Intense Recluse 2017 Expert | Bike Check
October 5th, 2016
By Andrew Dodd in Bikes,Features
Intense Recluse 2017 – one lairy trail ripper!
Intense Cycles have long been a favourite for Factory Jackson (check out our feature on the brand right here) as they have a unique presence that other bikes don’t have.
Over the last few years Intense Cycles has grown substantially as a brand – offering not only complete bike options but the constant development of new models.
The Intense Recluse 2017 model is one of the hottest looking bikes out there, and is available in five builds from the Foundation model at £4200, to the top flight Factory model at £8700…
Buying an Intense is a plain colour way is the same as buying a Lamborghini in black. They are born to be lairy – embrace that!
This is the Intense Recluse 2017 Expert model, which retails for £5300.
Although it’s also available in murdered out black on black, there’s really only one way to buy an Intense. It has to be the loudest colour possible, and this orange and pink model is so insanely bright the photos don’t quite do it justice!
The Intense Recluse 2017 has lovely detailing like the rubber head tube grommets, and the classic metal head tube badge.
The frame is carbon monocoque construction, and offers 140mm rear via the JS Tuned suspension linkage system – which is Jeff Steber’s updated and improved take on the older VPP system. The lower linkage is much shorter, and positioned higher – this gives the system improved feel on smaller bumps and feels more neutral to rider input.
Though the Intense Recluse 2017 Expert model is specced with a 1x drivetrain, the option of a front mech or chain guide is still there.
Bearings on the JS Tuned linkages are angular contact and use a collet bearing system. There are grease nipples in place for flushing the old grease out and replacing with new – handy for us Brits.
The rear drop outs are very neat and tidy – and accommodate a Boost 148mm axle.
Out back are Boost 148 x 12 dropouts, so the bike can maximise on tyre clearance and benefit from the addition 3mm for chain line. Although tyre clearance is huge, the Recluse is firmly designed around regular 27.5in wheels.
The Recluse isn’t named after solitary folk who live in quiet – it’s named after an extremely venomous spider found in North America.
Neat internal cable routing keeps the frame looking tidy, and neat rubber grommets keep the cables in place and avoid the dreaded rattle. There’s also room for a water bottle, which although not essential for all, will please many riders.
Neat and tidy chainstay rubber detailing is in the right place – including inside of seat stay too. Nice touch.
Quality moulded rubber downtube and chainstay protectors keep the chain silenced and of course help keep the outrageous paintwork intact!
A size large frame has a 626mm top tube; 419mm chain stays and a roomy 1196mm wheelbase. Head angle tips in at 66degrees, and the seat angle a climb friendly 75degrees. BB height is low enough at 344mm; and reach is 460mm.
Got to love a bit of colour matching – the Intense Recluse 2017 has that down!
The spec of this Expert model sees a 150mm travel Rockshox Pike RC with colour matched graphics up front and a Monarch Plus High Volume Custom Tuned shock out back, also with matched graphics.
We bloody love the Intense Recluse 2017 model – it just looks right!
Rolling stock are the light and tough DT Swiss E 1900 Spline 275 wheels, with Maxxis High Roller II tyres. SRAM Guide brakes make speed control an easy job and a trusty Shimano XT transmission ensures smooth shifting and sturdy Race Face Turbine cranks take control of rider input.
Finishing kit includes a WTB saddle; Reverb Stealth dropper post; Renthal Fatbar; Thomson Elite stem and a Cane Creek 40 headset.
Intense Cycles are available in the UK via Saddleback distribution.
Check the Intense Recluse 2017 model in action right here…
