Ibis Mojo HDR - Review

Sep 30, 2013
by Mike Levy  

REVIEWED
Ibis
Mojo HDR
650B

WORDS Mike Levy
PHOTOS Amy McDermid

Ibis wants you to have it your way with their Mojo HDR platform, and they have designed their new bike with different amounts of rear wheel travel and two wheel sizes in mind. On one hand you have a 160mm travel, 26" wheeled all-mountain rig that would be at home when ridden over some seriously hectic terrain, but the other half of this versatile machine is its ability to run 650B wheels and 130mm of travel for a ride that sits more along the lines of a solid trail bike. Don't worry, though, because these two characters differ in more than just their wheel size and travel, with different length shocks (hence the 30mm change in travel) and forward shock mounting hardware that Ibis says delivers the correct geometry for each setting. We chose to review the HDR with the larger sized wheels, and assembled our frame with a custom build that reflects the rough and difficult trails that we rode the bike on.

HDR 650B Details

• Intended use: trail/all-mountain
• Rear wheel travel: 130mm
• dw-link suspension
• Wheel size: 650B
• Compatible with 26" wheels (different shock, mounting hardware)
• ISCG 05 chain guide tabs (splined adapter)
• 12 x 142mm axle
• Routing for dropper post
• Frame price: $2,699 USD w/ FOX Float CTD shock



Frame Details

The Mojo platform is hard to mistake for anything else, and the design's swoopy lines and good looks are easily spotted from far away. The same can be said of the latest addition to the Mojo series, the HDR 650B, although there are some important differences between the HDR and the original HD that came before it, including a completely different carbon construction method Ibis says results in a frame that is a half pound lighter without giving up anything in terms of rigidity or strength. The finished product weighs in at 6lb (claimed, w/ FOX Float CTD shock).

Ibis Mojo HDR Amy McDermid
  A curvy tapered head tube, svelte bolt-on carbon cable guides, and smooth lines all around make for a bike that won everyone over when discussing aesthetics.

A tapered head tube, cable routing for a dropper post, and a 12 x 142mm axle are all present on the HDR, as is a sturdy bolt-on down tube shield that looks like it is ready to protect the frame against a shotgun blast let alone a rock strike. The clever guard also acts as protection for the bike's down tube routed cables, with them entering at the top and exiting via openings on each side of the guard, and its two lower mounting bolts also serve as the bike's only water bottle mounting location. Interestingly, Ibis has chosen to go with external cable housing front to back, a choice that is in contrast to the concealed layout that some other brands are moving towards. Having said that, the frame utilizes ultra-clean carbon fiber guides that bolt onto the front triangle - a classy looking solution.


Ibis Mojo HDR Amy McDermid
  The HDR 650B makes use of dw-link suspension to control its 130mm of travel.

As talked about above, both the 130mm travel HDR 650B shown here and the 160mm travel HDR with 26" wheels share the same frame, but there are two key differences that Ibis says allows the design to work well across both wheel sizes. Firstly, a shorter 7.875" x 2.0" FOX Float CTD shock is used in place of the 8.5" x 2.5" unit on the longer travel, 26" wheeled bike. This helps to lower the bike in order to compensate for the larger wheel diameter, thereby correcting its geometry as well. The shorter shock is bolted to the front triangle by way of interchangeable chips - Ibis refers to them as 'Limbo Chips' - that are 650B or 26" specific. It is also worth noting that the new frame is compatible with piggyback style shocks, like FOX's new Float X, should you be looking for more big hit, high-speed performance.

The HDR's dw-link suspension is a known quantity at this point, with multiple iterations of the dual-link design being used by Ibis and other brands over the last few years, although this new bike does use a tweaked layout when compared to previous bikes from the California company. This also includes a burlier bottom link and pivot arrangement, as well as both improved front derailleur clearance and chain guide compatibility via a splined ISCG 05 adapter that fits over the bike's bottom bracket shell. Yes, you could run a special Mini-G chain guide from MRP on older Mojos, but the new bike allows other guides to fit easily, a change that single-ring riders will appreciate.




Riding the
HDR 650B


bigquotesThis is a finesse rider's bike, one that really comes into its own when the brute force approach is left at home in favour of planning and precision.

Climbing/acceleration: Having spent considerable amounts of time on other machines that utilize dw-link suspension, we hopped aboard the HDR fully expecting it to wow us with its acceleration from a near standstill to cruising speeds, and the blacked out Ibis did exactly that. Get on the gas and the HDR will jump forward with a level of enthusiasm usually reserved for bikes with no rear suspension and a weight figure in the low 20lb range - it's that good. Get a bike like this under a set of fresh, strong legs and you can bet all you'll be seeing is its rider's back fading off into the distance, especially given the mental advantage that a spry rig like the HDR can bestow upon an already fit rider. Much like the Ibis Ripley that we reviewed a few months back, we found no need to reach down to flip the bike's FOX Float CTD shock from its 'Descend' setting to anything firmer, with a set-and-forget approach that we far prefer to having to rely on silly pedalling aids that we inevitably forget to turn off after a leg burning, brain melting climb. The downside to the bike's first-rate climbing efficiency turned out to be a somewhat skittery and un-planted feel when a section of loose or stepped ground was under its tires, with the bike feeling like it was firming up enough under power to cause a slight loss of traction in some scenarios.

