The Intense Cycles Tracer 275 is the natural progression of their popular Tracer VPP All Mountain bike. The Tracer 275 features 5.5 or 6" of travel (adjustable shock mount) and is made right here in the USA at the Intense factory in Temecula, CA. In fact, that is a key factor that allows the 'small' guy, like Jeff Steber (founder of Intense Cycles) to be able to take a current design, adapt it and refine it for the new 27.5" wheel platform and to be able to offer bikes available now, months before other manufacturers even have their prototypes ready.
Although very similar in design to the carbon-framed Carbine 275, there are a few differences aside from weight and price. The Tracer is longer, steeper and higher than the Carbine. The wheelbase is longer by almost an inch at at 45.4 inches. The head tube is a half a degree steeper at 67.5 and the bottom bracket is lower by .4 inches at 13.3 unsagged. We can't really explain the logic behind these differences other than different design roots for each bike.
In this video, Francis gives us the low down on the Intense Cycles Tracer 275 and how it compares to its carbon brother, the Carbine 275.
The Tracer 275 is very stable at speed and instills a sense of confidence that will have you going big. The VPP design is tried and true and is reason number one for the great climbing prowess of the Tracer 275. Even with the suspension fully open, it is still an efficient climber. As with the Carbine, the VPP design allows the Tracer to corner really well, especially when proper loaded. Possibly the only area that we felt could use a bit of improvement is in the bikes small bump compliance. It handles the medium to big stuff with ease but over some of the smaller bumps, we couldn't quite get the same plushness we prefer. For jumps, drops and hucks the Tracer 275 is awesome as the whole frame is stout. The front triangle is beefy and it is complemented by huge chainstays that minimize any lateral flex. The machine will go where you point it and it will carve a line with minimal deflection
Although very similar in design to the carbon-framed Carbine 275, there are a few differences aside from weight and price. The Tracer is longer, steeper and higher than the Carbine. The wheelbase is longer by almost an inch at at 45.4 inches. The head tube is a half a degree steeper at 67.5 and the bottom bracket is lower by .4 inches at 13.3 unsagged. We can't really explain the logic behind these differences other than different design roots for each bike.
In this video, Francis gives us the low down on the Intense Cycles Tracer 275 and how it compares to its carbon brother, the Carbine 275.
The Tracer 275 is very stable at speed and instills a sense of confidence that will have you going big. The VPP design is tried and true and is reason number one for the great climbing prowess of the Tracer 275. Even with the suspension fully open, it is still an efficient climber. As with the Carbine, the VPP design allows the Tracer to corner really well, especially when proper loaded. Possibly the only area that we felt could use a bit of improvement is in the bikes small bump compliance. It handles the medium to big stuff with ease but over some of the smaller bumps, we couldn't quite get the same plushness we prefer. For jumps, drops and hucks the Tracer 275 is awesome as the whole frame is stout. The front triangle is beefy and it is complemented by huge chainstays that minimize any lateral flex. The machine will go where you point it and it will carve a line with minimal deflection