Intense M9 FRO At Crankworx: A Closer Look

Aug 14, 2010

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Intense is at Crankworx showing off their latest race bike, the M9 FRO. Inside you can see the photos and get a personal tour of this amazing bike by watching the video!

Read on...

Looking to get a bit excited? Watch the video to get up close and personal with the new Intense M9 FRO!

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The Intense M9 FRO dressed in familiar colors, this being the machine that takes the place of the popular M6. You've seen the CRC World Cup team racing on the M6 EVO, but this bad boy takes those changes to another level and brings them straight to you.

The M9 FRO is the big daddy in the Intense family of bikes, but the 951 will certainly still have a place in the lineup. If you spend your weekends chasing points on steep and rough tracks, then the M9 FRO will keep you happy, but tamer courses should still see the 951 excel. Choose your horse wisely.

The M9 FRO uses the same proven VPP suspension design to devour bumps and holes while still being able to sprint with the best, but it sees more built in adjustability than any other Intense before it.

The rearward shock mount sports inserts that can be used to change the travel between three settings: 8.5", 9", and 9.5" depending on what the course calls for. Keep reading to see just how versatile the new M9 FRO actually is.

The upper shock mount features three positions that let the user fine tune the suspension's rate to be more progressive and lively if need be.

Glory shot! The M9 FRO will ship with a Cane Creek AngleSet that allows you to make adjustments in .5, 1.0, and 1.5 degree increments. Do you really need those slack angles that the pros run on some tracks? Now you can easily find out!

Intense always has the racer in mind. The upper headset cup is held in place with a single pinch bolt. If you need to make an angle change, simply loosen the bolt and drop in one of the three Cane Creek AngleSet cups. The system sounds easy enough that one could easily make changes between runs to see the effect - no hammers or headset presses needed.

The M9 FRO will be using Intense's 12 x 150 mm G3 dropout system that lets you further fine tune the bike's handling, but it will be updated to a fully closed thru-axle design instead of the open dropouts that are currently being used.

Production is said to be on schedule, with the welding machines being fired up within the next few weeks. Expect to begin seeing the M9 FRO in the dirt sometime in October. I want one.

Check out Intense website for more information.

What do you think of the latest race weapon from Intense? Tell us below!

Big thanks to Lens Rentals Canada as well for sending through some lens's that have allowed me to take some unique shots. In these photos I used a Canon 70-200mm 2.8 IS II, and a 24mm 1.4L II, two very nice lens's! Thanks again to them!

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157 Comments

Score Time

cardronapumpandjumptrack (Aug 14, 2010 at 3:55)

what are intense playing at? who ever is in charge of marketing over there needs to have a serious rethink. "This is a world cup race bike straight out the box" who buys a world cup bike? People who race world cups tend to be sponsored and there for do not BUY a bike to ride world cups on. Saying that this thing is for world cups only is downright stupid and will put many customers off. What merits a "World cup only bike"? Because every other bike that is raced on the world cup circuit doesn't have "World cup only bike" all over it. The v10 for example which is arguably a burlier and bigger bike with 10 inches of vpp travel and yet it is not marketed as a "world cup only bike" and thats why so many people ride them because they can be used for most types of riding with involve a downward slope. So if intense could stop all the BS about this bike being a "world cup only racer" that would be great. Onto another supposed "fact" mentioned in the video. "Intense crc are the number one team in the world" the only reason the occasionally win best team is because there are so many of them. Don't get me wrong they have some very talanted riders on the team but good results have been few and far between. Intense are so full of s**t

AdmanMTB (Aug 14, 2010 at 4:37)

Totally agree with you - I'm tossing up the choice between an M9, Banshee Legend MkII and a Santa Cruz V10, and despite the M9 probably being the best bike, it really puts me off that it is SO designed for world cups that I would break it on my average ride down the hill. I race, for sure, and I love it, but it puts me off that if I buy this bike then I it can ONLY be used for racing. Leaning towards the Legend and V10 at the moment, sadly...

Altar69 (Aug 14, 2010 at 4:40)

+1!!

cameronbikes (Aug 14, 2010 at 6:02)

I'd get the Banshee. Two of my friends have them and they are frickin nice. Really really fast and responsive. Get it sent out of Brisbane Boutique Bikes. They have the sweetest set-ups man. Great warranty and customer service by the company and the dealer. By one for me too while you're at it!! Smile

cardronapumpandjumptrack (Aug 14, 2010 at 7:16)

have you considered the new Turner DHR. Not the prettiest bike in the world but if like racing you will love the Turner

gnarbar (Aug 14, 2010 at 7:58)

cardronapumpandjumptrack good rant fella but all they're doing is trying to clarify the most sensible and useful application of this bike. For your normal DH track or bike park lift assisted trails a 951 will more than suffice. If you ride steep gnar, fast gnar etc then the M9 will work better. Depends on the application.

