US company Intense Cycles only released the Carbine, their first ever carbon fibre bike, last summer, but already they’ve gone one better with the new Carbine SL.

The Carbine SL is even lighter, with a frame weight of 5lb (2.26kg) according to the company. That’s 0.5lb lighter than the old frame. Technology moves at a rapid rate doesn’t it? This has been achieved with a new higher modulus carbon fibre, lighter hardware – there are titanium bolts everywhere – and a carbon shock link.

Head designer Jeff Steber has also taken the time to update the rear triangle with new 135 QR dropouts. Carried over from the previous Carbine is of course the VPP suspension, delivering travel adjustable between 4.75in and 5.25in (120mm or 135mm). Head angle is slack for trail riding at 68 degrees.

Based on the Tracer VP, the Carbine is pitched as an all-around trail bike. Modern features include a tapered head tube, BB92 bottom bracket, an FLK-GRD downtube and chainstay protection system, direct mount front derailleur and dropper post cable routing. The VPP linkages use angular contact bearing all-round with a collet axle system.

And they seem pretty happy with how the new frame performs:” I have personally had the pleasure of riding this bike for 3 months now, and loved every minute of it”, says Intense Marketing Manager, Scott Sharples. “The SL gives me the ability to charge up steep, technical hills and then bomb the downhill.”

Availability is slated for March. Watch this space for more news.

www.intensecycles.com | www.extrauk.co.uk