With a 150mm travel RockShox Pike on the front of the bike, and an unashamedly short stem and wide bar combo for a cockpit (a spec that we assembled on our own as opposed to the stock build from Ibis), the front tire needed a bit more of a firm hand to direct it when inching your way up a slow, steep climb. That's not meant to be a knock against the HDR's handling in the slightest, because when compared to similarly setup rig, this bike is most definitely on-par. Do your local haunts include anaconda-like roots that make New England's trails look like a green-rated bike park run? If so, do yourself a favour and spec a fork with some sort of travel adjust, be it the Dual Position Air system from RockShox or FOX's Talas design, that will let the bike dodge and weave through techy terrain with ease.

Ibis Mojo HDR Amy McDermid
  With acceleration similar to a slot car, the HDR can rocket up some serious pitches with ease.


Technical riding: A relatively light bike that has a good jump to those initial pedal strokes, the HDR felt as if it could be placed to within a millimeter of where you wanted to be in a do or die situation, and that includes going up, down, or across. This is a finesse rider's bike, one that really comes into its own when the brute force approach is left at home in favour of planning and precision. This was especially clear to us when moving at a good clip into a challenging section that required some quick decision making to get on the proper, and sometimes the only, line in order to call it a success. This often calls for a more committed move in order to be in the right place at the right time, and the black bike has a willingness to do what is required of it that made such scenarios easy. And much like a true high-performance toy of the wheeled kind, the HDR came into its own as the speeds increased and it was allowed to show its mettle. Quick direction changes felt instinctive when the bike was pointing downhill, and the HDR certainly leans more towards the lively side of the handling scale, a personality that can be a lot of fun when taken advantage of.

Letting that momentum drop does hint at a slightly high ride feel from the HDR, although it's far from from feeling tippy, just maybe a little less glued to the ground than some of the competition. Allowing the bike's FOX shock to run a bit deeper into its sag does help to eliminate this, but we have to admit that blame likely has to be placed upon the 150mm travel Pike fork and its slightly longer axle-to-crown height than the 140mm travel fork the bike is designed to be run with. With that in mind, we'd likely recommend running a 140mm travel fork on the front of the HDR unless you put a lot more focus on the downs than the ups like we do.

Ibis Mojo HDR Amy McDermid
  You'll find yourself searching for fun alternate lines when aboard the HDR.


Downhill: The HDR shines brightest on trails where the speeds are high and the terrain isn't too toothy, with the 130mm travel bike handling a bit like how we'd expect riding a Speeder Bike from Star Wars would feel. This type of personality certainly makes for some great fun in places where other bikes might flounder, and it wasn't hard to end up taking novel lines aboard the HDR that would otherwise be impossible on a longer travel or less peppy machine. Of course, the bike's handling also plays a big part in this, with it having the right mix of relaxed and on-point that allows for a good amount of confidence - push hard and you won't get bitten unless you really do deserve it. Once that fact becomes known you can start exploring the boundaries of traction, of which there is plenty on offer from the HDR.

Don't plow the Mojo down the trail - it isn't the kind of bike that responds well when ridden in such a gruff manner - but rather channel your inner child and think about where you can leave the ground for short periods of time over and over again. You know, pretend like fun is the name of the game rather than looking for the straightest line from corner to corner, and that's when you'll start to see how to get the most out of the HDR. Like any proper mountain bike, it can be ridden down the trail any way you'd like, but realizing that this is one bike that likes to make the most of the terrain will in turn allow you to make the most out of it as well.
bigquotesWe routinely stuffed it so hard into corners that it'd be fair to say that exit speed was the last thing on our minds, especially given that we really didn't expect to actually exit the corner on the bike, yet we usually did exactly that.

It is when the ground turns from comparatively smooth and fast to rough and chundery that one can begin to poke at the HDR's limitations, with the bike's suspension riding a touch rough compared to other rigs in its travel class. If we were able to perform a blind test aboard the black Ibis we would likely guess that it runs on the shorter side of 120mm rather than its 130mm of advertised travel, and that while it does a sufficient job of muting the impacts, it was a touch harsher than expected.


Technical Report

• Our HDR's Novatec Diablo wheelset not only held up well, but they also make the most sublime ratcheting noise from their freehub. We literally found ourselves coasting longer than we had to just so we could listen to it. On a more functional note, their 23mm inner width offered good support for the Michelin tires that we mounted up, and their tubeless conversion was pain free and quick.

• Speaking of tires, the Michelin Wild Grip'r and Wild Race'r may have questionable names but they most definitely performed well in the mostly dry trail conditions that we rode the bike in. The Race'r is one hell of a fast tire, with a tread pattern than leans more towards speed than all out braking or climbing bite, and the Grip'r offered a predictable feel all around. We did manage to cut the casing on the rear-mounted Race'r, though, when we mistimed a rock move and landed directly on the rear wheel. To its credit, we don't think any tire would have survived this particular hit.

