We deliberately ordered the Intense Primer as a 27.5-inch version to maximise playfulness. The frames are small, so we opted for the L. The Fox Performance suspension squeezes a nominally generous 150 millimetres of travel out of the front and 140 out of the rear. The geo can be adjusted via a flipchip - we rode the bike in the freeride flat setting. The geometry is comfortable and positions the rider in the centre of the bike. In tight turns, however, we didn't feel the added agility (27.5 inches!). On the contrary: the Primer has to be ridden really actively, only then does the bike come to life. When the speed increases and the surface becomes rougher, we missed comfort - especially at the rear.
In the rumble passages of the Hill Bill route (Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis bike park) the testers had to hold on tight and felt the bumps in their arms. Even when we tuned the suspension softer, we couldn't notice any significant improvement. Annoying: The bike is loud. The powerful TRP brakes provide a lot of control. On tour, the bike pedals comfortably uphill - however, you pedal a little from behind when the dropper post is extended. The slightly bobbing rear end can be stabilised efficiently thanks to the platform.
STRENGTHSGeometry, TRP brakes
WEAKNESSES: Tight rear triangle, weight
Conclusion:
The Intense Primer 27.5 has a pleasant geometry. Not everyone will like the very direct ride feel. On rough descents, the suspension is stingy with comfort and requires precise line choice. Deduction of points.
Alternative to Intense Primer 27.5:
The Intense Primer S (29-inch) with Öhlins suspension and steel rear shock: 160/140 millimetre stroke is available for 6199 euros. In addition to the 27.5-inch model tested, customers can also opt for the 29-inch model.
Technical data and notes Intense Primer 27.5
Manufacturer information
- Distribution Intense Cycles Inc.
- Material / Sizes: Carbon / S, M, L (tested size)
- Price / weight without pedals: 4399 euros / 14.9 kg
Measurement data
- Front / rear suspension travel: 150 mm / 140 mm
- Rear suspension system: VPP
- Reach: 450 / 458 mm
- Stack: 605 / 600 mm
- BB drop: -16 / -7 mm
Equipment
- Fork / Shock: Fox 36 Float Performance / Fox Float X EV Performance
- Cranks / gears: Sram NX / Shimano NX Eagle
- Brake system: TRP Trail Evo
- Wheels: Intense Alloy hubs; Ethirteen LG1 EN rims
- Tyres: Kenda Pinner Pro ATC 2.4 / Kenda Pinner Pro ATC 2.4
Statement by Laurin Lehner, deputy editor-in-chief of FREERIDE:
"The Primer took some getting used to. I liked the geometry. The small wheels were neither a negative nor a positive factor. The rear suspension feels wooden, no comparison to the comfort wonders like Propain, Specialized or Radon."
Laurin Lehner
Editor
