Customer Review: Intense Carbine

Our friends Rean and Edgar from Brazilian Intense Distributor, Intense Bike Shop in Rio de Janeiro tested out the new Intense Carbine. Lets see what they both thought. 

Recently we tested the new Intense Tracer, which is obviously (by its geo and travel) a DH machine disguised as an enduro bike. However, upon receiving notice that the new Intense Carbine was being launched, we immediately thought that it would be an enduro machine with the same pedigree of the new tracer.

Intended Use: All-mountain/Enduro

Wheels Size: 29”

Front/Rear Travel: 160/155

Carbon Frame

PF92 Bottom Bracket

Sram X01/GX eagle Drivetrain/ Guide RS Brakes

Our trails here in Rio are basically DH tracks (one of them hosted the Brazilian DH Champs back in 1999), which could be pedaled back in road liaisons of 30min.

Drivetrain

The Carbine comes with a mix of SRAM’s X01/GX/Descendant Eagle 1x12 drivetrain, the new eagle GX does exactly the same work of his top brothers XX1 and X01, except for a little weight penalty which is compensated by the $$$. The 11 x 50 with 32 chainring is the way to go.

Suspension

The bike is equipped with the top of the line Rock Shox Lyrik RCT3 with 160mm of travel and Rock Shox Super Deluxe shock in the rear. This combination is perfect and the bike works very well.

Even though some reviews agreed that the bike was not good uphill, in our 30min liaisons we confirmed that the bike climbs very well, just like any other big travel bike. Obviously, you cannot expect the bike to climb like a XC machine, this bike is made to take you to the peak and descend like a DH bike.

On the down hills the bike is incredible. Within the first few feet of riding it was obvious how much speed the bike carries, as well as how smooth and quiet it is. This bike simply has the Intense attitude and DH pedigree. The new Carbine has been an absolute blast to ride, and compares favorably to anything else in the enduro market currently.