Intense Cycles Spider 29C Mountain Bike Frame 2016

The latest model of Intense Cycles' trail predator, the Spider 29C Mountain Bike Frame, stalks its web of root lattices with all the same features that made its predecessor such a dangerous presence in the dirt. The only difference is to the frame's colorways, which are relatively understated and disguise rather than broadcast the Spider's predatory tendencies. Despite the quiet paint scheme, the Spider 29C still has enough mid travel, Virtual Pivot Point suspension to scramble across rocky trails with the confident aggression of its eight legged namesake. Both of the Spider's frame triangles are monocoque carbon, which allows the engineers to wrap the carbon through the joints. While you'll appreciate the increased structural integrity of this construction method, the process's primary benefit is that Intense can use less material, which lowers the overall frame weight. Long travel or not, 29ers are primarily about speed and lower weight means more propulsion, and the Spider's tapered head tube, thru axles, short links, and second generation Virtual Pivot Point VPP suspension take full advantage of those weight savings. The VPP platform itself employs two aluminum counter rotating links to balance smooth travel with a consistently solid pedaling platform. The upper link provides most of the rotation as the bike compresses into the sag point, yielding a vertical wheel path that you'll notice in the form of a firm feel during acceleration. As the bike compresses deeper into the suspension, the lower link activates, moving the axle path rearward. The rearward axle path lets the rear wheel yield gracefully to impacts, so the ride is smooth, not jarring, and pedaling efficiency isn't compromised by the frame's travel. The Spider shares more than just a name with eight legged predators. Its 68. 5 degree head tube hits the mark between slacked out, enduro bomber and nimble XC dart, bringing the two disciplines together for a ride that mimics a spider's dexterity. ...