Intense Cycles

Carbine 275 - 2014

In some ways, the Intense Carbine Frame is a departure for the California brand. Most notably in that it's carbon fiber, unlike most of Intense's iconic aluminum creations. But don't let that fool you into thinking this is anything but a massive step forward. The aggressive handling, VPP equipped, 27.5-inch trail monster benefits from an intimidating pedigree, which ensures that when you get on the gas, this puppy takes off. And while the composite front and rear triangle are built in one of the East's finest manufacturing facilities, the dropouts, links, and hardware are machined in Temecula, Calif., at Intense's own facility. And that means you get one of the finest carbon fiber frames around, with the USA-made touch, and inspiring handling, that make it unmistakably an Intense.

Like the rest of the bikes in Intense's lineup, much of the Carbine's controlled ride can be attributed to its VPP suspension. It's a suspension platform that's widely beloved among riders in-the-know for its blend of pedaling efficiency and trail-erasing smoothness. VPP employs two aluminum counter-rotating links to achieve this balance. The upper link provides most of the rotation as the bike compresses into the sag point. This yields a vertical wheel path, which you'll notice in the form of a firm feel during acceleration. As the bike compresses deeper into the suspension, the lower link activates, moving the axle path rearward. The rearward axle path enables the rear wheel to travel out of the way of square-edged impacts. If it sounds like an ideal blend of characteristics, well, that's because it is, and countless riders agree.

While Intense is best known for its American made aluminum bikes, the Carbine is built from carbon fiber. Knowing that carbon fiber can be finicky to work with, Intense brought in consultants from the composites wizards at SEED to make the best possible use of the material, and then handed the manufacture to one of Taiwan's finest composites manufacturers. The Made in USA ethos still stands though, thanks to the fact that all the links, dropouts, and hardware are built in Temecula, alongside Intense's aluminum models. This ensures that your bike benefits from the best of modern composite construction, and maintains the soul you'd expect from an Intense.

Both the front and rear triangles are constructed as a whole, rather than bonding them together from sub-assemblies. This construction method not only minimizes unnecessary material, and accordingly weight, but it maximizes the strength of the structures as well. That's because the fibers are uninterrupted by seams, which happens with bonded constructions. Weight is minimized as excess epoxy is squeezed from the frame prior to curing, and this ideal degree of compaction optimizes the strength. Plus, it keeps the frame weight at 5.8 pounds for a medium frame. The strength and stiffness are further enhanced by the oversized collet-style hardware, 12x142mm thru axle, and tapered head tube.

The asymmetrical rear triangle is built to withstand aggressive riding, despite its modest weight. By using an oversized upright on the non-drive side, the drive side of the rear triangle is able to be lightened, while simultaneously improving drivetrain clearance. And it gets Intense's G1 replaceable dropout system, with a modern 12x142mm thru axle. By using a replaceable dropout, rather than a replaceable derailleur hanger, you get a stiffer mount for the derailleur, and accordingly, crisper shifts, with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're able to replace your hanger should your derailleur meet a particularly grisly demise.

The Intense Carbine 275 - 2014 Frame is available in three sizes, from Small to Large, and in the colors Naked Carbon, and Naked Carbon/yellow.