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X-Fusion / Intense together in 2009

Posted: Jan 12, 2009

X-Fusion Shox Announces the 2009 X-Fusion/Intense Factory Race Program and Roster.

Here at X-Fusion we love racing and the lifestyle that goes along with it. After two successful race and media campaigns in North America X-Fusion has decided to take it to another level. We are going International!


We will have a four rider team in 2009 with two riders putting in a full World Cup effort and the other two making a positive impact on the North American race scene. We have joined forces with Intense Cycles to make sure our riders are on the best bikes possible when attacking a race course or shralping for Theo Dilworth’s camera lens. We are very excited to be working with one of the most prestigious and influential companies in the industry.


Our World Cup team will be made up of the X-Fusion veteran Ryan Condrashoff and the newly signed rider out of New Zealand, Kieran Bennett. Ryan placed 5th last year at US National Champs in DH and made a very strong statement at the two Canadian World Cups proving he can ride at the level needed to be competitive. Ryan states, “For me being on X-Fusion/Intense is a dream come true. I love working with everyone at X-Fusion. They’re an awesome company to be involved with and now to be on Intense Cycles, I know I couldn’t be on a better bike!”


Kieran Bennett had an amazing season last year with almost zero support. He was the 2008 Oceana DH Champion, had two NMBS victories and was the highest ranked privateer at worlds last year at 13th. We are excited to see what he will be able to do with the full support of a race team in 2009. He also is excited as he commented, “I’m stoked to be joining the X-Fusion / Intense team for 2009!”


The North American team will consist of new up and comer in the pro ranks Tyler Wilson, and myself, John Hauer. Tyler Wilson has been getting coached by the DH legend Chris Kovarik and has tons of motivation and drive that will help him continue his success. As far as myself goes, I am absolutely pumped to be in the position to help out X-Fusion and these riders grow together and have tons of fun doing it. I will be focusing on the events that I feel are the most fun and that challenge me personally.


This season is going to be eventful and exciting and I really feel we have a great group of guys. I’m also excited to have our Mechanic Mike D with us for another season as well as our video mastermind Theo Dilworth. Our plan for 2009 is to create a ton of media so people can enjoy our riding, our trips and our lifestyles with us all season long.

Lastly, I would like to thank all the sponsors that came together to help make this possible. Huge thanks to:

-X-Fusion
-Intense Cycles
-Six Six One
-Royal
-Sunline
-Formula Brakes
-Gamut USA
-Intense Tire Systems
-Crankbrothers
-WTB
-Dean Optics

-John Hauer
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57 Comments

  • + 0
flag stprider08 (Jan 15, 2009 at 0:28)
i didnt now x fustion did triples
  • + 2
flag undercoverfreak (Jan 15, 2009 at 4:24)
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1038437/

looks like a dual crown to me...It's the only one I can think of anyway.
  • + 0
flag stprider08 (Jan 15, 2009 at 4:27)
ok thanks
  • + 0
flag camdenthekid (Jan 15, 2009 at 10:49)
or theyll just use boxxers without labels like they did last year
  • + 0
flag alex-2 (Jan 15, 2009 at 13:38)
Look forward to seeing these M6s!
  • + 0
flag coralcorn (Jan 16, 2009 at 18:33)
not using M6's secret new bikeSmile
  • + 0
flag rffr (Jan 16, 2009 at 19:16)
x fusions inverted forks are dank. Just like the foes they will rock anything in its path. Still can't hang with Avalanche though.
  • + 0
flag coralcorn (Jan 16, 2009 at 19:17)
they dont make their DH fork anymre
  • + 0
flag rffr (Jan 16, 2009 at 19:19)
btw they are not new. X fusions dh forks have been around awhile.

Wonder if they used the same tech the THE gism's used. Those were beyond awsome as well but never went any where. Kinda normal for THE's marketing.

Man there has been some awsome inverted fork makers. WB, THE, Avalanche, Marzocchi, Foes, Risse. They are making a comeback! It's not about weight either. It's about feeling.
  • + 0
flag coralcorn (Jan 16, 2009 at 19:22)
once again.... X-Fusion doesnt make their inverted fork anymore just the Velvet.. and a new prototype 6 inch fork
  • + 0
flag rffr (Jan 16, 2009 at 19:28)
Being 6 in is still classified as an AM/Dh fork yes, they still make their inverted dh forks Big Grin
  • + 0
flag rffr (Jan 16, 2009 at 19:29)
not like it matters anyways tho... avalanche, foes, risse, and wb are the only guys around left making them.
  • + 1
flag coralcorn (Jan 16, 2009 at 19:29)
are you sure you want to challenge me on that.... I personally know the team manager of this team and all the guys that work at X-Fusion. They do not make their DH fork anymore.
  • + 0
flag rffr (Jan 16, 2009 at 20:21)
Did I ever say they did. No need to be so agressive dude. I don't care who you know. I live 15 minutes from their shop douche bag.
  • + 0
flag rffr (Jan 16, 2009 at 20:22)
btw sorry about the douche bag. No need for me to escalate it.
  • + 0
flag coralcorn (Jan 16, 2009 at 20:25)
dude. I ride for X-Fusion right now. I am also very close with all of the people working their. and yes u did say that they did make them
  • + 0
flag rffr (Jan 16, 2009 at 20:34)
I said they still made their 6in. Being a lot of downhillers are going to light 6in travel forks to save weight on the smoother courses... yes, an am fork would do just fine.

