First Look: 2017 Intense Recluse 11

Just when you thought Intense couldn't release another new bike this year, they drop a bomb with their new 27.5-inch-wheeled Recluse all-mountain bike. Available in five different build options, the new Recluse models feature full-carbon, Boost-equipped frames with 140mm of JS Tuned suspension out back and 150mm forks up front.

Bling seekers will want to check out the Recluse Factory model ($9,499 USD) that utilizes the Super Light (SL) carbon layup, FOX 36 Float fork (110mm Boost axle), SRAM XX1 11-speed drivetrain and Mavic's XA Pro Carbon wheelset. At less than half the price, Intense's Recluse Foundation model ($4,599) will get you into a sexy carbon frame with a more moderate, but capable spec. The Elite ($7,899, size Large featured here), Pro ($6,999) and Expert ($5,899) builds fill the gap between those with Trump-like wealth and Bernie budgeters. The Factory, Elite and Pro all feature the SL carbon frame while Expert and Foundations use a standard carbon construction.

Intense hand-delivered us this eye-catching Recluse Elite just the other day. We managed to get some quick photos of this beauty, but couldn't get her out for a serious ride before the news on this new bike could be released. What we do know from caressing this drool machine is that Intense has to be one of the best in the game when it comes to finishes and small details. The graphics and paint on the new Recluse are akin to their one-off, F1-inspired M9 DH bike paint jobs from Interbike a few years ago. The difference is that these aren't custom, they're stock, and you can have them. The turquoise and red Elite model in our hands certainly pops and will definitely grab some attention on the trail. Intense also caters to those wanting to remain low-key with some murdered-out, fully black build options in the Expert and Foundation models.

Intense Recluse Elite Features and Spec

• Frame: Recluse 275 SL Carbon Front and Rear Triangle, i-BOX Pivot System, Downtube Flak Guard Armor, Internal Derailleur, Brake & Dropper Post Routing, ISCG05 Mount, Ti Hardware
• Rear Travel: 140mm
• Fork: 150mm travel FOX Performance Float 36, 27.5, 3-position GRIP, Matte Black, 15QRx110 Boost
• Rear Shock: FOX Performance FLOAT X2, 2-position Lever with Open Mode Adjust, 200x57mm
• Hubs: 28 Hole DT Swiss 350, 15 x 110mm Front Hub; 148x12mm Rear Hub, XD Driver, 6-Bolt
• Rims: Intense Carbon 30mm
• Tires: Maxxis High Roller II 27.5x2.3 3C EXO TR
  
• Shifter: SRAM X1, 11-speed
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM X01, 11-speed
• Cranks: Race Face NEXT, DM32T, 175mm, 11-speed
• Cassette: e*thirteen 9-44 tooth, 11-speed
• Saddle: Fabric Scoop Radius Elite
• Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6mm x 420 mm, zero offset, 150mm of travel
• Handlebar: Renthal Fatbar 20mm rise x 760mm width
• Stem: Thomson X4 50mm
  
• Brakes: SRAM GUIDE RS with 180mm front, 160mm rear rotor

While none of the available models utilize a front derailleur, the Recluse does have a mount. We've been told that this may be the last Intense frame with such a feature built in, however. ISCG05 tabs surround the bottom bracket, internal routing for brake, derailleur and dropper cables adorn the frame, the lower suspension link has signature Zerk grease ports for easy maintenance, and the frame features titanium bolts.

Geometry

If you're an Intense fan, you'll see that the 140mm travel frame puts the Recluse between the enduro-labeled Tracer 275 and the XC/trail-labeled Spider 275, so it's right at home in the all-mountain category. Unlike the T275 or Spider, the Recluse does not feature adjustable travel; 140mm out back is what you get. It's paired with the FOX Float X2 rear shock on higher-end models, however, which should open up a new level of rear suspension performance on a 140mm bike.

You also get a nice, slack 66-degree head angle (compared to 66.5 on the T275) and nimble 16.5-inch chainstays (compared to 17-inch on the T275). The slacker head angle and more-stretched-out front end gives the Recluse a longer wheel base than the T275 despite the shorter stays.

The suspension system on the Recluse is the Intense-specific version of a virtual pivot point system dubbed JS Tuned, and our Elite model controls traction with a 200x57mm shock with two-position lever. Up front we have a Boost'd FOX Performance Float 36 with three-position GRIP adjuster, which seems like a slight compromise at a bike priced at nearly $8,000. The rest of the Elite model spec is all top-notch componentry, however, configured for the modern rider.

Drivetrain duties are handled by Race Face Next carbon cranks with narrow-wide ring, and e*thirteen's 9-44 tooth 11-speed cassette provides a massive gear range for the 1x setup. Shifting is clicked via the stalwart SRAM X0 shifter and rear derailleur. SRAM GUIDE RS brakes slow you down, 760mm Renthal Fatbars and a 50mm Thomson X4 stem help you change direction, and Maxxis High Roller II (2.3-inch) tires keep you connected to the dirt. A 150mm travel RockShox Reverb supports a Fabric Scoop saddle.

A unique highlight of the Elite build we received are the Intense-branded carbon rims. The Elite is the only model to feature these rims. The 30mm internal width hoops are laced to 28-hole DT Swiss 350 110x15mm and 12x148mm Boost hubs. We're interested to see how these rims perform and hold up throughout our long-term test.

Recluse Model Hierarchy

We're excited to get this looker of a bike dirty on the trail, and predict that the burly build, slack angles, and rally-ready suspension will really allow us to open things up while maintaining a good sense of efficiency. Stay tuned for our review dropping in the not-too-distant future.

Visit www.intensecycles.com for more information on the Recluse.