Sadly we have a readership here on PB that finds it hard to differentiate between two frames, when most of them won't even be in the market for either bike and are just time suckers. You can give Stickman and Intense marketing crap for marketing hype if you like but understand the readership and the fact it's hard getting the message across. If you just ride mellow DH trails or smooth jump trails, this isn't your best choice of frame. It's a good way of filtering out potential customers who won't be happy buying an M9 and also saves time wasters from being involved in the process. For example how many "tire kickers" does your average Ferrari dealership salesman shuffle out the doors every weekend ? And they're told to do that because it's sensible business sense. Same thing here. Politely hinting that it's not their thing is a simple way of saving wasted time for everyone concerned.

cardronapumpandjumptrack (Aug 14, 2010 at 8:10)

ah your an intense customer. You are very right to defend this bike, i mean it's a really great bike but why can't they just say that it's designed for bigger steeper tracks rather than saying it's a World Cup bike. By saying that it's a World Cup bike they may be doing the opposite to what you said. Saying it's a world cup bike may attract little 12 year old kids who want to be as fast as a world cup rider and think that this bike will suddenly make that happen for them but when there dad decides to say it's just to expensive for there kid to have one then it's just another time waster for Intense. Maybe it attracts the right crowd by saying it's a "world cup" bike, Maybe it doesn't. We will just have to wait and see.On another note will you be ordering one of these?

El3ctroplatano (Aug 14, 2010 at 8:17)

Intense Marketing is OK! They are targeting racers with this bike. They have the 951 for all other purposes, the M9 is FRO (For Racing Only), if you don´t race, then clearly this is not the bike for you. DON'T BUY IT!

gnarbar (Aug 14, 2010 at 8:20)

Good comments. I'm not sure, if I bought one I'd probably run it mostly in short travel/slack HA mode. Will have to see. I like the longer wheelbase, and longer seatstay of the M9 versus M6 and slacker HA is always good IMO as we're seeing HA get down to 63 deg nowadays for some frames (DHR etc). I can see it riding much better than the M6 overall and I think it's definitely good progress. Honestly I can barely do an M6 justice given the general lack of steep gnar and trend for flowier jump trails but on the right track it's a blast. My M6 is built light at 38lbs and actually pops pretty well and is fairly agile, so a tight 8.5" setting M9 might be a real blast.

cardronapumpandjumptrack (Aug 14, 2010 at 9:29)

Well im set on the DHR, I will give you a run down of the build

Large or Extra Large Turner DHR in Raw Finish
2008 FOX 40 rc2 with BOS internal upgrade
Silver Mavic 721's
Green Chris King hubs
Avid Elixir CR Brakes
Chrome Chromag Fubar OSX
Green Chromag Director stem
FOX RC4 Shock TF Tuned
500Ibs Nuke Proof Ti Spring
White E13 SRS+ Chainguide
E13 G-Ring
Green RaceFace Atlas FR cranks 165mm
Silver Burgtec Penthouse Flat MK3 Pedals
Burgtec Grill top crown for FOX 40
Burgtec X-Press Carbon Seatpost
Shimano XTR rear mech
Shimano XTR shifter
Shimano Road Cassette
White and Grey SDG Ti- Fly Saddle
And Finally Ti Bolts Through out

gnarbar (Aug 14, 2010 at 9:46)

Nice but personally there's no way I would run a carbon seatpost for DH and those Ti bolts will only make you faster if you wear TLD pyjama pants :-) .....enjoy the ride btw my King hubs run beautifully and so smooth.

loaded (Aug 14, 2010 at 9:50)

Ti bolts are super trick and can deff save you some weight

gnarbar (Aug 14, 2010 at 9:53)

"Ti bolts are super trick" - so are mirrored goggle lenses

loaded (Aug 14, 2010 at 10:30)

How can you deny the fact that Ti bolts are cool? I saved almost 1lb on my Demo w/Cadence Works Ti bolts. So what do you have to say about that. On of the best weight saving mods for the money

gnarbar (Aug 14, 2010 at 10:54)

Just curious what did it cost to drop nearly a pound weight ? Impressive. But pound for $ ? Similar to spending $200-300 on Ti/Mag pedals to drop 200-300 grams (half to 3/4 pound). Just askin'.

stryke Plus (Aug 14, 2010 at 14:19)

lol you saved a pound with ti bolts? get over yourself

Keiron (Aug 14, 2010 at 16:00)

gnarbar's killin it today LOL

AdmanMTB (Aug 14, 2010 at 20:58)

Ti bolts CAN save a lot of weight on a bike. There are so many bolts you can change.

Stem > Crown
Stem > Handlebars
Brake clamps (handlebars)
Shifter clamps (handle bars)
Brake callipers
Brake adaptors
Axle pinch bolts (forks/rear)
Fork pinch bolts
Seat clamp bolt
Seat rails
Crank pinch bolts
Rotor Bolts

And of course Ti Springs...
Saving a pound sounds unlikely but maybe your bikes is built from bolts...

However, there are way better ways to save money. Replacing all the bolts I just mentioned is easily upwards of $500 AUD, and for that amount of money you could go tubeless, buy lighter seat and post.etc. Definitely not a cheap way of saving weight.

loaded (Aug 14, 2010 at 21:47)

I actually saved 397grams or a tad bit short of 1lb. And yes demos do have a lot of bolts. Just on the front of a Fox 40 there are a bunch of bolts w/direct mount stem and controls. On the back there is shock mounting hardware, brake hardware and all the pivot bolts plus a 10mm Ti rear axle. Total cost was $89usd from Cadence Works

gnarbar (Aug 14, 2010 at 21:48)

Don't Ti shock mount bolts invalidate any warranty ? Just askin'.

dmadness (Aug 14, 2010 at 22:44)

i love ti, but wouldnt a rear axle have rediculous flex to it ??