I quote myself "Being 6 in is still classified as an AM/Dh fork yes, they still make their inverted dh forks"

Never mentioned anything about their full blown out long travel dh forks.

Guess they had the same fate as the gism's did. Sad.

O well, hard to compete with the more than well established companies when it comes to inverted. I bet a shiver 2 would be able to make a comeback though. Such a unique feel.

Do you know that valve system they used? I know the the gism's were huge. They were almost hanebrink status in size, so the valve would probably be different. I'm sure fox didn't bother to pioneer a new valve system just for a contracted company persay.

I know one thing, inverted forks are far from dead. The maverick forks are SIIIIIICK!
  • + 0
flag coralcorn (Jan 16, 2009 at 20:38)
alright. The 6 inch fork isnt in production its a proto right now
  • - 1
flag camdenthekid (Jan 16, 2009 at 23:39)
inverted forks blow dick
  • + 0
flag rffr (Jan 17, 2009 at 7:14)
Have you actually ever used an inverted fork camdenthekid?

If not you can't talk.
  • + 0
flag rffr (Jan 17, 2009 at 7:16)
BTW saying avalanche inverted forks suck because they are inverted is funny. Avalanche has some of the best suspension tech in the industry by far. Sure they don't have on the fly adjustment current forks have, but why worry about adjustment when the forks valving is designed specifically for the rider buying the forks. YOu wont get that with any other fork unless your sitting with a full factory ride.
  • + 0
flag rffr (Jan 17, 2009 at 7:17)
But remember since inverted forks suck just dont buy one camdenthekid. No one said you had to like them, but saying they just suck is far from the truth.
  • + 0
flag camdenthekid (Jan 17, 2009 at 19:02)
actually i have and they arent any better than a non inverted
non inverteds actually work better now than inverts ever did
oh and you can get non inverts tuned any day of the week to my weight so saying i need a full factory ride is a fat lie
  • + 0
flag rffr (Jan 18, 2009 at 17:35)
tuned? Do you even know what tuning is kid?

Tuning is modifying the actual valving, which means you need to pull every piece out and go from there. PUSH ind is an example of a shock tuner.

I think your getting mistaken with terms. I sure don't use tune to dial your suspension In. I call that adjusting your suspension.


As for inverted what forks have you tried that are inverted? Avalanche?> Foes? Showa? Kowa? THE? White Brothers?

There are more inverted forks that have been really great forks outside of the mainstream.

Every avalanche owner I have ever met has sworn by their forks. Never heard one bad thing about them. It's people like you, who have absolutely no clue about things being your a young kid (not even old enough to probably remember the days when inverteds ruled the market). Take a step back, do a bit of re search, and tell me they are bad. The 1 and only thing that is a con about the forks is weight... but if your not looking into uberly light stuff they perform on par if not better than the current stuff out. Simple.
  • + 0
flag rffr (Jan 19, 2009 at 8:43)
Was gonna say, tell me those SHOWA forks on the former TEAM HONDA bikes were junk. They ruled the circuit.

What about KOWA also. With the infamous THE GISMS (KOWA FORKS). The prices of these forks kept the mainstream away, but the reality of those forks is they were far beyond any current valving system... It just cost too much to make and had such a small crowd to follow. Nothing to do with performance. It's everything to do with smart business.

none the less there are good regular forks on the market but dissing the inverteds is just not right Big Grin
  • + 0
flag alex-2 (Jan 19, 2009 at 15:11)
Coralcorn, what's this secret new frame they're running?
For that matter, you mentioned that X-Fusion doesn't make a DH fork anymore, just a proto 6 incher and the Velvet, so what suspension are they running for DH?
  • + 0
flag rffr (Jan 19, 2009 at 16:06)
R/S World cup alex.

I bet the lighter riders are testing the 6in on the dh courses. Not everyone needs 7 or 8in of travel. 5-6 will do for a lot of dh courses now with all the pedal sections.
  • + 0
flag camdenthekid (Jan 19, 2009 at 16:23)
do you honestly think im a dumbass little kid that doesnt know what tuned suspension is?
get back to me when you ride some factory tuned fox stuff
ive probably ridden more downhill bikes than you ever have with your lame ass f*cking tomac
ive ridin avalance, dorados, shivers, and foes
and i didnt like a single one of them
  • + 0
flag rffr (Jan 21, 2009 at 19:18)
I do ride factory fox tuned shocks... on my truck.

My fox rc is push tuned

my shivers are custom valved

I've been on bikes longer than you have been alive so no need to think you have been around the block more times. Take a seat.
  • + 0
flag camdenthekid (Jan 21, 2009 at 19:51)
dude stock boxxers or 40s or anything would shit all over your lame ass shivers
and i really doubt that
get over yourself
your an old ass bro'd out bitch who can bearly ride a bike to save his life
  • + 0
flag rffr (Jan 22, 2009 at 16:44)
Why are you getting so defensive over forks.

