Tech News – 2009 Intense Spider 2 revealed, December 23, 2008 Got tech? Send press releases, news, and tech questions to the Cyclingnews tech desk. Intense pulls the covers on new Spider 2 By James Huang Intense Cycles' new Spider 2 will slot in Photo ©: Intense Cycles Intense Cycles has been teasing the rank and file of online forum communities with prototype images of its upcoming Spider 2 but has now finally released an official look at the production models, complete with paint. The Spider 2 trail bike will neatly fill the gap between the cross country race-specific Spider FRO and recently introduced Tracer VP do-it-all machine. Rear wheel travel is adjustable from 114-127mm (4.5-5"), claimed weight is a versatile 2.59kg (5.7lb, medium size) thanks to a proprietary Easton EA6X double butted aluminum tubeset, and head tube angle is reasonably quick 69-70 degrees when paired with a 120mm or 130mm fork - suggested fork travel range is a broad 100-140mm. Intense will use a second-generation VPP rear suspension design for the new Spider 2, similar to what it launched on its Tracer VP. According to Intense, the revised pivot locations yield more usable travel but also decreased chain growth through the travel range, which should also improve pedaling performance. Angular contact bearings and grease fittings in the linkages will also extend service intervals and maintain quiet running. Suggested retail price is US$1999 for the frame and Fox Racing Shox RP23 rear shock. Production frames are slated for delivery March 2009. Complete frame geometry (with 130-120mm fork) is as follows:   S M L XL Head tube angle 69-70° 69-70° 69-70° 69-70° Seat tube angle 72-73° 72-73° 72-73° 72-73° Effective top tube length 559mm (22") 584mm (23") 610mm (24") 635mm (25") Seat tube length 406mm (16") 457mm (18") 508mm (20") 559mm (22") Bottom bracket height 330mm (13") 330mm (13") 330mm (13") 330mm (13") Chain stay length 425mm (16.75") 425mm (16.75") 425mm (16.75") 425mm (16.75") Wheelbase 1054mm (41.5") 1080mm (42.5") 1105mm (43.5") 1130mm (44.5") Photography For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here Images by Intense Cycles Intense Cycles' new Spider 2 will slot in between the Spider FRO and Tracer VP with 4.5-5" of rear wheel travel. Claimed frame weight is a versatile 5.7lb. The Spider 2 will use a second-generation VPP rear end which Intense says offers more usable travel and better pedaling performance. Grease fittings and angular contact bearings should extend service intervals and keep things running quietly.