The various monocoque frame sections and associated sundry parts are jigged up and welded in-house by their master craftsman. Each model and frame size has a different jig, and they even keep jigs around for older non-production models if required.
Once the welding has been completed, the alloy frames need to be heat treated for re-tempering purposes, followed by any facing, and QC alignment checks and adjustments. After these final stages, the frames are sent off to the local powder coaters.
Intense sells their bikes as frames, frames with a kit, and complete pro bike builds that are almost ready to go straight out of the box. They assemble the raw or painted aluminum and carbon frames, combining the front and rear triangles with mostly in-house produced linkages, axles and bolts.
The frames come in a slew of bright colors, though custom colors can be requested.
On the horizon are some new and interesting products from Intense Cycles, including a probable carbon downhill bike, hopefully built around the 27.5-inch wheel size. We get to announce a new model on March 17th to the world, but we have been sworn to secrecy until that time, under the threat of death.
They run their CNC machines for 20 hours a day? You mean minutes right? I had to cancel my G1 dropout order after 6 weeks of no response.
Please list the bike companies that only sell carbon frames now. Certainly no medium to largish bike company. Most people aren’t looking to buy a bike with a $2500+ carbon frame… Yes, for us bike nuts, carbon is mostly where it’s at, but we aren’t most people.
Intense Carbine.Nice Bike
kept me engaged!!
damm haters
Great article Brian, I will I could take a tour of their operation. At least It certainly appears aluminum has fallen out of favor among the MTBR crowd.
Aluminum is dead to me especially name brand aluminum . Short life span compared to carbon and heavier ,more expensive , weaker and more flexy , Save your money and buy generic carbon then all the branded guys will be forced to lower there prices. I love vpp suspension but it definateley isn’t worth the extra money compared to the single pivot generic chinese bikes.
Granted aluminum has it’s drawbacks like weight, but it’s still a viable alternative to taking the plunge with carbon. With an aluminum hardtail, you have to deal with a shorter lifespan because of how aluminum fatigues. The stress on aluminum in a full suspension application is lessened by the “give” suspension provides. Yes, name brand USA made aluminum frames are more expensive than generic Chinese carbon frames, but you get what you pay for. I would take a quality alu frame made by a reputable brand over a generic carbon frame any day…especially if you have to deal with a warranty issue, or service after the sale. To each their own though, right.
I’ve been riding aluminum hardtails and FS bikes begining in the late 80s. Since switching to a Carbon FS Giant Anthem X, with an array of carbon goodies (post, handlebar, seat rails)..I would never return to an aluminum bike. This bike feels like nothing I’ve ever owned. Light, fast, snappy and mutes all small trail vibrations like an overweight girlfriend! I’m a Carbonite! LLC!
Always liked the Intense bikes I have owned in the past….maybe it is time to revisit the brand.