Intense SNIPER XC FRO User manual

1
2022 //
SNIPER XC FRO
MANUAL

32
CONTENTS
6Components
8 Setup guide
10 Remove wheels and
prepare bike
12 Install handlebars
14 Install rear derailleur
18 Install rear wheel
22 Install front wheel
24 Install pedals and
run through gears
26 Adjust headset and
handlebars
28 Adjust saddle height, install
bottle cage and check tire
pressure
30 Cable Routing
32 Front suspension
setup
34 Rear suspension
setup
36 Final bike check
38 Geometry Chart
39 Maintenance Schedule
40 Carbon care
42 Parts Listing
44 Parts Kit
47 Torque Specications
Register your bike at:
www.intensecycles.com/pages/registerbike
For Technical assistance:
Email [email protected]
Phone [phone]
THE INTENSE SNIPER XC FRO
Whether you're racing cross-country at an elite level
against the world's best, taking on XC epics, or just
hammering around your local XC loop, the Sniper XC
FRO (For Race Only) is for you. With the Sniper XC
FRO, we have created a top tier full-suspension XC
bike that is true to the INTENSE spirit.
#PURESPEEDMACHINE

54
SETUP GUIDE
Our team of designers, engineers and product
experts are focused on one thing every day: your
experience on the bike. We build bikes that are as
thrilling to look at as they are to ride, and we build
them for the select few of you who understand the
difference and refuse to settle for anything else.
From the early days of INTENSE, when founder Jeff
Steber worked alone in his garage, to today with our
crew of talented people working in our Temecula, CA
headquarters, INTENSE has been a brand built on
passion by forward thinkers who love nothing more
than to throw a leg over a sweet bike and head out
for a rip. We’re so glad you’ve joined us. Welcome to
INTENSE, enjoy your experience.
AT INTENSE WE HAVE ONE
GOAL - TO PROVIDE THE
RIDE OF YOUR LIFE

76
Model: INTENSE SNIPER XC FRO 2022
Frame Travel: 100mm
Compatible Forks: 100mm
Headtube/Headset: Integrated IS41/28.6, IS52/40
Frame Seattube Dimensions: ID 31.6mm (ID = Inside Diameter)
Seattube Diameter: 31.6mm
Bottom Bracket: PF92
Recommended Max Tire Size: 2.4"
Brakes: Post Mount Direct 160mm
Minimum Rotor Size: 160mm
Maximum Rotor Size: 203mm (with adapter)
Rear Shock Eye-to-Eye: 165mm
Stroke: 40mm
Mounting Bushing Width Front: 20x8mm
Mounting Bushing Width Rear: Trunnion
KNOW YOUR SNIPER XC FRO
COMPONENT
BREAKDOWN
1Grips
2Shifter
3Handlebars
4Stem
5Dropper post lever
6 Brake lever
7Frame
01 Toptube
02 Downtube
03 Seattube
04 Chainstay
05 Seatstay
06 Rear shock
8Saddle (seat)
9Dropper seatpost
10 Seatpost clamp
11 Rear brake
12 Cassette
13 Rear derailleur
14 Chain
15 Chainring
16 Crankset
17 Headset
18 Suspension Fork
A Fork crown
B Stanchion
C Lower leg
19 Front brake
20 Rotor
21 Spoke
22 Tire
23 Thru axle
24 Rim
01
02
03
04
05
06
A
B
C
7
1 2 3 5 64
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
8
9
10
11
13
12
14
15
16

98
Your new INTENSE Sniper XC is almost ready to
go, you just need to do a few things to get your bike
ready for its rst ride. If you are setting up your bike
from the box, the next few pages will show you how
to assemble it. If you picked up your bike already set-
up by a dealer then you can jump to page 30.
We have a series of in-depth and detailed videos
on our website that go through the whole process of
building and preparing your bike – including technical
videos on suspension set-up, tuning your gears, and
much more.
GO TO INTENSE.COM/PAGES/TECHVIDEOS
If at any time you feel unsure about what you are doing
then please contact us at INTENSE or seek the help of
a professional mechanic at your local bike shop.
INTENSE +1 951.307.9211
WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
INTENSE SNIPER XC FRO
SET-UP GUIDE

1110
STEP 1
REMOVE WHEELS
& PUT BIKE IN STAND
When you rst open your bike box you will nd a Quick
Start Guide, accessory box and the bike itself. First,
carefully remove the wheels and put to one side (A).
While the bike is still in the box, take off the
packaging around the handlebars and expose
the dropper post lever on the left-hand side of the
handlebar. Push dropper post lever. This will raise the
dropper post to its highest position, which will allow
you to put the bike safely in a bike stand. Pull the bike
out and place in the bike stand. Only use the seatpost
to clamp the bike to the stand (B).
A
B C

