[mooch91]

Hi all,

I jumped on the recent deal to purchase the new Intense 951 carbon in a size large at the $3200 price point from Costco. I've ridden it a few times and really like it over my 26" hardtail bike. I'm finding it very capable and comfortable compared to what I've been used to.

The only drawback I've seen with the bike is that the dropper seatpost is about 1/2-1" too high when at its lowest point. I'm 5'10" 200 lb. and solidly in the middle of the range for a large, but I question if I should be in a medium instead. I can't imagine someone at 5'8" (which is the lower end of the range for large) being able to use this dropper without having to stop it short of full extension each time.

As I'm contemplating returning the bike, I stopped by the local Trek dealer who has a new Fuel EX 8 XT available for a couple hundred more than what I paid for the Intense. Aluminum vs. carbon, slightly shorter travel, better spec components (I would think), about the same weight. And they sized me up for a medium too.

What would you do? Keep the Intense and move to a shorter dropper post, or move to the Trek?

Thanks!

 

[eb1888]

XT is better than NX but the 36 fork is better than a 34. Both weigh about 30lbs. The Fuel will have better resale down the road. See if you can demo it on a trail. Trek has a M and ML.

If you bought the 951 from Costco keep the box so you can return it under their no time limit return policy. Unless there's an exclusive or time limit in the description.

 

[motard5]

You need to provide more fitment details if you expect a singular response like that. Does the rest of the bike fit well besides the seat height issue, indicating you have short legs/long torso for your height? If so, then going down to a Trek M you'd likely find the reach cramped, as its near 30mm shorter than Intense/Trek L. The Trek ML likely fits best, as it splits the difference in seat-tube lengths (450-435-420mm). Also let's assume the rest of the Intense L fits well, and its your tiny legs that are the issue. Looking at the 951's seat-tube frame, it looks perfectly straight, so you should be able to slam the Intense dropper all the way where the collars meet. If true, and 150mm of drop is still high, that indicates the frame's 450mm seat-tube length is simply too long for those wee legs. At your height you should expect a modern frame to fit well and have 150mm of usable dropper travel. If you cannot slam the Intense dropper all the way due to its design, then a OneUp dropper with super low stack height and shimmable travel could solve the issue.

Bottom line though this is why I encourage all new riders to buy their first couple bikes at their LBS and to get properly fitted. Online bikes are for people that already know what geometry they need. Since you're already ridden your bike on trails, how are you expecting to return it?

 

[mooch91]

You need to provide more fitment details if you expect a singular response like that. Does the rest of the bike fit well besides the seat height issue, indicating you have short legs/long torso for your height? If so, then going down to a Trek M you'd likely find the reach cramped, as its near 30mm shorter than Intense/Trek L. The Trek ML likely fits best, as it splits the difference in seat-tube lengths (450-435-420mm). Also let's assume the rest of the Intense L fits well, and its your tiny legs that are the issue. Looking at the 951's seat-tube frame, it looks perfectly straight, so you should be able to slam the Intense dropper all the way where the collars meet. If true, and 150mm of drop is still high, that indicates the frame's 450mm seat-tube length is simply too long for those wee legs. At your height you should expect a modern frame to fit well and have 150mm of usable dropper travel. If you cannot slam the Intense dropper all the way due to its design, then a OneUp dropper with super low stack height and shimmable travel could solve the issue.

Bottom line though this is why I encourage all new riders to buy their first couple bikes at their LBS and to get properly fitted. Online bikes are for people that already know what geometry they need. Since you're already ridden your bike on trails, how are you expecting to return it?

If Intense specs the large size for those starting at 5'8", I have no idea how the 150 mm dropper will work. I didn't think I had terribly short legs, but not very long either. About average.

 

[Pisgah]

I used to own a Fuel (aluminum) back in the 26er days. It was a tough bike that rode well. I took it on multiple creek rides. I think I changed the bearings once, and she was tight as new. The problem with Treks today is the stupid Knock Block.

 

[AKamp]

Did you get the Sniper based 951 or the Primer. I am just shy of 5’9” and ride a medium Sniper. My son is 5’10” and we just got him a Large 951 XC which is the Sniper. I fit on his bike but it is a tad long for me. Seat slammed all the way to the collar is just right extension wise and I have a 31inch inseam. Pretty sure it was spec with a 150 dropper. XT is definitely nicer spec then the NX but that is an easy swap as things wear out. We went ahead and just swapped shifters and derailleur on his bike straight out of the box. Cost 200 for a xtr shifter and Xt rear derailleur. Will probably get 125 or so on eBay for the NX so I think it is a worthy upgrade. The rear derailleur was significantly lighter.

 

[mooch91]

Did you get the Sniper based 951 or the Primer. I am just shy of 5'9" and ride a medium Sniper. My son is 5'10" and we just got him a Large 951 XC which is the Sniper. I fit on his bike but it is a tad long for me. Seat slammed all the way to the collar is just right extension wise and I have a 31inch inseam. Pretty sure it was spec with a 150 dropper. XT is definitely nicer spec then the NX but that is an easy swap as things wear out. We went ahead and just swapped shifters and derailleur on his bike straight out of the box. Cost 200 for a xtr shifter and Xt rear derailleur. Will probably get 125 or so on eBay for the NX so I think it is a worthy upgrade. The rear derailleur was significantly lighter.

I got the Primer-based version the Trail.

I did realize last night I had about 1/8-1/4" additional space to lower the seatpost. I'm going to check today to see if it made any difference in the pedal feel.

Did you use the existing chain and gears with just the shifter/derailleur change?

 

[AKamp]

yes on existing chain and cassette. Doesn’t shift as well as full Shimano but shifts pretty well.