AdmanMTB (Aug 14, 2010 at 22:57)

Yeah I wouldn't go anywhere near ti axles.... but I'd be fine with shock hardware. Don't think it'd void anything...

dmadness (Aug 14, 2010 at 23:19)

My thoughts exactly, how would they know you used Ti hardware when you sent your shock in for warranty ?? might even give you 1/8 of an inch more travel ( lol ) ti axles i'd wager would give you that washy feelong in the back, thus defeating the perpose of all the inkages designed to be ridgid... not to mention the thicker axle itself.

edd-stevens (Aug 15, 2010 at 2:21)

If your worried about it voiding the warrenty then stick the original back in before you return it.

loaded (Aug 15, 2010 at 6:43)

I am deff not worried about voiding any warranty. And to you guys who claim a Ti axle "flexes" like crazy have you every tried one?

stryke Plus (Aug 15, 2010 at 8:30)

a light alu axle is lighter then a ti axle bro! and ti is flexxxy in an axle man

loaded (Aug 15, 2010 at 10:06)

Have you ever actually used a Ti axle stryke?

dmadness (Aug 15, 2010 at 10:14)

I have tossed a leg over a ti bike and was able to hold it with my knees and flex the end more than 4 inches to either side... Flexy as hell, I also held a ir nail ( later inserted into my femur ) and was amazed at both how light it was and also how much flex it had.

Stryke is right here, Aluminum is A less dense metal and is lighter, ,more ridgid but also not as strong and more prone to shearing forces. It is used for dh bikes because It DOESN't Flex.

loaded (Aug 16, 2010 at 9:03)

I have a feeling if you were able to "flex" a wheel side to side more than 4inches it probably has something to do with the wheel its self. Once a properly built wheel, 10 or 12mm is BOLTED into place via a Ti axle it can not move or flex. As you clearly stated above aluminum is more prone to shearing forces and the only way to brake an axle is to shear the end of it off: which happens just outboard of the dropout.

dmadness (Aug 17, 2010 at 17:08)

I was referring to t Ti Bike.... it had mad amounts of flex.

And what I was saying is that the Axle itself would flex, in its fixed position which would be crappy.

loaded (Aug 18, 2010 at 12:05)

so in all reality you have no idea what you are talking about because you have never seen a ti axle in your life

dmadness (Aug 18, 2010 at 16:26)

True... The Ti bike did have a ti axle I believe, But honestly I don't know.

What I am asking then is What would the advantage be?

aluminum has a density of 2.70 Grams per Cubic centimetre

Titanium has a density of 4.5 Grams per Cubic Centimetre

What is the advanstage of a titanium axle ?

loaded (Aug 18, 2010 at 19:44)

you can run a fine thread pitch w/ Ti

also look @ the shear strength differences between the two

dmadness (Aug 19, 2010 at 18:35)

thread pitch is moot because of pinch bolts, you are right about the shear being greater but the wheel would fail before the axle did.

loaded (Aug 20, 2010 at 5:28)

Pinch bolts? My Giant, Ellsworth, Yeti and Specialized all used a standard axle with NO pinch bolt. Again you are making these statements which you know nothing about, pls stop

dmadness (Aug 20, 2010 at 17:41)

No pinch bolt eh?, Feck you are a moron, I am done playing and responding.

loaded (Aug 21, 2010 at 7:38)

You really are dumb, none of those bikes have pinch bolts and I think I would know because I have owned them. You on the other hand clearly have no real world expirence so pls stop posting about things you know nothing about. You are just filling peoples heads with your nonsense

dmadness (Aug 21, 2010 at 8:31)

okay, one last post.... EVERY fork has pinch bolts, they are the bolts that hold your axle in place ( pinch it ) You fail epic at every attempt, fail fail fail.

have A great time Failing at everything except failing .

loaded (Aug 21, 2010 at 19:20)

Are you kidding me? I thought I made it very clear that i am talking about frames/rear axles not forks! Why else would I mention four bike brands? Seems to me like you ride your bike without a helmet way too much

[Reply]

DirtyDee (Aug 14, 2010 at 0:56)

The only reason they are the leading world cup team is that they have 5 or 6 more riders in their team than most other big name teams.

As Rob Warner jokingly said to Nige Page "if you throw enough shit at a wall some of it will have to stick" or something to that effect.

cyfa89 (Aug 15, 2010 at 19:14)

cheers for the info
i dont follow it massively but surely thats not fair?!

DirtyDee (Aug 16, 2010 at 17:04)

i'm not saying their riders are shit, they have some quality dudes on the team but none have even brought home consistent top ten results. It is the volume of riders that is racking up the points for the team.

cyfa89 (Aug 18, 2010 at 6:28)

yeah i understand
i dont think thats fair to the other riders on different teams as theyre outnumbered
the minority always loses Frown

[Reply]

Ralfinger (Aug 14, 2010 at 4:22)

the pricing is insane, nobody can tell me that its reasonable.

cardronapumpandjumptrack is right too, the markteting machine of intense has gone insane.

seems like i cant ride that bike because i dont ride worldcups...

gnarbar (Aug 14, 2010 at 7:52)

Cheaper than a DHR, slightly more than a Revolt, what's unreasonable about the price for a WC quality super adjustable hand made in USA frame ? Seems to me it could easily be $200-400 more expensive and still be regarded reasonable compared to peers.

Ralfinger (Aug 14, 2010 at 8:51)

didnt say that they are priced more reasonably... but i have to say i can see why the turner should be more expensive: because ist hace more cnc work on it, which is expensive...

they are all too expensive, but as long as people pay for it, why lower the price?

sucks that i will never be able to afford one... at least in the next 4 years...

