OSCAR HÄRNSTRÖM - BUILDING TWO DREAMS AT ONCE
We could tell you a lot about Oscar Härnström (Kisa, Sweden, 1990), but let’s jump straight to the one fact that leaves every mountain biker in awe: Oscar is part of a rare and elite group of people who can say, "I bought a mountain and built my own bike park on it." Pretty amazing, right? And, of course, he shreds those trails on an INTENSE!
Lately, Oscar has been busy with an exciting new project—building a fully customized INTENSE Tracer. We caught up with him to learn more about this build and dive into the adventures and plans of our Swedish ambassador.
Photographer: @nicohidalgob
Q: Oscar, we’re curious about your Tracer build. What were the three main components you spent the most time deciding on, and why do you think they’re the best choices for the INTENSE Tracer frame?
A: I wanted to build a bit more playful trail/ park bike that I could do kind of everything on. So I went down one size from L to M. Then I chose air suspension on front and rear so I can run it stiff and steady for the park and big jumps. But at the same time go down on air pressure if I wanted to ride some steep and technical stuff. I picked a dropper post that had 180mm of travel so I can ride it super low to have it more playful but at the same time super high for the the pedal missions and the Sunday stroll.
Photographer: @petereriksson1
Q: Most people break in their bike with a few laps around the house or by hitting a local trail. But with your own KISA MTB Park at your disposal, do you feel that once you’ve dialed in the settings there, the bike is ready to take on any challenge around the world?
A: Yeah I know it is pretty crazy to have all that just outside your doorstep and it have still not really sinked in yet. The trails we have here is really different to each other so I have find one setting that kind of work for all the tracks, so Yes I finally have a good base setting on all my bikes while traveling to different places.
Photographer: #hoshiyoshida
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’m a big fan of the e*thirteen grappler tire, I have been on it for some years now and it works really good on the terrain that we have around here. Boulders, wet loam, grass tracks and high speed jumps. I run theme all year except when I change theme for some homemade ice spike tires for winter.
Photographer: @nicohidalgob
Q: Let’s talk more about your bike park—something many people dream of but only get to enjoy for a couple of months a year. What’s the current status of your park, and what are your plans for the next 2-3 years?
A: We are based in South of Sweden so the snow comes quite late here so we have the park open till middle of November. Right now we are moving some rocks and big piles of dirt because in end of this week we have to give back the loader that we have at the moment. We are also planning out and prepping for our fourth Autumn Jam that we have 8-10th of November as a season ender weekend.
Next year we are finally done with our first vision of the park and we have some big plans and projects the coming years with some big jumps, festivals, races and film projects etc.
Photographer: #hoshiyoshida
Q: One more question about your Tracer—what brake pads do you use, and how often do you typically replace them?
A: Haha unfortunately it have been a lot of hours in the machine lately so I manage one set of pads a year only. I’m running the saint steel pads, they last long!
Q: You’ve competed several times in what’s arguably the wildest and most dangerous downhill race—Red Bull Hardline. How do you mentally prepare for such a challenging event? Do you have any specific methods for overcoming fear when facing certain features?
A: I think it is hard to prepare of how gnarly it actually is if you haven’t been there or seen it in person. So first year was super scary but the other years I really enjoyed it. Being prepared with some big jumps under your belt and a bike setting that can handle that but also super rough stuff really helps.
Photographer: #hoshiyoshida
Q: Here’s a question our R&D team will appreciate: In the next evolution of the Tracer, what would you keep the same, and what would you want to improve or optimize?
A: Ohh that is a hard one.. Honestly I’m very happy with the bike and if you only could have one bike in your garage, with this one you can do everything! So pass on that one.
Q: Outside of Sweden, which three areas or countries are you most excited to visit with your INTENSE Tracer?
A: I really want to explore northern Norway, some areas in the alps and try out Moab in the states. Perfect combo I believe!
Photographer: #hoshiyoshida
Q: An open question for Oscar to share any specific comments or insights he may have about the bike, the bike park, or his upcoming projects.
A: I’m happy with all the questions and I hope you like the answers. :-)
Oscar, we truly appreciate your insights and the time you've taken to share your experiences with us. Your passion for mountain biking and dedication to pushing the limits is inspiring. We hope to see you back on your local trails soon, where we can ride together and create some unforgettable memories. Until then, keep enjoying your time in the bike park and good luck with all your upcoming projects!
Check out Oscar Härnström's custom INTENSE Tracer build.
A remarkable bike designed for peak performance on any trail. Oscar has meticulously crafted this bike to match his unique riding style and the demands of the terrain, combining playful agility with robust functionality.
Frame: Tracer - M size - Low setting on linkage
Fork: SR Suntour - Durolux 38 - 170mm - 60 psi - 4/5 Compression - middle range of Rebound
Shock: SR Suntour - TriAir2 3CR - 170mm - 200 psi (piggyback) 240 psi (main body) 1/3 Compression - middle range of Rebound
Wheels: Front 29 e*thirteen Grappler 28h EN | Rear 27.5 e*thirteen Grappler 28h EN
Tiers: e*thirteen Grappler Enduro 2.4
Cranks & Chainring: Helix Race Alloy
Chaingiude: TRS Chainguide
Bar & Stem: Plus Handlebar - 35 rise - 780mm wide | Plus 35 stem
Setpost: Vario Infinitie Dropper 180mm
Paddles: Plus Pedal
Brakes: Shimano Saint - Front 200mm - Rear 180mm
Drivetrain: Box Components - BOX Two 11 speed
Headset & Saddle: Reverse Components / Nico Vink Saddle
