Earlier this year, we wrote about a new program from Intense Cycles that allows buyers to order their own custom bike builds through a local bike shop. Today, Intense is launching a new online tool buyers can use to spec their own build and see what it will look like (and cost) in real-time.
How the Intense 3D Configurator works
Intense is making six frames available to be “configurated,” from their DJ hardtail to the M1 downhill bike. I chose the Spider “light trail” bike with 130mm of suspension travel front and rear to see how the tool works.
There are three frame colors available for the carbon-fiber Spider, and a starter build with all the default component choices is priced at $4,999. From here, buyers can customize the suspension, drivetrain, wheels, tires, brakes, handlebars, and even the stem and grips. The default components are the least-expensive options, with upgrade prices listed for alternative selections.
As components are added and swapped, a 3D image of the bike build is updated to give an idea of what the bike will look like, how much the build will cost and weigh. Once configured, customers can either print or email the parts list to their local bike shop. The shop will then order the frame and parts and assemble the bike for the customer.
Unlike à la carte builds available on the Commencal website and limited custom builds from State Bicycle Co., the Intense 3D Configurator does not offer an “add to cart” option. Buyers must take the order to a bike shop for fulfillment. And if you close your browser window while building, you’ll lose your choices and will need to start over.
Currently, the tool does not allow buyers to specify options for the various component selections. For example, under drivetrains, crank lengths are not listed. The same goes for stem and handlebar dimensions. A representative for Intense told me over email that buyers would need to specify these specs when communicating the order with their local bike shop, and that some of the changes could affect the quoted price.
My Intense Spider build
For my dream build, I chose to upgrade the fork to a RockShox Pike Ultimate and to go with a slightly longer, 180mm Fox Transfer dropper post. Based on my height, I could probably fit a longer-travel dropper post, so I would look into ordering a different size at my shop.
I kept the default tires, handlebar, drivetrain, and shock, and swapped the grips and saddle based on personal preference. I’m not into any of the brake options offered, so I selected “Rider or Dealer provided,” which shaves $245 off the cost. I would put that money toward a set of SRAM Maven Bronze brakes — that is, if I could find a pair in stock. All told, my build costs $5,539 and weighs 28.03lb without the brakes.
Given the number of component choices and three frame colors available, I calculated 1,632,960 unique build possibilities. Add in the ability to spec your own components beyond those that are shown, and the number of possibilities is nearly infinite.
“This isn’t about choosing a pre-configured option,” Mike Carr, VP of Sales and Marketing at Intense Cycles, said in a press release. “This is a bike built around you.”
Though the 3D Configurator process isn’t perfect — you can’t order directly online, and you can’t customize component specs — it does offer buyers an alternative to the limited build options available for most bikes.
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