything yet. Wait for a follow up. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar, Cannondale Jeckyl | | Bike Setup: | All XT, Manitou SX 100 fork, Easton CT-2 Carbon Handlebar, Profile Design Carbon Bar-ends, Selle flite titanium saddle, Control Tech seatpost, Bontrager Mustang wheels, Kore Elite stem, Michelin Wildgripper Lite tires. | | Bottom Line: | You get what you pay for and then some. This price might seem like a lot for a bike to some people. But its not when you get the absolute best in return. This bike doesn't just ride well, it inspires confidence and makes you a better rider - and it puts a big grin on your face.
One nore thing: it unfortunately attracts crowds. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Phipps
a Cross Country Rider
from Eagle River, WI
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | porcupine rim | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$4500.00 | | Purchased At: | Joe's Cyclery & Repair | | Strengths: | The bike climbs awesome, excellent downhill, fun in singletrack a little tall but good for logs ,lite 24 lbs.quality welds& workmanship excellent customer service., | | Weaknesses: | Feels a little tall. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS TEAM, GT RTS TEAM, RTS 1,GT TEAN I DRIVE XC | | Bike Setup: | ZOKES Z2 X FLY, FULL XTR, KING HS, CANE CREEK TEAM TI WHEELSET, THOMSON SEATPOST, FLITE SEAT, GORE CABLES. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first bike with an air shock & fork combo and I am very impressed! I have raced the Chequamegon FAT TIRE 40 every year since 96 and this year felt slower than years past but finished 5 min. faster than best finish. Tried playing with lockout but works better if you leave it alone. Overall the most complete bike I have ever ridden ,Idon`t think you could find a better dream bike than this!HANDS DOWN BEST XC FS on the market. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Phipps
a Cross Country Rider
from Eagle River, WI
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | porcupine rim | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$4500.00 | | Purchased At: | Joe's Cyclery & Repair | | Strengths: | The bike climbs awesome, excellent downhill, fun in singletrack a little tall but good for logs ,lite 24 lbs.quality welds& workmanship excellent customer service., | | Weaknesses: | Feels a little tall. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS TEAM, GT RTS TEAM, RTS 1,GT TEAN I DRIVE XC | | Bike Setup: | ZOKES Z2 X FLY, FULL XTR, KING HS, CANE CREEK TEAM TI WHEELSET, THOMSON SEATPOST, FLITE SEAT, GORE CABLES. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first bike with an air shock & fork combo and I am very impressed! I have raced the Chequamegon FAT TIRE 40 every year since 96 and this year felt slower than years past but finished 5 min. faster than best finish. Tried playing with lockout but works better if you leave it alone. Overall the most complete bike I have ever ridden ,Idon`t think you could find a better dream bike than this!HANDS DOWN BEST XC FS on the market. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul DeCamp
a Cross Country Rider
from Silver Spring, MD
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Local and WVA | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Filz Built | | Strengths: | Frame adjustability and, of course, the bearing pivots in the rear suspension. Bike seems tough. | | Weaknesses: | The first frame sent to me was misaligned from the factory to such an extent that I feel that they must have rushed it out the door. The rear wheel alignment was visibly off and the ride was affected (a noticable pull to right). This would be easily seen on their alignment jig. The replacement frame came with a bent derailer hanger. Guess what? No marks on box means to me that they sent it out that way. They sent another hanger out to me immediately (plus a free spare). Good thing that its a bolt-on item.
For me, there are apparent quality control issues at factory.
They were nice about it, though.
Also, my complete bike ended up being on the heavey side (~28lb) | | Similar Products Used: | Many different cross country rides at the high end since 1987 (yes, 1987) | | Bike Setup: | Thompson post & stem,race face, Hayes disc, other nice stuff | | Bottom Line: | Quality control is a big issue for a frame at this price point. I would tend to excuse cheaper stuff. But what about a $1500 frame?
Even with my experience, I still like the bike.
When you buy one of these, make sure to check out the alignment.
