INTENSE SPIDER REVIEW

September 19, 2026

Intense has long been a brand for the core riders. They may have fallen back in popularity compared with some other brands, but we think what they have done with the recent Tazer and this Spider might just change that. The Spider is a bike that topped the list of favourites for nearly every rider who swung a leg over it in this Short Travel Trail Mountain Bike Group Test, not only on the way down, but also on the way up.

These intensive group reviews would not be possible without some amazing partners. Their support ensures our entire crew can ride all these bikes on a variety of terrain to establish real-world data for our audience.

SUPPORTING BRANDS

Thule handled all our bike transportation and gear storage needs. Their products were crucial to support all the bikes and gear we had while traveling to different zones over the several months of testing. On the daily, we used the Thule Verse two-place bike rack, with its integrated work stand. For our big shuttle days, we used the Thule Revert, a 6-place vertical bike rack which helped us efficiently transport nearly all the bikes on-test. We also received one of the best MTB gear bags in the game: the Thule Roundtrip 70L duffle. It was the perfect bag to store all our gear, while the Thule Chasm kept all our spare parts in one place. Out on the trail, our crew utilized the Thule Rail hip pack, ensuring snacks, tools, and essentials were always on hand.

Delium provided us with our control tires, ensuring consistent, dependable traction for all bikes on test. Balancing rolling efficiency and grip through our dry summer conditions, we opted to run the Steady up front and the Fast out back, both in the All-Round construction. We ran these tires at 23psi up front and 26psi out back, with no flats or rim dents and a surprising amount of traction on tap.

We also wanted to keep our touch points consistent, so partnered with SDG Components. SDG supplied us with their new Thrice Open Core Grip and Bel Air V3 Overland saddle. These proved to be the perfect combination for long days out, and we were stoked that testers didn’t have to complain about OE grips or uncomfortable saddles.

ABOUT THE INTENSE SPIDER

The Intense Spider features 130mm of travel both front and back. This is one of only two bikes on test packaged with a Fox 36 SL fork, adding to front end confidence and precision when charging. The DCR (Dual Co-Rotating) suspension system keeps the bikes center of gravity low and provides a very energetic suspension feel, easily the most active on test. The Spider does favour going downhill as best as possible, with climbing being the second priority, but it has a notable pep in its step going up, too. While the Spider is the second heaviest bike on test at 31.31lbs, it hides the weight extremely well, even allowing me to get some PR’s on the way up.

While the frame layout is one of the most unique on test, it is quite simple, with no flip chips or in-frame storage. The shock tunnel limits not only how much post insertion you have, but also what shocks you can run. It is not that we think the bike needs a different shock setup, but it is something to be aware of nonetheless.

INTENSE SPIDER GEOMETRY

The geometry of the Intense Spider strikes a great balance of being comfortable on the climbs yet capable on the descents. The 475mm reach paired with a steep 78º seat tube angle presents a more compact cockpit feel than other bikes. Overall, the geo on the spider felt more compact for a size large than other bikes on test. At 6’ 1” tall, typically ride size large bikes, but this was one of a couple on test that I would more than likely opt for an XL.

INTENSE SPIDER BUILD OPTIONS

The Intense Spider is offered in 3 stock build configurations from $4,499 to $6,999. Our Pro build retailed for a very reasonable $5,799, and is the bike we would opt to purchase if we were making the decision. Even with the Intense Spider Pro being the lowest price bike on test, it still rolled in with a very solid spec sheet. Fox Factory Suspension, a wireless Shimano Di2 drivetrain and DT Swiss XM 1700’s with the DEG DF kit are all things not found on bikes higher in price. Quality work Intense!

Intense also offers the Spider in a frame-only option if you are looking to re-use some parts from your last bike or put together your own build. Additionally, you can custom build a bike directly from Intense.

RIDING THE INTENSE SPIDER

CLIMBING PERFORMANCE |

Even with the Intense Spider being the second heaviest bike on test, it was no slouch on the way up. The DCR suspension platform lended itself to being more traction rich than efficient, with more pedal bob than other bikes on test. However, this provided one of the most comfortable rides on test as a result. The suspension platform had a hard to describe suspension feel that just pushes you forward, almost like you had a little motor hidden in the hub. It had an urge to move uphill with a leaf spring like feel. The higher weight made a difference on big days when compared to the likes of the Transition Spur, but by no means held us back.

The climbing position was fairly upright thanks to the 78º seat tube angle, but the 620mm stack required some stem spacers to get the bar height up to a comfortable position for the climbs.

Overall, the Spider is a sneakily good climber. It produced loads of traction in the rough, providing an extremely comfortable bike to be in the saddle with all day. It is not going to win any XC races but don’t let that stop you from keeping this one on your list.

DESCENDING PERFORMANCE |

The Intense Spider was by far the most active feeling rear suspension on test. The shock felt as if it was constantly using all its travel, but did not feel to be wallowing as a result. The rear end felt very free and as if the shock was less damped and had less friction. The leaf spring-like feel on the way up also carried over to the way down. Yes, it was soft and supple, but there was still plenty of platform to pump and generate speed. Setting the bike up was very easy, with all riders able to determine a pressure range that worked well across a variety of terrain.

The Intense Spider preferred to choose the fun side hit lines over the top speed focused straight lines. The bike was very active and dynamic, but at those higher speeds it still did not feel sketchy. It took much less rider input to get the bike to do what they wanted on the trail. The rear suspension was smooth under braking, and with the DT Swiss DF hub in the 10º setting, it melted braking bumps away. It was one of the best on test, with its next best competitor being the Trek Top Fuel.

The Spider was easily the best cornering bike on test, a notion confirmed by all test riders. The geometry and low center of gravity created a feeling of turning on rails. It is one of those bikes that instantly felt at home, with full confidence in the front end grip.

Of all bikes on test, I was most interested in trying a size XL. Kyle at 5’9” found the fit to be spot on, yet still on the smaller end of the spectrum. I really enjoyed the ride feel of the Large, but felt cramped at 6’1”. With how alive the bike felt, sizing up could bring back some stability when pushing the speed, with little sacrifice on the fun scale.

HOW DID IT COMPARE?

The Intense Spider had a very different suspension feel than many bikes on the market, blending playfulness and smooth bump-eating capabilities. The Revel Ranger had a massively different feel, with a more damped characteristic that shone in in own right. If you are seeking a more tradition XC feel out of a bike, the Trek Top Fuel is going to suit your needs better. On the other hand, if you value stability over agility, the Forbidden Reya is going to be a more suitable fit.

The Wolf’s Last Word

The Spider might be an underdog, and Intense might be a smaller brand these days, but this bike is big on fun. The active suspension comes at a price when it comes to pure efficiency, but as gravity-focused riders, the bike still climbed exceptionally well for what it provides going downhill.

WHO SHOULD BUY THE INTENSE SPIDER?

If your rides consist of seeking out lines that are more experiential rather than “main line with confidence,” you are going to enjoy the Intense Spider. This is also the absolute most bang for your buck on test, so if you are on a tighter budget, this is an easy bike to recommend.

Price: $5,799
Weight: 31.31lbs (As Tested with Crankbrother Mallet DH and Delium Tires)
Website: Intensecycles.com

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