Intense Tazer Review

Usually, making the acquaintance of a Tazer is a very unpleasant experience – thankfully here that’s not the case. The Intense Tazer will electrify you, but in a very positive way.

For more information on the group test head to: The best eMTB you can buy

Intense are pushing hard at the moment. The American brand has been releasing one new mountain bike after another, designed an eMTB and recently also signed multiple Downhill World Cup winner, Aaron Gwin. We don’t know if he’ll ride the Tazer from time to time, but what we do know is that Intense has given a lot thought to their ebike development.

Braaap! With the Intense, you get that motocross feeling – not only because of the looks, but also because of the handling.

The Tazer is powered by a Shimano STEPS E8000 motor and the battery – which is actually an external version – has been completely integrated into the carbon frame. For the wheels, Intense is relying on a large 29″ front and a smaller 27.5″ rear wheel. With 160 mm travel at the front and 155 mm at the rear, the € 7,499 bike is perfect for demanding trails. It has been specced accordingly, fitted with high-end FOX Factory suspension, Shimano XT four-piston brakes with 200 mm rotors and MAXXIS Minion DHR tires. We would have expected a bit more drivetrain for the price. Unfortunately, the Shimano SLX group fitted doesn’t do the bike justice.

Intense Tazer in Detail

Fork FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 160 mm
Rear shock FOX FLOAT Factory DPX2 155 mm
Motor/Battery Shimano STEPS E 8000 504 Wh
Drivetrain Shimano SLX 11-speed
Brakes Shimano XT 4 piston 200/200 mm
Seat post FOX Factory Transfer 150 mm
Stem Intense Recon 45 mm
Handlebar Intense Recon Alloy 780 mm
Wheels DT Swiss H1700 HYBRID
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHRII 29×2.6″ / 27.5×2.8″

**Well hidden**
Intense uses an external Shimano battery, which is completely integrated into the carbon frame. It’s easily removable via a flap – unfortunately, the battery rattled loudly on our test bike.

**Necessary**
There is a special silicone cover protecting the start button on the down tube from being bombarded by dirt. We’re told it’ll be darker on the production model to blend in better.

**Motocross-style**
Not only the paint job reminded us of motocross racing, but the big mudguard on the rear linkage also has some similarities.

**Under pressure**
The Intense’s FOX DPX2 shock requires a lot of pressure. Heavy riders over 90 kg will quickly reach the maximum pressure rating of the shock.

Geometry of the Intense Tazer

Size	S	M	L
Seat tube	394 mm	419 mm	455 mm
Top tube	577 mm	605 mm	633 mm
Head tube	100 mm	115 mm	125 mm
Head angle	64.9°	64.9°	64.9°
Seat angle	75.4°	75.4°	75.4°
Chainstay	450 mm	450 mm	450 mm
Wheelbase	1,199 mm	1,230 mm	1,260 mm
Reach	425 mm	450 mm	475 mm
Stack	610 mm	623 mm	632 mm

Intense Tazer in Review

**Helmetet** Bell Sixer | **Jersey** ION Tee LS Scrub Amp | **Shorts** ION Bikeshort Scrub Amp | **Shoes** ION Rascal

As soon as you climb aboard the Intense Tazer, you’ll notice how plush the bike’s suspension is. The rear linkage responds sensitively and absorbs all irregularities on the trail. Coupled with a stretched but comfortable seating position, you’ll be well prepared for long rides. As is typical of Shimano, the motor whirrs along and convinced our testers with an excellent combination of power and modulation, especially in Trail mode. Thanks to the central riding position, the front wheel remains adequately weighted, even on steep climbs.

**Tuning tip:** mount a higher-quality shifter

The Intense performs just as well on the descents, the plush rear suspension making for a smooth and composed ride. Its composure is underlined by the long front triangle, which gives the rider a lot of room to shift their weight around. However, this also means that the Intense needs a strong guiding hand in tighter sections of trail. Although the suspension provides a lot of support, the length of the bike requires a bit of manhandling. But ride actively and the bike rewards your input with immediate and precise direction changes. Even in demanding situations, the bike instils its rider with confidence, always behaving predictably. The only annoying thing on our test bike was that we could hear the battery rattling loudly in the frame.

Riding Characteristics

Agility

sluggish
playful

Stability

nervous
stable

Handling

demanding
balanced

Riding fun

boring
lively

Motor feeling

digital
natural

Motor power

weak
strong

Value for money

poor
top

Technical Data

Size: S M L
Weight: 22.28 kg
Perm. total weight: 136 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment): 113 kg
Motor torque: 70 Nm
Battery Capacity: 504 Wh
Travel (f/r): 160/155 mm
Wheel Size: MX (29" front, 27.5" rear)
Price: € 7,499

Rider type

Touring Rider 1

Trail rider 2

Extreme rider 3

Conclusion

With the Intense Tazer, the American brand has succeeded in making a strong entry into the eMTB market. The bike convinced us with its composed, predictable handling in challenging terrain, successfully combining agility and composure. The bike is at a minor disadvantage only on very winding, tight trails.

Tops

excellent suspension
balanced and predictable handling
confidence inspiring

Flops

rattling battery on our test bike
cumbersome in tight sections

For more information head to: intensecycles.com