Intense frames.
 

How do you guys feel about them? They're ungodly expensive, especially for just a frame.

A friend of mine rides an Intense M1, they are tough as nails and handle nicely. However, only someone with a gret deal of experience can truly appreciate a bike of this sort. Why not buy something cheaper and work your way up? You can always by the frame later and swap your parts over.

While I don't own an Intense, I know someone who does and I have ridden one. They are very nice frames and seem of a high quality. The Intense that I have had experience with is the Intense Tracer. But like Rotifer said, if this is one of your first bikes, you should go for something a a lower price. You have to be very experienced and have a lot of time on different frames to truly appreciate the quality and subtl ride characterisics of a bike this nice.

Oh, trust me, I won't be buying anything, It looks like my new job will keep me away from my bike 6+ months of the year. I was going to get a new bike when I got there, before i found this out, but now, it looks like it'll just be more upgrades for the current ride. I just asked cause I wanted the opinion of different people than just those on MTBR.

Oh, and on another note, i've been MTB'ing for over 8 yrs. I've only had a car in that whole period for 9 months.

Intense frames are works of art. I want one in the worst way. I can get a good deal on a tracer, but it's still out of my budget. I'd love to have a SLX with a Z-1, but that'll have to wait till I win the lottery!

L8R

Hmmmm... I'm trying to think of a job that would keep me away from my bike. Are you a submariner?

No, I'm an IT person. The job, however, will be sending me away from home, and I won't be able to take my bike.