Intense Primer test
In the world of trail/all mountain bikes it’s getting tougher and tougher to find the bike that can do it all. Our Swapmoto live team does a lot of our testing in southern California where the optimal amount travel would be 140-150mm of travel front and rear travel, but the issue that most of us have is when the bike parks open in the late spring and summer months 140-150mm of travel isn’t enough to gain confidence in the bike park. We all want a bike that we can ride locally that climbs like an XC bike, but descends like a DH bike when needed. After spending a few weeks on the bike at multiple different trails I’m really happy with the way I was able to adapt to the Primer coming from a 160mm travel bike. The cockpit was extremely comfy with a 450mm/17.72” “Medium” top tube was comfortable and I didn’t feel stretched out while climbing.
When it came too climbing the Primer I was extremely impressed with the response when applying power to the pedals. The JS trail link system coupled with the FOX shock allows the bike to accelerate without too much squat or movement that would slowdown my drive climbing. The 65.9 degree head angle did not hinder my turning or ability to make tight switch backs when I was climbing due to the top tube being not too stretched out.
We have established that the Primer is responsive and quick climbing so will the bike descend is as well? The answer is yes! After riding multiple trails and types of terrain the stability of the bike was great and the Fox fork and shock were very balanced. A few things that stood out to me was the stability jumping and smashing through rock gardens and rough trails, but going back to the response element I can say when I would come to a near stop in a turn I could get back up to speed immediately. This snappy, aggressive feel comes from the innovative JS trail link.
The bike is equipped with a great build kit using the industry standard Sram 12speed, FOX suspension, e-thirteen wheels, Intense carbon bars, Intense Stem and Shimano XT brakes for reliable stopping power.
So, the question you all want to know. Is the Intense Primer my next bike? If you are riding your local trails and they demand 140-160 range of travel it is a bike you should really look into. It looks awesome with aggressive paint, it pedals great descends with ease, and you can have a blast each and every time you are riding it. If you are a moto guy this is the KTM 350 vs 450. With that being said If you are a guy who likes to shuttle or take lifts up the mtn I would say the Intense Carbine is better suited for you, but before you make any decision get to the Intense Cycles Factory and demo one for yourself because you won’t be disappointed.
Frame: Primer 29in carbon frame, carbon top link, Titanium hardware. 140mm travel.
Fork: Fox Factory 34 / 150MM / Boost
Shock: Fox Factory DPX2 / 210MM x 50MM
Wheelset: E13 LG1 Enduro Race 30MM / Boost
Rear mech: Sram X01 Eagle 12sp
Shifter: Sram GX Eagle 12sp
Crank: Tru-Vativ Stylo 6K Eagle 12sp / DUB / 32t / 170MM / Boost
Cassette: Sram XG 1295 Eagle 12sp / 10-50t
Brakes: Shimano XT M8020 Front / Shimano XT M8000 Rear
Dropper: Fox Factory Transfer 31.6MM / 125MM SM / 150MM MD-LG / 175MM
Bar: Intense Recon Carbon 780MM
Stem: Intense Recon Elite 50MM
Grips: Intense
Seat: Fabric Scoop Radius Elite
Sizes: S/M/L/XL
Price: $5,599