1312
STEP 2
INSTALL
HANDLEBARS
Remove any packaging on the front of the bike, then
spin the handlebar stem 180º so that the stem and
forks are facing forward (A). Make sure that the forks
are the correct way around – the front brake caliper
should be on the left (non-drive) side of the bike, with
the fork arch facing forward.
Using a 4mm Allen key remove the faceplate of the
stem and put the handlebars in place (B). Use the
guidelines printed on the handlebars to help position
them centrally and evenly. Check that the brake, gear
and dropper post cables have a nice ow and are not
kinked or twisted in any way.
Replace the faceplate of the stem and reinsert the
bolts, rstly by hand (C) and then with the 4mm Allen
key. Gradually tighten the bolts, making sure that the
bars are still positioned correctly and that the space
between the faceplate and the main body of the stem
is even all the way around.
When tightening the bolts follow this pattern to ensure
even clamping: top left, bottom right, bottom left,
top right. Finish off using the torque wrench to 5Nm.
A B
C

1514
STEP 3
INSTALL SRAM AXS
REAR DERAILLEUR
Move to the rear of the bike and cut off any zip-ties
or packaging from the rear derailleur and chain.
Using a 5mm Allen key, screw the derailleur into the
derailleur hanger/frame (A).
At this point be careful that the ‘B screw’ is
positioned correctly so that it sits on the at notch on
the hanger (B). With the torque wrench tighten the
main derailleur bolt to 8-9Nm (C).
Holding the bottom of the derailleur cage pivot the
whole derailleur toward the front of the bike (D).
There will be some resistance from the spring, so be
careful that it doesn’t spring back into position.
When it won’t go any further forward, and in a near
vertical position, press the small button (E) with a
padlock logo printed on it. This is the ‘Cage Lock’.
Gently release the derailleur cage. The derailleur
should now be locked in position, which will make it
easier for you to t the rear wheel.
A
B
C
D E

1716
STEP 3
INSTALL SRAM AXS
REAR DERAILLEUR ...
Before you install the rear wheel you should t the
battery to the SRAM AXS wireless rear derailleur.
You will nd the battery and charger for your
derailleur in the SRAM AXS box that came with your
bike. The battery is supplied with less than 20%
charge, and will need to be fully charged before you
go on your rst ride.
To install the battery into the rear derailleur unclip
the black plastic battery cover (F+G) and remove the
battery block and cover that protects the terminals
(keep them in a safe place for future use).
Install the battery so that the tab slots into the
hole on the lower part of the battery housing (H),
then click it into place (I). With the battery securely
positioned clip the battery protector back over the
battery (J).
F
G
H
I J

1918
STEP 4
INSTALL
REAR WHEEL
Take out the rear brake pad spacer (A) – this is
usually orange, red or yellow plastic. Once removed
be careful not to squeeze the brake lever until the
rear wheel is in position. The rear axle features an
integrated pull-out lever that sits inside the axle body.
Simply pull this out, unscrew and remove the rear
axle (B).
Remove any packaging left on the rear wheel,
including the large black plastic rotor guards (C). Be
careful that the metal wheel spacers don’t get pulled
off by accident. If they do just press them back into
position. Do not touch the brake rotors with your
hands or gloves, as any small amount of grease may
contaminate them.
Position the chain on the smallest cog of the cassette
(D). The derailleur will already be in its ‘locked’ position
making it easierfor you to install the wheel.since it is
only one model in this manual. Carefully line up the
rotor with the rear brake making sure that it slides
inside the caliper body between the brake pads (E),
and the hub spacers slide into the slots on the
frame dropouts.
A
B
C
D E

2120
STEP 4 CONTINUED...
Once everything is lined up and in position, reinsert
the axle and tighten using the integrated lever on the
non-drive side (left), turning clockwise until tight (F).
Reinstall the lever within the axle by pushing it rmly
back in place. Then with a 5mm Allen key on the drive
side of the bike tighten the axle to 11Nm (G).
You can now take the lock off your SRAM rear
derailleur (H). To do this, gently push the derailleur
cage forward a little, the cage lock will automatically
release, slowly let the derailleur arm move backward
into position.
F
G H

2322
STEP 5
INSTALL
FRONT WHEEL
Remove all packaging from the wheel (make sure
the hub end caps are still in the correct place). Then
remove the brake pad spacer (usually orange, yellow
or red) and the front wheel axle from the fork (A&B).
Position the wheel so that the rotor ts into the brake
caliper body and that the hub body slots into the
grooves on the fork (C). When everything is in the
correct place reinsert the front wheel axle and tighten
to 9-13.5Nm (D).
A B
C D

