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Today’s DealsPRIMER PRO
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with ultra high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$5,299| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 130 / 140mm |
| Fork | RockShox Pike RCT3 |
| Shock | RockShox Monarch RT3 |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | X01 Eagle, Truvativ Stylo Carbon |
| Brakes | SRAM Level TLM 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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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.

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

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.. .
Rear suspension is efficient with good small-bump sensitivity as well as stability
Full-carbon frame and bling spec
Maxxis Rekon+ rear tyre lacks traction in some conditions
I’d prefer a GRIP2-damped Fox fork, ideally

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.
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 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 | 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 Type: Dropper |
| Grips | Intense Lock-On |
| 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 Type: SRAM Level TLM Hydraulic Disc |
| 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 |
First added April 23
Last updated April 23
Not listed for 2,595 days