2018 Intense Carbine Factory
(discontinued)

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International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
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International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Gunning For The Top - Meet The 2018 Intense Carbine 29
The new 29-inch, 155mm travel Carbine is more rally car than trophy truck, but that won't stop you from smashing your way down some rowdy trails. This one left us grinning ear to ear.
Rating:
Vital Review
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Intense Cycles haven’t been shy about their participation in the wheel size wars. Back in 2009 when many were still #26forlife, their wagon-wheeled DH bike – the 2951 – stirred things up. At that time, Jeff Steber filled us in about why he felt big wheels had potential and what factors were limiting for the viability of aggressive 29ers at that time. More recently, another Intense prototype earned a spot on the Fort William podium under factory pilot Jack Moir. While the downhill prototype seemed to garner much of the limelight, the bike he was aboard at the Rotorua Enduro World Series had us just as curious: it appeared to be a new long-travel 29er. Our suspicions were recently confirmed when the 2018 Intense Carbine 29 arrived on our doorstep. The first generation was very impressive, read on to find out whether the update is just as moving.

Intense Carbine Highlights

  • 29-inch wheels
  • High modulus carbon frame with monocoque front triangle
  • 155mm (6.1-inches) rear travel // 160mm (6.3-inches) front travel
  • Enduro Link rear suspension with carbon or alloy top link
  • JS Tuned
  • Titanium hardware
  • Clearance for up to 29x2.5-inch tires
  • Internal shifter, dropper, and brake routing
  • Dedicated 1X drivetrain design
  • Press fit 92 bottom bracket shell with ISCG05 mounts
  • Downtube and chainstay flak guard armor
  • Water bottle inside front triangle
  • 180mm post mount rear brake
  • Integrated Boost 148x12mm rear dropouts
  • Sizes: S, M, L, and XL
  • Claimed Weight: 30.0-pounds (13.6kg, Factory build)

JS Tuned – An Explanation From Jeff Steber

Prior to hopping aboard the Carbine 29, we sought out Jeff Steber, Intense Cycles Owner and Designer, to offer some insight into JS Tuned bikes and what it means for the consumer. He explained that the concept is "not just focusing on the suspension, but the entire bike: kinematics, geometry, parts, ergonomics, and balancing all of these points for the segment the bike is designed for."








We interpret the concept of JS Tuned as Intense’s version of leaving no stone unturned, beginning with dialed suspension and working outward. While every brand has their interpretation of the all-mountain superbike, the attention to detail found on the JS Tuned Carbine 29 is among the best. Not only are the major elements of the frame and component choices dialed, the subtle things are too. Efficient cable routing, integrated frame protection, paint quality, frame hardware, water bottle compatibility, and the smartly recessed rear axle are all on point. While they might not grab immediate attention, those who spend their hard-earned income or demand the most from their bikes will appreciate the thorough and thoughtful approach. At first glance it's clear that the crew at Intense isn’t just designing bikes to move product, they’re designing them with faultless performance in mind.

All said and done, we hopped aboard the Carbine 29 and rode at nearly full speed after two rides, which hasn’t been our experience with every bike and is a testament to what Intense has put together.

All said and done, we hopped aboard the Carbine 29 and rode at nearly full speed after two rides, which hasn’t been our experience with every bike and is a testament to what Intense has put together. Our first impression of the Carbine 29 is all good, and we’re looking forward to putting miles in until the Intense crew rip it from our hands.


Riding the latest California creation on the slippery goods of Squamish, BC.


Build Kits, Pricing & Availability

Once aboard the Carbine, we immediately noted that the Factory Build component choices were bang on. The sheer bling factor had us grinning ear to ear, but the components weren’t just expensive for the sake of it – they were all functional upgrades that would positively influence ride experience.

While we acknowledge that many riders won’t be springing for the Factory Build tested here, the spec for the more affordable Elite, Pro, Expert, and Foundation Builds are also just as dialed. Each one features solid suspension, a 150mm travel dropper post, Maxxis rubber, Shimano stoppers, SRAM drivetrain, and a blend of in-house components at the right length and width. Regardless of spec level, the new Carbine 29 is ready to shred. We still have a tough time when receiving bikes worth thousands that need to be upgraded… not the case here.

Factory Build


Elite Build

Pro Build


Expert Build

Foundation Build

The Carbine will be available in five builds and four wild or mild color options starting Fall 2017. Two framesets will also be offered for those looking to build a custom bike.