• The HDR's sole bottle mount location, found on the underside of the down tube, isn't useable when on the move and we generally wouldn't run a bottle down there anyways. Yes, most of us wear backpacks with bladders these days, but we found ourselves missing the ability to run a water bottle and cage on the HDR for shorter rides that didn't require supplies.



Pinkbike's take:
bigquotesSome bikes have the sort of personality that can be forgettable at the best of times, but the HDR 650B reminds us that fun is the name of the game out there. And while we admit to finding its rear suspension a touch harsh, the bike can move over the ground in a way that makes you look for opportunities to let it hang out, although it isn't the best choice if you spend most of your time on rocky, rough trails. Given that it requires a different shock and mounting hardware, we certainly don't expect HDR owners to swap between 650B and 26" wheels on a regular basis, but rather spec it from Ibis how they see fit.- Mike Levy

www.ibiscycles.com

Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

135 Comments
  • 85 3
 The problem with ibis is they make their bikes so tough, you never have an excuse to upgrade!
  • 24 45
flag deeeight (Sep 30, 2013 at 6:21) (Below Threshold)
 Except for weight savings.
  • 28 1
 True that. Still using Mojo C 2009. Just upgraded my rear derailleur using clutch system and beats any brand new rig. And it is still 26er. Old school never dies.
  • 18 0
 Been on my Mojo HD 160 for two years and I keep pushing it harder and harder and just enjoying it more and more. You make an excellent point; I am dying to change out to 650B wheels, but when my current Mojo is holding up so well, I don't know when I'll have a reasonable excuse to upgrade. On a side note, Ibis' tech support is top notch. Everytime I have e-mailed them with a dumb question or request for a new der. hanger or whatever, I have had an e-mail back within an hour from Scott Nichol (Ibis owner) himself. Pretty awesome.
  • 6 9
 Do they do lifetime warranty? I thought I remembered some delamination issues a few years back..

Looks great and sounds like a decent bike. The DW link pedals awesome, but doesn't sound prefect, bit of a trade-off.
  • 4 0
 Still riding my Mojo SL. No need to change it at this time.
  • 1 3
 @ Scott - IIRC, the HD will take 650b wheels. Do some research...you might just need new wheels.
  • 5 3
 The HD140 takes 650B wheels without problems except for the geometry the BB is higher, the HD160 needs to have its travel limited with a shock change because the problem isn't the swingarm, its the tire smacking the back of the seat tube.
  • 6 1
 A higher BB isn't always a bad thing...all of the Santa Cruz bikes I have have BBs that are too low for riding rocky, rooty trails. I'll give up a little bit of carving ability to be able to pedal without constantly having to be conscious of it or smack my pedals. I am not positive about that, since I don't have an Ibis...I do know that they have been receptive of 650B for awhile and will answer questions about it.
  • 5 0
 I run my. HD in both wheel setups. 160mm with a fox 36 and big meaty tires, and 650b in 140mm mode. Just a note, the use of offset bushings fully positioned forward, gives you identical, if not lower BB height than the HDR, with a HA closer to 66 than 67....with just enough bottom out clearance.

There tends to be more anti squat in short travel mode, which Mike was eluding to when he mentioned the slightly harsh feel. This can be numbed a bit with a different shock. However, I think the it's perfect the way it is. Build it in 26" with DH tread for gnarly terrain (shore or park for ex), or run it with faster tires, and a 140 fork for a super fast rolling heavier duty trail machine for smoother trails.

