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Today’s Deals2019 Intense
PRIMER EXPERT
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$4,299| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 130 / 140mm |
| Fork | RockShox Revelation RC |
| Shock | RockShox Monarch RL |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | GX Eagle, Truvativ Stylo |
| Brakes | Shimano XT Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
5'2" – 5'8"
5'6" – 5'11"
5'10" – 6'3"
6'1" – 6'7"
🐐 Estimated
None yet.
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Summary
The Intense Primer is a trail bike that has evolved from its previous mile-munching persona to offer more confident handling, thanks to its JS Link suspension which provides a neutral feel on descents. While it boasts a high-end finish and efficient rear suspension, some reviews note a lack of traction from the rear tyre and a front end that could benefit from more stiffness. The bike's performance is a mix of old-school feel and modern trail capabilities, with some spec choices and suspension consistency coming under scrutiny.
Rear suspension is efficient with good small-bump sensitivity as well as stability
Full-carbon frame and bling spec
Confident handling
High-end finish with neat internal cable routing, rubber frame protection and titanium hardware
JS Link suspension is decidedly neutral on descents
Maxxis Rekon+ rear tyre lacks traction in some conditions
Front end lacks stiffness
Shimano XT rear brake suffered from a constantly shifting bite point
Lack of mid-stroke support
Suspension doesn't feel consistent
Feedback?
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Feb 2020
Intense's Primer S Pro marries a 29" wheel and 150mm of travel up front to 140mm of bounce and a smaller, fat tyred 650b wheel at the rear. It's a lightweight, good looking and high-end bike that offers a lot for the asking price, but the ride and suspension isn't quite as sorted as some similarly spendy rivals.
Dec 2019 · Danny Milner
The Intense Primer has evolved with a broader purpose, and carries the entire weight of Intense's trail expectations on its shoulders.
Decent weight
Feels old school
Oct 2019 · Brandon
Most riders are familiar with the handling differences between 27.5-inch and 29er wheels, but once the third option is tossed into the mix, the choice can become a difficult one to make.
Sep 2019 · Tom Marvin
Looking at the Primer, you might expect it to be quite a hard-charger, but out on the trail the bike has a more ‘head down’, cross-country style ride feel.. .
Jan 2019 · James Vincent
Intense Cycles is one of those brands that has just got IT, whatever IT actually is
Jan 2018 · Sean White
An engaging and rapid 29" wheel trail bike
Nov 2016 · Benjamin Slabaugh
The Intense Primer 29er was one of the best looking bikes spotted at Outerbike. But how did it ride? - Mtbr.com
Aug 2016
Intense Cycles has upped the ante with the new Primer 29c, creating a 29er equipped for all-around trail duty.
| Frame | Primer 29 Monocoque UD Carbon Front and Rear Triangle, Alloy Top Link, Internal Derailleur Routing, Integrated protector, w/ 148 x12 mm spacing, 115 -130 mm travel BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| Fork | Rock Shox Revelation RC 29, Solo Air, 140mm, Boost 110x15mm Travel: 140mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Rock Shox Monarch RL, 200x51mm Travel: 130mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM Pressfit GXP BB92 |
| Headset | Cane Creek 40 Series, ZS44/EC49.40 |
| Stem | Intense Recon ELITE 50mm, 31.8 mm diameter |
| Handlebar | Renthal Fatbar 760mm x 20mm Alloy, 31.8 mm diameter |
| Saddle | WTB Silverado Race w/ Cr-Mo Rails |
| Seatpost | Fox Transfer 31.6mm, 150mm Dropper Type: Dropper |
| Grips | Intense Lock-On |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle 12speed |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Crank | TRUVATIV Stylo Eagle Boost GXP 175mm, 34T, BLK |
| Shifters | SRAM GX Eagle 12speed Trigger |
| Cassette | SRAM XG1275 X1 Eagle 12speed, 10-50T |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle 12speed |
| Chain Guide | N/A |
| Brakes | Shimano XT M8000 Hydraulic Disk 180mm Front & 160mm Rear Type: Shimano XT Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | DT Swiss M1900 Spline 29", 28 Hole |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss |
| Front Hub | DT Swiss M1900, Centerlock, 110x15mm, 28 Hole Front / 148x12mm, XD, 28 Hole Rear |
| Rear Hub | DT Swiss M1900, Centerlock, 110x15mm, 28 Hole Front / 148x12mm, XD, 28 Hole Rear |
| Tires | Maxxis 29x2.35 Forekaster F120 DC/EXO/TR |
First added April 23
Last updated April 23
Not listed for 2,595 days