$1950 (Frame)
29.5 pounds
6-inch rear wheel travel
Intense, (951) 296-9596
Maxi test: November 2005

Highlights: Intense uses a combination of butted Easton tubing and a monocoque top tube to shape the 6.6's front section. The formed sheet-aluminum area at the head-tube junction flares out to reinforce that area. The head tube is oversized to accept internal bearings that conform to the OnePointFive standard, but the steerer is the conventional 1.125-inch diameter. The top tube is sloped dramatically to afford as much standover clearance as possible, and a strut reinforces the seat mast so there is no flex when the post is at full extension.

Best quote: "You won't feel the crisp acceleration of a lightweight cross-country racer, but the Intense gets the job done without projecting a sense of gloom into your legs."

Bottom line: Intense took the time to get the 6.6 right, and it was definitely worth the wait. The 6.6 will not be winning any cross-country races, and you won't see this bike launching off of red-rock cliffs in front of the hungry press. You will, however, be seeing a number of these versatile speedsters wherever the trails are technical and the fun meter is pegged. If you are a try-anything, go-anywhere trail rider, and have the money to burn, you will not be disappointed with the Intense 6.6.