This article explores why short travel trail bikes, exemplified by the 2019 Intense Primer with 130mm rear and 140mm front suspension travel, are ideal for most mountain bikers. It discusses the bike's features, versatility for local trails and bike parks, and why longer travel enduro bikes may be unnecessary for average riders.
If you're in the market for a trail bike, you might want to close all those other videos and articles because this might be the best trail bike style you really need. The focus here is not just on a specific bike but on the style of bike known as a short travel trail bike.
The bike in question is a 2019 Intense Primer, which features 130mm of travel in the rear and 140mm in the front. This setup classifies it as a short travel trail bike. It comes equipped with high-quality components such as DVO suspension in the front and a Cane Creek shock in the rear, all built on a fully carbon frame.
The author of the original review sold two mountain bikes—a cross-country bike and a mini enduro bike—to purchase this single short travel trail bike. The reason was simple: the need for a bike that can do everything well.
This bike is capable of handling local trails with ease and can also be taken to bike parks occasionally. It strikes a balance between the nimbleness of a cross-country bike and the ruggedness of an enduro bike.
The suspension system holds up well even when pushed to its limits, such as when landing jumps. While it may not be designed for extreme enduro riding, it performs admirably for the average mountain biker.
Mountain bikes are trending towards longer travel, with trail bikes often having 150-160mm of travel, which essentially makes them enduro bikes. However, short travel trail bikes seem to be overlooked in the market.
Interestingly, Pinkbike's 2026 Trail Bike Awards named two 130mm travel bikes as the best in their category, highlighting the value and performance of short travel trail bikes.
For most mountain bikers who ride on relatively flat trails, mellow local loops, and occasionally visit bike parks, a short travel trail bike is the ideal choice. The longer travel enduro bikes are more suited for riders in mountainous regions like Colorado or Whistler, where extra suspension travel is necessary.
The author emphasizes that as an average mountain biker, their opinion reflects the needs of many riders. They encourage readers to share their thoughts on short travel trail bikes, whether they consider them a waste of money or a practical all-in-one solution.
Short travel trail bikes like the 2019 Intense Primer offer a versatile, capable, and efficient option for the average mountain biker. They provide enough suspension travel to handle a variety of terrains without the bulk and weight of longer travel enduro bikes. For riders looking to simplify their bike collection and enjoy a bike that can do it all, this style of bike is worth serious consideration.
Happy riding!
