Intense Cycles

Tracer 275C Mountain Bike Frame - 2016

For 2016, Intense's enraged, all-mountain Tracer 275C Mountain Bike Frame returns with no changes compared to the previous model. That's because today's Tracer represents the culmination of an exhaustive overhaul that added travel, slackened the head tube, and stretched the wheelbase for a longer, more aggressive geometry. It's an enduro beast that's built to come alive at high speeds and under gnarly conditions, but its stiff, lightweight carbon construction means it doesn't lie down in defeat as soon as the trail tilts up.

While the carbon Tracer is a departure from the brand's made-in-the-USA alloy manufacturing, the domestic production ethos still stands thanks to the fact that all the links and hardware are built in Temecula, CA alongside Intense's aluminum models. This ensures that your bike benefits from the best of modern composite construction while maintaining the soul you'd expect from an Intense.

As with the Carbine models, the Tracer's two carbon triangles are built as whole pieces rather than glued together from sub-assemblies. This method saves weight and increases structural integrity by allowing the engineers to wrap carbon continuously through and around key junctures. It also reinforces the frame with less material while eliminating the artificial stress points that result from bonded construction methods. Unlike the Carbines, the Tracer features a different blend of materials and a layup designed to drop grams, bringing the frame in under a claimed 5.5lb.

As with the rest of Intense’s lineup, the Tracer 275C accepts a 31.6mm seatpost and stealth routing, making it compatible with almost any dropper post on the market. A high-direct front derailleur mount gives you multiple gearing options, as well as providing a solid mount for a top-only chainguide if you want added security with a one-by drivetrain.