2524
STEP 6
INSTALL PEDALS
(A) Pedals are somewhat of a personal choice – some
people prefer at pedals, others clipless, and then of
course there are all the different brands and designs.
So please take note, your bike does not come supplied
with pedals, so that you can choose your own.
Note: Bicycles have specic left and right pedals and
the left-hand side pedal has an opposite thread on it,
meaning that it tightens counterclockwise.
STEP 7
WIRELESS GEARING
SET UP
The Sniper XC FRO comes supplied with SRAM’s
AXS wireless shifter and rear derailleur. You need
to link the shifter and derailleur so that they are
‘talking’ to each other. Press and hold the button on
the derailleur until it starts blinking, then release the
button. Your rear derailleur is now in pairing mode.
Press and hold the button on the shifter/controller
until it ashes rapidly a few times, then release. Go
back to the derailleur and press the button once and
release. The pairing process is now complete. Check
that the gears are shifting correctly by turning the
cranks and shifting through the gears. (B)
SRAM’s AXS App is a great tool that lets you view
your shifting data, battery charge level, etc., and it
also allows you to customize your controllers and
their shifting functions. If you are having any issues
with your gears or for more information please visit
the SRAM website sram.com
A
B

2726
STEP 8
ADJUST HEADSET
& HANDLEBARS
Your bike’s headset comes ‘pre-loaded’ from our
factory but it is good practice to check it. If it feels a
little loose then undo the stem clamping bolts slightly
using a 4mm Allen key (A) and then gently tighten the
top cap bolt by a quarter clockwise turn (B). Retighten
the stem clamp bolts and check the headset again. If
the bars won’t turn smoothly, it is too tight, so repeat
the process but this time slacken the top cap bolt off
a little, or if it is too loose, continue to tighten.
Once you are happy with your headset adjustment
you need to make sure that your stem and
handlebars are straight. A good tip is to take your bike
out of the stand and straddle it, then look down and
line the back of your handlebars up with the front of
the fork legs (C). Take your time to get it right, and
when you are happy tighten the two stem bolts to
5-7Nm using a 4mm Allen key (D).
A B
C D

2928
STEP 9
ADJUST SADDLE HEIGHT
STEP 10
INSTALL BOTTLE CAGE
STEP 11
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
Set the height of your saddle (seat) with your seatpost
in its fully extended position. Using a 4mm Allen key
loosen the seatpost clamp and adjust the seatpost to
the correct height. A good base measurement is to
stand next to your bike in your riding shoes, putting
your hand against the top of your hip bone (A). The
palm of your hand should be level with the top of the
saddle. Adjust as appropriate, then tighten the seat
clamp to 4Nm. Do not over tighten this bolt as it may
affect the performance of the seatpost. Note: You may
have to slightly readjust the saddle height once you
have set up your suspension correctly.
Your bike comes supplied with a water bottle cage.
Undo the two 3mm bolts on the downtube of your bike
and t the cage (B&C). Tighten to 3Nm.
The ideal tire pressure setting is determined by four
main factors: rider weight, type of terrain, design/
construction of tire and the desired balance of comfort
and traction. The pressures here are a suggested
starting point and can typically range +/- 5psi. Front:
26psi, Rear 29psi. It is always a good idea to inspect
your tires for tears and punctures before and after
every ride.
A
B C

3130
IMPORTANT NOTE:
SNIPER XC FRO REAR
BRAKE ROUTING
It is important to position the rear brake hose 38mm
(1.5") away from the bottom surface of the downtube.
This allows slack in the hose so that it doesn't come
under tension when the suspension compresses.
Feed the zip-tie into
the cable spacer and
around one of the cables
before feeding it back
through the spacer and
around the second cable.
Do not tighten.
Adjust the proper amount
of slack in the cables.
Position the cable spacer
near the exit holes on the
downtube.
Tighten the zip-tie to
secure the spacer into
place as shown.
1.
2.
3.
4.
CABLE SPACER
(NOT NEEDED FOR FRO)
ZIP-TIE
CABLE ROUTING FOR NON-WIRELESS SETUP

