What do you guys think about the '08 Intense 5.5 29er?

[kbteachme]

What do you guys thing about the new Intense 5.5 29er?
I think this frame will be great with a 20mm Thru 29er Fork. I wonder how it would ride.



Following in the footsteps of the Spider 29 the New 5.5 29 Prototype is designed with All Mountain Enduro Rider in mind. Given the efficient nature of the twenty-nine inch wheel then when coupled with the longer travel of the 5.5 you have a bike that begs to roll down any path you set you eyes on! This bike definitely emphasizes the idea of working smarter not harder.

[allison]

Are they out yet? It's been in the works for like 2 years now.

[Jordansrealm]

im very interested to hear more

[kbteachme]

Originally Posted by allison

Are they out yet? It's been in the works for like 2 years now.

http://www.cambriabike.com/shopdispl...e%205.5%2029er

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...+Frame+08.aspx

http://bike29.com/catalog/manitou-mi...ork-p-275.html

[kbteachme]

Originally Posted by mechmann

I rode a prototype. It seemed okay.

To be honest with you, that bike doesn't hold a candle to a Lenz Sport Bohemoth or Lunchbox (Bohemoth with 150mm spacing rear).

Wrong fork choice too. The best 29er fork with more travel is not a Manipoo, it is a White Brothers.

The Lenz Sport Bohemoth or Lunchbox looks interesting, too.

It looks like the 5 inch travel 29er bikes maybe the new all mountain craze for '08.

Where can I test ride them?

Does The Path have 5" travel 29ers to demo?

I tried the Ventana El Rey with 4" of travel and it was wonderful! However, I want to try the new 5" travel 29er bikes with a 20mm fork. This might be the ticket.

[tkblazer]

i would say that since its more of an xc based bike, its kind of pointless to have that much travel...

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by mechmann

The best 29er fork with more travel is not a Manipoo, it is a White Brothers.

Yep, if you can find one. The Reba on my RIP does what is suppose to do. Any more than that I have a Zoke 66 on the RFX.


.

[allison]

Originally Posted by dstepper

Yep, if you can find one..

Sometimes all it takes is a little elbow grease Justin is getting his 150 soon.

[kbteachme]

Originally Posted by allison

Sometimes all it takes is a little elbow grease Justin is getting his 150 soon.

Interesting.

Is this the one you are talking about for $750 (Backordered)?

http://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...s.php?id=21142

P.S. Do you think it will be too much travel for a 29er?

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by kbteachme

What do you guys thing about the new Intense 5.5 29er?
I think this frame will be great with the new Minute 20mm Thru 29er Fork. I wonder how it would ride.



Following in the footsteps of the Spider 29 the New 5.5 29 Prototype is designed with All Mountain Enduro Rider in mind. Given the efficient nature of the twenty-nine inch wheel then when coupled with the longer travel of the 5.5 you have a bike that begs to roll down any path you set you eyes on! This bike definitely emphasizes the idea of working smarter not harder.

The 26" 5.5 was a fun bike. My guess is that the 29'er version will be the same. The word around the camp fire is that Intense will not release this frame with the current fork offerings.

WB had not been known for quality or maintaining consistant production, Maybe a while before we see it.

[Waldo]

I'm just stoked that my 2008 Yeti 575 with "classic" 26" wheels will soon be a retro collectors item that I can sell on eBay for a profit.

[Rockinthecasbah]

5" of suspension and 29" wheels will it turn at all ?

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by Rockinthecasbah

5" of suspension and 29" wheels will it turn at all ?

sorry don't under'tand

[BrewMaster]

I don't get it. People have no problems with the 4" RIP 9 and the many other 4" 29ers out there, but all of a sudden people think 5" is like jumping off a cliff? It boggles my mind.

I think 5" 29ers will be great for those who want that much travel. Just wait a few years and you may see bona fide 6"+ downhill rigs on 29" wheels if the components actually become available. It's the natural progression of the sport. There is plenty of anticipation for the 6" Niner WFO.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

I don't get it. People have no problems with the 4" RIP 9 and the many other 4" 29ers out there, but all of a sudden people think 5" is like jumping off a cliff? It boggles my mind.

I think 5" 29ers will be great for those who want that much travel. Just wait a few years and you may see bona fide 6"+ downhill rigs on 29" wheels if the components actually become available. It's the natural progression of the sport. There is plenty of anticipation for the 6" Niner WFO.

Preach it BrewMaster5 years ago there was one tire and the masses said 29'ers were only good for tall people on SS bike

For those open minded enough for change the posibilities are endless for the bigger hoops

[kbteachme]

Thanks Brewmaster for your insight.

I think for taller riders who want a little more travel in their 29ers for all mountain riding, a 5" 29er frame maybe just the ticket.

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

I don't get it. People have no problems with the 4" RIP 9 and the many other 4" 29ers out there, but all of a sudden people think 5" is like jumping off a cliff? It boggles my mind.

I think 5" 29ers will be great for those who want that much travel. Just wait a few years and you may see bona fide 6"+ downhill rigs on 29" wheels if the components actually become available. It's the natural progression of the sport. There is plenty of anticipation for the 6" Niner WFO.

[kbteachme]

Updated news from Jenson USA:
Ships in 13 weeks...
Intense stock colors (Racing Red, Midnight Blue, Pearl White, Stealth Black, Works) are readily available - Jenson USA is only 1 shipping day away from Intense, so we get your new frame to you faster than other retailers. Custom colors are a $125 upcharge and have a lead time of about 3 weeks - please call Jenson USA to check on availability for custom colors.

Cambria Outfitters will take 7-10 business days after you place your order. It looks like Cambria will get them first and the WORKS color is the way to go.

It's very tempting to place an order and be the first on the block with a new Intense 5.5 29er. I just need to hear from more 29er riders out there. Also, I would like to demo one before I place my order. When is the next Intense demo and will they have this bike on hand to demo? Does The Path or Bike Company have any coming in?

[allison]

Originally Posted by kbteachme

Interesting.

Is this the one you are talking about for $750 (Backordered)?

http://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...s.php?id=21142

P.S. Do you think it will be too much travel for a 29er?

I believe so.

Too much travel? I rode a Behemoth with a Manitou 120? I think, so no idea. Justin rode a Lunchbox with the 150 on it at Interbike last year (Mike C's from MTBR) and loved it.

I'll post up photos from its inaugural Noble ride and you can be the judge