Shortly after completing the Intense Tracer 279 Expert, the EWS team disbanded. The input from the team riders at the time, Jack Moir and Kilian Bron, promised a lot. Corona delayed the completion of the production model, and further years passed for the carbon version. In short, the bike is now finally available. With its brute appearance, the frame shape is reminiscent of a combat helicopter. The affordable Expert version features performance suspension from Fox, a Sram NX drivetrain and Sram Code R brakes. The geometry can be customised using a flipchip. We rode the enduro bike in the low setting most of the time.
Even after the first few metres, what the looks promise is confirmed. The Intense Tracer craves speed and descents - rough descents. The wide cockpit, the geo and the plush suspension give the rider a confidence boost. No matter how angry the terrain, the chassis remains calm and provides control. So smooth! If the trail flattens out, the Tracer Enduro seems to be taken out of its element and has to be actively pushed over the trail - then you can also feel the somewhat unwieldy geometry. Uphills on tours are more of a means to an end. You don't want to ride long tours on the Tracer.
STRENGTHS: rear (!), details storage compartment
WEAKNESSESNarrow application range, weight
Conclusion from Laurin Lehner, FREERIDE tester:
"Watch out! This is a downhill expert with a first-class chassis. The Intense Tracer 279 is perhaps the ideal EWS racing machine, but touring and uphills don't suit the Tracer."
Statement by Ale di Lullo, photographer:
"The Intense Tracer has the best rear suspension in the test. It can be ridden very precisely and tracks its way through nasty terrain. The range of use is narrow for an enduro bike. Deduction of points!"
The alternative for a little more money:
The Intense Tracer S with Öhlins suspension (170/170 mm) and Magura MT-7 brakes is available for 6999 euros. Unfortunately, the bike is not lighter with the expensive equipment. Weight according to the manufacturer: 16.8 kilos.
Technical data and grades of the Intense Tracer 279 Expert
Manufacturer information
- Distribution: Intense Cycles Inc.
- Material / Sizes: Carbon / S, M, L (tested size), XL
- Price / weight without pedals: 4999 euros / 16.7 kg
Measurement data
- Front / rear suspension travel: 170 mm / 152, 155 mm
- Rear suspension system: VPP
Equipment
- Fork / Shock: Fox 38 Float Performance / Fox Float Performance Elite DHX2 Coil
- Cranks / gears: Sram NX Eagle / Sram NX Eagle
- Brake system: Sram Code R
- Wheels: eThirteen LG1 EN system wheelset
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 3C MaxxTerra Exo+ Prot. 2.5, Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra Exo+ Prot. 2.4
- Reach: 470 / 473 mm
- Stack: 646 / 642 mm
- BB drop: -14 / -8 mm
*Trail: By this we mean undulating, winding trails with obstacles, terrain steps and short counter-climbs. This is where lightweight bikes with agile handling and precise steering score highly.
Laurin Lehner
Editor
