I've stated before that I happen love the fact that y'all beat the stew outta test bikes. In my experience, the number of bikes and components that are truly designed to take a beating are few. This isn't to say that riders should be riding like neanderthals, but having the knowledge of one's terrain and riding style as well where and how you eventually desire to ride can result in far less heartbreak. I have to wonder if this Intense was slotted more for an all around rider that occasionally might get freaky, but overall keeps things PG-13 versus the money shots you guys are subjecting it to.

The reviews here are some if not the most thorough in the mountain biking media. I like that you all break stuff as this is something few reviewers readily discuss. The literary and historical references are fun too. I am long time Joseph Conrad fan and I hope to get to take one of these for a spin just for the allusion to HoD. It's high praise if you can compare a bike to a character that was brilliant, single-minded and insane.

Hearing from Mr Riffle warms my cold black heart as a total SRAM fan and the fact that he comes off as a consummate professional while being a complete freak.

Now make it in a 34.9 size.

BFD. It's simply a definition, a quote. Who gives a rat's tuchus? We are all in the same shit box and now matter how high up on the shit pile anyone gets, they're still a POS. Hitler actually has some interesting quotes.

I know why Giant (and any of the other big players) spec their own house brand bits on bikes as it saves/makes them money. However, if you are gonna stick a top shelf price tag on a bike, then everything should be top shelf. No company out there has pulled this off well. If you disagree, then ask yourself the question when was the last time you went out of your way with your own money to purchase any house brand stuff versus buying aftermarket. I'll take a set of Chromag bars any day over anything from Bontrager, Giant or Specialized, etc. The new Trek Slash 29 has the same high ticket cost and is festooned with house brand bits. No thanks. :/

You have to hand it to Evil. Their marketing for the Wreckoning is/was virtually non-existent. There are a handful of reviews out (the Bikemag one is pretty effusive... http://www.bikemag.com/2017-bible-of-bike-tests/review-evil-wreckoning/#lj0wAz0bpGLhORqb.97) , but most of it for the Wrecker is word of mouth. This was either brilliant, insane or both on their part. Ballsy for sure, but I know a handful riders with them that won't shut up about them and they've received much adoration online. I have one on order.