I bet ibis will come out with a dedicated 650b in a couple years, but it's nice to have two completely different characters in one bike.
  • 6 2
 do we really have to review every company that makes a bike with a slightly larger wheel? wouldnt it ride the same as a regular mojo with a slightly larger wheel? and under large photo number 5. Is that really a new line? haha.
  • 2 1
 weight weenies as mods.....what next
  • 1 0
 They do a great crash replacement policy though!
  • 23 2
 it's nice to see a manufacturer supplying frames that give you the choice of 26"or 650b, its especially useful if you have a nicely spec'd 26" bike that you want to upgrade the frame on, without having to buy a complete new bike
  • 1 0
 I called intense bikes when I got news that my tracer 2 26" was "no longer in production" but i could get a drop out kit to make it 650. But they also said that between a 26" adaptor kit, and a 27.5 frame the geometry was still different. They would not tell me how. but insisted it was different. hm
  • 1 1
 Got a 2010 mojo carbon mint spec for sale £1900. Fully upgraded.
Pic on my profile
  • 1 1
 @moth423 your BB will ride higher and the axle path in the rear changes, i think you also steepen it by a 3rd of degree
  • 1 1
 thanks! i figured it would be something like that. I'll stick to my 26" wheels. in about 3 years they'll be all the rage again. haha
  • 12 0
 One thing that nobody seems to be talking about is mixing up the wheel sizes. I ride my HDR with a 27.5" front wheel and a 26" rear wheel with a coil rear shock at 160mm for my most DH oriented setup. Then I switch it back to 130 or the bikeco 147 and a 27.5 rear wheel for more xc/trail oriented riding. It is the versatility of the frame that makes this bike so great. It is like having a Santa Cruz Solo, Bronson, and Nomad all in one bike. Am I the only one who sees the value in that?
  • 5 0
 No, liteville obviously see that too, hence they are marketing the 301 and 601 with mixed wheel sizes. 26 rear 650b front. Easier rollover where it counts, stiffer tighter rear wheel for better acceleration and strength. The best of both, and the easiest way for most to upgrade the bikes they already have. As we know most standard forks can fit 650b with a bit of work. Ease off the head angle a little in the process to improve the bike you have without shelling out unnecessary cash for the next big thing....
  • 1 0
 I find it interesting what liteville say, looking at the pics from Eurobike (I think it was) they suggest 26" all round for me, which is exactly what I have on my SB66c - happy days Big Grin
  • 2 2
 In a similar way I run my HD
140mm rear 2.0" RP23 shock; 32Talas 150/130mm fork
160mm rear 2.5" RP23 shock; 36Talas 160/130mm fork
160mm rear 2.5" CCDBA shock; 36Talas 180/150mm fork
or other combinations thereof - versatile or what?
OK, swapping like that wouldn't suit many people but I tend to do longish road trips and in-between have the time (work-free) to swap forks between our family's bikes in a way that can leave the bike in my car best suiting the terrain varieties I'm likely to encounter on any single trip.
BTW the new Talas5 forks, or upgrades to Talas5, are a big help as they are so easy to adjust the travel stops on offer.
Also, Mike does make a valid comment about.......'a somewhat skittery and un-planted feel when a section of loose or stepped ground was under its tires, with the bike feeling like it was firming up enough under power to cause a slight loss of traction in some scenarios'. I believe that is a valid observation if you run the shock firm enough to give plenty of pop.
  • 3 0
 Mutly: You have how many shox and forks?!??!? Damm, I don't know if I'm horrified or your my hero. Cool set up.
  • 1 0
 I didn't realize companies were promoting mixed wheels. That's pretty cool and gives riders a few more options if they really want them.

MTBR has a few forums of DIY 650B conversions that includes fork compatibility for 650B wheels (plus tire recommendations) as well as which frames can take a 26er fork with a 650B wheel. Some 26er frames can do a full 650B conversion. The biggest downside is your choices in tires becomes really limited because of frame/fork clearance. I'm considering a conversion for my Cannondale Rush as a way to revitalize an old frame so I don't have to drop huge money on a new one.
  • 1 0
 NickBit - Thanks for comment. For me its better than having 3 bikes myself which wouldn't fit in my shed or car at same time but I am helped by the forks swapping between family. 3 bikes, 3 forks in the family. Oh, and I am fortunate enough to ride, and travel, a lot these days.
  • 7 1
 One thing pink bike doesn't tell you.. Bikeco in Cali specs a shock with 147mm rear travel (Marz roco TST air/xfusion HLR) for 650b, matched with a 160mm pike is what alot of die-hard ibis riders are doing. My HD is an awesome bike, an hard to upgrade like others said. But why I love ibis so much? Because they are making a 650b specific rear triangle for those loyal HD owners...(even though the stock HD will fit 650b with certain size tires) what other company does that?
  • 25 17
 With all the 650B bikes review it would've been nice if Pinkbike reviewed a 26er again...
  • 8 2
 That surely relies upon manufacturers producing a 26" wheel bike, which is getting rarer and rarer it seems these days.
  • 10 5
 True. IN my opinion I wish pinkbike took the opportunity to finally be able to review a 26 inch bike when one was released though... Thats my point.
  • 12 3
 I quite agree, but as most bike reviews are supplied by the manufacturer, it's more than likely they will want to push their "new" 27.5 tech rather than the "old" 26 stuff. Props to Ibis for giving us the choice, that's what you get from a small manufacturer, but if you're company is multi national and begins with the letter S, T or G, they aren't interested.
  • 9 2
 Uh this bike can do both 26" and 650b.
  • 16 9
 The point is, Eyon, that Pinkbike could have chosen either 26" or 27.5" for the test- their choice, not Ibis'. But Pinkbike still went with the 27.5. I would have rather seen the 26" review and to be frank, this makes me question how much Pinkbike is helping move 27.5" along. I don't go on other bike sights generally and I find it hard to believe that in the past 6 months Pinkbike couldn't find anything other than 27.5" bikes to review. Perhaps they are supplying a greater illusion than a reality...
  • 3 2
 good point, I'll think before I type next time!
  • 89 2
 OMG STFU!

1. Pinkbike, like all reviewers, review what they are sent, so if they reviewed a 650B version it's because they were sent a 650B version to review.

