The new plus size ACV wasn’t the only thing Intense was showing in the Sedona desert. Opting to wait a little longer for its release so that it would coincide with the bikes being available at retail, the new Intense Primer is probably worth the wait. That’s especially true if you liked the looks of the new Spider 275 carbon but prefer the bigger wheels. Essentially, the Primer is the same bike, just upsized to roll on 29″ wheels instead of 27.5″.
Based on how much we liked the Spider, the new Primer should be another great addition to the Intense line up…
Stepping in to replace the Spider 29, the Primer sees the same updates as the Spider 275c with a new carbon frame with JS Tuned suspension – which is essentially their take on VPP after the patent expired last year. Frames will be available in two levels, the top end SL carbon with Ti hardware, high modulus carbon fiber, and a carbon top link, and the base model UD carbon frame with alloy top link and steel bolts. Both frames feature bonded in carbon sleeves at the pivots, XL diameter bearings, and angular contact bearings with collet hardware and grease Zerks fitting for improved durability and excellent frame stiffness.
Similar to the Spider 275c, the frame runs 115/130mm travel with a two position lower shock mount that doesn’t alter the geometry and is paired with a 130mm travel fork. Stock builds will only be offered in 1×11 or 1×12 build kits, but the frame retains the front derailleur mount for double compatibility or for mounting upper chain guides. All of the cabling is internal with the ability to run a stealth dropper.
Modernized geometry is included with longer reach numbers, shorter stems, 67.5 degree HTA, and 438mm chainstays.
At the back you’ll find Boost 148 hub spacing and PM 160 brake mounts. Offered in 4 builds, the Factory and Pro edition both feature the SL carbon frame and SRAM Eagle 1×12 drivetrains, while the Expert and Foundation build use the standard frame and SRAM or Shimano 1×11 drivetrains.
Factory Edition:
- High-Modulus Carbon Fiber
- Fox Factory 34 Float 130 MM
- DT Swiss XMC 1200 Spline
- SRAM XX1 Eagle
- RockShox Reverb
- Renthal Carbon Fatbar
- Cane Creek Headset
- Fabric Saddle
- Shimano XTR disc brakes
Pro Edition:
- High-Modulus Carbon Fiber
- Fox Performance Elite 34 Float 130 MM
- DT Swiss M1700
- SRAM X01 Eagle, 11 Speed
- Renthal Fatbar
- Thomson Elite Stem
- Cane Creek Headset
- SRAM Guide RS brakes
Expert Edition:
- Rock Shox Pike RC
- Rock Shox Monarch RC3 Debonair
- DT Swiss M 1900 BOOST
- Shimano Deore XT 11-speed
- Renthal Fatbar
- Cane Creek headset
- Shimano XT Hydraulic brakes
Foundation Edition:
- RockShox Pike RC
- RockShox Monarch R Debonair
- Sram NX 11 Speed
- WTB Saddle
- Intense Recon Bars
- Intense Stem
