$5800
27 pounds
5.5 inches of rear wheel travel
Intense, (951) 296-9596
Full test: March 2007 (Click here to order this issue)

Highlights: The FRO version of the 5.5 uses the same taper-butted tube set of the cross-country racing Spider with a beefed up rear triangle, different linkages and some extra gussets here and there. Extra care was given to the head tube area, where the use of a longer fork concentrates much more stress. The head tube is machined smaller in its midsection and then flared out to accept internal headset bearings. This treatment lengthens and strengthens the head tube junctions without adding height to an already long-legged chassis.

Best quote: "Although a small amount of suspension movement can be sensed, the Intense VPP suspension, bolstered by the Fox RP23 damper and Manitou SPV fork, effectively channels leg power into smooth, rhythmic acceleration."

Bottom line: This is the mountain bike that answers the question: "Would you abandon your short-travel cross-country ride if you could have a long-travel trailbike that pedaled just as well?" with a resounding, "Yes!" The 5.5 FRO redefines cross-country trailbike performance. Spend a day in the woods aboard the 5.5 and you won't settle for anything less.