2. If you click on this link you can all the product reviews PB have done since July 24 2013: www.pinkbike.com/news/pinkbike-reviews

Here are all the reviews of 26" specific products:

www.pinkbike.com/news/Banshee-Legend-MKII-Tested-2013.html
www.pinkbike.com/news/GT-Fury-Tested.html
www.pinkbike.com/news/Pivot-M4X-Tested-2013.html
www.pinkbike.com/news/Nukeproof-Pulse-Tested-2013.html
www.pinkbike.com/news/Marin-Mount-Vision-XM8-Tested-2013.html
www.pinkbike.com/news/Felt-Compulsion-LT50-Tested-2013.html
www.pinkbike.com/news/Scott-Gambler-20-2013-Tested.html
www.pinkbike.com/news/Mavic-Crossmax-SX-Wheels-Tested-2013.html
www.pinkbike.com/news/Pinkbike-Product-Picks-july-19-2013.html

Here are all the reviews of 650B specific products:

www.pinkbike.com/news/Tested-Scott-Genius-LT-275-2013.html
www.pinkbike.com/news/Knolly-Endorphin-Tested-2013.html
www.pinkbike.com/news/Pinkbike-Product-Picks-august-2-2013.html
www.pinkbike.com/news/RockShox-Pike-Tested.html

Here are all the reviews of 29" specific products:

www.pinkbike.com/news/Trek-Remedy-9-29-Tested-2013.html

Talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth. Pink Bike is free and provides exactly what you want and you sit there and bitch and moan about it because it also provides stuff that you personally aren't 'into'. Well you know what? There are riders out there who are in the market for a new bike and are interested in how the new crop of offerings perform.
  • 12 2
 "We chose to review the HDR with the larger sized wheels, and assembled our frame with a custom build..."
  • 6 0
 One small correction to the list above. The Knolly Endorphin is not 650b. 26 all the way.
  • 3 0
 Whoops! I opened the Knolly review and saw '650B', but didn't re-read it properly... \

Back to work! Wink
  • 10 0
 The 26" version has been reviewed in the past. Look it up. Why review the same bike two times?
  • 14 2
 I was gonna say... "umm they already reviewed the 160mm 26er HD a year ago..." but why point out logical facts like that when people are whining about not always getting their way.
  • 11 1
 Would love to see PB do a test that directly compares 27.5 vs 26 and this seemed to be a prime opportunity. I'd like to see a group of at least half a dozen test riders doing back to back comparisons and getting each individuals opinions on each. Seems to be the question of the hour does it not? Why not address it?

Although now that I think about it, I recall a test of the Commencal Meta in all 3 sizes here www.pinkbike.com/news/Commencal-2014-Meta-Range.html
Where Matt Wragg concludes "on these trails it made us understand why it's (26") the most popular bike in the Commencal office. And yes, our favourite bike from the range is a 26". I would like to know if the same conclusion would be reached on this bike as well, considering they are testing it on "the rough and difficult trails that we rode the bike on", similar to the Commencal test.

Now that I've spent some solid time on a 650b, my guess is that some will prefer it with 26 and some will prefer it with 650b. And the sooner the media starts to freely and clearly admit that some riders on some terrain will prefer one over another, the sooner everyone can chill out on the understanding that they will be free to choose what they prefer in the future. Which ultimately is what all the tension is about, isn't it?
  • 2 0
 This is something I would 100% like to see, along with product shoot outs and direct A vs B comparison articles in general. I'm perfectly happy to have a 27.5 option and would in fact like go own one some day. The big debate is weather the 27.5 option is turning into a one size fits all solution. I'm glad to see Ibis giving options. Cheers!
  • 8 1
 Danny, Ninja It's a wheel size, not a new cancer treatment. Just effing go ride your bike and enjoy it for what it is.
  • 1 0
 For anyone who was interested in the 26" review:

www.pinkbike.com/news/Ibis-Mojo-HD-Tested.html
  • 1 0
 hey how you get anchor links to show up in the comments?
  • 2 0
 I just copied and pasted them from my address bar. You have to refresh the page before they show up as proper links though.
  • 1 0
 oh, refresh; i see
  • 3 1
 Instead of sitting at your desk being a keyboard warrior - just go outside and ride on whatever wheel you want, stop worrying about everyone else.
  • 1 0
 My mojo slr is set up with 650b front 26 rear and it's awesome !!!!
  • 5 0
 I always thought people bragged on a bit too much when they said a bike felt so stiff and handled so much better than other bikes they'd ridden. I've had my fair share of bikes and my mojo hd is unbelievable on the ups and downs! Best do it all bike I've had and worth every penny!!!
  • 2 0
 With you on that Wink great climbing bike and planted on the downs
  • 8 1
 Has there ever been a Mojo that wasn't absolutely awesome?
  • 5 8
 Several.
  • 5 2
 Can't really see on paper how it's been improved tbh. Might be a smidge lighter and stiffer but it's still too short in top tube and I've actually had pretty much the HD-R for 2 years, as the HD140 only has 130mm travel. Pinkbike also fails to point out you can't fit a 27.5x2.35 hans dampf in the rear so tyre clearance is still an issue. Expected more tbh!!
  • 3 0
 Try one and you will see,I had the HD for 2 years and for the past few months riding the HDR it is not the same bike. HDR is lighter it has a much more lively feel to it then the HD,I read the same posts you did about the Hans 2.35 and I don't see a need for a big tire in the rear but that's just my opinion to each is own.
  • 2 0
 A nobby nic 27.5 2.35 fits in the rear of the old hd140. It depends on the rim I think. Anyway, with the lower travel, lighter shorter travel fork, I think the best setup for the 650b HD is lighter, faster rolling for 650b, and heavier build for the 26" 160 conversion. The versatility is great. There is nothing wrong with a 13.5 bb either. I tried the altitude in the low setting, and the Range. A lot of pedal strikes.
  • 10 4
 Cable routing needs a rethink . I would have thought that they would have changed it by now
  • 5 0
 Part of the reason I bought mine is because it does have regular cable routing.
  • 2 0
 Agree yes.............but routing a Stealth Reverb hose inside the frame isn't rocket science on the HD. Using 1x10 mine then has no cables along top of top tube.
  • 2 0
 I have an Ibis Mojo HD running Fox 36 180mm, 1 x 10 Saint rear mech / XTR Shifter and CCDBA, been to the Alps twice and it rides perfect.... I also have an Ibis Mojo HD running Fox 36 160mm, 2 x 10 XTR/XTR and a Fox RP23 for All Mountain, again, faultless.... I'm sure people have issues (Monkeykidd14) but Ibis customer service and support has been perfect, especially for a small company outside of the likes of Specialized / Trek / Giant with the backing of a arge company to just throw another / replacement frame out when something goes wrong (Which due to the nature of MTB'ing, will do at some point!....
  • 1 0
 way to go !
  • 2 0
 [qoute:]Letting that momentum drop does hint at a slightly high ride feel from the HDR, although it's far from from feeling tippy, just maybe a little less glued to the ground than some of the competition. Allowing the bike's FOX shock to run a bit deeper into its sag does help to eliminate this,]