Knife-in-the-dark (Aug 14, 2010 at 8:58)

Ha, wasn't there the same bitching about price on the dhr? Quality and uniqueness cost.

gnarbar (Aug 14, 2010 at 9:00)

Pricing is tied to volume, bike companies have to make a profit to continue. Small volumes plus R&D and marketing = expensive bikes. Don't see any bike company owners flying lLearjets or driving Ferraris so I guess we're stuck where we are unless we see a massive 25% increase in DH/FR/SS/XC/AM riders AND sales of bike frames/bikes to match that.

Ralfinger (Aug 14, 2010 at 9:05)

i see that they cant put out the frames to the production price, that would be retarded. but i still think they are overpriced. you cant tell me that your not paying for the name...

can see that you "love intense" so go and buy even more frames to a price where you can get cars for...

but if you dont have to pay, or not as much, like you do, i can understand why you dont like my Criticism!

btw i love that new turner, would love to have one!

gnarbar (Aug 14, 2010 at 9:19)

Dude you're talking gibberish. All high end bikes are more than good and all would do the average rider well in terms of performance and quality. Better to love something than be hating on other things. Like I said you're paying for R&D and technology positioned against small volumes, not a "name". We ride what we all choose to ride. Move on.

Ralfinger (Aug 14, 2010 at 9:33)

dude i try it one more time Smile

look f.e at alutech, german company really really small... those price seem more reasonable to me but, f*** it you rright... stop crying now!

gnarbar (Aug 14, 2010 at 9:40)

I'm not the one bleating on about frame prices :-) and those Alutech bikes look like crap so that is what "cheap" get you ? (shakes head)

rffr (Aug 14, 2010 at 16:39)

haha hes comparing this : http://www.worldlingo.com/wl/services/S1790.5/translate?wl_srclang=it&wl_trglang=en&wl_rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alutech.it%2Fkeiler_dh.html&wl_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alutech.it%2FBilder%2FBikes%2FKeilerDH09.jpg to an intense. Hahahahaha. O man. That's like comparing an Ellsworth to Intense Smile

dmadness (Aug 14, 2010 at 22:47)

gah, THAT is hideous... the intense is much nicer indeed. Smile

[Reply]

mudd (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:50)

Dear Santa....

[Reply]

saruti (Aug 14, 2010 at 2:22)

Why even bother buying this bike?
Intense will probably make a new frame in a few weeks.... and a new one... and a new one....

cyfa89 (Aug 15, 2010 at 19:15)

as with absolutely everything Wink

[Reply]

loolilon (Aug 14, 2010 at 4:41)

its the proto model of the m-12

[Reply]

christiaan (Aug 14, 2010 at 16:29)

I do not think Intense will switch to Carbon, as all the welding is done in house, it is their trademark if you will, they have no experience with Carbon(The Carbon road frame was not made in house) so my guess is they will stick to Welding an Alloy

[Reply]

stikmanglaspell (Aug 14, 2010 at 9:23)

Let me use my pinkbike decoder ring for cadrona and other haters.

"WORLD CUP TRACKS/RACING" = "VERY STEEP, VERY ROUGH TRAILS...TRAILS MOST PEOPLE WOULD NOT RIDE"

There ya go. All fixed for ya.

So even if you do not race world cups (like myself) but you like to ride super steep and rough trails, this bike is for you. I don't race at all, not in 15 years, but the bike gives me confidence to ride stuff I probably shouldn't be riding.

[Reply]

KGRR (Aug 17, 2010 at 20:18)

Another year - another bike from Intense... Trend setter or trend follower?

Why oh why do people get so excited about this? How about developing what they have - or are they admitting that the previous bikes were crap, and now need a whole new model? It'll take a year or 2 for them to iron out any issues with this M9, by which time the M10 will be out - so you get that prototype bike again...

Looks like a V10 copy - which is what I would buy. SC had the low shock position years ago. Do yoursdelf a favour - forget this adjustability nonsense - learn to ride - and buy a V10.

[Reply]

misterpeanut (Aug 14, 2010 at 10:41)

I love the adjustability of my 951, but i didn't like the wallowy feel in the 8.5" travel setting so i run it in the 8" setting. i think this new shock rate setting is the fix for adjustable travel bikes and the G3 dropouts are mint! I rode my 951 on Tunnel in Santa Barbara (where WC teams practice and test new bikes during the winter) and a full WC bike like the M9 would be nice with 9.5". But we also race some lame tracks here in SoCal at Fontana, where sometimes 6" travel bikes are faster. It's hard to have a "jack of all trades" but at least Intense are trying to make that possible with the 951 and M9 offerings. Intense For LIFE!

[Reply]

cabromat (Aug 14, 2010 at 0:21)

Yes it's good, it's so good that Mattis Lehikoinen Intense was stollen in Finland
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/News.aspx?NewsID=1087

CJL1 (Aug 14, 2010 at 21:41)

Bummer, but what a knob... that thing will be easy to pawn... I guess we will know when a "raw" m9 comes up for sale that "had the sticker kit removed". He'll have no problem selling the "custom blue" hope brakes either. Your a moron if you steal someones bike, but this guy is in a league all his own...

