We first heard about the new Intend Hover Monocoque shock four months ago. At the time, it was being offered as an optional add-on purchase with the unique Intend One-Piece fork. Now, the Hover Monocoque is finally available for purchase on its own. 

While the previous Hover shock remained unchanged for several years, the team at Intend decided it was time for an update. But rather than make some small, incremental changes, Intend went back to the drawing board and completely redesigned it. According to the brand, “At Intend, the time has now come to start over from scratch. Existing issues — though occurring only in extremely rare cases — were analyzed, while strengths were consciously recognized and the proven elements kept as they were.” 

The result is what Intend is calling the Hover Monocoque. This new model gets its name from the monocoque construction of the shock body, which has been machined from a single piece of aluminum. Intend says this eliminates steps in assembly while reducing the potential for error and failure. But there’s more to the Hover Monocoque than its new construction. Let’s check out the details.

Hover Monocoque Details

Monocoque is a French word that means “single shell.” In this case, it’s a reference to the single piece shock body. Intend states that “this construction method allows certain design freedoms for the different stroke lengths, since the various installation lengths require different constructions.” To that end, the 45 mm stroke version is called the “Monocoque Light”, with a claimed weight of just 299 grams.

With a new single-piece shock body and redesigned damping unit, you can say goodbye to “apex snaggling.”

Death of the “Umkehrschnackeln”

According to Intend, the redesigned damping unit eliminates “Umkehrschnackeln”, a German word that translates to something like “apex snaggling”. Essentially, this new damper promises to provide improved performance with smoother transitions at the reversal points between compression and extension. Additionally, the new fixed position of the damping piston mount eliminates any chance of free play.

The IBS mount allows you to switch between Trunnion and standard mounts.

Other Updates

• Automatic Air Chamber Equalization: Intend has replaced the Fine Tune Dial with an “automatically equalizing dimple.”
• IBS: Not to be confused with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, the “Interchangeable Bridge System” mount can be switched between a Trunnion and Standard shock mount. This provides greater flexibility and the potential to move the shock between frames, assuming the stroke remains in the same range.
• Lockout: Now with three positions, the lockout switch has open, road mode (99.9% closed), and a new “gravel mode”. Gravel mode is a middle setting that stays active for small bumps and opens up for bigger impacts. Additionally, the lockout lever is oriented toward the piggyback and is claimed to be easier to reach.
• Custom Tune: Intend says that “our internally calculated damping-tune concept works flawlessly and almost never requires adjustments.” Based on the suspension design and rider weight, Intend determines the optimal damping tune for the buyer.

Just 299 grams for the Hover Monocoque Light at the 45 mm stroke length.

Dimensions and Weights:

• Trunnion 165 / Metric 190 x 45 / 42,5 / 40 / 37,5mm | 299g
• Trunnion 185 / Metric 210 x 55 / 52,5 / 50 / 47,5mm | 376g
• Trunnion 205 / Metric 210 x 65 / 62,5 / 60 / 57,5mm | 400g
• Trunnion 225 / Metric 250 x 75 / 72,5 / 70 / 67,5mm | 425g

Each stroke length can be reduced in 2.5 mm increments — up to 7.5 mm — when ordering.

The Hover Monocoque is a unique-looking shock.

Adjustments

• Lowspeed Compression / Rebound
• Air Pressure
• Lockout: Open | Gravel | Road
• Progression (via Volume Spacer)

Intend’s new Hover Monocoque is available now.

Intend Hover Monocoque: Pricing and Availability

The new Hover Monocoque shock retails for 1099€ (incl. 19% VAT) and comes with either a Trunnion or standard IBS mount, a 600 psi-rated shock pump, and volume spacers for tuning. Additionally, Intend is selling bushings for 25€ per side, and you can pick up an additional IBS Mount for 39€. 

The Hover Monocoque is available now in all of the above-listed sizes. Learn more or buy one on the Intend website.

intend-bc.com

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