The main issue here is the Fox Shock, run an CCDBa, XF Vector Air, Monarch Plus, any research on the Ibis riders forum will show the same thing, start at 30% sag minimum.
Had similar issues, but changed out the Fox CTD worse damper ever, why not put CTD on low end stuff I dont get Fox at all.

Now run an XFusion vector Air and its amazing in the rear, shit in the front with a Fox 34 CTD.

Great bike, run 160 26"

Im a fan of routing cables down the top of the down-tube, it would have been nice to have the option of internal or stealth dropper post routing, somehow the down-tube routing back up to the seat stays just works its clean with the frame guard it doesn't bind like allot of other manufactures poor execution and its out of the way, no under hangs under the bb works very well.

Just wished in this iteration a std Stealth option for my Reverb was available, some have drilled out the water bottle front mount bolt, Im still not keen to do this yet!
  • 1 0
 Agreed. I run a custom tuned Monarch Plus shock, which enables me to run about 40% sag but not bottom out on rough stuff. It gives a very nice plush and active rear end. Note also the Monarch Plus has a compression lever (like a pro pedal) so if im riding flat or uphill i have the option to flick it up and will stiffen everything up. But to be honest i hardly use it. Next will be a BOS Kirk to match my Devilles though.
  • 2 0
 This is so nice. Loving the stealth color...this is a crazy nice all mountain bike! It would be nice to have a 150/160mm 650b version though, for those of us who prefer aggressive bashing to finesse sometimes.
  • 1 0
 I love my 160HD, best bike ever, is ahard to me imagine change it for another model or brand. I prefer keep it and upgrade it with any hardcore-light parts. With Enduro setup mine is not more than 13kg (28lb). And yes Vitmanin P is the best color for the bike!
  • 1 0
 I just came back from riding my 2013 ibis HD, I just fitted it with 650 wheels, it´s still 160 rear travel and a 180 fox talas up front. The bike works awesome!!!! It´s super fast. I would have fitted 650 wheels but kept it at 160 travel. The geometry might not be book correct, but it really works good!!
  • 4 0
 That bike needs more vitamin P!
  • 2 0
 I have a mojo SL, my solution to the downtube bottle cage was to carry it in my jersey pocket for shorter rides. At least it works in the summer.
  • 6 4
 Sounds like the 160mm 26er would cure the defects in the downhill ride - the only negative in the review. Its the one I'd buy.
  • 3 2
 RC reviewed the HD 160 26er here on pinkbike last october.
  • 5 0
 Not a 26" versus 27.5" issue. It's the Fox shock. I dumped the Fox on my HD and went to a Monarch Plus tuned by Push and it made the bike WAY better. Not sure why manufacturers keep sticking with the Fox shocks. I don't think I have owned a single bike that had one that I didn't swap out.
  • 3 0
 The FOX CTD is horrible, like glaw said. I have a Monarch Plus on order. Looking forward to how that's going to feel on the HD 26" 160mm I run.
  • 3 0
 I have a Monarch Plus on my Devinci Dixon. It's surpassed all of my expectations of an air shock. You will love it.
  • 3 0
 I agree, you will probably love the monarch, it will change the way the HD rides, hopefully for the better for you. I've always liked the monarch, but I'm about to try a ccdba cs ( on a different bike). Really hoping it lives up to the chatter about it. Suspension just keeps getting better!
  • 1 0
 I use a Manitou swinger 6 way air on my sl. Most underrated shock ever.
  • 1 0
 @willie1 that shock is pretty bad
  • 1 0
 Little do you know. Many people replaced the blow through the mid stroke fox shocks on banshee runes. When I rode the manitou on the rune I was sold and bought one for my ibis. It blows the fox out of the water.
  • 1 0
 Are you joking?
  • 1 0
 Not at all. Look up rune and manitou 6 way. There is a lot of information there. Fox dhx air shocks were crap prior to 2010 or 2011. They had no mid stroke compression damping.
  • 1 0
 The 1140 / 44.8 wheelbase for a large seems rather short. No doubt this helps the bike feel lively, but a little longer would be more confidence inspiring.

