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Today’s Deals2019 Intense
PRIMER SL FRAME
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail frameset.
Manufacturer Price
$2,499| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 130mm rear |
| Shock | RockShox Monarch RT3 |
| Wheels | 29″ |
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?
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
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 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 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 |
|---|---|
| Shock | Rock Shox Monarch RT3, 200x51mm Travel: 130mm |
First added April 23
Last updated April 23
Not listed for 2,595 days