Intense Cycles (United States) - Press Release: Built for enduro.

An Enduro bike needs to do two things: eat-up mountainous terrain on the downhills, and climb back up to do it all again. With our new Tracer we believe we have made a bike that can do just that.

Borrowing design inspiration and technology from our M29 downhill bike, utilizing its bottom link driven rear shock and suspension design, we have created a bike with plush travel for the roughest of descents, and a firm pedal platform when needed. We’ve positioned the rear shock low down and centered in the frame, allowing the Tracer to descend and handle terrain impeccably.

Completely redesigned:

The INTENSE Tracer 279 Enduro bike has been completely reengineered for 2022. With 170mm (6.7”) of travel and a staggered wheelset (29” front/ 27.5” rear), we have created a bike that is stable and capable while also fast, fun, and agile.

Staggered wheels = staggering speed:

The Tracer 279 has been designed around a staggered wheelset. Taking what we've learned from our staggered wheel Tazer, we've found a great balance of agility and stability. When the trails get tight or you're looking to shave time off of race stages, the new Tracer is ready.

In-frame Chad Storage System:

The Chad Storage System is an on-bike storage solution system that is being introduced on the Tracer. This system is not one individual part, but a concept for storage solutions that will continue to evolve with INTENSE models. The system is named in memory of our late colleague and bike fanatic, Chad Peterson.

The Tracer has a compartment located in the frame's downtube under the bottom bracket where a specially designed Chad System storage bag can hold your tubes, tools, and other trailside repair solutions. In addition to the storage bag that is included with your Tracer, a Chad System storage box will also be available to purchase separately. This semi-hard case box will neatly house your multi-tools, CO2 cartridges, and other trailside repair solutions.

The JS Tuned ED Enduro Link:

We talk a lot about JS Tuned here at INTENSE. JS stands for Jeff Steber (our founder and CEO) and simply put, it is a system that focuses on all of the individual parts that make up one of our bikes: from suspension, geometry, wheel size, materials, and component spec. The key element of JS Tuned is our suspension system that uses two counter-rotating links to connect the front and rear triangles of the bike. The links are specifically placed to allow for separation between the pedaling and braking forces from the suspension performance. Every model in our range has its own personal and specific JS tune.

Flip Chip Geometry Adjustment:

The INTENSE Tracer 279 has a ‘Flip Chip’ feature which allows you to alter the geometry of your bike between two positions. The bike comes from our factory in the HI (High) setting. The HI setting is engineered to perform the best in the roughest and most technical terrain. The LO setting is engineered to perform the best in slightly smoother, high speed trails such as what could be found in many bike parks. The LO setting will slacken the head angle a little, lower the bottom bracket and standover, shorten the reach by 5mm, creating slightly firmer suspension.. What position you have the Flip Chip in comes down to personal preference, riding style and the type of terrain you normally ride on.

The Flip Chip on the INTENSE Tracer 279 is located on the Lower Link of the suspension system where it bolts onto the rear shock. With the bike fully built the Flip Chips are hidden, so in order to gain access to them you will need a 5mm Allen key and a torque wrench. The basic process involves removing the rear wheel, unbolting the Rear Triangle from the Top Link, which will then give you access to the Bottom Link and the Flip Chips.