[Reply]

AdmanMTB (Aug 14, 2010 at 4:38)

Would this thing to be TOO much of a race bike for having as a standard bike alongside racing? I've heard the FRO bikes use much thinner tubing, but at 70kg, am I likely to break this thing?

gnarbar (Aug 14, 2010 at 7:51)

Not at all, the myth that FRO means it will snap is pure BS. FRO is related to the geo and design of the bike not regarding frame thickness. If you can find the gnarly trails and vert to use this bike then you can run it as your everyday DH bike but the trails have to be worthy even in 8.5" travel mode.

AdmanMTB (Aug 14, 2010 at 18:00)

Is there a link to the geometry of this bike? It is similar to the M6 at all? The M6 felt a little cramped in the top tube (I'm a tall guy) so unless they've changed that a little I can't see myself buying this thing.

gnarbar (Aug 14, 2010 at 18:09)

Wheelbase is longer I believe and chainstay slightly longer. Not sure if TT is longer but from what I've heard it sounds like it will ride better than the M6. Need the deets of the geo from Intense to clarify with facts.

gnarbar (Aug 14, 2010 at 18:46)

Press release with some geo: http://intensecycles.com/final_pr_m9.pdf

AdmanMTB (Aug 14, 2010 at 20:48)

That's sweet - thanks! Definitely considering one.

On their 'current' website, each bike has build kits which are still 'coming soon'. Are these going to be available with the release of the M9? What price and components are we looking at?

gnarbar (Aug 14, 2010 at 21:20)

No idea, give them some time. The build kit for the 951 was introduced a few months after the frame was produced and has been available for a while. I'd think most M9's would be custom builds anyway ? So, not really much of a big demand. 951 however has a lot of privateer racers so the SRAM build made sense to set up fairly quickly. They're priced well and seem to be selling OK.

AdmanMTB (Aug 14, 2010 at 21:25)

Sram build would include boxxers though right? I'm keen to open the wallet and try the new 40s...

Ah well, I guess we'll see what happens.

gnarbar (Aug 14, 2010 at 21:39)

http://fanatikbike.com/product/10-intense-cycles-951-fro-complete-5589.htm

BoXXer Team though you can always trade off parts and pay adjustment costs.

[Reply]

christiaan (Aug 14, 2010 at 10:07)

I loved the M6, and I will most likely end up with the M9.

Peaple always want the frames the pro's are riding, just look at all the people who wanted the M6 Evo frames. Get over it, I have never riddne an Intense frame that didn't ride sweet, so I have no problems getting this, even thoguh I do not race DH, and only ride when I have time with my friends, for fun. The travel on the M6 saved me many times, so having some extra is a good thing in my eyes

[Reply]

Potok (Aug 14, 2010 at 0:11)

A bit different to my old M1 Big Grin

[Reply]

DirtyDee (Aug 14, 2010 at 1:00)

Also, Can anyone explain to me the adjustable headset angle idea? I thought you would NEED to have a pinch bolt top and bottom to accommodate the small angle adjustment which happens top and bottom. Is the lower part of the headset 'floating' in some way that enbles it to shift when the top cup is changed?? Someone enlighten me please

UncleCliffy (Aug 14, 2010 at 8:00)

Read this: http://www.canecreek.com/AngleSet

[Reply]

kanioni (Aug 14, 2010 at 3:12)

Have you people heard this yet! Matti Lehikoinen's Intense M9 with CRC Team colours was stolen this week of his van in Helsinki. I hope it will be found, becouse M9 is such a nice bike.

[Reply]

nathanbirdseye (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:22)

ohh i need a clean pair of shorts ...

[Reply]

cthorpe (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:55)

the amount of adjustment is awesome! but i'm still completely happy with my 951.

[Reply]

charleshotshot (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:26)

The Ferrari of mountain bike! Just as it looks!

coolmann (Aug 14, 2010 at 6:06)

yes =D

[Reply]

conshow3 (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:29)

guys that bike is pretty intense

[Reply]

panzer103 (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:28)

To think that I bought a M6 in early April. But, that's okay 3grand vs. $1400 and I'm sure my M6 will rock when (or ever) it gets done. Yes, that is a sweet bike. Yet I wonder when a carbon version will come out. That will be the bike to have b/c carbon is the best. Hell yeah

oonser Plus (Aug 13, 2010 at 23:36)

v10 carbon is gonna be the way.

[Reply]

dmadness (Aug 14, 2010 at 22:51)

it actually IS a new m6... somebody in the stencil department just accidentally applied the 6 upside down. Smile

[Reply]

TheActiveJunk (Aug 15, 2010 at 14:42)

*thaha* and i'm still riding a M3... because, never touch a running system Razz

[Reply]

cyfa89 (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:43)

why dont more bikes use a pinch bolt head tube?!
its like the fsa split race, simples Smile

[Reply]

swilson669 (Aug 14, 2010 at 0:03)

f*ck yea! nicely done stik...awesome bike. hope i didnt forget anything in the box!

[Reply]

godfried (Aug 16, 2010 at 19:09)

I think I stick w/ my 2009 ROTEC RL9, their unique rear susp.. absorbs everything w/ no fuss.

[Reply]

rickityride09 (Aug 16, 2010 at 14:26)

I am saving my money for the release of the M10 FRO...I hear it's going to be pretty sweet.

[Reply]

fappachino (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:17)

damn looks dialed

+ 11

killacali (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:21)

Technology is getting pretty gnarly...i like it

- 44

ryanl2519 (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:26) (Below Threshold) show comment

v10 much?

theg-man (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:36)

want want want want want! Drool

+ 19

mikelevy Mod Plus (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:36)

ryanl2519,

Its pretty obvious that they both use the same VPP technology, there is nothing secret about that. In fact, both companies have used VPP on their bikes for years.

