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#278 - Intense Tell-all About Costco, VPP, Industry Limitations and a Frame-fresh Future

#278 - Intense Tell-all About Costco, VPP, Industry Limitations and a Frame-fresh Future

Brian and Henry sit down with Intense to talk about where they came from, as well as their novel approach on where to go next.

The Pinkbike Podcast

March 13, 20251h 22m

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Show Notes

Intense is one of the oldest, boldest and storied frame brands in mountain biking. That said, it certainly hasn't been plain sailing for the Californian company. While their ever-present race teams have enjoyed success at world cups, with their race-focused approach providing clarity and intention, the brand's aims have been a bit harder to discern.


Regardless of whether it's the 951 deal with Costco, or a greater reliance on carbon manufacturing outside of the US, the brand is going back to its roots and putting the frame-first. As such, their new distribution model takes the same name, and looks to give riders greater freedom with how their bike rides, and their dealer network more agency and freedom when selling an Intense. Brian Park and Henry Quinney sat down with Jeff Steber, Mike Carr and John Hall to talk through the changes.