JCW, July 25, 2012 — 15:49pm

Choice kit: Intense Tracer 275

We’re still not sold on 650b (27.5in) wheels for aggressive riding but Intense’s new Tracer 275 could just be the bike to change our minds. First seen at Sea Otter, it’s now on its way to production, with the first frames due to ship in October. Intense reckon it’s “the perfect trail bike” – what do you think? Feast your eyes on the pictures below…

Intense say the Tracer 275 combines the precision and efficiency of a 26in bike with the power and stability of a 29er

5.5-6in of adjustable travel is on tap, courtesy of Intense's VPP suspension design

Kashima-coated Fox dampers should provide a buttery ride

Here's the vital statistics: 67.5-degree head angle, 17in chainstays, 13.3in BB

Intense's modular G1 dropouts help to future-proof the frame

The Tracer 275 is available in Flo Green...

... Intense Red...

... and Black Chrome

Custom colours are also available, including this blue...

... Flo Yellow...

... and pink

The Carbine, the alloy Tracer's carbon fibre cousin, can also be given the 650b treatment, using a conversion kit

Modified G1 dropouts allow the standard Carbine frame to take 27.5in wheels without any change to the head angle

More info here: www.tracer275.com.

What’s Choice Kit? It’s our tag for the bikes and gear that are at the top of our wishlist, whether they’re tried-and-tested classics or they’re so new they haven’t even hit the shops yet.