The Intense 5.5 EVP is the near-twin of the Spider XVP. It takes the VPP suspension technology and the precision construction of the Spider and morphs it into a machine that provides a full 5.5" of travel -- nearly a 40% increase in travel over the Spider. The 5.5 debuted in 2004 to rave reviews for its all-day, all-purpose performance for aficionados of Enduro-style epic riding. If you're looking for the nimbleness of an XC bike in the burly physique of a all-mountain bike, the super-tough Intense 5.5 is for you.

A recent Mountain Biking Magazine review does a particularly nice job summarizing our feelings for the 5.5, "….out on the trail the 5.5” of VPP controlled wheel movement seemed unstoppable. The rear wheel absolutely stuck to the ground and just kept taking everything we threw at it. Even vision blurring rock gardens became a ride in the park. The suspension was incredibly active over every type of terrain. Whether pedaling, seated, standing, or coasting, the rear end soaked it up. In fact, this bike at times felt like it had gobs more travel than the advertised 5.5”."

The 5.5 EVP frame weighs in at 6.5lbs. It's designed for use with 100mm-135mm forks to compliment its plush rear suspension. Each of our 5.5 EVP frames comes equipped with a Fox Float RP23 shock. The $50 upgrade charge will be assessed during the checkout process. Like the Spider XVP, the 5.5’s craftsmanship is a story in itself - highlights include a CNC machined swingarm and dropouts, sealed bearings in the pivots, spot-on welds, and rich paint.

The Intense 5.5 EVP is the beneficiary of a mid-model year facelift which allows for more tire clearance -- think 2.5! To make this possible, the frame received a larger yoke and archless seatstay. And, Intense has redesigned the two-piece link into a gorgeous one piece link, further reinforcing the lateral rigidity of the 5.5 EVP.

The Intense 5.5 EVP is available in Intense Red, Stealth Black, Pearl White, Works (raw aluminum) or Midnight Blue. Or for a $125 upcharge and 3-4 week wait, you can customize your 5.5 EVP in any of the following colors: Java, Platinum, Works Red, Works Blue, Black Chrome, Hot Rod Orange, Baby Blue or Iron Grey. It uses a 31.6mm seatpost, and requires a 34.9mm top swing/top pull front derailleur.

2008 Intense 5.5 EVP Pricing
	Frame	XTR 970	SRAM X.O	XT 770	SRAM X-9
5.5 EVP	$2059	5110	4193	4209	4019

2008 Intense 5.5 EVP Geometry

Size	Seat Tube	Effective Top Tube	Stand Over	BB Height	Head Tube Angle	Seat Tube Angle	Head Tube	Chainstay Length
XS	15.25	21.0	29.0	13.25	70.0	72.0	4.0	16.8
S	16.125	21.5	29.0	13.25	70.0	72.0	4.0	16.8
M	19.0	23.0	30.0	13.25	70.0	72.0	4.625	16.8
L	21.0	24.0	32.0	13.25	70.0	72.0	5.25	16.8
All lengths are measured in inches.