ydopen

The rear shock mount of the first gen Ever sat on bearings, so might be the same on this new model.

Gotta say, as an owner of two sets of Trickstuff brake systems (Diretissma and Piccola), they are 100% worth the investment. In my experience, you get all the bleed kits etc. with the brake kit. I've owned the Diretissimas since 2018 and only bled them twice - each time corresponding to installation on a different bike. They're a bit fiddly to bleed, but once you know what you're doing, it's pretty straightforward, and no more complicated than bleeding any other system. And they are properly powerful - can only imagine what the Maximas are like! The Piccola bleed is definitely a bit trickier than most, but once you get them right, they deliver AMAZING power given how light and compact they are. Another thing is that Trickstuff are amazing with customer support/services. They constantly have parts on hand to repair/replace/upgrade etc., and are constantly innovating. They still support their Cleg brake system, which has been around for ages (decades?) now. I'm old enough to remember what it was like sorting out cantis and v-brakes before and after a long mud ride. The early hydraulic disc brake systems were really hit-and-miss (and oftentimes pretty cr@p), but also really expensive in relative terms (especially if you account for inflation etc.). We are absolutely spoilt for choice of amazing, high-quality components these days.

@NorCalNomad: I think the departure from the classic Intense design aesthetic might have something to do with the fact that this frame was designed in conjunction with CERO designs (see http://www.wearecero.com/projects/intense-m29/). It takes a few design cues from the Unno Ever which Cesar Rojo spent several years designing, racing and refining. Personally, I think it's a stunning bike!