INTENSE TAZER MX ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKE REVIEW

Within the MBA wrecking crew and their circle of friends, certain bikes create a buzz for one reason or another. One of those bikes has created a stir for some time—the Intense Tazer MX. The MX is a unique model in the Tazer line on many levels. Intense claims it is the first motocross-inspired electric mountain bike. It is only available through motorcycle shops, has a spec with brands dirt bike riders are likely familiar with, and it comes with styling that is all its own.

Shimano’s EP8 drive unit powers the Tazer MX with its 250-watt motor that delivers 85 N/m of torque. Inside the frame’s side-loading compartment is a genuine Shimano 504Wh BT-E8010 battery. Intense also specs Shimano’s color EM800 display and simple EM800-L toggle switch. The EP8 drive units are customizable through Shimano’s E-tube phone app where you can change power characteristics in each mode and update system firmware.

Intense builds the Tazer MX Carbon Pro with carbon fiber 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheels with size-specific triangles. It features internal cable, hose and wire routing; downtube armor; and low-durometer chain-slap stay protectors. It also features water bottle bosses on the downtube.

Geometry is what we’d consider all-mountain to enduro-focused. It comes with a 64.9-degree head tube angle, 65.4-degree seat tube angle and 450mm-long chainstays. What’s really unique here is the sizing. Intense only offers the Tazer MX in two sizes: S/M and L/XL. With the smaller size having a 450mm reach and the bigger one we tested a 505mm reach, that’s a rather large difference in sizing. Intense says they did this to make it easier for the motocross customer to select a bike by having fewer size options since they are used to motorcycles that only come in one size. Intense says that they will most likely add additional sizes as the segment grows, and crossover riders get more familiar with e-bikes and sizing.

There are two Tazer MX Carbon builds—the Pro we tested with a retail price of $8,999 and Expert costing $6,999. The Pro is built with a 12-speed Shimano SLX drivetrain and Magura MT7 four-piston hydraulic disc brakes. The brakes are routed moto-style with the rear on the left and front on the right to be more similar to a motorcycle’s layout. Its wheels are eMTB-specific e*Thirteen e*Spec models with 35mm-wide rims. A 29×2.6-inch-wide Maxxis Minion DHR II is spec’d in front, while a meaty 27.5×2.8-inch size is in the rear. The cockpit consists of an Intense-branded direct-mount stem, aluminum Intense Recon handlebar and 150mm-travel dropper post that’s paired to an SDG Bel-Air saddle.

Ohlins is a name recognized by most off-road motorcycle riders, so Intense wisely spec’d its suspension on the Tazer MX Pro. They went all in on the front, utilizing a dual-crown DH 38 Race fork with 10mm of travel. This is 10mm more than the other Tazer models in the line. Intense also puts a number plate on the fork, giving it a look that’s very moto.

Out back you’ll find Intense’s JS Tuned Enduro Link system, giving the bike 155mm of wheel travel. This is a counter-rotating dual-ink system similar to what’s found on other Intense models and is mated to an Öhlins TTX22M coil shock. There you’ll find high- and low-speed compression adjustments, as well as rebound adjustment. The smaller size comes outfitted with a 480-pound spring, while the larger one features a 548-pound.

It’s an ebike, so naturally climbs are no problem. In traditional Shimano fashion, power is strong yet smooth. Even with the active and plush-feeling coil shock, suspension movement while pedaling is minimal, and the bike has an efficient overall feeling to it. One trait that stood out to us was the somewhat old-school, plus-sized rear tire’s climbing traction. Compared to other bikes with narrower rear tires, the Tazer seemed to have a climbing edge any time traction became scarce. There was one particular loose, rocky and steep climb that’s a challenge on any bicycle, even eMTBs, but the Tazer flew right up it, even in Trail mode.

Although we loved the dual-crown fork overall, it really limits steering radius on the front end. Test riders had to get used to the limited range of movement and found some low-speed, tight switchbacks a challenge. It was not uncommon to hit the steering lock and slowly tip over to the inside of the turn. We learned to adapt and set up early with wide arcs through the tight, slow stuff. A few riders who tend to prefer steeper seat tubes found the 65.4-degree seat tube angle on the slack side compared to many bikes in the Tazer’s class.

