After spending more time on the bike and tuning in the suspension, I now love this bike. No regrets about choosing this over a Santa Cruz blur. Yes, I can see the suspension linkages activating a tiny bit as I pedal, but I cannot feel any bobbing.
Below is a list of new and used intense 6.6 for sale.
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SMALL INTENSE 6.6 MOUNTAIN BIKE 2012 FOX VANILLA 180mm 2 X 10 SRAM X9 XT WHEELS |  |
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US $2,600.00 | 1d 15h 27m |
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Intense 6.6 medium | |
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US $2,200.00 | 12h 56m |
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Intense 6.6 Works (Raw) Finish Large (5'10"-6'3") | |
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US $2,499.00 | 9d 8h 43m |
It feels rocksolid when pedaling along smooth trails (almost hardtail-like), but once you hit a technical section, you'll be amazed how plush and how much travel there is in the bike. When I went back to my Heckler, I realized how much more sophisticated this suspension design is. My old Heckler bobs like a Pogo stick. I just never noticed it because I was so used to it. Now that I have seen the light, there is no going back to a single pivot design (the only caveat being that I haven't tried one with a stable platform valve shock).
I initially felt this bike was sluggish, but I am no longer bothered by the gain of 3-4 pounds when going from my old bike to the 6.6. The Intense System 4 tires spec’d with this bike are indeed a little on heavy side but compared to my old Hutchison Python Air Lights, have incredible grip and are confident inspiring. I used to wash out my front tire at speed with regularity and had some nasty crashes. That no longer happens. Initially, the Minute 2 fork did not seem very plush. That has improved as the fork has broken in and as I have dialed in the right settings. I have also adjusted to the higher front end. It just takes more finesse and a shift of weight forward when climbing. I also find myself climbing out of the saddle more than I used to.