First Look: Intense Goes 650b with the Tracer and Carbine 3

Meet the Tracer 275 – The next BIG THING from Intense Cycles

Made in Intense's factory in Southern California, the Tracer 275 is the latest offspring from the creative mind of designer/president, Jeff Steber. The idea to do the 275 came to Steber while he was traveling abroad. A few weeks later, he was riding the first prototype.

"One of the advantages of having our own factory on-site is that we can put plans into motion right away," says Steber. "I can visualize it and can make the first prototypes a reality within a very short window."

More Intense Tracer 275 Photos

The 275 combines the best qualities of the 26-inch and 29-inch wheels.  It has all the precision and efficiency of the 26-inch wheel and the added power and stability offered by 29ers.

"If the industry had to decide on one wheel size, I would vote for the 27.5, without hesitation.  It is just as much fun as a 26, but faster" says Intense Marketing Manager, Scott Sharples. "If I had to pick one bike from my quiver right now, it would be my Tracer 275. Without a doubt."

The Tracer 275 offers 5.5 to 6-inches of adjustable travel, 17-inch chainstays, a 13.3-inch bottom bracket, cable routing for RockShox's stealth reverb dropper post, the G1 replaceable dropout system and a modified geometry 67-degree head angle.

"The 27.5-inch wheels roll right over the chatter, float through the sand and still rail into the corner without the overbearing feel of the 29er.  The best part is, you don’t’ have to adjust the way you ride on the 275.  You can hop right on and feel instantly comfortable with the bigger wheels," says Intense Sales Manager, Mike Dettmers.

While locked away in "Area 51," Steber also found the time and the creativity to develop a second 275 model.  The Carbine, a 5.5 to 6-inch travel Carbon Fiber trail bike released late last fall, also gets the 275 treatment.  A modified G1 Dropout allows for ample tire clearance and as well adjusts geometry, which gives the bike the same dialed head angle that all Intense bikes are known for.  While the Carbine 275 is a conversion kit, there are no compromises; the Carbine 275 will allow a full size 2.35-inch tire unlike many of the other bikes being converted on the market.

Scheduled ship date is October 2012. For additional information, visit tracer275.com.