This bike screams descending speed just standing still and didn’t disappoint the high expectations of the MBA wrecking crew. The Ohlins suspension is plush yet controlled feeling and very tunable. We were able to quickly find our sweet spot on the shock, but the fork took a bit longer with its more complicated air-spring system. A few of our taller, lighter riders in the 160-pound range felt the shock spring rate was on the firm side and needed a lighter-rate spring.

Dual-crown forks on electric mountain bikes like the Tazer make sense as soon as you get them up to speed on a downhill. Compared to single-crown forks, the dual crown simply feels more connected, predictable and trustworthy. It doesn’t hurt that the Ohlins unit has smooth action and superb front end traction. Compared to the back, the front end does have a slightly more capable feel to it at times, particularly in the chunky stuff. The mixed wheel setup also contributes to this feeling but it’s also what seems to give the bike a playful feel in the corners. In spite of its length, the Tazer MX carves a pretty mean corner and feels surprisingly agile.

Our L/XL-sized test bike is on the long side for most of the wrecking crew who hover in the 6-foot-tall range. We have a wide range of test riders, but our sweet, spot-on bikes like this are in the 475mm- to 490mm-reach range. The 505mm reach gives this bike a long, stretched-out and stable feel, a feel not unlike a motorcycle. Whether this is an accident or intentional, it’s noticeable. Sizing down to the S/M and its 450mm reach is possible, especially for those who want a more nimble bike, but some of our 6-foot-tall-and-above test crew historically do not feel comfortable at speed on something that short.

With great handling and excellent suspension, there is a lot to like about the Tazer MX. Its spec is on point, too, with a great Shimano drivetrain and Magura’s excellent MT brakes, which are turning out to be one of the better electric mountain bike brakes on the market.

The sizing thing is odd. We get why Intense chose to limit size range, but it’s a limiting factor for experienced mountain bikers who know what size they like and need. The good news is that Intense’s other Tazer models that are available in bike shops and direct come in four traditional sizes, ranging from small to extra large, so there is a Tazer for just about everybody—just maybe not the MX version. We felt a bike as capable as the Tazer MX deserved a longer-travel dropper than the 150mm model it comes with. While the battery is big enough for most rides, there were a couple of longer rides that gave us range anxiety near the end that we didn’t get with the other bikes’ bigger batteries.

While most brands shy away from the “motorcycle” inspiration and label with their ebikes, Intense embraces it to target the two-wheeled motorsports market. Within that definition we think they nailed it. From the look to the ride, this thing is truly moto-inspired. That flavor will appeal to a certain rider, though, and leave others wanting something completely different. It’s a shame that the Tazer MX’s limited size range will limit its appeal for hard-core mountain bikers who might not fit one because it has a sweet build and a unique ride in more ways than one.

www.intensecycles.com

CATEGORY: eMTB enduro

WHEEL SIZE: 27.5″/29″

SUSPENSION: 170mm (front), 155mm (rear)

Price: $8,999

Weight: 52.5 pounds (without pedals)

Sizes: S/M, L/XL (tested)

Frame tested: Carbon, 155mm travel

Motor: Shimano EP8

Controller: EM8000

Battery: BT-E8010, 504 Wh

Shock: Öhlins TTX22M coil

Fork: Öhlins DH38 Race, 170mm travel

Wheelset: e*Thirteen e*Spec, 30mm inner width

Tires: Maxxis Minion DHR II, 29×2.6″ front, 27.5×2.8″ rear

Seatpost: Intense Recon (150mm travel)

Saddle: SDG Bel Air

Handlebar: Intense Recon, 800mm wide, 30mm rise

Stem: Intense direct mount, 50mm long

Grips: ODI Elite Flow

Headset: Cane Creek 40 series

Brakes: Magura MT7

Rotors: Magura Storm HC 203mm (f), 203mm (r)

Rear derailleur: Shimano SLX, 12-speed

Shifters: Shimano SLX, 12-speed

Crankset: e*Thirteen e*Spec, 165mm length

Cassette: Shimano Deore 12-speed 11-51T

Chain: Shimano ebike, 12-speed

Chainrings: 34-tooth

GEOMETRY:

Head tube angle: 68.5°

Reach: 476mm (18.7″)

Stack: 633mm ( 24.9″)

Effective seat tube angle: 73.5°

Bottom bracket height: 311mm ( 12.2″)

Chainstay length: 430mm ( 16.9″)

Wheelbase: 1,184mm (46.6″)