We're not talkin' disco or the hippest hairstyle of the 70's here -- we're talkin' about one thing, and one thing only: speed. Intense has made their name winning races from XC to downhill, pushing it to the limit every inch of the way. In Intensespeak, FRO translates to "For Race Only," which Intense applies to their frames or tires to optimize them for race day. When you see a frame with this designation in the Intense lineup, you know it's fast, and typically a good bit lighter than the original model. FRO Frames have been available to the pros for a while, but now the opportunity is yours.

The Intense 5.5 FRO is the race version of the 5.5 EVP. Almost a half-pound lighter than the original 5.5 EVP, achieved by using the lighter weight Spider tubeset, the FRO still features the same VPP suspension technology giving you excellent traction and climbing characteristics, precision construction and a full 5.5" of travel. If you're looking for the nimbleness of an XC bike with a bit more travel ideal for endurance racing, the Intense 5.5 FRO is the bike for you.

The 5.5 FRO frame weighs in just shy of 6 lbs. It's ideally mated with a 140mm fork to compliment its plush rear suspension. Each of our 5.5 FRO frames comes equipped with a Fox Float RP23 shock. The $50 upgrade charge will be assessed during the checkout process. Like any Intense frame, the 5.5 FRO’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 FRO features all the recent changes to the 5.5 EVP including more tire clearance (2.5). To make this possible, the frame received a larger yoke and archless seatstay. And, Intense gives it the top monolink, further reinforcing the lateral rigidity of the 5.5 EVP. However, the 5.5 FRO uses an integrated headset (Campy Standard 42.0mm), not a standard threadless headset.

The Intense 5.5 FRO 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. Please note that while the 5.5 FRO receives the same great warranty as other Intense frames, they stress that the frame is designed for what it is named -- For Race Only.

2008 Intense 5.5 FRO Pricing
	Frame	XTR 970	SRAM X.O	XT 770	SRAM X-9
5.5 FRO	$2369	5350	4429	4449	4260

2008 Intense 5.5 FRO Geometry

Size	Seat Tube	Effective Top Tube	Stand Over	BB Height	Head Tube Angle	Seat Tube Angle	Head Tube	Chainstay Length
S	16.125	21.5	29.00	13.5	70.5	72.0	4.75	16.8
M	18.75	23.0	29.75	13.5	70.5	72.0	5.125	16.8
L	21.0	24.0	32.00	13.5	70.5	72.0	5.60	16.8
All lengths are measured in inches.