My forks ride exactly how I like, and that is what matters to me. I don't care if you don't like how shivers feel, as it has nothing to do with the way I like mine.

As for your comment on boxers or 40's that has nothing to do with what feels good to me either. Whole fact is I have a custom valve job specifically for how I like to ride, my weight, and how I like my forks to perform. Why would I run a flex boxer (Gotta remember I have a stainless axle on my shiver... so it's stiffer than anything else out there) or a massive 40. I'd be running Zochi mosters if I wanted to run forks that big. Fox 40's suck IMO. Sorry but they do. I like their truck suspension but I in no way like how they feel, or perform.

And how do you know how I ride? Seems you really have a thing for seeing someone ride through an online forum. A+ noobie.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag johniedamn (Jan 15, 2009 at 0:52)
i guess they ll only use a rear shock
  • + 0
flag fantaman (Jan 15, 2009 at 1:32)
There is no rock shox,marzocchi and Fox listed in there sponsors,so both front/rear are from X fusion
  • + 2
flag bisk (Jan 15, 2009 at 2:37)
possibly re-stickered boxxers or something
  • + 1
flag HUMMERTM (Jan 15, 2009 at 2:39)
Propably ive actaull not seen the the new xfusion shock till now looks nice but not soo keen on it considering ive seen the others on halford bikes
  • + 1
flag dlowebiker (Jan 15, 2009 at 6:15)
^^im pretty sure they just use a non stickered boxxer. thats what Ryan C rode all last season for x fusion
  • + 0
flag flipnbikerider (Jan 15, 2009 at 6:26)
bisk is correct the team will be running restickered boxxers until X-Fusion has a fork for them
  • + 0
flag fantaman (Jan 15, 2009 at 8:08)
didn't x fusion head there delta 8 forks in there line up next to there coil and air shocks.
  • + 0
flag Ganbei (Jan 15, 2009 at 23:32)
Not to sure if it means much, but they displayed with the manitou dorado at interbike this year....!?!?
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/interbike-random-2008.html
  • + 0
flag coralcorn (Jan 16, 2009 at 18:32)
yah, as of now they don't have a DH fork. the Delta got dinscontinued their team rides a boxxer worldcup
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag downhillnirvana (Jan 15, 2009 at 4:57)
well i had an x-fusion piggy back coil shock (adjustable rebound, compression and preload) back in the day... actually 2 of em, the first exploded into two within a week and the replacement blew its seals within a month... the new DH gear looks a lot tougher tho
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag socs (Jan 15, 2009 at 5:00)
from there website.
http://www.x-fusion-shox.com/
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag nishnash (Jan 15, 2009 at 8:41)
Well this ought to be interesting.....
good luck to both teams, with the issues both companies have with their products, you'll need it.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag spoiledgoods (Jan 15, 2009 at 9:40)
Condrashoff pinns it,
congrats guys!
  • - 1
flag allenrotstein (Jan 15, 2009 at 13:51)
Isn't this Ryan that guy from DropIn 3?
  • + 0
flag bikenerdy (Jan 15, 2009 at 19:20)
no he is not
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag tapps (Jan 15, 2009 at 9:59)
I'm glad that this program only continues to get better. These boys are a blast to hang out with and they all shred.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag downhilldj127 (Jan 15, 2009 at 15:23)
I bought your bike
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag ganzert13 (Jan 15, 2009 at 17:11)
x fusion makes another dh fork besides the delta 8
dont no the name tho
jus saw it on some pros bike
  • + 0
flag coralcorn (Jan 16, 2009 at 17:38)
its not actually an X-Fusion fork. X-Fusion discontinued the Delta 8 and currently only have the Velvet fork as well as a proto six inch fork.. They ride a X-Fusion Vector rear shock and then a Boxxer World Cup..
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag me2menow (Jan 15, 2009 at 21:30)
intense deserves better
  • + 0
flag coralcorn (Jan 16, 2009 at 17:38)
Y do u say that?
  • + 0
flag me2menow (Jan 16, 2009 at 17:40)
they should be rockin stuff like elka, bos, and cane creek!
  • + 0
flag coralcorn (Jan 16, 2009 at 17:41)
and whwhy is that? The X-Fusion shocks are very good.
  • + 0
flag me2menow (Jan 16, 2009 at 17:42)
yea, but not as good as those. cuz they also dont have a dh fork
  • + 0
flag coralcorn (Jan 16, 2009 at 18:31)
so what. their shock is amazing and I'm sure in the near future a fork is coming
  • + 0
flag rffr (Jan 16, 2009 at 20:39)
Maybe with the merger they had one piece forged lowers in mind. Intense should bring them a good name (or break it), and money. Money = r&d and machinery.

I still view them as a company like white bros though. They need to break out into the one piece lower market. Inverted forks already have enough mfg's for the demand.
[Reply]

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