Ive been lucky enough to be on Intense bikes for the last few years, trail and downhill and I must say I dig em!!
A small company from California delivering big results, from pioneering race bikes on the world cup circuit to pushing the limits with new wheel sizes, aggressive geometry and showing what can be possible with carbon technology. They are fast , they are fun and I’m happy to announce that my new carbine 275 has delivered!
This year I went with the newest wheel size available to riders (27.5 0r 650B). While I did notice the change from my 26″ wheel of last year I soon grew accustomed to it and felt at home on the taller bike. Beyond the new wheel size I had a new drivetrain to deal with(1×11), carbon rims to test and I moved back to a RockSox fork (Pike). Lots of changes to adjust to but I am happy to report….it all works very nicely together.
More photos of actual test riding to follow, but here is the build for now…enjoy!
XO Trail brakes and HS1 rotors by SRAM
Sram xx1 11 speed rear deraileur.
8 hours it takes to CNC one of these beauties!
RockShox Pike RCT3. Great reviews. Lets see how she ride!
Once you find a saddle you like, you stick with it. Chromag Moon Ti
Most major hub companies are doing an XX1 compatible freehub body. I went with Hope
Steering bits by RaceFace
Was on the XT pedal last year and loved it. Added an R this year
The lightest, stiffest cranks on todays market courtesy of RaceFace
You can save a lot of weight with your rubber choice, I like traction and no flat tires so I run the Maxxis HighRollerII 2.3
| Parts | Brand | Model | Additional info |
| Frame | Intense | Carbine 275 | Large Flo Yellow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Shock | Fox Racing Shox | Float RP23 Kashima | |
| Fork | RockShox | Pike RCT3 | 160mm |
| Headset | Chris King | Inset 3 | Black |
| Handlebar | Race Face | SIXC Carbon | 785mm |
| Stem | Race Face | Turbine | 60mm |
| Grips | ODI | Troy Lee Designs | |
| Brakes | Avid | XO Trail | 180mm/160mm |
| Brake Levers | Avid | XO Trail carbon | |
| Shifters | SRAM | XX1 | |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM | XX1 | |
| Cranks | Race Face | Next | 175mm |
| Chainrings / Sprocket | Race Face | Narrow/Wide 30T | |
| Bottom Bracket | Race Face | Pressfit 92 | |
| Chain | SRAM | XX1 | |
| Cassette / Rear Cog | SRAM | XX1 | |
| Pedals | Shimano | XTR | |
| Front Rim | Other | Light-Bicycle Carbon | 32h |
| Rear Rim | Other | Light-Bicycle Carbon | 32h |
| Hubs | Hope | Hope Pro 2 Evo | |
| Spokes | DT Swiss | Competition | |
| Front Tire | Maxxis | High Roller II EXO | 2.3 |
| Rear Tire | Maxxis | High Roller II EXO | 2.3 |
| Saddle | Chromag | Moon Ti | |
| Seatpost | RockShox | Reverb Stealth | |
| Seatpost Clamp | Other |
| General Info | ||
| Model Year | 2014 | |
|---|---|---|
| Riding Type | Trail / All-Mountain | |
| Weight | 26 lb 10 oz (12077 g) | |
Hawt damn!
Beautiful build!
Just so happens I’m in the process of building up my naked Carbine 275 as well. You’ve inspired me with some of your choices. Just a few questions if you have the time.
1.) How do you like the LB carbon rims? Any quality/performance issues? Also…what width did you go with? 30mm? 35mm? I’ve been talking with Nancy at LB about a set myself.
2.) Did you have LB build the entire wheelset (hubs, spokes, etc) and, did the XD driver (for the XX1 compatibility) come standard in the Hope hubs or did you have to request that in addition?
3.) Have you had any issues with your RF Next SL crankset? I’m leaning toward the XX1 cranks as I read quite a few issues on RF’s longevity/durability. Thoughts?
4.) What type of terrain are you currently riding? Do you find the 30T chainring adequate for climbing? Would you have gone bigger (32T, 34T)?
5.) Is there anything you would have changed with this build?
Again…beautiful build! Thanks for sharing it.
Intense has been nice enough to send me a large Carbine frame after my old tracer broke. I’m really happy that they are hooking me up and excited to build this up (it’s the same exact frame and color as your build). I’m using my old build up to start with but eventually will be building new wheels and will be hooking up a 1×11 drive. I am wondering about the carbon rims you have used in your build. I have a friend who found a cheap China direct carbon rim option but we are not really sure about how safe and reliable they are. Can you tell me about your experience with your rims / wheels?
Light Bicycle is the way to go for carbon rims! 25-35mm width options, hookless. good pricing,