There have been some reports of bearing problems on the Spider (both in the reviews and in several posts here). There was also some talk of these problems only applying to "older" frames. Have these problems been resolved? If so, what was the solution (i..e what has been changed on the "newer" frame)?

Yes, the bearing issues have been resolved for '04 production. The earlier Spiders used a custom, smaller diameter sealed bearing, but all of the newer frames are using the same larger bearing as are used on the other Intense frames.

Yes, the bearing issues have been resolved for '04 production. The earlier Spiders used a custom, smaller diameter sealed bearing, but all of the newer frames are using the same larger bearing as are used on the other Intense frames.
Could you tell me the bearing diameter and the bearing axle diameter of the newer frames ?
thanks

paulo from portugal

Paulo,

They're the same bearings as what's used on my 5.5, and the same bearings as what's used on all Tracers. I have no reason at this time to pull my new frame apart to measure the bearings, but maybe someone else can.

What I do know for certain that the lower BB/link assembly on the front triangle's have been modified to fit the larger OD of the newer bearings, and these will not fit into last year's frames - there's not enough material. Unless you've got a warranty issue with your front triangle, you're better off just finding a good quality bearing with the same OD and ID as what the frame was machined for.

Eric

Paulo,

I just checked the part number on my bearings,(I have an '02 Tracer).It is 608-2RS.If you contact a hardware or industrial supply house and ask for the double shielded sealed bearings,they should be able to help you out.
As for the inner and outer dimensions I'm not really sure but it shouldn't matter if you give them the part number.I replced the main pivot bearings on my bike, they were about $4.50 apiece.

The replacement bearings that Intense sent me for my 03 spider are 24mm x 12mm x 6mm thick. I have not installed these bearing because my origiinals are still working fine. This was measured with a simple ruler, but I have taken measurements of bearings like this before without error.

The seals on the bearings has the following information, "ENDORU" and "69OILLBMAX" .


DFH

The replacement bearings that Intense sent me for my 03 spider are 24mm x 12mm x 6mm thick. I have not installed these bearing because my origiinals are still working fine. This was measured with a simple ruler, but I have taken measurements of bearings like this before without error.

The seals on the bearings has the following information, "ENDORU" and "69OILLBMAX" .


DFH
It is the exact diameter. I put high quality made in Europe SKF 61901 RS (13 euro each!) bearings on my new Spider frame. They are not the same bearings used in my Tracer. Tracer use bearings with 8 mm "axles" the spider with 12 mm "axles" (Axle = ID). I was just curious to know if they really changed the bearings for new larger ones.

Yes, the bearing issues have been resolved for '04 production. The earlier Spiders used a custom, smaller diameter sealed bearing, but all of the newer frames are using the same larger bearing as are used on the other Intense frames.


Here is an email from nick sunseri that works at intense.

----- Original Message -----
From: "chris brockmeier" <brockmei@earthlink.net>
To: <cycleinfo@intensecycles.com>
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2004 7:19 PM
Subject: spider Xvp questions.


> Hi,
>
> I'm looking into purchasing a spider and I've got a few questions.
>
> 1. What is the difference between the 2004 and the 2003 models? No difference
>
> 2. Is their a clearance issue on the front derailuer? NO. you must use Shimano XTR MD-m960.
>
> 3. What colors are you currently making them in? Ball Burnished, Baby Blue, Red, Black, Iron, Silver
>
> 4. What is the geometry of the frame? I saw a few measurements on your
> website but not all of them. Which specific specs are you looking for? Basic specs are listed on the web site.
>
> 5. Is the geometry mentioned on your website based on a 80 mm fork or a
> 100 mm fork? 80mm Fork. A 100mm can be used as well
>
> 6. Are you having issues with the bearings? No.>
he later said that they have had some
problems w/bearings.
> 7. What size seatpost and front derailuer am I going to need? Seatpost - 31.6 Front Der - 34.9 (FD-M960)
>
> 8. Is this bike suitable for a 200+ pound rider? Keep it under 225 and you are ok.

Yes, the bearing issues have been resolved for '04 production. The earlier Spiders used a custom, smaller diameter sealed bearing, but all of the newer frames are using the same larger bearing as are used on the other Intense frames.


Where did you hear this? I had one of the first generation spider and have seen the latest ones and the only difference I can see is the bottom linkage is now more open to keep stuff from staying in there. The rest was exactly the same.