+ 12

freerider1057 (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:37)

Intense and Santa Cruz both use the VPP suspension link system so its expected that thier bikes would looks similar in some ways

cyfa89 (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:42)

intense 'rent' it from santa cruz

cyfa89 (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:42)

vpp i mean

AdmanMTB (Aug 14, 2010 at 0:10)

That thing is wicked sick nar... what other paint jobs does it come in? Wasn't it raw and red?

Hursty93 (Aug 14, 2010 at 3:41)

Its clearly not the same as a v10 it has 10" of travel this doesn't Smile

dbox123 (Aug 14, 2010 at 6:46)

the bike looks sick, but for a bike that costs over £2500 there is some ugly looking welds on that frame, dont know where there being made but im guessing its not the US

gnarbar (Aug 14, 2010 at 7:46)

dbox123 hand made in the USA and you're obviously no welder

dbox123 (Aug 14, 2010 at 9:31)

I am a qualified welder, in both steel and aluminum fabrication, which is why I make the point!!! The beads are uneven and not uniform in size and look like they wander slightly from the curve of the bike. They do the job they are supposed to do perfectly well but what im saying is that on a £2500 plus frame where the welds beads are not removed I would of expected them to be neater as they make a big contribution to the finish of the bike.

WAKIdesigns (Aug 14, 2010 at 10:40)

dbox I agree with you with welds, Intense has always had quality issues in that department. But I will NEVER understand why are you, and many other persons, believeing so much in hand made USA. Sorry USA no disrespect here or country bitchin, but I don't understand why hand-made-in-USA equals high-quality as for granted?! Sorry but I don't see inhabitants of North american continent as the benchmark of hardwork, precision and disciplin, being a fundamental virtues of delivering a manufacturing quality. Sure Americkies have da technology, but eee: handmade U see. Sure there's no indication for that (yea Im a nationalist bastard), but something tells me that Asians are more devoted and committed to their work. If they screw up something it's because they are exhausted of working 20h a day.

I don't even want to mention the issue of education, where we citizens of better world, sort of fail big time...

dbox123 (Aug 14, 2010 at 11:07)

^^ I never commented that US manufacturing was better than anyone else. Being British I deffinatly would not have said that.
The reason I made the comment about it not being manufactured in the US is that Intense is a US company and I thought that if they were making the frames "in house" that they could reject a frame if it wasnt up to scratch, as apposed to ordering 1000 frames from another country at a lower cost, were they can not inspect the work as it is being done.

a1bike4me (Aug 14, 2010 at 11:22)

i bought my commencal to early haha

WAKIdesigns (Aug 14, 2010 at 14:33)

I didn't mean anything wrong, I always sound too serious and offensive, i apologize for that Smile

well, the way i see it is, if you are a company in Whateverland and outsource other company in South Somewherendo to do stuff for you in 1000s, you have to go there first to check if they are capable of doing it. Furthermore you send your people them to watch over the sort of "prototype" production line. Then they start massive production, you get lots of stuff. If you are not satisfied with some stuff then you warn them that you will break the contract, as they violate the agreement by delivering low-quality stuff. Basicaly if you can't force that, you are a bad businessman. And apart from doing great bikes, owner of such business must be a good businessman, otherwise sooner or later he will have no money to do frames, and government will be on his aXX with unpaid taxes. that applies also to the factory behind your door Smile

rffr (Aug 14, 2010 at 16:23)

dbox, I'm starting to wonder if you have any welding experience what so ever. Especially since you didn't list the positions you were certified for regarding those two you mentioned.

Look guys, you have obviously never been around industrial welding before. Having a weld look perfect doesn't mean it's strong etc. Especially if using metals where wall thickness varies, you would add more or less filler, using more or less amperage at that spot. IE, welds don't need to be ultra consistent looking to be correct.

I bet intense does plenty of x ray and ultra sound testing to to ensure the qc remains high. So next time you guys are going to have some debate on welds in a picture, at least look at the bike in person before you harp. People think they see a pic that means they know it all. Have you seen one in person?

dmadness (Aug 14, 2010 at 22:35)

i've seen some brocken intense, not a brocken weld ... yet .

WAKIdesigns (Aug 15, 2010 at 6:29)

rffr, there companies that deliver nice even welds on their frames. For example Trek, Santa Cruz, Merida and many more. Well if a man pays so much money for a bike like Intense, he is 100% allowed to expect highest possible quality and attention to detail. If you buy a Mercedes SL or any other car for 200 000, and see not even seams on leather seats, well then something is wrong isn't it - would you like to listen about: uneven seams don't mean that they are weak.
What kind of argument is this? It can happen to Fiat Panda, but not to Ferrari. and well Fiat Panda of MTB which i.e. Merida is, has fine welds.

rffr (Aug 15, 2010 at 9:35)

Dude, once again, your arguing based on pics. Also, your arguing against someone with years of industrial welding experience. Once again, let me state this.... a perfect "looking" weld. Your talking about "uneven" seams but you don't understand what your talking about. (Obvious with how your stating the argument). Look, I won't argue further, just go talk to your local Metallurgist, because your obviously a bit confused with the welding process. (no disrespect... but the opinions stop here with this).

