2021 Intense Cycles Tazer MX

In the State of Covid-19 the bicycle industry has been booming and we are seeing bike shops completely sold out of all of there bikes no matter the price or sector of riding. Intense Cycles has had deep roots in the moto industry from day one and still to this day they are leaning on the moto market for some outside the box thinking. The motocross racer that gets into Mountain Bikes wants instant gratification. They want to climb the hills with ease and go fast down the hills with ease. The Intense Cycles team has recognized this so they have partnered with Parts Unlimited and developed the Intense Tazer MX that is ony available through your local Motorcycle dealer. I have spent time on the production Intense Tazer so when I the Tazer MX was released I was anxious to throw my leg over it.

My first impression of the bike was how great it looks with it’s dual crown ohlins fork, and coil shock and all new pain scheme. My second thought was where am I going ride this weapon of a bike where it can be utilized to really show off it’s capabilities. Typically a dual crown and coil shock is a direct indication that you are shuttling or taking a lift up the mtn to enjoy the bike for what it is meant for. The Tazer MX has change that narrative with the all new Shimano EP800 drive unit pedal assist drive train. The balance of the bike was great with 170mm of travel up front and the 150mm online shock in the rear had great hold up when climbing with very little movement. The 29er front wheel and 27.5 fatty rear tire is a great set up for roll speed, traction and comfort. Pedaling up the trail the bike feels balanced and nimble unlike a traditional downhill bike. When descending the steep rough sections the dual crown fork had great stability and comfort. The only complaint I had with the fork was that having the dual crown fork my turning radius was stopped by the rubber bumpers so the forks don’t hit the carbon frame. Did I need more turning radius? No! It’s just weird to have the for stop because I don’t spend much time on downhill bike or dual crown fork. When you come from a motorcylce to a Mtb the light weight bikes are a little tougher to get use to when you are trying to jump. The balanced weight distribution of the Tazer MX really allows the new rider to gain confidence jumping right out of the gate. The Magura Brakes work great and I was able to stop the beast of a bike with ease.The Maxxis DHR tires were confident inspiring with great traction and hold up not rolling off the rim under hard breaking or impacts.

The biggest question is the Tazer MX overkillI for you? Well for what I want to do yes! but for the rider who really wants to push the limit, have stability and have a great looking moto inspired bike the Intense Cycles team nailed it. Intense really knocked it out of the park with the attention to detail to pay amish to the latest motocross bike. They have spec’d the bike with Renthal Handle bars, Magura brakes “that are set up like a moto back break on the left” Ohlins forks and shock, front number plate, moto inspired Maxxis tire sizing, ODI grips and some good looking graphics that give the bike that “factory” look. This was a exciting bike to ride and will allow new bike riders to ride with confidence, speed and style once they throw there leg over the bike. Kudos to Intense for pushing the limits and staying core to the moto crowd they have been involved with for over 20 years.

DRIVE UNIT SPECIFICATIONS 

MOTOR: Shimano EP800 Steps Motor 

BATTERY: BT-E8010, FOR STEPS, 504Wh. Battery lock w/2 keys

DISPLAY: Shimano Steps LCD, Bluetooth Compatible

BIKE SPECIFICATIONS 

FRAME: Tazer Optimized Carbon 29” Front and 275+ Rear Triangle, Enduro link Pivot System, Downtube Flak Guard Armor, Internal Derailleur, Brake, Dropper Post, and Display Unit Routing, ISCG 05 Mount, 150mm travel

FORK: Öhlins DH38 Race fork -170mm travel 

REAR SHOCK: Öhlins TTX22M Coil

HEADSET: Cane Creek 40 Series, ZS44/EC49.40

SHIFTERS: Shimano SLX, 11-speed

REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano SLX, 11-speed

CRANKSET: Ethirteen e*spec 34T 165mm BOOST

PEDALS: Black Wellgo

CHAIN: Shimano E-bike, 11 speed

CASSETTE: Shimano SLX 11-42, 11-speed

BRAKES: Magura MT7 Pro (4 Piston) Hydraulic Disc, 203mm Front and Rear

WHEELSET Front: 29” DT Swiss H1700 Hybrid 30mm Inner width, 110x15 MM INCLUDING VALVE & RIM Tape

Rear: 27.5” DT Swiss H1700 Hybrid 35mm Inner width, 148x12MM REAR, 6 BOLT, INCLUDING VALVE & Rim Tape

TIRES Front: 29X2.60, MINION DHR II, FOLDABLE, 120TPI, 3CMAXX TERRA/EXO+/TR

Rear: 27.5X2.8, MINION DHR II, FOLDABLE, 120TPI, 3CMAXX TERRA/EXO+/TR

HANDLEBAR: Renthal Fatbar 35mm diameter 800mm width 30mm Rise

STEM: Renthal Integra 35 Direct Mount

GRIPS: ODI   

SEATPOST: INTENSE Recon Dropper, 31.6mm, 150mm travel w/Raceface Lever 

SADDLE: SDG Bel-Air w/ Cr-Mo Rails

Suggested Retail $7,999 USD