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Comparing the 29er downhill bike to the 26er downhill bike. Intense 2951 and 951 side by side. 23.5-inch effective top tube, G3 dropout & head tube, 14-inch bottom brack in middle setting, with 64.5-degree head angle, CS 18.25-inches. Wheelbase 48-inches. Travel is at 7.5 or 8-inches with adjustable link. Fork is reduced to 7-inches.
Credit
Steber
Related:
Intense
Downhill
Prototype
29er
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Intense 2951 29er DH Bike
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13 comments

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schmoose
15 years ago
First, rolling over stuff better, you're taking about a couple mm in approach angle on a wheel, if you want to roll over stuff better you need better suspension because these bikes are made to roll over BIG things, this bike's suspension is sacrificed because of these wagon wheels.

Carries speed better aka momentum, you're joking, that's like saying its better to weigh 200lb than 150lb.

Takes more to slow it down, which is EXACTLY the opposite of what you want in a downhill bike.

Angles, ever noticed how much time downhill teams spend getting them right?

Tire contact area, you may have a point, but you're sacrificing suspension, ability to break and angles for that.

Some of your points may make sense were we talking about a bike specifically built for long rides on dirt roads, but you wont be doing that on this bike mate.
2012 0
Simcik
15 years ago
"So it accelerates slower, corners slower, has dodgy angles and less travel." It rolls over stuff better and carries speed better and takes more to slow it down. Because it rolls over stuff better, it doesnt need as much travel. It also has more traction as the tire contact patch is larger. "Dodgy angles" are to accomodate the larger wheel and will ultimately allow the bike to work just the same. Take a look at BMX and road angles. They are as such to accomodate the wheel size and the intended purpose of the bike. There is a reason many riders do not run 24" wheels. They corner great, build stronger wheels, and accelerate super quick, downsides, hang up really badly and decelerate really quickly, hence they are not frequently used.
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schmoose
15 years ago
So it accelerates slower, corners slower, has dodgy angles and less travel. Why build a whole bike when you could just tie a big fat brick and slap a crap fork onto the 951 and achieve the same result?
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doconnor
15 years ago
I'd love to see how it rides. It's gotta dominate in certain conditions, no doubt. It's funny that dh and road tires are still all the same. In 50 years, riders will say "here's my 23" dh, my 26 dh, my 29'' dh, and even my 32" dh for the ______ (insert crazy condition/terrain). MTB needs this.
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Addis
15 years ago
Sure, the 29er is nice, but I still think the whole 29er thing is a fad. Besides, look at that 951 there with it with all the red hardware....sick!
2012 0
Simcik
15 years ago
Thanks! for the gratuitius Littermag post! Yes, that bike. I like seeing the 2 different 951's next to one another, pretty cool, i would be interested to see the 6951, the 69er.
2012 0
Simcik
15 years ago
Lets all keep in mind that Intense isnt the first ones to do this. Alex Morgan at BCD was racing a 29er a few years ago, he not only built it, he actually rode his. Notice the 951 has dirty tires, the new 2951 is completely brand new. Put the 2951 under a pro rider for a weekend first before spreading it around the mountain bike sites like pictures of Niki Gudex
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I Am Jacks Wet Dream
15 years ago
I have to say that I am taken a back at how much press this bike is getting all over the web. With the exception of buttsluts.com, every website is carrying this news-even the UK DH e-rags.

Don't get me wrong; I think it's great that Jeff/Intense thought outside the box and created the DH version of the hipster tall bike. There is nothing wrong with that so long as you take it as face value.

However, the hype is such that an untested proto-type somehow lends legitimacy to the 29'er 'movement.' Honestly, I think that if the bike was built of balsa wood it would still generate the same e-effect. Reading some of the comments posted on other websites one would think Jeff just cured cancer.

Without debating the physics of a bike like this, how about someone publishing a weight? I keep reading reviews of a new crop of 5" travel 29'ers spec'd with full XTR/XO kit, carbon bars, 2.35 tires and XC pedals that are barely sneaking below 30lbs in the medium size.

I'd like to read an honest review from a pro-level DH racer like Kavorik on how a bike like this compares to his 26" and if the wheelset can stand the abuse.

Oh well. At the very least I guess the guy who owns the Lenz 29'er DH bike will have a friend now.

Still not sold.


Watch out the Intense/Bare Knuckle Brigade team in 2011.