Ibis Announces New DV9 Carbon Hardtail

Oct 1, 2018 at 16:40
by Ibis Cycles  

Ibis DV9
Ibis DV9

PRESS RELEASE: Ibis Cycles

The greatest gifts aren’t bought, they’re built. That’s the story behind our new lightweight carbon 29" hardtail, the DV9. Inspired by his high school daughter, Lili Heim, Ibis Co-Owner and CEO Hans Heim set out to build a bike that was versatile enough for her to race and shred... And affordable enough that she could pay for it with her summer job.

Ibis DV9
Lili, Hans, and the shop dog showing off an early DV9 prototype.

With a slacker-than-XC (aka down-country) geometry and 2.6" tire clearance, the DV9 is capable of winning on Saturday and roosting Sunday. Lili proved that in spectacular fashion, by taking three varsity race wins, five varsity XC podiums, and first place overall in the 2018 Northern California NICA league on a prototype frame.

The 1,204 gram full-carbon frame retails for just $999. Completes start at $2,199. That's $250 more than a comparable aluminum frame and hundreds less than most carbon builds.

Ibis DV9
Click to enlarge.

Compared to our previous hardtail, the reach on the DV9 grew by 20-24mm depending on size. We also slackened the head tube from 71° to 67.4° with a 120mm fork and 68.5° with a 100mm fork.

These numbers straddle the fine line between cross country and trail, making the DV9 versatile enough to race, while still capable of shredding singletrack and exploring the back country.

Ibis DV9
Click to enlarge.

Build Kits:

The DV9 will be offered in six different built kits. An NX equipped frame will retail for $2,199. Eagle equipped bikes start at $2,999. All builds ship with rigid posts but dropper posts are available for a reasonable upgrade fee. Ibis also offers fork, wheel, and handlebar upgrades.

Ibis DV9

Ibis DV9
Ibis DV9

Staying true to the bike's versatile pedigree, we offer the DV9 with two distinct build kits. You can line up in confidence for race day with a 100mm Fox Stepcast fork and 2.25” fast guy tires.

Ibis DV9

Ibis DV9
Ibis DV9

Or, shralp past your buddies on their full suspension rigs with a 120mm Fox Rhythm 34 and physics-defying 2.6” tires.

Ibis DV9

For more info, visit Ibis Cycles

MENTIONS: @ibiscycles


Author Info:
ibiscycles avatar

Member since Nov 15, 2011
94 articles
Must Read This Week
Thank You For Everything, Pinkbike
75752 views
Pole Bicycles Has Filed for Bankruptcy
53420 views
First Ride: The Sub-$600 RockShox Domain and Psylo Forks
42025 views
[UPDATED] Final Elite XC Results & Overall Standings from the Mairiporã XC World Cup 2024
42004 views
Staff Ride: Matt Beer's NZ MTB Rally-Spec Ibis HD6
40308 views
Tree Root Pierces Harriet Harnden's Foot at Round 1 of the British National Downhill Series
37833 views
Review: Race Face's Era Chainring Uses Steel, Carbon, & Aluminum
27917 views
First Ride: Fox's New Transfer Dropper Post - Adjustable Travel, Up to 240mm of Drop
26550 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup

