Intend introduces the Blackline series and announces internal improvements – mountain bike press release

LLet’s start with probably the most visually striking innovation. In addition to the so-called Intend Originals suspension forks, which also receive all internal technical updates but are equipped with the already familiar hard-anodized tubes with pressed dropouts, there is now an optional Blackline version for the Hero, Edge and Flash fork models. This variant features one-piece, forged and mechanically refinished lower parts with black hard anodization as well as milled aluminum protectors, also hard anodized black, to protect them.

The black lower legs are forged and then milled. This means that the dropouts and standpipes are made from one piece. The guards attach to the dropouts at three points with black titanium screws and are therefore not compatible with the Originals series dropouts.

“I’m pleased to see how suspension forks have grown in popularity over the years. Functionality is better appreciated now, and that’s what I want.”
We assure you that we have reached a new level with the OPTImized upgrade. In collaboration with all Intend employees, seal types, damping settings and volumes were reconsidered, which – of course not a revolution – but resulted in a noticeable development towards improvement.” – Cornelius Kapfinger, founder

The upper assembly, consisting of the standpipe, bridge and fork shaft, remains the same in both series, as do the internal parts of the air spring and the damping. One could therefore say that the change to the Blackline series is purely cosmetic, apart from the increased unsprung mass caused by the protectors and their protective properties.

What motivated Intend to now offer protectors? Intend states that the Originals version without protectors will still be available and remains the functionally recommended product. They are cheaper and functionally even better with 110g less unsprung mass. However, they also noticed the demand for black supports and guards. The aim was therefore to meet this demand and to develop a product that corresponds more to customer expectations than to our own philosophy.

According to Intend, the most technically interesting innovation is the new Travelizer air spring. In addition to the travelizer function, the new air spring also includes a reduction in friction thanks to seals that are not additionally under pressure, a longer negative chamber and the elimination of the volume spacer.

“We take the volume of the volume spacer and include it in the performance (the negative spring) of the suspension fork.”

With the previous air spring, most customers preferred the medium progression setting. This led Intend to design the progression so that this is now the standard configuration and the saved volume is added to the negative chamber. This further improves the characteristic curve and reduces the unsprung mass by 26g. However, the progression can still be adjusted using two additional base caps included, which allow the volume to be increased or reduced by -15 or +15 mm. The most outstanding feature of the new Travelizer air spring is the adjustable travel. The process is very simple: attach the air pump, rotate the support – clockwise in +1mm increments, counterclockwise in -1mm increments per 360°. Once the desired travel is achieved, remove the pump and an internal locking mechanism engages, preventing further travel adjustment (although the stanchions can still be rotated, of course).

The 3 models Hero, Edge and Flash are adjustable up to a range of 30 mm in 1 mm increments. The lightest fork, Hero, has a travel of 140-170mm, Edge 150-180mm and Flash 160-190mm. In order to withstand the mechanical stresses of the adjustment, all parts are now made of 7075 aluminum. Only the sliding surfaces are equipped with PTFE sliding elements to ensure smooth operation of the fork even under lateral loads.

“From a handling perspective, the further development of the damping system seems to make the biggest difference.” says Simon Reiberg. Simon joined Intend BC in early 2023 and, as an engineer and avid fan of bench testing and damping tuning, is responsible for the latest version of the damping system, now called “OPTimized”.

What has changed?
The damping cartridge is now “closed”, but still self-venting. The basic architecture worked excellently, but now a rubber bladder has been added. Air and oil are now cleanly separated and the system’s self-venting system prevents possible defects. If air gets into the system, it is expelled from the high-pressure area with each stroke. In addition, the entire system, consisting of dust seals, lubricating oil and air spring friction, was combined with a new, more responsive and higher-travel damping setup.

1. On the latest generation of suspension forks, the previous SKF seals are replaced by Racing Bros. To be honest, these are not only cheaper to purchase, but also eliminate packaging waste (since SKF seals are not available individually, but only in the well-known retrofit package). In addition, the seals have lower friction values ​​than SKF in a dynamic comparison. A win-win-win situation. Long-term tests under real conditions did not reveal any leaks.
2. The previous Motorex Supergliss 68k lubricating oil is now replaced by a mixture of 50% 32k and 50% 68k. Upside-down forks have the advantage that the bushings are constantly immersed in oil, which also results in slightly increased low-speed damping. At the same time, the lubricating oil must not be too thin, as this would increase the tendency to jerk. After many attempts with the mixing ratios 1/0, 3/1, 1/1 and 1/3, the 1/1 mixture has proven to be ideal.
3. The lower friction of the air spring must also be taken into account when adjusting the damping.

A special part of the damping system is the new 2-zone adjustment range of the compression damping adjuster. For racers who need resistance and control and need to refine nuances, the first 7 of 14 total clicks are very relevant. In this area the adjuster is finely divided, resulting in fewer changes per click. Clicks 8-14 are intended for comfort-oriented riders or if your hands hurt more on a bike park vacation. The setting here is coarser and more comfortable. Simon Reisberg explains the technically precise explanation of the new damping setup in the video from minute 17:03.

Specifications, pricing and availability

Originals
• Hero – €1849, 1950g, 140-170mm travel
• Edge – €1899, 2150g, 150 – 180mm travel
• Blitz – €1949, 2300g, 160 – 190mm travel

Black line
• Hero – €2149, 2060g, 140-170mm travel
• Edge – €2199, 2260g, 150-180mm travel
• Blitz – €2249, 2410g, 160 – 190mm travel

Axle: 15x110mm
Brake mount: 203/180 mm
Steerer tube: tapered, 240 mm

The Originals suspension forks without protectors are available now, while the Blackline forks with black stanchions and protectors will be available from around mid-May. The prices include 19% VAT.

More information at intend-bc.com.