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Intense Teases New M16 Downhill Bike

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Intense M16 Downhill

 

Like Shelby is to Ford, the M line of downhill race bikes is to Intense. Over the years, these iconic M models have helped distinguish the brand on the racing circuit, and helped establish a loyal fan base.

In recent years, the company’s focus has been on trail bikes, and carbon models, but after five years of waiting – the Intense faithful have been rewarded with a new M series model. The marquee bike is called the M16 and will be officially revealed at Sea Otter. Until then, drop past the break for pictures and geometry.

IntenseM16Black_FrontAngleMedRes (1)The M series models have an unparalleled racing pedigree, so it’s no surprise that Intense chose to go with 27.5″ wheels for this new bike. Like all of the company’s other aluminum models, the frame is constructed in the U S of A (you can check out our factory tour here).


Intense 2015 M16 Geometry

 

 

Like the previous M9, the frame has adjustable travel. The new model is adjustable between 215mm – 240mm (8.5” – 9.5”) and will utilize 157mm rear hub spacing.

The press release we received states there are ” two levels of adjustable shock progression,” but we’ll have to wait a few days for the official unveiling to learn more about how that works (which we assume is probably done via a flip chip or different shock mounting).

Intense Cycles

 

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Henrik
Henrik
8 years ago

I am really kinda disappointed it’s not carbon.

BT
BT
8 years ago

It is not as sexy as previous models though I’m sure it rides great

Pedals
Pedals
8 years ago

Shelby is to Ford as M is to Intense is not a particularly good analogy. Shelby is it’s own company but works on Ford-based automobiles… it’s more like the relationship a high-end bike shop has with a bike manufacturer.

I think a better example would be: the Mustang is to Ford as the M line is to Intense.

Alex
Alex
8 years ago

In the new world of swoopy carbon the M series bikes still looked next-level but this looks like a prototype.

Colin M
Colin M
8 years ago

Bikerumor and Pedals are both wrong. The analogy would be SVT is to Ford as the M line is to Intense. I’ll take my internet cookie now please.

Pedals
Pedals
8 years ago

, SVT is a high-performance cross-platform designation – it’s got more in common with Specialized’s S-Works or Cannondale’s Black designation. Intense doesn’t make an M-Carbine or M-Tracer.

Gruntled Hintrap
Gruntled Hintrap
8 years ago

Seriously, that is a terrible analogy. The GT is to Ford as the M line is to Intense. It’s their halo model. Not a different company. Not a special division.

Buuuut, bad analogies aside, this article reads less like a press release than most. Bravo.

Jake
Jake
8 years ago

If there’s one thing that Intense has always been good at it’s producing amazing looking welds. That black frame really shows them off.

satisFACTORYrider
satisFACTORYrider
8 years ago

hope good things for the palm and their development program but the frame does look like a rough proto in terms of finish. it kinda reminds of 1st gen v-10

KL
KL
8 years ago

Pedals, I perfectly know it’s (it is) not an English language forum but IT’S = IT IS. ITS is a possessive form (a word used to indicate a relationship of possession)

Ascar Larkinyar
Ascar Larkinyar
8 years ago

yawn……same old rigid over built front triangle, single pivot with moto link frame. a bit more dressed up, but same bike over and over with new parts. how long can they keep re-releasing the same donkey here.

at least give us a lightweight carbon frame. the sheep will keep on buying these i guess. sales has to of dropped off a while ago with all the past years bikes in the classifieds.

Pedals
Pedals
8 years ago

, SVT is a high-performance cross-platform designation – its got more in common with Specialized’s S-Works or Cannondale’s Black designation. Intense doesn’t make an M-Carbine or M-Tracer.

feldy
feldy
8 years ago

“The press release we received states there are ” two levels of adjustable shock progression,” but we’ll have to wait a few days for the official unveiling to learn more about how that works (which we assume is probably done via a flip chip or different shock mounting)”

The photos are low res, but looking at the CAD drawing there are two different shock mounting positions on the frame to adjust the progression and two on the rocker to adjust the travel.

@Ascar “… single pivot with moto link frame…”

huh?

Bud
Bud
8 years ago

Why does the frame sticker read “M6”, and not “M16”?

edd
edd
8 years ago

@Bud – Saw the answer somewhere else; if you look closely at the M, it incorporates the 1 in there too.

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