Bikes up to 60% offWe monitor over 40,000 bikes daily to find the best prices

Today’s Deals

2019 Intense

PRIMER PRO

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with ultra high-end components.
Compare the full range

Manufacturer Price

$5,299
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 130 / 140mm
ForkRockShox Pike RCT3
ShockRockShox Monarch RT3
Wheels29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetX01 Eagle, Truvativ Stylo Carbon
BrakesSRAM Level TLM Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
Where to Buy
Similar Bikes
Top Comparison
Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
PRIMER PRO
Other Trail bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

29 mph

PRIMER PRO

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
SM

5'2" – 5'8"

MD

5'6" – 5'11"

LG

5'10" – 6'3"

XL

6'1" – 6'7"

🐐 Estimated

Rider Fit Notes

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.

Reviews

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.

Pros
  • 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

Cons
  • 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

Key Quotes
While the previous Primer was a bit of a mile-muncher, the change with this model is very apparent.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
Intense’s JS Link suspension is decidedly neutral on descents.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
The raw speed of the old Primer has been diluted in its new guise
MBR logoMBR

Feedback?

View all reviews

Singletrack World
Intense Primer 29 Pro | A Solution For The One Bike Shed?

Mar 2020 · Daz Hall

Is the Intense Primer 29 Pro the Quiver Killer that the marketing makes out? Ex racing whippet Daz tries keeping up on the ups and downs.

Read Review

off.road.cc
Intense Primer S Pro 2020 review

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.

Read Review

MBR
Intense Primer 29 Pro review - MBR

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.

Highs
  • Decent weight

Lows
  • Feels old school

Read Review

BikeRadar
Intense Primer S Pro first ride review

Nov 2019 · Tom Marvin

A Factory-series Fox DPX2 shock controls the Primer S Pro’s rear suspension, while a matching 36 fork sits up front.. .

Highs
  • Rear suspension is efficient with good small-bump sensitivity as well as stability

  • Full-carbon frame and bling spec

Lows
  • Maxxis Rekon+ rear tyre lacks traction in some conditions

  • I’d prefer a GRIP2-damped Fox fork, ideally

Read Review

Mountain Bike Action
Intense Primer Shootout 27.5 vs 279 vs 29 - Mountain Bike Action Magazine

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.

Read Review

Dirt Mountainbike
Fast Bikes - 2018 Intense Primer Expert

Jan 2018 · Sean White

An engaging and rapid 29" wheel trail bike

Read Review

MTBR
Outerbike Test Sessions: Intense Primer

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

Read Review

BIKE Magazine
Review: Intense Primer 29c

Aug 2016

Intense Cycles has upped the ante with the new Primer 29c, creating a 29er equipped for all-around trail duty.

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
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 StandardBB86/BB92, Press Fit

Fork

Rock Shox Pike RCT3 29, Solo Air, 140mm, Boost 110x15mm

Travel140mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

Rock Shox Monarch RT3, 200x51mm

Travel130mm

Bottom Bracket

SRAM Pressfit GXP BB92

Headset

Cane Creek 40 Series, ZS44/EC49.40

Stem

Intense Recon ELITE 50mm, 31.8 mm diameter

Handlebar

Intense Recon 760mm Carbon, 31.8 mm diameter

Saddle

Fabric Scoop Radius Elite w/ Cr-Mo Rails

Seatpost

Fox Transfer 31.6mm, 150mm Dropper

TypeDropper

Grips

Intense Lock-On

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM X01 Eagle 12speed

Front Derailleur

N/A

Crank

TRUVATIV Stylo Carbon Eagle Boost GXP 175mm, 34T

Shifters

SRAM GX Eagle 12speed Trigger

Cassette

SRAM XG1295 X01 Eagle 12sp, 10-50T

Chain

SRAM GX Eagle 12speed

Chain Guide

N/A

Brakes

SRAM Level TLM Centerline 6 Bolt, 180mm FR / 160mm RR

TypeSRAM Level TLM Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Mavic XA Light 29"

Spokes

Mavic

Front Hub

Mavic XA Light 110X15MM FRONT, 148X12 REAR, W/ XD DRIVER, 6 BOLT

Rear Hub

Mavic XA Light 110X15MM FRONT, 148X12 REAR, W/ XD DRIVER, 6 BOLT

Tires

Maxxis 29x2.35 Forekaster F120 DC/EXO/TR

Rider Notes
Riders Also Viewed

First added April 23

Last updated April 23

Not listed for 2,595 days