3332
FORK: ROCK SHOCK SID SL ULTIMATE 100MM
SUGGESTED STARTING POINTS FOR SETTING UP YOUR FORK
RIDER WEIGHT AIR PRESSURE REBOUND DIAL
(LBS/KGS) (PSI) NO. OF CLICKS
120-130 / 54-59 70 18
130-140 / 59-64 80 17
140-150 / 64-68 90 16
150-160 / 68-73 98 16
160-170 / 73-77 105 15
170-180 / 77-82 113 15
180-190 / 82-86 120 13
190-200 / 86-91 127 12
200-210 / 91-95 135 10
210-220 / 95-100 140 9
220-230 / 100-104 150 8
230-240 / 104-109 157 7
240-250 / 109-113 167 6
250-260 / 109-113 180 5
The rebound adjuster for the fork is a red dial.
It is located on the bottom of the right fork leg.
Rebound controls how fast the fork extends after
compressing. The rebound adjustment is dependent
on the air pressure setting. For example, higher air
pressure require more rebound damping. Use your
air pressure to nd your rebound setting. Turn your
rebound knob to the closed position (fully clockwise)
until it stops. Then back it out (counterclockwise) to
the number of clicks shown in the table opposite.
Adjust rebound until (when tested) the fork returns
quickly but does not top out. Top out is felt when
a fork fully extends too quickly and comes to an
abrupt stop when it reaches full extension (you will
hear a small noise). Top out should be avoided
through proper rebound setting.
The Sniper XC FRO uses RockShox air sprung suspension front and rear. Use
the chart below to calculate the air pressure you require. Remember to calculate
your weight when you are in full riding gear. You are looking for approximately
20% sag, so for the 100mm (3.9”) fork that comes on the Sniper XC FRO that
measurement should be around 20mm (.79”). Adjust the pressure in your forks
until you reach the correct sag. You will notice RockShox utilizes an easy to read
scale on the fork leg. REBOUND
Open
(counterclockwise)
Least amount of rebound
damping. Fork rebounds
fastest.
Closed
(clockwise)
Most amount of rebound
damping. Fork rebounds
slowest.
ADJUSTING COMPRESSION DAMPING
The compression adjuster is located on the top of the right fork
leg. This black compression knob is actually the fork lockout.
It's either open or in the lock position. Note that the lockout is
rm, however, it will allow blow-by on bigger hits.
STEP 12
FRONT SUSPENSION SETUP SNIPER XC FRO
REBOUND DIAL
LOCK-OUT
LEVER
LOCK-OUT
LEVER
AIR VALVE

3534
Proper set up and tuning can vary from shock to shock. Please
consult the RockShox manual included with your bike for complete
information about set up, tuning and general maintenance or visit
rockshox.com
REBOUND
Open
(counterclockwise)
Least amount of rebound
damping. The shock
rebounds fastest.
Closed
(clockwise)
Most amount of rebound
damping. The shock
rebounds slowest.
SHOCK: ROCK SHOCK SID LUXE ULTIMATE RL 165MM X 40MM
SUGGESTED STARTING POINTS FOR SETTING UP YOUR SHOCK
RIDER WEIGHT AIR PRESSURE REBOUND
(LBS/KGS) (PSI) (CLICKS OUT
FROM FULLY
CLOSED)
120-130 / 54-59 130 9
130-140 / 59-64 140 8
140-150 / 64-68 160 6
150-160 / 68-73 180 6
160-170 / 73-77 200 5
170-180 / 77-82 220 5
180-190 / 82-86 240 4
190-200 / 86-91 260 4
200-210 / 91-95 280 3
210-220 / 95-100 300 3
220-230 / 100-104 320 2
230-240 / 104-109 325 1
STEP 13
REAR SUSPENSION SETUP THE REBOUND DIAL (3MM ALLEN
SCREW) IS LOCATED UNDERNEATH
THE LOCK-OUT LEVER. SEE BELOW. LOCKOUT
LEVER
Use the chart below to calculate the air pressure required for your weight. Sag for
the rear shock should be 30%. The measurement should be approximately 12mm
(0.47") between the red O-ring and the shock body. You will notice RockShox
utilities an easy to read scale on the shock body.
COMPRESSION ADJUSTMENTS
The compression adjuster is located on the bottom of the shock
(mounted on the bike).The compression adjuster (lockout)
is a two position switch. Pointing forward is open, pointing
backward is locked.

3736
STEP 14
FINAL CHECK
You are almost ready to go riding. Now is a good time
to check over your bike to make sure that everything
looks correct – all packaging is removed, bolts are all
tightened to the correct torques, etc. Most importantly
you need to check that both the front and rear brakes
are working properly. After your rst ride check over
your bike again, making sure that all bolts are secure.
After that follow the Maintenance Schedule on page 37.
As you get to know your bike you may want to
make some small personal adjustments – rolling
your bars forward or backward a little, position your
brake levers at a slightly different angle, adjust your
suspension, experiment with tire pressure or slide
your saddle backward or forward. This is all perfectly
normal, just making small tweaks here and there to
really personalize your bike so that it is right for you.