May be a good start to go to school for this like some of us have before you comment Smile

rffr (Aug 15, 2010 at 9:43)

btw, I really dont think intense would be where they were today if they were putting out poorly made frames. It's more than just the team they have, they actually have solid great made stuff. Ya can put these frames down all you want... I bet they will still sell by the dozens regardless of your opinion on the welds.

jonnydh (Aug 15, 2010 at 15:16)

I've ridden an M3 for years. Broken about one a season, (almost) always at the welds. Their warranty is sick though! They stand behind their stuff like no other company I know of. Crappy welds?.. for sure. If you think different, you haven't seen enough weld beads or bikes to know better. But their made with 'merica! And they stand behind their sh*t.

cyrix (Aug 15, 2010 at 16:16)

Waki, I like how you coyly try to imply Americans don't work hard or a lot. thttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/3797144896_e5abba1cd0_o.png

Your jingoistic hyperbole is ridiculous.

rffr (Aug 15, 2010 at 17:55)

well johnny, being the m3's weld's take up nearly half the length of the frame... no shit that you were getting breakage at welds Smile

. Look at the odds. I wonder how many inches of welds are on an m3. I'm guessing 5+ feet of welds. Lotta space to break over time. That my friend is why they can stamp FRO on it and shaft people now. IE I'd expect warrenty on this new m9 to be a little more strict.

cyfa89 (Aug 15, 2010 at 19:11)

basically rffr is right
i studied engineering at college and some welding and hes right in saying that they will xray and/or spray check etc.
the second to last pic though, where the dropout is welded in, looks like they have welded over a tack weld, they should think of a way to overcome this if that is the case because i dont think that should be there, the rest are fine however (as is the dropout weld, just should be no tacks, ideally, but then thats getting anal!)
with regard to the m3 and weld cracks, i bet it wa cracked just outside the weld?
this is beacause more often than not, the weld is stronger than the parent metals!

rffr (Aug 16, 2010 at 0:26)

Exactly cyfa89. You should see my Schwinn Pro modified frame around the headset. Spider cracks around the entire thing.... BUT the weld is absolutely flawless. Got 10 years outa-er so I can't complain Smile

WAKIdesigns (Aug 16, 2010 at 0:35)

rffr you can teach me about welds, but hold your ego a bit and stop treating me like an idiot just because YOU are the man, I finished my education quite well. If you want to say who should comment and who shouldn't then become an admin on www.soviet-nazi.akbar.com

TomBasic (Aug 16, 2010 at 9:34)

Wow, I can agree with everyone, here, but the one person I won't disagree with is dbox123. I agree that the visual is not everything, but having an associate degree in welding technology, I can say Intense's frames would never pass my visual inspection. When establishing a proper welding procedure, from beginning to finish, the order of testing would be: visual, magnaflux and penetrant dye, ultrasound, x-ray, and lastly destructive testing such as bend tests and sharpy v-notch tests, among others. Or, you could simply go right to the destructive tests. However, the visual is one of the best indicators of technique, all the other tests verify whether the technique was sufficient. The bottom line is: Intense's welds may work, but if I put out welds like that I'd have a hard time taking pride in my product. Admit it: it's ugly. By the way, rffr, we're talking about a world class, made in the USA, mountain bike frame, here, not some railroad boxcar frame.

elzorroinphilly (Aug 16, 2010 at 10:32)

Is this bike a one-off prototype or a one of a full production? Who knows what various states this frame had been in before it was painted and spec'ed for photos. Also, because production is done at Intense by hand, I would think that no two frames would have the same quality welds. At least they have the customer service strength to back up anything below par that makes it out the door. I agree that they should have selected a prettier frame for marketing photos though, especially HD closeup shots.

rffr (Aug 16, 2010 at 23:05)

This is not a proto...

You wouldn't use a prototype for pics in an article like this. You would use it on a sneak peek ordeal, but not on a here is the m9... it's shipping soon. Smile

WAKIdesigns (Aug 17, 2010 at 1:02)

one more thing rffr. I got curious and checked welds on my Handmade in USA 08 Santa Cruz Nomad. Well they are nearly as even and well done as the welds on my wifes robot-welded Merida. So basicaly by paying so much for Intense a customer like me (BTW having no bigger idea about welding of bicycle frames) can expect good looking welds.

rffr (Aug 17, 2010 at 7:32)

Your missing the point. It's nothing about weld asthetics in the real world. People in industrial welding could give a hoots about how the welds "look"... they care about the x ray and ultra sound testing.

Your also comparing to different types of welding. Tubing is much different from doing butt welds on plate. But yea, there is also no guarantee your hand made nomad is stronger than an intense. The only way to prove the welds are physically better is to compare the 2 on an x ray machine. The same as most companies will do to their 3k frames.

Wasn't putting you down eariler, but people need to realize... welding reeeally doesn't have much to do with looks as much is it has to do with doing something the right way... which won't always have that perfect look. (pipe fitting is a good example of this). Smile

dmadness (Aug 17, 2010 at 17:02)

LMAO, Fail ^^ I am a plumber/gasfitter/pipefitter and have been for nearly 12 years.

When it looks like poo, it's usually cause it IS, OR it was done by a lazy bastard "tradesman" ( lots of these came out during the boom ) who didnt give a rats ass about his work, which means it was done poorly. sometimes things fail and water or other things get out, but when somebody opens up a wall to correct a problem They are VEry much looking at the workmanship and if it appears poor then the worker is put at blame, if it looks good then often times a faulty fitting is the culprit.