  • Factory - $10,399 USD (tested)
  • Elite - $7,999
  • Pro - $6,999
  • Expert - $4,999
  • Foundation - $3,999
  • SL Frameset - $3,399
  • Standard Frameset - $3,099

Factory Specs | Elite Specs | Pro Specs | Expert Specs | Foundation Specs

What's The Bottom Line?

When we spoke to Jeff Steber, he noted that he was pretty proud of the new Carbine 29. After only a short time aboard the bike, we think he should be too. While no particular trait is extremely unique or pushes industry limits, the overall impression left by the JS Tuned bike is great. We'll be spending the next while aboard the Carbine 29, dabbling in the odd beer league cross country race, Whistler Bike Park Phat Wednesday events, and we might even have a crack at the Whistler Enduro World Series – the only change we expect to make is from the Maxxis EXO tire casing to Double Down. Once we’re finished with it, and assuming no atypical issues arise, we’re pretty certain that the Intense Carbine 29 will make a solid argument for best-in-class long-travel 29er.

Visit www.intensecycles.com for more details.

Vital MTB First Ride Rating


  • Climbing: 4 stars - Excellent

  • Descending: 4.5 stars - Outstanding

  • Fun Factor: 4.5 stars - Outstanding

  • Value: 3.5 stars - Very Good

  • Overall Impression: 4.5 stars - Outstanding


About The Reviewer

Joel Harwood - Age: 33 // Years Riding MTB: 20+ // Height: 5'11" (1.80m) // Weight: 185-pounds (83.9kg)

Joel has been playing in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia for the last 11 years. If he isn’t coaching gravity racers he can be found tinkering in the garage or messing about at the pump track. He dabbles in all types of racing but is happiest simply exploring the limitless trail networks of the Pacific Northwest. Attention to detail, time in the saddle, and an aggressive riding style make Joel a rider that demands the most from his products.

Photos by Jessie McAuley

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Specifications

Product
Intense Carbine Factory
Model Year
2018
Riding Type
Enduro / All-Mountain
Rider
Unisex
Sizes and Geometry
Small
Medium
Large
XL
Wheel Size
29"
Frame Material
Carbon Fiber
Frame Material Details
Monocoque Carbon Frame // High Modulus Carbon Fiber // Carbon Top Link
Rear Travel
155mm
Rear Shock
RockShox Super Deluxe RC3, 230x60mm
Fork
RockShox Lyrik RCT3 29, Solo Air, Boost 110x15mm Axle
Fork Travel
160mm
Head Tube Diameter
Tapered
Headset
Cane Creek 40 Series, ZS44/EC49.40
Handlebar
ENVE DH Carbon, 780mm
Stem
ENVE Mountain Carbon, 40mm
Grips
Intense Lock-On
Brakes
Shimano XTR, Centerlock 180mm Rotors Front and Rear
Brake Levers
Shimano XTR
Drivetrain
1x
Shifters
SRAM XX1 Eagle, 12-Speed
Front Derailleur
N/A
Rear Derailleur
SRAM X01 Eagle, 12-Speed
ISCG Tabs
ISCG05
Chainguide
N/A
Cranks
SRAM XX1 Eagle Boost, 175mm
Chainrings
SRAM XX1 Eagle, 34-Tooth
Bottom Bracket
GXP
Pedals
N/A
Chain
SRAM XX1 Eagle, 12-Speed
Cassette
SRAM XG 1299 Eagle, 10 to 50-Tooth, 12-Speed
Rims
ENVE M70/30 HV
Hubs
DT Swiss 240S, Centerlock
Spokes
32 Per Wheel
Tires
Maxxis Minion DHR II, 29x2.4", 60TPI, EXO/TR Casing
Saddle
Fabric Scoop Radius Pro, Carbon Rails
Seatpost
FOX Transfer, 150mm Travel
Seatpost Diameter
31.6mm
Seatpost Clamp
Intense
Rear Dropout / Hub Dimensions
Boost 12x148mm
Max. Tire Size
29x2.5"
Bottle Cage Mounts
Yes
Colors
Gloss Red and Blue // Matte Gray and Black
Warranty
5-Year Limited Warranty
Weight
30 lb 0.3 oz (13,617 g)
Miscellaneous
Ti Hardware
Internal Shifter, Dropper, and Brake Routing
Flack Guard Armor
Price
$7,999.00
More Info
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Where To Buy
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
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