Pro Bike Check: Ajay Jones' Intense Tracer

The Intense Tracer certainly stands out from the crowd. The bling spec list and drool-worthy colours make for a bike that is hard to ignore. We caught up with Intense Saddleback team rider Ajay Jones, for a chat about his setup at round four of the Enduro World Series in Wicklow, Ireland.

AJ Jones Intense Traser Bike Check 0077 810x540 — The Intense Tracer is a mean looking bike with a drool-worthy spec list.

Intense Tracer Tyre choice/pressure:

Ajay runs MAXXIS tyres on his Tracer. On the front he is running a Shorty in the 3C compound with a DoubleDown casing, set at 25 psi. A faster rolling HighRoller II keeps things moving at the back. Ajay chooses to run a heavier DH casing on the rear for improved protection from the rocky Irish trails. The rear tyre is made of the SuperTacky compound, and set at 25 psi. Ajay’s Tracer rolls on ENVE M70 rims laced to Chris King hubs.

AJ Jones Intense Traser Bike Check 0080 810x540 — MAXXIS tyres keep Ajay rubber side down. Ajay is 6’ tall and rides an XL Tracer.

Intense Tracer Suspension Setup:

Intense Saddleback Racing is supported by SRAM, so Ajay is running Rockshox suspension on his Tracer. Upfront, a Rockshox Lyrik with the brand new “Charger 2” damper takes the hits, and a metric sized Super Deluxe keeps the rear wheel tracking. Ajay is running 80 psi in his fork with 3 tokens to add some progression. The Rockshox Super Deluxe fitted to Ajay’s Tracer is set at 185 psi. At 90 kg, Ajay has a custom shock tune with thicker shim stacks for faster rebound to suit his body weight.

AJ Jones Intense Traser Bike Check 0083 580x387 — Ajay runs a custom tuned Rockshox Super Deluxe air shock.

AJ Jones Intense Traser Bike Check 0131 580x387 — The new Lyrik and Charger 2 damper keep things smooth up front.

Intense Tracer Brakes and Drivetrain.

Brakes and transmission are also taken care of by SRAM in the form of their Eagle drivetrain and Guide RSC brakes. Ajay runs Rotor cranks and an oval chainring to help keep his legs spinning. Ajay told us he gets his brakes bled regularly by his mechanic to keep them feeling new, and he is running sintered pads this weekend for better longevity in the wet conditions. Ajay likes the Eagle drivetrain and says the massive 50 tooth cog lets him spin up even the toughest transitions.

AJ Jones Intense Traser Bike Check 0091 580x387 — The 500% gear range comes in handy on tough climbs.

AJ Jones Intense Traser Bike Check 0160 580x387 — SRAM Guide stoppers help Ajay slow down.

Intense Tracer Cockpit/contact points

ENVE takes care of the cockpit, with their Mountain stem and DH bar. Ajay runs his bars cut down to 780 mm, paired with a 35 mm stem.

AJ Jones Intense Traser Bike Check 0105 580x387 — ENVE DH bars cut down to 780 mm.

AJ Jones Intense Traser Bike Check 0120 580x387 — Carbon bling everywhere- a 35 mm ENVE Mountain stem for precise steering.

Shimano pedals and an Italian made carbon seat finish off the contact points.

AJ Jones Intense Traser Bike Check 0097 580x387 — Ajay is rolling on ENVE M70 rims and Chris King hubs.

AJ Jones Intense Traser Bike Check 0152 580x387 — A Rockshox Reverb and Italian made carbon seat finish off the the killer spec list.

AJ Jones Intense Traser Bike Check 0144 810x540 — #letsavew

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Words: Finlay Anderson Photos: Trev Worsey