... I will Spare you my rebuttle Regarding welds Which I also know quite a bit about in my trade, I believe The Welder's here have already left you like a struck match. Wink

WAKIdesigns (Aug 17, 2010 at 23:58)

dmadness... I read your highly inappropriate comment, on my mobile on the way to work. You put me in a very uncomfortable situation, when a person laughs to tears in the middle of crowd unaware of the reasons of these spasms.

rffr: I get your point; looks not necessarily affect performance. You don't seem to get mine though: if it is possible to get good looking welds then so expensive bike is OBLIGED to have them.

rffr (Aug 18, 2010 at 15:56)

Hmmm funny because plumbing and pipe fitting are 2 different industries... dmadness.

You do realize what "pipe fitters" mean do ya now? And no... they aren't looking for workmanship in "looks" in industrial work. Obviously you have never been in the industry welding for a pipe fitting union... because all they care about is the results of the xray/radiation/ultrasound tests. They could give a shit less how it looks. But then again, your a union pipe fitter... you know all about it.

Btw what local are you?

and btw Waki, was never putting you down Smile

the pain killers I'm on for my injury make me a bit agro... and it shows in my typing.

In the end... I don't care if my frame looks like it has seagal shit all over it... if it passes the normal weld integrity tests that is all that matters. I'd rather have an ugly, legit & passed welding job... then a beautiful and non passed job ya know. People just seem to think everything in this world is based upon looks. It's sorta sad that it is this way. I guess it's nice because the welders do have several industries like pipefitting that is just based on the post weld tests rather than how symmetrical someone can lay a bead down.

dmadness (Aug 18, 2010 at 16:18)

Local 496 Plumbers and pipefitters union is the local union here, And i am not a welder, I am a plumber/pipefitter And class A gasfitter and have been so for the past 12 years So you don;t need to Tell me what you don't know.

See my above post. ^^^

And I understand about being agro On the Killers,
I hate not being able to ride.

Heal up man. Salute

And learn something today from those That have already been there, you have had responses from SEveral people that actually work in the mentioned industries and STILL you Fail to Accept that you are wrong, I am Done here. Smile

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dj2ax (Aug 13, 2011 at 10:30)

Got...

...and it's awesome.

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godfried (Aug 14, 2010 at 13:53)

Will carbon frame be considered for the future with the same design or even more radical in blueprint?

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richierocket (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:26)

Pulling all the stops out! Well done Intense!!!

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tinoco (Aug 14, 2010 at 6:50)

wow...I love this bike ...
attention, I change my M6 by M9 ahahahha Wink

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mike-hight-wizz (Aug 14, 2010 at 6:19)

wow i wish i could afford one Frown

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Arawn (Aug 14, 2010 at 3:56)

dam! that is one of the nicest bikes to be launched this year, so so nice, i know what i would do iff i had the money!

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UncleCliffy (Aug 13, 2010 at 22:53)

My 951 is crying now...

therealintensecycles (Aug 13, 2010 at 23:04)

Its not, 951 is a proven winner (World Cup Champery, Canadian National Champ) and so is the M9 FRO. Different bikes. M9-FRO is the 951's big brother, brothers can get along, sometimes the little bro beats up big bro, vice versa haha.

UncleCliffy (Aug 13, 2010 at 23:53)

I love my 951. It's crying cause I can't afford both!

- 10

cardronapumpandjumptrack (Aug 14, 2010 at 3:58) (Below Threshold) show comment

your bike cries? wow! you should market that as the all new intense crying bike! To be used for watching sad movies only!

JubaBabaci (Aug 14, 2010 at 4:02)

Fail ^^ ...

But you guys are so lucky to have 951's

angard008 (Aug 14, 2010 at 23:17)

GOOD BYE SOCOM.. HELLO M9.. HAHA!! MAYBE NEXT YEAR..

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specializedlover123 (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:57)

Beautiful bike!

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BobanKostovski (Aug 16, 2010 at 1:31)

which is better M9 or 951???

jweinstein (Aug 16, 2010 at 11:47)

the M9. The 951 is great with a progressive spring rate and adjustable g3 dropouts to change the chainstay length, bb height, and head angle. The M9 is simply more; It has all of that except it has the ability to select two more linear spring rate positions, adjust travel to 8.5, 9, and 9.5in and further adjust the head angle by the cane creek angleset. The 951 is a less expensive, less adjustable bike. The M9 is the most adjustable dh bike ever made.

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devulge96 (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:17)

That's awesome!

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hihi (Aug 13, 2010 at 23:45)

ive got mine on preorder already its going to be dope,

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deadatbirth (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:39)

got mine on order

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RideOrDie69 (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:19)

such a beautiful bike Smile

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decaf128 (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:29)

that's a real DH bike!!

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phillywa (Aug 13, 2010 at 21:34)

intense....i love you

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theskidkid (Aug 14, 2010 at 9:06)

does anyone know what wheels thos are?

AdmanMTB (Aug 15, 2010 at 3:35)

mavic deemaxxs mate.

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dhbasher (Aug 15, 2010 at 3:41)

the shock will get ruined in muddy condition! only V-10 has the must-have fender!

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djbruno (Aug 14, 2010 at 6:29)

just more bolts to tight!

=[

truck... sorry, thats my oppinion...

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konakid1993 (Aug 14, 2010 at 4:25)

B E A UUUTIFUL!

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MedellinColombiaDH (Aug 14, 2010 at 13:30)

Shity frame, it looks soo old

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Habashi (Aug 14, 2010 at 3:29)

It's Intense....

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