Intense Cycles have unveiled their second generation Tracer, which they describe as "one of the best riding and handling technical trail bikes we've ever produced".
Changes over the original bike, which was launched in 2008 and went on to become the company's most popular model, include a fraction more rear travel, a redesigned down tube and rear end, and a new dropout system.
The Tracer 2 is still handmade in Temecula, California and uses Intense's proven VPP suspension system. As before, travel can be shortened or extended by swapping between two shock mount positions on the upper link. This changes the bike's geometry too, slackening off the head and seat angles and lowering the bottom bracket in the longer-travel setting.
This time there's 145 or 160mm (5.75 or 6.25in) on offer, instead of 140/152mm (5.5/6in). There's still a 1.5in head tube up front but the down tube has apparently been made both lighter and stronger. Out back, a machined ‘boxbrace’ seatstay bridge is designed to stiffen up the swingarm, along with a redesigned yoke and machined lower shock link.
The new dropouts accept 142x12 axles as standard but can be swapped to take Syntace X-12 or 135mm quick-release skewers. Other features include a new lower main pivot bearing system using EZ-lock binder-bolts, replaceable Zerk grease fittings and an ISCG-05 mount.
Frames are expected to begin shipping in February 2011. RRP is US$1,999 (frame and Fox RP23 shock). Standard colours are CanAm Yellow (pictured), White, Gun Metal or Works Raw. Fourteen upgrade colours are available on request.
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