Intense Tracer VP is replacing the 5.5 EVP trailbike. The Tracer features the second generation VPP suspension, which it shares with Santa Cruz Blur LT. It is designed to reduce chain growth and pedal feedback. The Tracer also gets two shock mount options, with either 5.5 inches or 6 inches rear wheel travel and a 4cm head tube. Three kits will be offered by Intense for the Tracer. They range from an aggressive all-mountain trailbike style to a cross-country feel. The new Tracer’s frame geometry has been adjusted to allow for all-mountain riding.
THE TWO BUILD BASICSWhite Tracer: This white Tracer VP Trailbike has a 14 cm Fox 32 F fork and a standard nine millimeter axle. It also features ShimanosXTR drivetrain, hydraulic disk brakes, and wheels. Carbon fiber Titec seatpost and handlebar feature Intenses own grabs and a titanium-rail saddle. The Tracer VP is 123kg with Shimano XTR pedals. This frame and XTR kit are available for sale.
Red Tracer: This kit is for riders who want to set up Tracers with six inches of rear travel. This kit features a more robust component spec, which is designed for aggressive all-mountain riding. It also includes Foxs TALAS36 R fork. The red Tracer comes with Shimanos race-oriented XTR Group, but the Tracer has Shimanos flexible XT Trailbike Kit. This includes drivetrain components, hydraulic disc brakes and XT wheels with a thru-axle front hub. Both bikes are equipped with Intenses 2.2526 System 4 Trailbike Tires. The Tracer with the XT kit is 142kg and retails at €1,199.
TWO ON THE TRAIL
We wanted to find out how two bikes with the same frame could feel on trails. You can also use our side-by-side test results to help you decide how to build a Tracer that suits your riding style and terrain.
MAGAZINE REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS: WHITE TRACER VP
The new Tracer VP frame has a sloping top tube and a 73-degree seat angle. This allows the rider to be in a balanced position for both uphills and downhills.
Titec Pluto carbon handlebar and Titec Titec Pluto stem measuring 90 x 69 cm.
You will enjoy a spacious, comfortable and versatile cockpit.
-The white Tracer VP screamed downhill on cross-country rides. The suspension setup was very stable and had minimal unwanted movement. This Tracer had a 69-degree head angle, 34 cm bottom bracket and we were able to climb some of the most difficult climbs. We also found it easier than usual to hammer in the middle chainring, and get to the top much faster than normal.
Shimano’s XTR line of high-performance components is the most popular. White Tracer comes with XTR hydraulic disc brakes, front and back, with six-inch rotors. After six hours of riding, the organic pads are still quite responsive. However, heavier riders may want to consider putting a metal brake pad on the front wheel.
We cannot say enough positive things about Shimanos XTR tires. They have been amazing on cross-country bikes for the past year.
The Tracer VP has 14 cm of front suspension and rear suspension so it can take on technical cross-country trails. The Tracers rear end absorbs hits when speeding or cutting through rutted corners.
MAGAZINE REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS: RED TRACER VP
The Tracers share the same frame so the extended travel of both bikes was possible by placing the lower shock mount in one of the mounting holes in the suspensions link. The 16 cm-travel Fox 36 TALASR fork reduces the head angle from 69 to 67.5 degrees and raises its bottom bracket from 34 to 35 cm. On the medium-sized frame, the longer fork increases the wheelbase from 109 cm up to 110 cm. The Titec ProLite stem reduces in size from 90 to 80 millimeters, reducing the cockpit feel.
It is easy to reach the ProPedal lever, so it is recommended to be used often.
Three travel settings are available for the Fox 36 TALAS fork: 3.9, 5.1, and 16 cm. For extended climbs, dropping the fork travel can prove to be beneficial, especially if the stem is shorter like the red Tracer. Combining a shorter stem with a 36-inch travel fork can cause front ends to drift uphill. We only dropped the fork in travel on steep climbs. The bike then handled best in the 13 cm travel setting.
A lighter bike, 15 kg, would be difficult to ride up a hill. The red Tracer hides its weight with its VPP suspension. It would be easy to assume that you are riding a bike weighing in at 14 kg.
Shimanos XT component group is fitted to the red Tracer. The XT brakes feature an easy-to use lever reach adjustment on a perch. The eight-inch front rotor is strong enough to stop the Tracer at 15 kg.
Although the Tracer’s design changes may seem small compared to white bikes, the Tracer’s descending abilities were significantly improved. A shorter 80-millimeter stem with a longer 16 cm travel fork allows aggressive riders to position themselves in an attack position. The Fox fork, which is 20 millimeters in length and air-sprung with a thru-axle Fox fork, allows the rider to point and shoot his way down the trail. The new Tracer climbed our favorite cross-country trail quicker than any other bike we tested.
TWO COMPLETE PACKAGES
With the Intense Tracer Vice President, it is true that you get what your pay for. Although the build kits are not cheap, they come with high-end components mounted in a frame that was hand-built in the United States. Both builds are high-performance and show the versatility of Intenses’ Tracer.
Cross-country riders who are more traditional will love how the Tracer’s white build lopes uphill, and the 14 cm of travel smooths out any obstacles. The red-built Tracer is the best choice if you are more concerned about getting to the top and not avoiding any obstacles on the descents than speeding to the top in cross-country races. You’ll leave your friends behind with either Tracer VP or Tracer SX.
Go to for more information
INTENSE TRACER VP (WHITE).
Price (frame and shock)
USA: Country of origin
Weight: 123 kg
Hotline 296-9596
Medium that has been tested in a frame
Bottom bracket height 34 cm
Chainstay length 43 cm
Top tube length: 58 cm
Angle of the head tube 69
Seat tube angle 73
Standover height 70 cm
Wheelbase 109 cm
Front Suspension Travel (front) 14 cm
Rear suspension travel 14 cm
Aluminium frame material
Fork Fox TALAS 32 RL
Shock Fox Shox RP23
Rims Shimano XTR
Tires Intense 4
Hubs Shimano XTR
Brakes Shimano XTR
Brake levers Shimano XTR
Crankset Shimano XTR
Shifters Shimano XTR
Rear derailleur Shimano XTR
Chainrings Shimano XTR (44/32/22)
Cassette Shimano XTR (11-34)
Pedals None (weighed using ShimanoXTR).
INTENSE TRACER VP (RED).
Price (frame and shock)
USA: Country of origin
Weight: 142 kg
Hotline 296-9596
Medium that has been tested in a frame
Bottom bracket height 35 cm
Chainstay length 43 cm
Top tube length: 58 cm
Angle 67.5 for the head tube
Angle 71.5
Standover height 72 cm
Wheelbase 110 cm
Front Suspension Travel (16 cm)
Rear suspension travel 15 cm
Aluminium frame material
Fork Fox TALAS 36 R
Shock Fox Shox RP23
Rims Shimano XT
Tires Intense 4
Hubs Shimano XT
Brakes Shimano XT
Brake levers Shimano XT
Crankset Shimano XT
Shifters Shimano XTR
Rear derailleur Shimano XT
Chainrings Shimano XT (44/32/22)
Cassette Shimano XT (11-34)
Pedals None (weighed using ShimanoXT).
