Every masterpiece begins with the frame
We sat down with Jutt Wood our brand ambassador for a quick Q&A. Jutt’s passion for mountain biking is unmistakable, and it’s a big part of why we wanted to highlight his latest project, a fully custom M1, built from the ground up.
His build is a perfect example of what’s possible with our Frame First program, showcasing the creativity, personalization, and performance-focused choices riders can make when starting with an INTENSE frame as their foundation.
Ben Paul - Insta:@Benpaulphoto
Q: What’s your bike story?
A: For as long as I can remember I’ve been addicted to two wheels. I have ridden BMX since the mid 90s but my MTB story started over ten years ago. I opened a bicycle shop in my town with a buddy. Which we carried a lot of different styles of bicycles . After about a year of being open. I started gaining interest in mountain biking as I was riding Bmx. I basically wanted to add another form of cycling to my resume. So I ended up getting a nice hardtail. It quickly went to me riding it like a Bmx bike. The hardtail wasn’t going to cut it. That’s when I jumped into an enduro full suspension. Mountain biking had grabbed me fully at that point. As the years went on . I started traveling like I was with Bmx going to all these cool trails and bike parks around the United States . Meeting a bunch of new riders and some of my buddies that had switched over to mountain biking. The bikes kept evolving quickly . Better suspension, bike geometry, braking, drivetrain, ext .This also kept me interested in the mountain bike industry. Currently I’m very much involved with the MTB community in a lot of ways. It’s definitely a rad community to be apart of. As trail systems get better and evolve . Hopefully mountain biking continues to grow. I just want the party to keep going . Mountain biking is rad! Huge thanks to Sarah and everyone over at Intense Bikes. You guys rule. Thanks Ben Paul for always pointing the camera in the right direction. My friends and family. I’m thankful that there are to many to list. Also, anyone that has helped me along the way. Thanks!
Ben Paul - Insta:@Benpaulphoto
Q: Where is your favorite place to ride?
A: If I’m home my locals (Horns Hill @hornshillmtb and Star Hill) in Ohio.
Q: What keeps your passion for mountain biking alive, year after year?
A: It’s always been the cool places MTB takes me. All my friends and the laughs that are had. All the different terrain trails / bike parks. As long as those thinkgs keep happening. The passion will continue to be alive.
Ben Paul - Insta:@Benpaulphoto
Q: Which INTENSE bikes do you have and which one is your favorite?
A: I have a Tracer 279, Tazer Pro, and a M1. Although I all three. I spend the mosttime on my Tracer 279.
Q: What are some underrated pieces of gear or bike setup tips you think more riders should know about?
A: Your eye wear bag is good to use for a phone sleeve when riding. Also, not so much of a set up but I never power wash my bike . I Spray SC1 on it xcept on my seat and brake rotors haha. The dust and dirt will come off easier .
Ben Paul - Insta:@Benpaulphoto
Q:How did frame first change the game for you when it comes to customizing your bike?
A: It gives you brand options and compatible parts that will fit your frame. No guessing. Also, after you build your bike you get a complete bike how you want instead of having to buy a complete that you didn't like the spec on and then have to changethe parts to your liking.
Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?
A: I don’t really have a favorite particular professional athlete. I respect anyone that does anything at a professional level.
Q: If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Mexican food.
Q: Give us a quote that inspires you:
A: “It’s better to burn out than fade away."
Ben Paul - Insta:@Benpaulphoto
ABOUT YOUR M1 SPEC:
Q: We’re curious about your M1 build. What were the three main components you spent most time deciding on, and why do you think they’re the best choices for the M1 frame?
A: I would say there’s only really two. The brakes. With all the decision out there, I went with something that I have been riding for a while versus something new. The reason is because I know how they react in certain times and situations. Also, the rear shock. I went with a coil shock instead of an air shock. After my M1 was put together and dialed in . I knew they were the best parts for my riding style. The M1 rips!
Q: Tires are always an interesting topic, and everyone has their preferences. Which tires have you chosen as your go-to option? Do you switch to different models in extremely muddy conditions or when you’re looking for better rolling performance?
A: I ride Continental Kryptotal on all my Mountain bikes . I don’t switch to any different Continental models. I just use different air pressure depending on the conditions.
Frame: M1 Titanium Grey
Fork: Fox Factory 40
Shock: Fox Factory DHX2
Post: OEM
Saddle: WTB Silverado
Brakes: SRAM Code Ultimate Stealth
Hubs: Industry Nine Hydra hubs
Rims: Spank 350 Vibrocore
Tires: Continental Kryptotal DH casing
Handlebar: Renthal FatBar 35
Grips: ODI AG2
Stem: Renthal Integra 35
Headset: FSA
Drivetrain: SRAM X01 DH
Pedals: Renthal Revo-F
