2019 Intense M16 Downhill Bike Frame Small 27.5″ Carbon RockShox
Size: L (48-52 cm)
The M16C’s front triangle and swingarm are made from EPS-molded unidirectional carbon fiber, a construction technique that involves wrapping layers of epoxy-impregnated carbon fiber around a foam form, which is then put into a mold and exposed to heat in order to ‘cure’. Even the link that connects the seat stays to the seat tube is made from compression molded carbon fiber in order to shed a few more grams. The lower link is made from aluminum, and is held in place using angular contact bearings and an expanding collet axle system. Two grease ports are built in that can be used to push the old bearing grease out and new grease in, a handy feature for riders in wet and muddy climates.
Unlike its aluminum counterpart, the M16C has internal cable routing for the brake and derailleur housing. The housing runs through ports on each side of the head tube, and then through guides that are built into the frame. It then briefly reemerges on the topside of the downtube before both the derailleur and brake housing are routed through their respective chainstays. It’s not as common to have the brake housing fully routed internally, especially on a DH race bike due to the increased amount of time it takes to perform a brake swap, but it does help keep it safe from any potential rock damage.
Other frame details include a 12x157mm expanding collett style rear thru-axle, a 83mm threaded bottom bracket, ISCG 05 tabs, and molded chainstay and down tube protection. There’s also a plastic fender that’s bolted to the swingarm to help protect the shock from the flying muck and debris tossed up by the rear wheel.
Suspension Design
The M16C uses the latest version of Intense’s virtual pivot point design, which relies on two short counter-rotating links to control the rear end as it goes through its travel. The M16C has a fairly high amount of anti-squat to help prevent pedaling forces from affecting the suspension, and the suspension curve is progressive to keep the bike from bottoming out on big hits.
Previously, Intense had licensed the virtual pivot point design from Santa Cruz, but the patent has since expired, and Intense now refers to the design as JS-Tuned Suspension, where JS refers to company owner Jeff Steber. On that note, now that both the virtual pivot point and Horst Link suspension patents have expired the playing field is wide open – it will be interesting to see how frame designs change in the coming years.