119 Comments
  • 91 2
 I'm sorry but this is going to be very confusing for PB. All new bikes are supposed to have 475mm reach and a 77* STA, which this does not, but it can fit water bottles galore. I'm not sure if we're supposed to hate this or like it. Can someone else please comment and tell me what to think? Thanks.
  • 22 19
 Steep STA on full suspension bikes help compensate for sag. Since you don’t have rearsuspension on a hard tail, the STA doesn’t have to be nearly as steep.
  • 42 0
 @Circe: -Sarcasm
  • 12 3
 It's too short in the front and too long in the rear, like the Rip LS. I neither hate nor like this bike. You shouldn't either.
  • 5 0
 @Circe: sheez
  • 2 1
 @Circe: Not entirely true. Geometry steepens more on a hardtail than a full suss because it's only sagging at the front. Sag on full suss is usually about 30% rear, 20% front so the the seat and head tube *may* not change as much.
  • 5 0
 My trail hardtail has very similar values and it's the perfect every-day-bike for me. It has 10mm more reach, though.
  • 39 4
 it is a hardtail yet it is not made of steel, isn’t featured with 160 or 180 fork and the release doesn’t come with a video of a young English lad on minimal income riding it just beyond the edge of grip in ankle thick mud. NO DAMN GIVEN!!!
  • 4 6
 Tis a yuppie hipster bike then.
  • 5 1
 @WAKIdesigns: but it can fit multiple banana holders
  • 3 0
 @FUbob: I think the bigger question is why can't these bikes vary their dimensions between sizes? Why can't the small and medium have one STA angle and CS length and the large/XL have something else?
  • 2 0
 @niib: yea, the geo looks pretty similar to my scale...its a great do everything HT.
  • 1 0
 @alexsin: I think this is a sometimes yes, sometimes no situation. I agree some things could be changed around sizing, but not too much. If you are trying to have certain tires fit, have a certain strength to the frame, and have certain handling characteristics, you may not be able to change the CS length throughout the size range. Also changing angles may not make sense depending on what angles we're talking about. Change too much and its a different bike! But other brands seem to have slight STA changes across the size range..that's a good one.
  • 1 0
 No idler pulley, that's gonna be a no from me dawg.
  • 47 2
 Ibis Cycles Owner Kills Tranny, For His Children!?
  • 39 0
 High school racing is really doing a lot for mountain biking. It’s cool.
  • 9 0
 Right? People talk about athlete development starting from a young age in countries like Switzerland and France and it's great to see such a huge wave of kids in the US starting to race so young. I raced the in the high school league for 3 years and those races were damn competitive! Hope to see some US talent in XC world cups in the coming years.
  • 9 0
 Check out Washington state's model. They are independent from NICA. washingtonleague.org
  • 11 0
 @mistermtb: A former NICA racer just won a rainbow jersey...

But, the growth with NICA is awesome... it's rad to see so many kids on bikes!
  • 3 1
 @mistermtb: There already is US talent in XC world cup
  • 2 0
 Started the bike team at my HS (w/a few friends) in the NorCal Mtb League back in 2003 and now they're making podiums and competing at State/National events. Love seeing fresh blood in the sport. Now if we can just get more women!
  • 29 1
 far out, family . ibis over here keeping the game fresh with new frames, have to toss that filthy dog around some day, seems to be off the dolo for a quick moon as it just popped out, clout still out. but rolling high am I right brothas
  • 4 0
 Yes
  • 50 1
 I have no idea what you just said, but... Sure
  • 6 0
 @leviatanouroboro: Something about tossing the dog in the photo off i think...
  • 5 1
 @murfio: Not sure 'toss' means the same thing over the pond...
  • 1 0
 @leviatanouroboro:
  • 21 0
 I mean, that pricing isn't outrageous. Though I'm confused by how Shimano XT can be a $1500 upgrade over SRAM NX when I can buy a full XT groupset for about $600. Sure, add in a hundred bucks for the up-level bars and seatpost, but still...
  • 15 10
 Am I the only one that feels a lot of resistance in the Shimano shifter even with the clutch dialed back?
  • 14 1
 @akvbike: Shimano's definitely a heavier action than SRAM, but you probably just need to change your cable and housing. My clutch is turned up pretty stiff and I can't say I've ever thought "gee my thumb is getting tired, downshifting is just too hard."
  • 9 2
 @akvbike: Get the xtr level polymer coated shift cable and housing. Best $25 upgrade ever. I had the same issue. Now when I ride SRAM GX I think it feels cheap and clunky by comparison.
  • 2 1
 @vaedwards: Thanks for the advice. I'll have to check out the cable upgrade.

I bet you're liking the new stuff in NWA. I grew up in Rogers, and I'm definitely missing it now. ☺
  • 1 0
 @akvbike: meh...
  • 2 1
 @mnorris122: I upgraded to an XTR rear mech over XT. Installed using old cable and housing. I was pleasantly surprised to find the shift action much much lighter even with clutch dialed up tight. I wonder if my XT rear mech was duff...
  • 2 2
 And for 4800$ xo1 you get a Rhythm 120mm fork are they for real?
  • 14 0
 But why is nobody talking about those 4-piston Deore(?) brakes?
  • 3 2
 @vaedwards: Or, even better upgrade: get cheap cables and housings, learn how to cut them (hint: it's not 'whack it with a cable cutter and you're done'), and replace them as they wear out. If you're describing Shimano shifting as 'heavy' or heavier than Sram, you've done something wrong.
  • 3 1
 NX is the price "loser" to have as low-priced Ibis model as possible. They bake the profit loss into upgraded models.

XT model upgrades include carbon bars / thomson stem & seatpost.

I agree, it's hard to justify when you can purchase XT groupset incl rotors / brakes right now for $495 from ChainReaction.

