And we had to work up front to get the weight balance right due to the Cane Creek AngleSet fitted at –1º. Ideally I would like to drop it a further 10mm, but that’s work in progress. Continental X King 29” tyres have also lowered the overall height of the bike, this enables better handling and sensitivity of the bike.

The most striking feeling about the Tracer 29 is its robustness. There’s a reassuring thud from the Temecula big wheeler that is lacking on many off–the–shelves. Time consuming of course to pin down the exact reasons, but clearly the chosen componentry and frame build together work in exceptional harmony. Neither too tinny, too rigid or too harsh – it’s just right.

We wanted to liberate the Tracer of the landscapes normally associated with today’s trail bikes, and, eager to unshackle this bike from the mundane sanitized smooth trail centre canvas, we took it on its virgin outing to the English Lake District. There’s nothing fake about these ancient hills, a tough place for a bicycle, composed of immovable rock wedged into equally permanent outcrop. There’s not much give and take in this place, you deal with nature’s wear and tear in the manner it presents itself to you.

This particular VPP system gives direct power transfer. Noticeably the suspension proved to be smoother through the range than many VPP bikes I have ridden, there was no step in the system just smooth progression. It makes for a quick climber, stupidly fast singletracker.

Set free into this inhospitable terrain the shape and size of the Tracer makes for a supremely stable ride, silent and deadly fast. Riding rocks that some 26” downhill bikes would cringe at, the Tracer holds it shape, carries speed and remains balanced and precise in the corners. Basics really, but this bike would have bullied a 26” x 140mm into submission in this terrain. It simply doesn’t let up when the going gets out of hand. In that respect I believe it sits quite firmly between the very best 26×140 and 26×160 bikes. As a 29×140 offering it’s at the top. Simple. Take the pill and swallow it.

Solid, fast, fun and furious. See you at the party!

Intense Tracer 29 £2099

www.extrauk.co.uk