Bikes up to 60% offWe monitor over 40,000 bikes daily to find the best prices
Today’s Deals2019 Intense
PRIMER FACTORY
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with ultra high-end components.
Compare the full range
Manufacturer Price
$8,299| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 130 / 140mm |
| Fork | RockShox Pike RCT3 |
| Shock | RockShox Monarch RT3 |
| Wheels | 29″ Carbon |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | XX1 Eagle |
| Brakes | Shimano XTR Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
5'2" – 5'8"
5'6" – 5'11"
5'10" – 6'3"
6'1" – 6'7"
🐐 Estimated
None yet.
Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes.
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?
View all reviews
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
Jan 2018 · Sean White
An engaging and rapid 29" wheel trail bike
Feb 2017 · McCoy
Does just about anything its rider asks of it
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.
Aug 2016
(August 2, 2016) TEMECULA, Calif. -- Continuing with a streak of new bike releases for 2016, the latest from Intense Cycles is the Primer: a 115 mm– 130 mm travel carbon 29er. Built on the new JS Tuned suspension, the Primer could be described as a 29-inch version of the Intense Spider 275 launched back in April of this year.
Aug 2016 · Robin Weaver
The punchy, supportive nature of the rear suspension coupled with the Primer’s ludicrously low weight means you can pump, pop and launch this bike just about anywhere you want it to go, and it’s progressive enough to take a serious thump out back without feeling harsh when you do exhaust all 130mm of travel. . .
Light and nimble making it easy to chuck about on the trail.
Fast bikes don’t always come cheap
| Frame | Primer 29 SL Monocoque UD Carbon Front and Rear Triangle, Carbon Top Link, Internal Derailleur Routing, Integrated protector, Ti Hardware, w/ 148 x12 mm spacing, 115 -130 mm travel BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| Fork | Rock Shox Pike RCT3 29, Solo Air, 140mm, Boost 110x15mm Travel: 140mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Rock Shox Monarch RT3, 200x51mm Travel: 130mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM Pressfit GXP BB92 |
| Headset | Cane Creek 40 Series, ZS44/EC49.40 |
| Stem | ENVE Mountain Stem 55mm Carbon |
| Handlebar | ENVE Mountain DH 760mm Carbon |
| Saddle | Fabric Scoop Radius Pro w/ Carbon Rails |
| Seatpost | Fox Transfer 31.6mm, 150mm Dropper Type: Dropper |
| Grips | Intense Lock-On |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM XX1 Eagle 12speed gold |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Crank | SRAM XX1 Eagle Boost GXP 175mm, 34T |
| Shifters | SRAM XX1 Eagle 12speed Trigger |
| Cassette | SRAM XG 1299 XX1 Eagle 12speed, 10-50T, Gold |
| Chain | SRAM XX1 Eagle 12speed gold |
| Chain Guide | N/A |
| Brakes | Shimano XTR M9020 Centerlock 180mm FR / 160mm RR Type: Shimano XTR Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | ENVE M60/40 HV 29" Carbon |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss Competition 2.0/1.8/2.0MM BLK |
| Front Hub | DT Swiss 240S, Centerlock, 110x15mm, 28 Hole |
| Rear Hub | DT Swiss 240S, Centerlock, 110x15mm, 28 Hole |
| Tires | Maxxis 29x2.35 Forekaster F120 DC/EXO/TR |
First added April 23
Last updated April 23
Not listed for 2,595 days