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Intense 951 series makes Sniper and Primer carbon frames heaps more affordable

intense 951 series affordable carbon frame mountain bikes full suspension
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Intense Cycles have created a new arm of the brand aimed at riders who are new to mountain biking. The Intense 951 Series is a more affordable run of the Sniper XC bike and the Primer Trail bike, carrying the very same carbon frames but with a spec list to match the reduced prices.

intense 951 series branding headtubebadge

The new bikes feature the 951 branding, positioned more prominently than the Intense branding. Why 951? That’s the Southern California area code where Intense Cycles began and still operates out of today. Here’s the low down on the Intense 951 XC and Trail bikes.

Intense 951 XC

intense 951 xc bike carbon frame 120mm travel

The Intense 951 XC bike gets the same carbon frame as the Sniper XC bike, with 120mm suspension travel rolling on 29″ wheels.

intense 951 xc bike shock

This one is aimed at riders who are foremost concerned with pedal efficiency, with a geometry said to be designed for effortless hill climbing. That’s a 66.4° head angle and an effective 72.8° seat tube angle, with a 457mm reach in large.

intense 951 sram nx eagle 12 speed

With a retail price of almost $2,000 less than the least expensive Sniper, the parts list is downgraded to match. The 951 XC gets a FOX Rhythm 34 Float fork and a FOX Performance Float DPS shock.

intense 951 xc fox 34 fork

It runs an SRAM NX Eagle 12 speed drivetrain, but still gets 4 piston brakes in the form of the TRP Slate T4 brakes, which appear to review well. The wheels run an Intense hub, DT spokes and WTB ST i27 rims.

Intense 951 Trail

intense 951 series affordable carbon frame mountain bikes full suspension

The Intense 951 Trail bike is a vastly more affordable, pared down version of the Intense Primer Trail bike. Again, it runs the exact same carbon frame with 29″ wheels, a 150mm fork, and 140mm rear-wheel travel.

intense 951 trail mtb

Falling into the Trail category, this one has a longer, slacker geometry that will make for a more composed descender. That geometry is adjustable too; a flip-chip switches it between high and low settings. In low, the 951 Trail runs a 65.1° head tube angle that can steepen to 65.7° in high mode. Thus, riders can tailor the geometry to suit the trails of the day.

intense 951 trail mtb carbon frame adjustable geometry flip chip

The Intense 951 Trail bike gets a FOX Rhythm 36 Float fork and FOX Performance Float DPX2 shock. It runs a SRAM NX Eagle 12 speed drivetrain, TRP’s all-mountain Slate T4 brakes with 180mm rotors, and an Intense/DT/WTB hybrid wheelset; rims have an internal width of 30mm.

intense 951 trail bike trp slate t4 brake levers

Pricing & Availability

The XC and Trail bikes in the Intense 951 series both retail at $3699, representing a significant price reduction as compared to the Sniper and Primer bikes of the mothership brand. Intense hope it will appeal to riders who are new to the sport, with the aim to “get more riders outside and in nature enjoying the benefits that the sport can bring”. Delivery of bikes will begin early August.

Intense951.com

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Robert
2 years ago

I traded out of TREK FUEL EX 9.8 to this beast. I was afraid of moving from TREk to a COSTCO sold bike, but 1 ride is all it took to know it was a great decision. I have had a lot of bikes, from GIANT ATX to NINER RIP 9 RDO and many in between. This bike review is off first ride and even with adverse conditions, I am so excited to share the experience. I went to ride a rough trail , and started the long climbing. The grip was fantastic snd I was able to select any line without concern. In steep punchy sections, it stayed glued with no slip. Shortly after getting into the woods, the sky fell and wet , slick rocks, slick roots, deeper water crossing snd yes, mud was introduced. The bike laughed at it, and suspension held well through up and down. This bike is so playful and despite the bad conditions, a rocket ship. The bike did not care about poor weather as it wanted more and more. This bike is great, pushing me beyond the comfort zone and even then, demanding more. I look forward to the next time I hit the trail!

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