If you want to know how I checked the alignment on mine, email me at pdecamp@quatrefoil.com. Its easier than you think.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Fremont
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Toads | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Kalos | | Strengths: | Scalpel like handling , fairly light , good climber, and superb on downhill sections. Looks better than anything out there . | | Weaknesses: | Warranty - 2 years is a joke . WAKE up over there at I ntense and offer at least 5 years if not lifetime because this frame is not cheap . Black paint sratches very easy . | | Similar Products Used: | Fsr , 4 Banger , Cannondale , Klien Mantra , and Santa Cruz Superlight . | | Bike Setup: | King hubs and headset , XTR drivetrain , Titec Ti stem , Monkey bars , Philwood Ti bottom bracket , Race Face cranks , 517 rims , WTB pedals , Z1 X Fly fork and SRP bolts everywhere. Bike weighs 24 and 3/4 pounds . | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bike I have ever ridden. It climbs good and will destroy the Superlight I just sold on any downhill section . You can late brake on the rough sections and still be in total contol . Turns quicker than anything I have ridden and is a blast on jumps . Now I know why all the mags are giving this thing rave reviews , it is the best all arounder that money can buy . Get your order in early or get left out . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed Berra
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood, CO
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hall Ranch; Lyons, CO | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheatridge Cyclery | | Strengths: | Solid Construction, Awesome handling, excellent adjustibility, and it sure is perty!
When I bought the bike I was psyched about the shock lockout, but the thing climbs so damn well while fully active I never even use the lock out. The bike inspires confidence and tracks like it's on rails. | | Weaknesses: | This frame has no noticeable weaknesses. If you're riding a Tracer and it feels less than perfect, it's probably due to component selection, not the frame. The one setback I did experience is that the metal Intense name plate did come off the front of the headtube. I'm so distrought! Guess they need to glue those suckers on there better.
Also, for $1,500 it would be nice if the frame came with a shock pump. | | Similar Products Used: | GT STS | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR 9-spd. groupo, Mavic 517 CD ceramic rims w/King hubs, Manitou X-Vert Super fork (105mm), Kore Elite stem. | | Bottom Line: | I look at it this way...you can buy a cheaper frame and spend the rest of your natural born life tinkering with components to try and find the perfect ride, or you can just get a Tracer and fahgeddabout it. People give me major crap for spending so much on my bike, but it was worth the extra cost. This bike is friggin' sweet! It looks good, it performs like a dream, and it will last a long damn time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Mathis
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield, VA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Schaeffer Farms, Md | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1499.00 | | Purchased At: | Filz Built Bikes | | Strengths: | Rigid, Lightweight Suspension, durability, adjustability... | | Weaknesses: | Rear Brake and Shifter Cable Routing: Kinda tricky, cause if you measure them on the rack, when you sit on the bike you'll have cables everywhere, gotta run them long, smooth, and zip tie them to the mini-link... | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Sedona; C_dale M300, Delta V 500, Super V900; Haro Escape; Cove Stiffee; Intense Uzzi SL | | Bike Setup: | Large Frame, Z1-Alloy, 110mm, +5-degee Thompson Stem, RF 1.5 Risers & Seatpost, etc. etc.. | | Bottom Line: | Granted, I've only ripped on this bike twice since I purchased it...but being a previous owner of a Uzzi SL I can't help but note my observations now...what a significant difference!
Me: 6'1", 225-lb
My Riding: East Coast Single Track, Roots, Rocks, Technical Hills, Log Obstacles, Drop Offs, and chutes hear and there...prefer dry conditions...primarily ride moist to mud.
1. Frame. Not as adjustable as the SL, but you can adjust the shock position and more importantly the wheel base. I have the frame set up on with the shortest wheel base possible; this tucks more of my weight over the rear and significantly facilitates climbing and makes it easier to launch up the front wheel. At 6'1", I'd say the frame is a little smallish and can't imagine the set up a taller person has to endure. I have an Race Face XY, with the 1" set back and I'm running a 110mm stem w/ 5-degree rise. This gives me an effective top tube length of 23.5 inches, which is perfect for me. A taller person can run a 130-135-mm stem, but that makes the bike so nose heavy, I can't see how all of its attributes can be appreciated (specifically: turning, descending, and obstacle negotiation). I'm also a fan of the break-away derailuer hanger, about time this was put on Intense bikes...way to go! |
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