I'll take a the '13 Foxy RR.
  • 1 0
 The wheel base is short, because the bike was designed by a 4x rider. Per RC's review last year. The short wheel base does make this bike super easy to jump.
  • 1 0
 Funny how a designers experience affects design. :-) And I'm not saying that is a bad thing either. There are plenty that are going to like those qualities a lot. I rode a 26" Ibis Mojo and liked it a good deal as a matter of fact.

But my preference is still for a bike that feels longer and lower. ;-)
  • 1 0
 I often run one offset shock bush on my HD, knocking half a degree off the head angle, lengthening the wheelbase a bit and lowering the BB a little - just a small step towards the modern convention of longer and lower that I presume you are referring to - so there is some choice available. Given that mine is an XL size I wouldn't want to go longer - there are limits when tight switchbacks and techy terrain demand manoeuvrability. BTW the HD will only take a second offset bush, for a full degree difference, if you avoid big diameter tyres (Minion or Michelin Wild Grip'R 2.35" OK, Minion 2.5" not OK).
  • 1 0
 They run small. I'm 5'11" and the XL fits me perfectly.
  • 1 0
 what similar bikes have that 'in the bike' feel versus the Mojo's 'on the bike' feel? It seems longer top tubes/shorter stems and swoopy frames are allowing a more in the bike feel, which I love.
  • 1 0
 The Santa Cruz Nomad and the Yeti sb66. Have more of an in the bike feel.
  • 1 0
 I have a medium size mega, with 40mm stem and quite a high front end and that has an in the bike feel
  • 1 0
 I wish they would have redesigned the front triangle for more stand over clearance and stealth dropper post routing. I'm thinking about this bike or sc solo and those are some major considerations.
  • 1 0
 I might get one of these for my next rig. Seems like it'd be a good mini dh bike that weighs in less than my current xc bike. But seems like I'd have to get an xl to fit me at almost 6ft6.
  • 2 0
 Is it reasonable to assume that the HDR in 26"/160mm mode behaves similarly to the HD?
  • 3 0
 Have heard from a few reviewers it does, only a little lighter, an supposedly much stiffer ride..
  • 1 0
 Read RC's review last october.
  • 1 0
 Thanks deeeight, I'm familiar with the review - I figured the lack of commentary about the 26"/160mm mode meant it was comparable, just wanted to clarify Smile
  • 1 0
 The Digital Hippie has been switching his HDR between 26" & 27.5 for testing, with interesting results!

