2015 Ibis Mojo HD3 – First Impressions

The HD3 is pure Ibis. The design language is unmistakable – but you’ll notice that our tester came with a bottle cage mounted to the top of the downtube. Ibis also put some more room in the cockpit, took some length out of the stays and slackened the front end. A little. The optional poly-carbonate down tube guide was installed on our tester.

One of the strengths of the build comes straight from Ibis. This level of trim (XTR 1X WERX) includes Ibis’ 741 wide carbon wheels. We’ve been on a set of these for some time and they have been flawless. Light, wide and incredibly stiff, they are even good value when purchased in the after market. The Fox 36 RC2 160mm is a great fit for this bike.

Several of us have ridden the Cane Creek DB Inline rear shock in one-off situations but this is the first time we’ve had it on a long term test bike. Based on our experience with the Double Barrel my expectations are high. The DBinline weighs approximately 295 grams, saving you 200 grams over the DB Air.

The original DB Air came with a tool to perform trail side adjustments. The DBinline’s four damping adjustments (high and low speed for both rebound and compression) are manipulated with a 3mm Allen key. The shock is also equipped with a climb switch to firm up the compression for the way up.

This level of trim includes an internally routed KS Lev post with 150 mm of infinite adjustment. The nice looking Chromoly-railed saddle is Ibis branded.

Et tu Brute? Shimano hasn’t exactly embraced the 1 by revolution but their OE customers have dragged them into the mix. The XTR 11-speed cogset has a range of 11-40.

To transfer your ferocious energy rearward, Ibis has spec’ed a RaceFace Turbine crank with a 30 tooth ring which includes RF’s answer to SRAM’s narrow wide innovation.

HDR 650b

One of my concerns about the HDR 650b was a lack of rear wheel clearance. Despite having shorter stays the HD3 has plenty of room to allow muck and rocks to pass through freely – and will accept a 2.4″ tire.

Ibis 741 wheels are now available equipped with a DT Swiss 350 rear hub. As an aftermarket option this adds $150 to a set of wheels – but you’ll get a reliable 54 tooth ratchet with 6 degree engagement.

Fat rims, top notch Maxxis Minion DHF F60 3C/EXO TR 2.30 tires and Shimano XT brakes (180mm front, 160mm rear).

The HDR 650b came with a 70mm Ibis stem. This spec includes a Thomson 50mm beauty paired with Ibis’ 740mm bars. I’m a convert to wide bars so if I end up being the tester (odds are good but the bike just arrived today so some wrestling may have to occur) I’ll be swapping it out for something wider. Preferably 780.

An internal lower headset cup lowers the front end some. The internal cable routing is clean and slick, with the option for a front derailleur. The frame also accepts ISCG 05 guides. The XTR rear shifter has a carbon upshift lever and dual release (two cogs per shift) up or down.

This is an undeniably beautiful bike but I realized something has been niggling at me about it. As recently as July I gushed about the HDR, and the HD3 is every bit as lovely to look at. But in this age of constant change planned obsolesence, I think I was hoping for an updated look. If you seek freshness check the HD3 in 917 (named after the classic racing Porsche in Gulf Oil colours) or Green Machine. The bike looks more modern to my eyes with either of the more colourful options.

The size large tester weighed 27.91 lbs before pedals making it the lightest of the carbon 650b all mountain steeds we’ve tested – with suitably beefy rubber mounted.

When lined up with some of the major players in this segment, the Ibis distinguishes itself as the steepest and longest in the field. Its chainstays are only a touch longer than the 650b Enduro and BB height is right in the middle.