Intend is starting from scratch with its tried-and-tested Hover damper: the design of the handcrafted damper had not changed for years. Now the small Freiburg-based label is presenting a completely revised design. Intend is switching from the previous tubular construction to a one-piece monocoque, which is intended to solve several technical problems. The term originates from the automotive industry and describes a one-piece body made of flat elements. This design not only eliminates assembly steps, but can also reduce potential sources of error. The new design not only eliminates the four seals that were previously required to join the individual parts together, but is also intended to minimise unwanted movement in the system.
The most important information about the Intend Hover monocoque damper
- Price: 1099 Euro
- Weight: from 298 g (manufacturer's specification)
- Settings: Lowspeed rebound and compression damping, air pressure, progression (via volume spacer)
- Special features: one-piece monocoque construction, Trelleborg seals, three-stage lockout, custom tune, simplified setup process, IBS system
High-gloss surfaces and special seals
During compression and rebound, there is movement in the damper system - that is in the nature of things. Between the changes in direction of these changes in movement, reversal forces occur, which Intend, with the incomparable charm of the Freiburg-based manufacturer, has christened "Umherschnackeln". This reversing click is caused by changing load directions on pistons, shims and seals at each reversal point of the suspension. Intend aims to reduce this phenomenon with the new Hover Monocoque by making two significant changes: The surface of the cylindrical sealing surfaces is high-gloss milled, coated with a functional polymer oxide surface and then polished. In combination with Trelleborg seals, the aim is to minimise friction.
The damping piston on the Intend Hover was previously pivot-mounted and, due to its design, had play in the 1/100 mm range. An O-ring sealed the connection, which could cause slight hysteresis. The new design uses a firmly bolted piston with no play and completely eliminates the O-ring. The revised damping unit repositions the check-valve shim for better performance and secure mounting. The automatic air chamber compensation replaces the previous Fine Tune Dial with an automatically compensating dampener. A short compression is enough to equalise the negative chamber. Deflating the air also works without complicated inflation procedures. This simplification reduces operating errors and should make the setup of the new Intend damper more intuitive.
New lockout offers three modes
The new lockout on the Intend Hover monocoque shock offers three modes instead of the previous two settings. In Road mode, the compression damping remains 99.9 per cent closed, while the new Gravel mode remains active on small bumps, but should offer full damping in the cradle and on larger movements. The lockout lever now points towards the piggyback for better accessibility. The custom tune concept has remained unchanged since the Hover Opt. Intend analyses the rear suspension, gear ratio, progression and rider weight for the individual damping tune. Bikers enter the data when ordering. Anyone who is not satisfied with the setup receives a one-off free adjustment within the EU. Subsequent adjustments cost 30 euros.
Trunnion and metric in one
The Interchangeable Bridge System (IBS) aims to revolutionise shock compatibility with an adapter with two T25 bolts on the head end. This allows bikers to switch between standard shock eyelets and trunnion suspension without having to buy a new shock. A 205 x 65 mm Trunnion can be converted to 230 x 65 mm Metric on the new Intend Hover Monocoque with a flick of the wrist, provided the stroke is in the same range. The different installation lengths have different designs, whereby the 45 mm stroke variant as the Hover Monocoque Light is designed to be particularly weight-saving.
Key data for the Intend Hover Monocoque
The Hover Monocoque is available in four sizes: The smallest version (Trunnion 165 / Metric 190 x 45 mm) weighs 298 g, the largest (Trunnion 225 / Metric 250 x 75 mm) reaches 425 g. In between are the 185 / 210 version with 376 g and the 205 / 210 version with 400 g. All versions offer low-speed rebound and compression damping, air pressure adjustment and progression adjustment via volume spacers. The new super shock costs 1099 euros including a trunnion or standard IBS mount, 600 PSI shock pump and volume spacers. Bushings cost 25 euros per side, an additional IBS mount costs 39 euros. The Intend Hover Monocoque is now available in all installation and stroke lengths.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
