Rocky Mountain Slayer 29
By Brandon Castelli
Read The Rocky Mountain Bike Test Here
INTENSE PRIMER S 279
By Brandon Castelli & John Ker
John Ker: After mixed-wheel-size bikes started winning World Cup downhill events and Enduro World Series races in 2019, the idea of bikes with mixed wheel sizes may have finally caught on for good. Even though mixed wheel sizes have been used on motocross bikes for over 50 years—and even though Cannondale, Specialized, Trek and Foes had all pushed the idea in the past, going all the way back to 1984—the concept had never really caught on in mountain biking until the past couple of years when they started winning big races. In 2019, Intense came out with its Primer S with a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch back wheel.
The bike offers the greater roll-over ability of a 29-inch front wheel with the faster cornering ability and acceleration that comes with a 27.5-inch rear wheel. We have yet to see whether the mixed wheel sizes will stay around for more than a couple of years this time, but with such top stars as Loic Bruni, Martin Maes, Danny Hart, Finn Iles and Aaron Gwin all using mixed wheel sizes now, we expect that the bike-buying public will probably accept them this time.
Read The Intense Bike Test Here
Norco Optic C2
By Brandon Castelli
When I first saw the Optic, something about its neon-green paint scheme, short-travel suspension and enduro-bike geometry made me think, “I’m going to enjoy this bike.” As soon as I hit the dirt on this mean little machine, a huge smile appeared on my face. The Optic’s ability to play around on the trails kept me entertained for hours, and once I got home, I couldn’t help but rip it around the neighborhood. It’s a bike that will definitely make your riding experience more fun.
Read The Norco Bike Test Here
Custom Giant Reign
By Traece Craig
Before working at MBA, I was slowly gathering parts for a 2019 27.5 Giant Reign. I really wanted an enduro rig that could tackle terrain and respond as a nimble 27.5 through the corners. Not only was I stoked to have the opportunity to get my bike built, I was also blessed with Giant’s Maestro suspension. The Fox DHX2 coil shock I am running responds well to trail vibrations and big-hit compression. Yes, I lose some pedaling efficiency, but the suspension system feels more active and gives me better traction in most situations. If you enjoy throwing it down and pushing the limits in the mountains, you’ll love the versatility of the Reign.
Read The Giant Bike Test Here
Structure SCW1
By Traece Craig
I was seeing this bike all over social media with comments like, “No way! That bike is way too wacky. Does it even work?” There is no denying it; the SCW1 by Structure Cycleworks definitely catches everyone’s attention with its innovative Without Telescoping Fork (WTF) linkage suspension system. The front suspension platform is designed to solve performance issues common with telescopic suspension forks. Essentially, the front end of the bike will have less dive than a telescoping fork. We recently received a bike from Structure for long-term testing. I am eager to get some extended time on the bike and see how it holds up to our wrecking crew.
Check Out MBA’s First Ride Of The Structure
Rocky Mountain Growler
By Traece Craig
Read The Rocky Mountain Bike Test Here
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Mountain Bike Action is a monthly magazine devoted to all things mountain biking (yes, that’s 12 times a year because we never take a month off of mountain biking). It has been around since 1986 and we’re still having fun.