The carbon Intense M-16C downhill bike is on of the most boutique (and expensive) descenders on the market. Weighing as little as 34.7lbs (15.7kg) for the Factory build, it is pretty up there out of most wallets’ reach. But… Intense just announced a new Expert build that comes in about half that price… and CHEAPER than the M-16 Alloy Pro Build!
We saw the beautiful, no-expense-spared M16C Factory Build at Interbike, and it was one my favorite things to stare at. The M-16C Expert build comes with the exact same frame and rear triangle as their $11,300 Factory build M-16C, but at a much more friendly $5,900. With proven World Cup tested geometry on 27.5″ wheels, the M16 has 215-240 mm of adjustable rear travel controlled by a Fox Performance Elite DHX2 rear shock. Then up front the bike sports a 200mm travel Fox Performance Elite 40 fork.
The M-16 Expert is fitted with Shimano’s 10 speed sturdy but price-friendly Zee drivetrain to help trim the costs. But overall, this looks to be a great contender for someone that really want’s this boutique bike for a not so boutique price.
Frame Specs:
- World Cup tested geometry on 27.5″ wheels
- EPS molded high modulus carbon frame
- Compression molded carbon fiber upper link
- Full internal cable routing for brakes and shifting
- Forged lower link
- Double sealed pivots for long bearing life
- Dual grease ports on lower link for easy maintenance
- Full carbon dropouts and disc mounts
- Angular contact bearings to maximize stiffness
- Collet axle pivots that lock in place without pinch bolts
Build Specs:
|
Frame:
|
M16 275 Monocoque UD Carbon Front and Rear Triangle 275″ DH Frameset, ISCG 05 Mount, w/ 157 x12 mm spacing, 215 -240 mm travel
|
|
Front suspension:
|
FOX Performance Elite 40 FLOAT, 27.5″, 200 MM
|
|
Rear suspension:
|
FOX Performance Elite COIL DHX2
|
|
Upgrades:
|
n/a
|
|
Wheels:
|
Custom Build
|
|
Hubs:
|
32 Hole Intense Tuned, 148x 12 mm BOOST; 110 x 20mm Front Hub; 157 x 12mm Rear Hub Shimano Driver, 6-Bolt
|
|
Rims:
|
Sun Helix TR29 Rims, 275″, Tubeless Ready
|
|
Spokes:
|
DT Swiss Champion
|
|
Tires:
|
Maxxis Minion, 27.5 X 2.5″
|
|
Shifters:
|
Shimano Zee, 10 speed
|
|
Rear derailleur:
|
Shimano Zee, 10 speed
|
|
Front derailleur:
|
n/a
|
|
Crank:
|
Shimano Zee
|
|
Cassette:
|
Shimano CS-HG50-10, 11-36T, 10 speed
|
|
Chain:
|
KMC 10 speed
|
|
Chain Guide:
|
E13 LG1
|
|
Saddle:
|
WTB Volt Sport
|
|
Seatpost:
|
Intense Recon, 300 x 31.6mm
|
|
Handlebar:
|
Renthal Fatbar Lite DH 20mm x 780 mm
|
|
stem
|
Renthal INTEGRA II Direct Mount 45MM
|
|
Headset:
|
Cane Creek, 40, alloy cartridge, 25 mm of spacers
|
|
Brakeset:
|
Shimano Zee, 203 mm front and rear
|
|
Grips:
|
Intense Dual Density Lock-On
|
