Tracer 275 Expert Complete Mountain Bike - 2014
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It's no secret that while there's been a proliferation of incredibly capable trail bikes from all corners of the bike industry, there are few with the pedigree of the Intense Tracer 275 Expert Complete Mountain Bike. You see, Intense has been building the Tracer since long before most of its competitors were even a glint in the eye of their designer. But don't think this is some reheated classic either. Intense founder Jeff Steber went back to the drawing board and redesigned the classic Tracer from the ground up to accommodate 27.5-inch wheels, and tuned the handling feel to cater to those who push their bikes hard. And as if that weren't enough to earn the Tracer a place on any rider's wishlist, the fact that it's built in-house at Intense's factory in Temecula, Calif., by master fabricators is the icing on an already sweet cake.
Like the rest of Intense's lineup, much of the Tracer's impeccable trail manners can be attributed to its VPP suspension. It's a suspension platform that's widely beloved among riders in-the-know for its blend of pedaling efficiency and trail-erasing smoothness. VPP employs two aluminum counter-rotating links to achieve this balance. So in case you're wondering how it works, allow us to demystify it for you. The upper link provides most of the rotation as the bike compresses into the sag point. This yields a vertical wheel path, which you'll notice in the form of a firm feel during acceleration. As the bike compresses deeper into the suspension, the lower link activates, moving the axle path rearward. The rearward axle path enables the rear wheel to travel out of the way of square-edged impacts. If it sounds like an ideal blend of characteristics, well, that's because it is, and countless riders agree.
Aluminum is the material of choice here, both for its durability and the incredible tube-forming opportunities it provides. Modern trail bikes require a seemingly incompatible blend of durability and lightweight, which helps to illuminate the reasons for the Tracer's semi-monocoque front triangle construction. When we say semi-monocoque, what we mean is that there's a traditional round down tube, while the top tube assembly is built from two mirrored halves welded down the seam, also known as a monocoque.
The use of the round down tube ensures correct alignment, and the lack of seams makes it the strongest option for a section of the front triangle that is under tension when riding. But by using a monocoque top tube, Intense is able to increase the weld area at the head tube far beyond what would be possible with tubular construction. That increased weld surface means a stiffer, stronger head tube junction, and accordingly, more precise steering. Naturally, a mixed tapered head tube allows for the use of modern tapered forks, ensuring inch-perfect steering, even under heavy braking, or larger riders.
The asymmetrical rear triangle is decidedly burly, despite its modest weight. By using an oversized upright on the non-drive side, the drive side of the rear triangle is able to be lightened, while simultaneously improving drivetrain clearance. And it gets Intense's G1 replaceable dropout system, with a modern 12x142mm thru-axle. By using a replaceable dropout, rather than a replaceable derailleur hanger, you get a stiffer mount for the derailleur, and accordingly, crisper shifts, with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can replace your hanger should your derailleur meet a particularly grisly demise.
For the Expert build, suspension duties are handled by Factory Series FOX units, specifically a FLOAT 34 up front, and a FLOAT CTD out back. The brakes and drivetrain come from Shimano's revered XT lineup, so there should be no questions as to durability or performance. The cockpit consists of a RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper seatpost topped with an Intense saddle, while a Thomson X4 stem holds onto the FSA SLK Carbon handlebar. It rolls on Novatec Demon tubeless-compatible wheels, wrapped in Maxxis High Roller II tires.
The Intense Tracer 275 Expert Complete Mountain Bike - 2014 is available in three sizes, from Small to Large, and in the colors Flat Black, Works Raw, Flo Orange, and Intense Red.
- Frame Material
- aluminum
- Suspension
- VPP
- Rear Shock
- FOX FLOAT CTD Trail Adjust Kashima
- Rear Travel
- 5.5-6 in adjustable
- Fork
- FOX 34 FLOAT CTD Adjust Kashima
- Front Travel
- 150 mm
- Headset
- Cane Creek 40 Mixed Tapered
- Shifters
- Shimano M780 (XT) 10-speed
- Front Derailleur
- Shimano M781 (XT) 10-speed
- Rear Derailleur
- Shimano XT M786 Shadow+
- Crankset
- Shimano XT M780
- Bottom Bracket
- Shimano
- ISCG Tabs
- ISCG 05
- Pedals
- not included
- Cassette
- Shimano HG81
- Chain
- Shimano XT HG74
- Brake Set
- Shimano XT M785
- Rotors
- XT SM-RT76
- Handlebar
- FSA SL-K Carbon
- Handlebar Width
- 740 mm
- Handlebar Rise
- 18 mm
- Grips
- ODI Intense
- Stem
- Thomson Elite X4
- Stem Length
- 70 mm
- Saddle
- Intense
- Seatpost
- RockShox Reverb Stealth
- Wheelset
- Novatec Demon 27.5
- Tires
- Maxxis High Roller 2
- Recommended Use
- all-mountain and trail riding
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited
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