Competitive Cyclist

INTENSE SLOPESTYLE

Slopestyle has become arguably the most exciting niche within our sport of mountain biking. Intense continues to fuel that rush with the re-introduction of the SS Slopestyle frame, specifically designed to meet the demands of guys like Nigel Page, JD. Swanguen, and Robbie Bourdon. That said, it's ready to clear, or case, any jump or big drop you're ready to tackle. After all, you don't always nail it the first time around, right?

As quickly as the riding has evolved, Intense has responded with their new version of the SS Slopestyle. The rear suspension is adjustable from 6-6.5 inches of travel. The low 2.4 to 1 leverage ratio (2.6 to 1 in 6.5" mode) 2nd generation VPP keeps you higher in the travel, and takes more impact to bottom out the rear -- this is especially noticeable when cornering or preloading into the face of a jump. The geometry is optimized for slopestyle and it all starts with a slackened head angle previously found only on pure DH bikes which aren't nearly as maneuverable in tight situations -- we found it to be ideal for riding the gnarly steeps. The low 13.5" bottom bracket height is great for carving turns in the most technical areas, and a more heavily braced rear provides amazing stiffness. All in all, it makes for a bike that's both easy and fun to throw around, and extremely forgiving when you, ahem, miss your line.

The SS Slopestyle's 1.5" headtube reinforced with beautifully crafted gusseting is highlighted by a low-slung hydroformed aluminum top tube, placing the strength where you need it most, while making it as easy as possible to swing your legs over as you hurtle through the air. Intense's renowned CNC artistry is prevalent once again, with a new VPP upper pivot mount and a CNC machined one-piece 73mm bottom bracket shell w/ integrated ISCG '05 tabs. The chainstays have been lengthened to increase the tire clearance.

The Intense SS Slopestyle is disc-specific and comes equipped with a Fox DHX 5.0 Coil shock. For an upcharge of $250, you have the option to switch to a Cane Creek Double Barrel rear shock with steel coil. Sealed angular contact pivot bearings throughout the suspension provide lateral stiffness and supple movement throughout the travel range. The bearings in the new VPP lower link are easily greased with zerk fittings which make routine maintenance easy. Simply squirt in fresh grease to purge out old, nasty stuff and you'll be ready to hit the dirt. The SS Slopestyle is ideally mated with a 160mm travel front fork, though it can accept up to 200mm.

The Intense SS Slopestyle is available in small, medium and large in Intense Red, Stealth Black, White, Orange, Works (raw aluminum) or Works Red. It uses a 31.6mm seatpost, and requires a 34.9mm top swing/top pull front derailleur.

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2009 Intense Slopestyle Pricing