Which may be the best hack available: buy the nx build from Ibis dealer w/ carbon bars & dropper upgrades, sell the NX groupset / ibis seatpost & bars, buy XT from ChainReaction.
  • 20 1
 Hey pinkbike. Can we get the geo charts in higher res for mobile? I personally loose interest in switching to desktop and having to go to high res to see a reach number....
  • 19 0
 Reach number is small no matter the res. dang.
  • 3 2
 Yea that sucks, fix it pb. In all reviews not just this one.
  • 3 0
 They could (should) just make the "Click to enlarge" function work on the mobile site. Because, you know, now it doesn't.
@pinkbike
  • 4 10
flag Weens (Oct 2, 2018 at 5:26) (Below Threshold)
 @FUbob: yes, this is a bike for children. 450mm reach on an XL - no guys, that's a M. If you're even average height, this bike is too small.
  • 1 0
 If PB doesn't update, hopefully this will read on your phone: www.ibiscycles.com/bikes/dv9
  • 22 9
 CEO of bike company invests $20k+ in carbon molds for daughter but makes her pay for a complete...uh huh sure Wink
  • 24 1
 CEO has daughter get summer job to pay for a bike... Teaching her a good lesson...
  • 80 1
 @lumpy873: Lili works on the production floor here at Ibis during the summer. She started building boxes and sweeping floors and has worked her way up to building frames and helping with QC.
  • 43 0
 CEO pwns PB trolls.
  • 9 0
 @ibiscycles: I'm not sure I could up vote that enough... Nothing wrong with teaching a child the value of working.. My little guy had a couple days off of school, he spent a couple of half days sweeping, putting on price tags, greeting people... And, he liked it!
  • 1 6
flag TheUnknownMTBR (Oct 2, 2018 at 14:08) (Below Threshold)
 @lumpy873: got my vote too, let’s make America great together!
  • 2 0
 @ibiscycles: That's rad, dont mind me btw I was just being cheeky
  • 15 3
 "An NX equipped frame will retail for $2,1999."

Holy shite that's expensive.
  • 15 0
 pink bike little heavy on the nine key
  • 77 0
 Good catch - the price has now been reduced by $19,800.
  • 4 1
 Salute
  • 8 0
 @mikekazimer: Now that's a sale I can get behind!
  • 13 3
 Sweet. But that barely-perceptible kink in the the top tube...why? It makes it look broken.
  • 17 29
flag olslash (Oct 1, 2018 at 20:04) (Below Threshold)
 ibis loves to "design" random curves and shapes into their tubes... which is why most of their bikes are butt ugly
  • 7 1
 Yes I think it’s a bit too artsy as well...the shadows and reflections make it look less strong, less bikey.
  • 19 1
 I think it looks gorgeous. There you go
  • 9 0
 Hey ibis we want an updated geometry Ripley and a 100mm rear travel XC/Trail mean machine
  • 2 0
 Hoping 2019 has a big announcement of a new from the ground up, all-in-the-USA-made Ripley. Fingers are crossed.
  • 7 1
 Not sure how I feel about this bike. But suddenly my mind has been made once I read "down-country".. in the description. I'll take 5.. And ride them down the country with my 4 friends. I have been waiting for this day.
  • 8 0
 It seems this down-country thing is now a thing, but why is nobody doing any cross-hill?!
  • 2 1
 @hirvi: They're doing it,they just call it dual-duro.
  • 3 0
 Does the bike that everybody is asking for exist? Similar HTA, but longer reach/shorter chainstays. Think there's steel/aluminum frames available, but anything carbon/in this weight range? I'm still considering sizing up and getting a large frame (always ride mediums).
  • 2 1
 The chameleon, while not carbon, ticks all the rest of those boxes. Persoanyll, inwish the chameleon were a tiny bit slacker, but everything else on it is dialed for me.
  • 2 0
 Canfield Brothers EPO, but it's not boost and not as much tire clearance as the Ibis
  • 2 0
 Searching around and Transition Vanquish geometry looks bang on. Half a pound heavier and 50% more expensive unfortunately. Carbon Chameleon would be nice.
  • 2 0
 @luckbox: And a short warranty compared to Ibis or Santa Cruz.
  • 2 0
 @luckbox: Agreed on both. Vanquish looks like perfect geometry but pricey and limited to no more than 2.4 tires. Carbon Chameleon would be really nice. They say they won't make it because it would be too expensive but I don't believe it given what we're seeing made by others. Plus SC makes almost everything else in two flavors of AL and carbon
  • 1 0
 The aluminum chameleon is a fantastic bike. My last 4 bikes have been carbon, and I love my aluminum chameleon every bit as much as my cabon bikes.
  • 1 0
 @luckbox: A carbon Honzo would be it then?
  • 1 0
 @hirvi: Geometry (and aesthetically) I think it looks pretty good, but HTA is steeper, it weighs more, and costs 60% more. I'd still consider it though, but looks like they might not sell the frame only in carbon now?
  • 5 0
 Carba Carba Carba Carba Carbon Chameleon
  • 1 0
 @sixstringsteve: Agreed but wish there was the option of an XT build...
  • 6 1
 Jeff Kendall-Weed test ride..... www.youtube.com/watch?v=horapjjR46w
  • 3 0
 Great to have more options for cool hardtails. 1204 gram frame? 2.6 lbs? Must be the medium. Seems like $2,274 for NX build with a KS dropper is great bang for the buck
  • 4 3
 you wanna know how far Ibis is behind the times? the XL reach is 449mm and that is an IMPROVEMENT over their previous hardtail

