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Spotted at Sea Otter: Intense Tracer 275 Forward Geometry

12.04.2014

by Robin Schmitt

Intense carbine tracer 27

Leaning at Troy Lee Design’s booth we spotted a beautiful raw, custom made Intense Tracer with a bunch of special and interesting features. Welded by Jeff Steber, it seems like Intense is very open to experimentation and testing new geometry concepts. Personally, we are totally convinced that the Forward Geometry (introduced by Mondraker two years ago) offers some great benefits for fast and aggressive trail riders and racers, and it looks like Intense has been investigating too!

Mondraker's OnOff stem with 10mm offset mounted on this custom Tracer. — Mondraker’s OnOff stem with 10mm offset is mounted on this custom Tracer.

Made by Jeff Steber - the man himself! — Made by Jeff Steber – the man himself!

The key of the forward geometry is a very long top tube combined with a super short handlebar (either 10mm or 30mm). — The key to forward geometry is a very long top tube combined with a super short stem (either 10mm or 30mm).

The Forward Geometry is supposed to provide a more direct and precise steering as well as more security. — Forward Geometry is supposed to provide more direct and precise steering as well as more security.

Raw & rad! The pure finish of the frame and the welds make up for a great look. — Raw & rad! The pure finish of the frame and the welds result in a great look.

The high stem in combination with the Renthal Fatbar riser bar will result in a very high cockpit providing lots of security in steep sections. — The high stem in combination with the Renthal Fatbar riser bar results in a very high cockpit providing lots of security in steep sections.

160 millimeters of travel, 27,5" wheels and the Forward Geometry concept: We have no doubt that this custom bike is a BEAST! — 160 millimeters of travel, 27,5″ wheels and the Forward Geometry concept: We have no doubt that this custom bike is a BEAST!

We have no information from Intense Cycles if this bike will go into production. So far it seems like a early prototype. Stay tuned for more info!

Words & Photos: Robin Schmitt

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About the Author

Robin Schmitt
CEO & Founder

Robin is one of the two founders of 41 Publishing, a visionary and go-getter. While he now enjoys every second on the bike – whenever his busy schedule allows – he used to race against the clock at enduro events and a few Downhill World Cups. Besides that, Robin practises kung fu and Zen meditation, plays the cello, loves classic cars, travels abroad and still reviews numerous bikes himself. Progressive ideas, new projects and major challenges – Robin loves exploring undiscovered potential and getting to the bottom of new trends.

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