digitalhippie.net/ibis-mojo-hdr
  • 2 0
 At least, this frame shouldn't cost too much in carbon molds... Just kidding, this frame design is awesome
  • 3 3
 New England trails are like green rated bike park trails? That is a quite an invalid generalization unless you have ridden every trail here. Come to VT and we'll ride some trails that might make you cry for Mommy.
  • 2 1
 Touche, Upper J-bar at kingdom trails will wake them up
  • 1 1
 here in NY I'd say that's true with only a very rare exception here and there. Our Department of Environmental Conservation destroys all the fun stuff.
  • 3 0
 Methinks you need to re-read that section. I think you're taking it out of context.
  • 2 0
 I heard mention somewhere of a flip chip that could make the 650B version 160mm.... true or false?
  • 1 0
 Can I see any video reviews anytime soon? Or maybe a quick edit of you guys riding with no soundtrack or just pumping the suspension. That'd be nice.
  • 3 0
 would love it in yellow color!
  • 3 1
 Run a (properly tuned) CCDBA and any harshness in the rear suspension pretty much evaporates.
  • 3 0
 Is this from personal experience on an HD with a CCDBA? I've been debating this upgrade all year for my HD.
  • 2 0
 I did a fair bit of research in whether to go with Fox or CC on the Mojo HD, and the consensus was that CC was the way to go. My personal experience is that the CCDBA can be tuned to be damn smooth on the HD. Note that it's going to firmer than something like a Horst Link bike unless you run a tonne of sag, but it won't exhibit nasty ramp up at the end of the stroke. I enjoy my HD immensely. Big Grin
  • 2 0
 Pretty much? You are right that the CCDBA makes a better job of it but I haven't been able to totally negate it. I run a CCDBA in either 'plush' settings (close to those on CC website for the HD160) or firmer 'pop' settings (same LSC/LSR, more psi and HSC) if I want more to press against in bike park berms/jumps. Either way I do recognise Mike's comments about the rear suspension firming up under pedal sprints, on rough hard ground, that make it a bit skittish. Can make it advisable to stand rather than sit when sprinting on such ground if you have the energy spare to do so.
BNJ99 - the 2.5" CCDBA on a 160mm HD can plough/surf across a rock garden and lose noticeably less momentum that a RP23 would do in my experience. There are small gains in other areas. It is 70% heavier than a 2.5" stroke RP23XV1 though. No gain without pain. Fox make light stuff work very well.
  • 3 0
 Yup, pretty much. It works well for the riding I do. Stand and sprint suits me to a T.
  • 1 0
 Pinkrobe. That's cool. I would be interested to hear your settings for your CCDBA for comparison.
  • 1 0
 I'm using the recommended settings from CC, but with reduced high and low speed rebound damping. For whatever reason, I found their rebound suggestion a little slow. Sag is around 35%, but that number adjusted a fair bit as the shock broke in. I may reduce sag to get a bit more pop, but I'd be splitting hairs.
  • 1 0
 Thanks. If you don't mind. what weight and psi? Is your sag value measured seated or stood? I may be guilty of running too little sag. As I understand it on the HD 35% at the shock probably gives maybe 30% or less at the back wheel. Being tall, 6ft 4in, I have tended to run my forks with higher psi/lower than average sag trying to avoid the fork dive that can come from having a high c of g. Although I must say that recent experience with a 2014 spec TALAS5 fork, since I wrecked my 2011 TALAS4 36/160's, suggest I'm going to have far less problem with forks blowing through the mid-stroke. The point being that I've not wanted too much sag on the shock or it becomes mis-matched front-to-back. I am 175lbs + gear and with the CCDBA in 'pop' settings, at 127psi, get about 26% sag, measured at the shock damper body, seated. Stood its less. My Plush set of settings at about 119psi give me around 30% sag measured at the shock. The bike pedals superbly seated but I do observe that higher sag settings give plenty of bob when stood if I'm too tired to pedal carefully controlled circles and rough terrain, or gradient, deters sat pedalling.
  • 1 0
 Weight is 180 + gear, psi was right around 100 if memory serves. Large frame, 5'10" tall [5'11" on a good day]. Sag is measured seated, after bouncing around fore and aft. I use a TALAS 180, and have used less and less rebound damping there as time goes on. I think that almost all full-suspension bikes bob through their travel when cranking hard out of the saddle. I find the HD does it less than HL and VPP bikes I have tried, but there's still some. When seated, the bob is minimal - just a few mm at the shock. I should get that TALAS 5 tech, it sounds like it really works...
  • 1 0
 fortunately the 180mm TALAS5 cartridge takes a very short time to fit. Its a one-piece cartridge top to bottom. For the top you just need a 7/16" socket ,and 32mm spanner or socket + oil. 10mm socket for the bottom nut. Fox part Number 820-01-340-KIT. Oh, and thanks for info. BTW My CCDBA had the high-flow inner air can fitted free under warranty. I expect that all newer CCDBA's come with that as standard but I do not know that for certain. With the new High Volume outer air can option there are 3 different specs of CCDBA out there and that doesn't make comparing settings easy.
  • 1 0
 Thanks for the TALAS5 info, that will make a nice project for some cold night this winter. I have the high-flow CCDBA, but not the oversize outer can, if it makes a difference.
  • 2 0
 RC4 coil on the back of my HD... pure plushness!!! Rp23 is JUNK like most air shocks in the rear.
  • 1 0
 The Marzocchi Rocco Air has always been a pretty stellar unit. I've had the RP23 and Monarch both. Those things sucked!
  • 1 0
 I havd the same RC4 on the back and Talas 36 180 up front for a very downhilly set up which works great and is also a reasonable climber! Super happy with the performarce for both DH and all mountain with the single bike!
  • 2 0
 Yah, Bring back Vitamin P on HDR, please!
  • 1 0
 It's like having an adjustable travell fork. You're always gonna run it at one setting, regardless if you have the option.
  • 3 1
 Ibis has not been a good experience for me! Never again!!
  • 1 0
 how so?
  • 1 0
 Unbonded rear dropout and inner headtube wear. Expensive repairs which supposedly aren't ibis's problems. NEVER AGAIN.
  • 1 0
 The DBair is the best shock period on the HD and what I run. I've tried the Vivid air, monarch, and Rocco air.
  • 2 0
 Now that's one smoking bike! My money is on a Remedy 650b though.
  • 2 1
 such a sick bike ! but why route the cables down the top tube ?
  • 1 0
 I built a Mojo up once and hated the cable routing on it.
  • 1 0
 it is a stupidly nice bike i've worked on many but that cable routing actually puts me off the bike its a shame really
  • 1 0
 see above. I routed Reverb hose inside without problem. 1x10 gets rid of the other.
  • 1 0
 Agree.
see above. I routed Reverb hose inside without problem. 1x10 gets rid of the other.
Also I replaced the front cable clip under the down tube with M:Part self adhesive cable guides just a little further forward and slightly further outwards and found that better than the standard double-clip in that position.
  • 1 0
 Monkeykidd, what happened?
  • 1 0
 "We chose the larger wheeled version..." Sigh, here we go again.
  • 3 5
 Not enough travel to go down, fast on the autobahn only, almost as good uphill as a 26 hard tail, does not perform well on roots. Nay.
  • 1 1
 Nice bike butthe prices are like GTFO
  • 1 0
 Dream bike
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