First Look: 2016 Intense 27.5+ Air Cushioned Vehicle

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Introducing the Intense 27.5+ Air Cushioned Vehicle, or ACV for short. Just like the military type hovercraft, it's designed to go just about anywhere.

This bike marks the first time Intense has introduced a plus-sized ride.

The bike sits on 2.8-inch Maxxis Ikon tires. We had a lot of success running them in the 16-18psi range.

The bike was designed with plus in mind and features a reasonably snug 438mm rear end that makes it agile and nimble on the trail.

All Intense bikes now feature JS Tuned Suspension, but it’s about more than just the suspension, it’s about the whole package and how it works to deliver the best ride possible.

Right down to the color-coordinated top cap and lock-on grips, this is a dialed ride.

Chris Kovarik proving it's up for anything.

Maximum traction yields loads of control.

150mm travel up front. The tooling also sees some updates, with the tubing taking on a new triangular shape toward the headtube and a wider box shape toward the bottom bracket junction.

Who knew plus could look so good?

Up to 3.0-inch tires and adjustable rear travel between 115 and 130mm add up to a cushy ride. The change has a slight impact on the leverage curve, but is minimal enough that most won’t notice.

Intense believes plus strikes a nice balance without going too far.

It features new twin uprights between the chain and seatstays; a first for Intense's trail bikes. The 1X-drivetrain-specific design enabled the use of two uprights and a shorter rear end.

Plenty of clearance. It still features Virtual Pivot Point style counter rotating links, including grease ports to prolong bearing life.

No front derailleur and clean, clutter-free cable routing makes for a good looking bike.

Wheelies for 1X!

27.5+ or 29 is up to you, though the ACV will be sold complete in two 27.5+ builds only.

Kovarik drifting harder on 27.5+ than most mortals will ever on a standard 29.

Intense is spec'ing new ODI Longneck-inspired and ribbed (for your pleasure) grips. They're very comfortable and work well with or without gloves.

The carbon upper link with color-matched anodized hardware to boot. This one is a looker!

The ACV is available now starting at $4,599 USD. Visit www.intensecycles.com for more details.

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Air Cushioned Vehicle? It's a fitting name for the new Intense trail/enduro bike with 27.5+ wheels. The new ACV allows you to enjoy the benefits of large 2.8-inch tires in a purpose-built package. Listen in as we discuss the matte gold and brown beauty with Jeff Steber, the main man at Intense Cycles. It's available in two builds - Pro and Foundation - and sports a high modulus carbon fiber frame with carbon top link on the top-of-the-line model. Don't want to rock plus size? Know that the ACV supports 29-inch hoops as well which can make for a very agile ride.

Intense 27.5+ ACV Highlights

115 or 130mm (4.5 or 5-inches) Rear Travel // 150mm (5.9-inches) Front Travel
JS Tuned Suspension
27.5+ Wheel Size
29-inch Compatible
Integrated Boost 148x12mm Dropouts
Monocoque UD Carbon Front and Rear Triangle
Dual Upright Swingarm
Internal Cable and Dropper Post Routing
Metric 200x51mm Shock Size
1X Specific Frame
H20 Bottle Fitment
Downtube and Chainstay Flack Guard Protection
Angular Contact/Collet Bearing System with Replaceable Grease Zerks

Geometry

Pro Build - MSRP $6,499 USD

Foundation Build - MSRP $4,599 USD

In Action

Leave it to Chris "The Karver" Kovarik to get drifty on the ultra grippy treads of the new 27.5+ ACV. Kick back and enjoy the awesomeness as he does his thing in Sedona, Arizona - a place where every bit of grip matters:

Visit www.intensecycles.com for more details.

Photos by AJ Barlas and Colin Meagher // Feature by AJ Barlas and Brandon Turman

Intense