The main man himself sat in front of the new Tracer 2. Intense might not be the biggest brand in terms of sales, but they are at the top of many riders wish lists of bikes, with an illustrious history, a successful present, and a promising future. It was in 1993 that Jeff first made an M1 frame, the M standing for monocoque, and it was this frame that started it all for them in the downhill world. Originally fitted with a Mac Strut design, it was several years before the swing link made it onto the bike, and Shaun Palmer started bringing the success with it. It was Mike Metzger who originally introduced the pair who went on to shake up the world of downhill, with Palmer's distinctive style of bright motocross clothes, tattoos, flat pedals and full on riding style - only to lose by the slimmest of margins at the World Champs to Nicolas Vouilloz. It's hard to understand the full impact he had on the scene for those only just getting into the sport, but it is one which is still being fully felt today. Plans for the continued success of Intense include three carbon bikes within the next few years, ranging from an aluminum/carbon mix for downhill, through to two all carbon bikes for the markets looking for a little less travel - all are exciting prospects!