monteverest
New Member
After riding my girlfriend's 1999 Intense Tracer, I've arrived at the uncomfortable but maybe not surprising conclusion that it outperforms my 2006 C-dale Prophet 600 in every aspect except steep climbs. Granted the Intense is a small frame versus the Prophet which is a medium sized frame. Going beyond just frame sizes, my question is what specifically accounts for the difference in bike handling:
(1) STEERING - I have a much harder time keeping a line through technical sections with the Prophet even with tubeless tires inflated to 24psi. The front end seems to get thrown off course with more frequency and magnitude than the Intense, which has a shorter wheelbase, seems so stable when attacking rocky and rooty sections. My hypothesis is the Prophet's front end is taller and the cockpit is shorter which transfer body, shoulder, and fork movements into handlebar movements but would like to hear from more experienced riders.
(2) CLIMBING - The Intense climbs intermediate inclines better (and with a straighter line) but on steeper climbs, the front end has a tendency to come off the ground. I cannot remember the last time the Prophet's front end came off the ground during any climb. Anyone know why the bikes climb so differently?
Your answers will be very helpful when I consider bikes to purchase next year. Thanks in advance ...
(1) STEERING - I have a much harder time keeping a line through technical sections with the Prophet even with tubeless tires inflated to 24psi. The front end seems to get thrown off course with more frequency and magnitude than the Intense, which has a shorter wheelbase, seems so stable when attacking rocky and rooty sections. My hypothesis is the Prophet's front end is taller and the cockpit is shorter which transfer body, shoulder, and fork movements into handlebar movements but would like to hear from more experienced riders.
(2) CLIMBING - The Intense climbs intermediate inclines better (and with a straighter line) but on steeper climbs, the front end has a tendency to come off the ground. I cannot remember the last time the Prophet's front end came off the ground during any climb. Anyone know why the bikes climb so differently?
Your answers will be very helpful when I consider bikes to purchase next year. Thanks in advance ...