3938
REACH 468MM
105MM
STACK 584MM
WHEELBASE 1179MM
439MM
488
MM
BB DROP 37MM
67.5º
74º
GEOMETRY TAKEN WITH SID FORK AT TOP OUT WITH 506MM AXLE TO CROWN LENGTH AND 44MM FORK OFFSET
SIZE SMALL MEDIUM LARGE EXTRA LARGE
WHEELBASE 1127MM / 44.4” 1153MM / 45.37” 1180MM / 46.4” 1206MM / 47.5”
TOPTUBE LENGTH 584MM / 23.0” 610MM / 24.0” 636MM / 25” 661MM / 26”
CHAIN STAY LENGTH 439MM / 17.3” 439MM / 17.3” 439MM / 17.3” 439MM / 17.3”
HEADTUBE LENGTH 90MM / 3.54” 95MM / 3.7” 105MM / 4.13” 115MM / 4.5”
HEADTUBE ANGLE 67.4˚ 67.4˚ 67.4˚ 67.4˚
REACH 419MM / 16.6” 443MM / 17.5” 466MM / 18.4” 489MM / 19.3”
STACK 571MM / 22.45” 576MM / 22.6” 585MM / 23” 594MM / 23.4”
BB HEIGHT 332MM / 13.0” 332MM / 13.0” 332MM / 13.0” 332MM / 13.0”
BB DROP 37MM / 1.50” 37MM / 1.50” 37MM / 1.50” 37MM / 1.50”
SEATTUBE ANGLE (EFFECTIVE) 73.9˚ 73.9˚ 73.9˚ 73.9˚
SEATTUBE LENGTH 406MM / 16” 437MM / 17.2” 488MM / 19.2” 538MM / 21.2”
STANDOVER HEIGHT 769MM / 30.3” 771MM / 30.4” 776MM / 30.5” 781MM / 30.75”
FORK AXLE TO CROWN 503.7MM / 19.8” 503.7MM / 19.8” 503.7MM / 19.8” 503.7MM / 19.8”
FORK OFFSET 44MM / 1.73” 44MM / 1.73” 44MM / 1.73” 44MM / 1.73”
FRONT CENTER 689MM / 27.1” 715MM / 28.1” 742MM / 29.2” 768MM / 30.2
SNIPER XC FRO
GEOMETRY CHARTS
SNIPER XC // SIZE LARGE SHOWN
You have purchased a high-performance bicycle which requires a certain level
of service and maintenance to sustain the level of performance your frame was
designed around. Proper care will also ensure the bike is safe to ride at all levels.
It is important to read and understand the carbon care information as well as
follow the maintenance schedule and inspect your bicycle before each ride. These
will not only help to limit or avoid costly repairs but will also help to avoid injury
due to service neglect and component failure.
ACTION EVERY 500 2000 4000
RIDE MILES MILES MILES
OR OR OR
1 MTH 6 MTHS 1 YR
TIRES CHECK AIR PRESSURE, INSPECT TREAD AND X
SIDEWALLS FOR TEARS AND PUNCTURES
CHAIN BRUSH OFF AND LUBRICATE X
BRAKES SQUEEZE BRAKES AND CONFIRM FUNCTION X
GENERAL CLEAN COMPLETE BIKE OF MUD AND DEBRIS X
HEADSET CHECK ADJUSTMENT X
BOX LINK ADD GREASE THRU ZERK FITTINGS X
FRAME PIVOTS CHECK TORQUES X
SPOKES INSPECT FOR DAMAGE, CHECK TENSION X
SHOCK & FORK CHECK AIR PRESSURE, INSPECT FOR LEAKS X
DERAILLEUR CABLES INSPECT AND LUBE X
SEATPOST CLEAN AND REGREASE INTERFACE WITH FRAME X
FRAME PIVOTS REMOVE PIVOT BOLTS, CHECK BEARINGS FOR X
PITTING AND WEAR
HEADSET DISASSEMBLE STEM, HEADSET AND FORK. X
CHECK BEARINGS FOR PITTING AND WEAR
HUBS PULL WHEELS OFF, CHECK HUB BEARINGS X
FOR PITTING AND WEAR
BOTTOM REMOVE CRANKARMS AND CHECK BB X
BRACKET (BB) BEARINGS FOR PITTING AND WEAR
BRAKES REPLACE BRAKE PADS X
CHAIN INSPECT FOR DAMAGE AND CHECK X
FOR STRETCHING
GENERAL COMPLETE TUNE-UP X
BIKE CARE
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE