Intense Recluse 27.5 trail bike first look
The new Intense Recluse builds on the formula of the versatile Spider, but pushes things into the enduro end of the spectrum.
Earlier this year, Intense launched a new version of its Spider. The original was something of a welterweight cross-country ripper, but this newer version took its inspiration from the dual slalom track. With 27.5 wheels, 130mm of travel, and short chainstays, the bike was meant to tackle everything.
But what if you wanted something more than your everyday Spider? Something a little bit more deadly when the trails turned rough? Enter the Recluse. Named after one of the most venomous spiders found in North America, this newest bike from Intense is not messing around.
The Tracer may be Intense’s premiere enduro race bike, but the shorter travel Recluse is longer and slacker — for now at least.
The Recluse wields 150mm of front travel, 140mm in the rear, and rolls on 27.5 wheels. And of course, the geometry is long, low, and slack. How long and slack? Well, the reach is almost an inch longer across all sizes than that of the 160mm travel Tracer, which Intense launched back in 2014. Despite having 20mm less rear travel, the Recluse also has a slacker head angle.
Boost spacing and internal routing are pretty much a given at this point.
You also get all the modern amenities you’ve come to expect from a carbon superbike, including boost spacing and internal cable routing. As an added bonus, Intense included enough clearance for a water bottle inside the front triangle, and the frame utilizes a direct mount front derailleur.
But where are the aluminum frames?
There will be two frame types. Base level carbon frames will use standard EPS molding technology, while the premium models will use a high modular carbon fiber frame finished with titanium hardware, which will conspire to shave approximately 250 grams.
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Each of the builds will be available in two colors — something tame and something wild.
Prices for complete bikes start at $4599, and will top out at $9499 for the top of the line build, which is the first to feature Intense’s new carbon rim design. More on that soon.
For more information, visit www.intensecycles.com.
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