"DV9 reach grew by 20-24mm depending on size."

wtf, Ibis!? I get that you've been making bikes since the 90's but it's not *still* the 90's
  • 10 1
 Reach is not as important for all bikes. This is a XC / trail bike where riders spend more time in the saddle so effective top tube (ETT) matters in addition to reach for overall ride feel. ETT on the Ibis is 628 mm versus 649 mm on a comparable Santa Cruz Chameleon (both size large), a 21 mm, 0.8 inch difference. All this sky is falling over the reach and chain stays reflects a bias towards bikes that this is not trying to be.
  • 4 3
 Behind the times in your opinion. Finally got PBers to stop being dicks about wheel size. Now it's assume everyone wants bike geo like I do. Some of us don't live out west, we don't have hours long climbs followed by long down hills. We have rolling terrain and the long, slack and now unicycle steep STA don't work here.
  • 4 0
 No front derailleur mount? I mean how hard can that be to include? More 2x persecution.
  • 3 0
 Agree. I can understand why a full sus design would forego a fd mount, but on a simple hardtail like this there are few or no obstacles to a fd mount.
  • 3 0
 Nice to see that Ibis selected the Bike Yoke Revive for the dropper on the completes! (the one exception being the KS on the entry level NX build).
  • 1 0
 I don't get why there is internal cable for shifter, but the brake one is external (the one that actually needs protection). Dones't look like they support 2 port cable on the side ?
Yeah having to reblead the line if you install a new brake is a one time pain...
  • 4 0
 Good on Ibis. They’ll sell a lot to NICA kids.
  • 5 1
 Still waiting for a Tranny with updated geometry...
  • 2 0
 I came here hoping for the same thing. Definitely a unique bike that differentiates Ibis in the market.
  • 3 0
 Geometry added to the database for comparison purposes... Smile

geometrygeeks.bike/bike/ibis-dv9-2019
  • 2 0
 You can find a used Diamondback Mason 29er HT aluminum frame that weighs 2 lbs more for around low $300 range and still probably win if you’re a top rider
  • 3 0
 When comes the down country world cup at losinj?
  • 2 0
 In 2020 but that track is hard on bikes and riders it just doesn't seem taht way because it isn't steep or long.
  • 3 0
 Wish it had adjustable dropouts or the slot machine...
  • 4 1
 single speed version please!
  • 1 0
 This bike looks gorgeous - though I’ve haven’t ridden either yet, a Specialized Chisel now seems a little less compelling.
  • 3 0
 Devi8 with DV9
  • 1 1
 Ibis has learned from the supply issues with the Ripmo and instead of a year wait you'll only have to wait six months for this model.
  • 1 1
 Well at $7k+ USD I feel pretty good with my 5 lb ALX frame. Could stand to lose 20+ lbs myself so 2 or so frame pounds is no bfd. I didn’t see a weight limit stated too.
  • 1 0
 There is a sub $1k frame and $2.2k complete, you know.. price is one thing not to knock this bike on.
  • 1 0
 I used to have two Akitas. Great dogs.
  • 1 0
 Ibis abandoned Single Speed?!? Where are the sliding dropouts?
  • 1 0
 Nick you should get one! I will not tell your wife.
  • 2 0
 That dog is big!
  • 1 0
 not sure why I would wnat this one..already have a stache 29er 3.0 tires
  • 2 1
 I want one. Singlespeed compatible too please ????
  • 3 3
 it looks like a session... oh wait. wrong post, my bad.
  • 2 1
 D O W N C O U N T R Y
  • 1 1
 that top tube though..................?
  • 3 3
 Can't wait for IBIS to release their first Ebike!
  • 1 0
 My next XC bike for sure
  • 1 0
 I mean please Smile
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv56 0.058838
Mobile Version of Website