Intend boss and engineer Cornelius Kapfinger is causing a stir in the mountain bike scene with the launch of the Moto V2 suspension set. Following the success of the highly limited predecessor model, the manufacturer is now presenting a series limited to 10 units, which once again aims to push the boundaries of suspension technology. The main eye-catcher is of course the upside-down fork with the stylish fenders, the so-called "lower blades".
Innovative fork design: the other way round!
The fork of the Moto V2 set remains true to the proven upside-down design, but has been refined in a few details. The stanchions are hard anodised, which not only improves durability and looks, but also acts as a sliding surface for the upper bush. This should ensure a particularly smooth response behaviour. The fork utilises the familiar Blackline dip tubes, which are fitted with CNC machined lower blades for added protection and an aggressive appearance. A key element of the design is the sliding bush system inspired by motorbike forks. By increasing the distance between the bushings during the spring travel, the leverage effect and thus the friction is to be reduced, which should result in a smoother response behaviour.
Revolutionary hybrid damper: combination of spring and air
With the newly developed rear shock absorber, Intend has ventured into a hybrid design for the first time, combining a high-quality Eibach steel spring with a fully adjustable air spring. This design is intended to combine the immediate response of a steel spring with the tunability and final progression of an air spring. The main body of the shock absorber is CNC-machined from a single piece in monocoque construction and integrates all pneumatic and hydraulic seals in a single component. A minimum pressure of 200 PSI is required for the hydraulic circuit to function correctly. In combination with the built-in steel spring with a spring rate of 135 lbs, this results in a recommended rider weight range of 85 to 130 kg.
Flexibility thanks to the IBS system
A special feature of the shock is the so-called IBS - Interchangeable Bridge System. This makes it possible to use the shock both as a trunnion version and as a standard Metric shock by simply swapping the upper mount. This flexibility makes the shock compatible with a wide range of frame concepts and thus significantly increases its range of applications. The basic configuration of the damper is designed for an installation length of 205 x 65 millimetres as a trunnion version or 230 x 65 millimetres as a standard Metric version. The stroke reduction option also allows spring travels of 62.5, 60 or 57.5 millimetres to be realised.
Exclusivity and service
The extreme limitation to just 10 suspension sets emphasises the exclusive character of the Moto V2. Intend emphasises that a premium product also deserves a corresponding service. In order to guarantee this, the company has decided to restrict sales to EU countries and to carry out maintenance exclusively at its own factory. This ensures that each set receives the highest possible attention and care. With a net price of 3,650.42 euros, or 4,344 euros including 19 per cent VAT, the Moto V2 set is clearly positioned in the high-end segment of the mountain bike market.
Technical specifications
Fork
- Design: Upside-down with sliding bushes
- Standpipes: Hard anodised
- Downtubes: Blackline with CNC-milled lower blades
- Brake calliper mount: 180/203/220 millimetres PM
- Axle: 15 millimetres
- Suspension travel: 150-180 millimetres
Damper
- Design: Hybrid steel spring/air suspension
- Installation length: 205 x 65 millimetres (trunnion) / 230 x 65 millimetres (standard)
- Stroke: 62.5 / 60 / 57.5 millimetres (due to stroke reduction)
- Steel spring: Eibach 135 lbs
- Minimum air pressure: 200 PSI
- Recommended rider weight: 85-130 kilograms
Chassis set
- Limited edition: 10 pieces
- Price: 3,650.42 euros net / 4,344 euros incl. 19 % VAT.
- Scope of delivery: Fork, damper, Blackline stanchion tube stripper, IBS mounts, damper pump, volume spacer, stroke reduction kit
Background: Why the other way round? Why upside down?
USD (upside-down) forks were originally developed for motorbikes. The basic idea was to reduce the unsprung mass on the wheel suspensions by placing the heavy part of the fork (the dip tubes) at the top and the light stanchions at the bottom. This was intended to improve handling and stability.
WP (formerly White Power) and Öhlins were among the pioneers in the development and introduction of USD forks for motorbikes. This innovation was particularly important in motocross and road racing as it was able to improve riding dynamics by reducing unsprung mass and thus improving handling and stability at high speeds.
Many modern motorbikes are still equipped with upside-down forks (USD forks). In addition to the reasons (better handling, rigidity, stability), aesthetics play a major role. Many people appreciate the aggressive and modern look that USD forks give a motorbike. Prominent examples: Ducati Panigale V4, Yamaha YZF-R1 or the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.
In the early 1990s, mountain bike suspension companies such as Rockshox and Manitou also turned their attention to technology and experimented to improve the stiffness and performance of their forks. Well-known examples:
Rockshox RS-1The RS-1 was originally launched in the 1990s and was one of the first commercial USD forks in mountain biking. In 2014 there was a new edition of the RS-1 with a completely revised design. Purpose: cross-country racing. This version combined modern technology with the classic USD design.
Manitou DoradoThe Dorado is perhaps the best-known USD fork, which first came onto the market in 1997. Freerider Darren Berrecloth popularised it when he won a podium place at the Red Bull Rampage. Today, Manitou still has the latest generation of the Dorado in its programme. Professional freerider Clemens Kaudela proves how tough the fork is on the biggest jumps in the world (Darkfest, Rampage).
DVO EmeraldThis high-end USD fork is also specially designed for downhill use.
FOX has also just presented a USD fork at the Seaotter Festival in California - the look and advantages of the design seem to be experiencing a new hype.
Cannondale Lefty: The US label used its special HeadShok suspension (located directly under the head tube) to develop the single-arm USD fork called Lefty for cross-country use. The Lefty was first installed in the Cannondale Raven 40000 SX in model year 2000. Celebrity racer Tinker Juarez helped the Lefty to fame and honour. In its latest development stages, the Lefty is still used by Cannondale in its CC speedster Scalpel.
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+ How it all began: suspension forks past and present
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Dimitri Lehner
Editor
