"Grey Haze" Intense Cycles Sniper T

November 25, 2023 mike sleeter

“Grey Haze” My 2023 Intense Cycles Sniper T

When building my latest XC bike I was really torn to what I wanted to accomplish with this build. In 2023 I spent a lot of time on the Sniper FRO and this bike really changed my outlook on how much of an advantage an XC bike can be when using the lightest best products in the market. The Fro was just under 10 kilos and accelerated like an e-bike when putting power to the pedals. I loved this bike so much that it was my go to bike for most of my rides when it was really intended for just my XC racing. The issue is most of riding is at my local spot Nerang forest and for those who know Nerang understand how rocky and rough it is. On my daily rides I felt like I was destroying this beautiful bike and on top of that 100mm of travel didn’t seem to be enough as I just got a little beat up from the constant pounding my local trails give you. You might say, why don’t you just ride the Sniper T? Yes the Sniper T’s platform at 120mm is the travel I need but I wanted a spec more like the Sniper FRO. This gave me the motivation to build a custom build that I have been wanting to do for a long time.

When I say custom build I mean custom. I wanted a one off paint scheme and a look that would do Jeff Steber and the rest of the Intense designers proud. I reached out Creative Concept Designs that has a spot in WA, Australia and Temecula, Ca and he let me know that he could do using the cerakote treatment. I was hyped so I stripped my bike down and shipped it out to WA. Benji and I discussed the look and we decided to go with a matte grey base and Tungsten logos that would give it a very subtle but sharp look. Coated almost everything on the bike so it matched though and through.

When it came to the rest of the bike I wanted it lite and fast so I went with a SRAM XX1 AXS gold drivetrain, and AXS dropper. When it came to the brake I left the TRP dual piston brakes that came on the Expert model and added the Freedom Coast billet levers for a great look and feel. To stay with the theme and Color of the bike I used a crankbros stem and Renthal 0 rise handlebar cut at 170mm. For Grips I used the ODI Tinker Juarez signature grip “The Dread Lock” that is life changing for an XC/down country set up. For suspension I stayed with the FOX rhythm fork but used the FOX factory kashima shock. The saddle is a SDG saddle that has a clean look but also durable with Kevlar on the sides. The wheels were going to be important on this bike so I went with the Crankbrothers carbon synthesis wheels with Maxxis gum wall Recon race tires. To finish it off I used gold titanium hardware from the crew at Better Bolts.

Once I got the frame and parts back frame Concept Creative Coatings I got the bike rolling then I took it over to Jamie at Triple 666 fix for a tune up. Before I hit the trails I installed a VHS rear triangle rubber to eliminate chain slap and protect the rear triangle. I also installed a Ride Wrap kit safety myself because the bike looked so good I wanted to preseve it. This is a great product for protecting your bike but after putting it on I do regret the purchase with the matte finish it didn’t look right so I would later pull the wrap off.

It took me a little longer then I would have like to get this bike together but once the finish product was done I couldn’t have been more stoked. The details of the cerakote hardware, gold titanium that would match the bars, rims and other pieces really pulled it all together. I was really hoping that the performance would ultimately feel like my FRO when pedaling but provide more comfort.

After spending the first ride dialling in the brakes and suspension I can confidently say I made the right choice going 120mm. The spec and look complimented each other to make one hell of a bike. I feel the Crankbrothers wheels coupled with the AXS drivetrain and AXS reverb dropper are the foundation to what sets the performance of the bike apart. The paint scheme and details just add some flare and personal touch to the bike that make it like no other Intense Cycles Sniper T in the world.

I’m not a top or racer or master mechanic so I would like to thank Lusty industries for the Crankbrothers, Maxxis, SDG and ODI product. Concept Creative Coatings for the cerakote work, SRAM Australia 🇦🇺 for the support on the drivetrain, Freedom coast for the levers, and Better Bolts for the hardware. I can get the bikes rolling but a big thank you to Jamie from Triple 666 fix for putting the finishing touches on the assembly and tune.

Build a bike like mine

Frame - Intense Cycles Sniper T

Fork - FOX 34 120mm

Shock -FOX Performance Elite Float DPS, 3-POS with adjust

Drivetrain - Sram XX1 eagle

Dropper Post - Reverb AXS

Handlebars - Renthal 0 degree carbon

Grips - ODI Dread Locks

Wheels - Synthesis XCT Carbon Wheelset

Pedals - Crankbrothers titanium egg beaters

Tires - Maxxis Recon Race 2.35

Chain Rubber - VHS slapper tape