Without seeing the Ripley in person, I’m having a hard time seeing the pivot points in my mind, but I’m not doubting that the DW-Link goodness will shine through on this full-carbon 29er trailbike. With 120mm of travel, it’s just above the 100mm mark found on most XC-race 29ers, but is right about the sweet spot, in my opinion for a 29er trailbike.

Sporting a tapered head-tube, the Ripley has actually been built to handle up to 140mm forks. And, with Fox’s new 34 FLOAT and TALAS 29 forks hitting bike shops now, the Ripley will likely be clad with them as perfect matches to the Kashima-coated Fox RP23 rear shock. A 140 front 120 rear 29er is definitely less common than a 100/100 or 120/120, but are 29er riders ready for all that squish to go with their big wheels? 2012 will be a great year to find out.

Ibis Ripley 29er Specs:

• 29″ wheels (news flash)
• 120mm rear wheel dw-link travel
• Twin angular contact composite bearing eccentric linkages
• Full carbon fiber monocoque with sacrifical core molding
• Tapered head tube (Cane Creek AngleSet & Chris King InSet compatible)
• Kashima coated Fox Float RP23 with Adaptive Logic Boost Valve technology
• Clean cable routing with molded carbon cable stops and provisions for cable-actuated adjustable seat posts
• BB92/Press GXP style integrated BB is lighter and stiffer and better for molding
• 142mm Maxle rear axle provides high axle stiffness with QR ease of wheel removal and installation
• 160mm carbon fiber post mount rear brake mounts
• High direct front derailleur, mounted to swingarm
• Geometry designed to work with 120-140mm forks
• 34mm fork stanchion approved
• 4 Sizes (S, M, L, XL)
• Head angle – 71° with a 120mm fork / 69.5° with a 140mm fork
• 17.5″ chainstays
• Weight: TBD
• Price: TBD but in line with our other frames
• Delivery TBD, but not in 2011

Here’s the official info from Ibis on the new Mojo SL-R:

After five years of refinement on the Mojo SL, it was time for a full reboot. The result is the Mojo SL-R, a sub-5 lb. (2250g) trail bike frame with the same proven Mojo/Mojo SL geometry and dw-link suspension (140 mm travel). At the heart of it, the Mojo SL-R utilizes a new manufacturing technology that delivers a stronger, stiffer, lighter and more consistent carbon fiber structure.

In addition to this new manufacturing method, we utilized several new component standards to further optimize the design:

• Tapered 1 1/8” to 1.5” head tube (Cane Creek ZS44 ZeroStack 1 1/8″ top/ Traditional 1.5″ bottom). Provides more precise steering control and enables the use of Cane Creek’s AngleSet for customized steering geometry.
• 142 x 12mm Maxle through-axle rear drop outs. Tie the rear end together providing a stout Mojo HD like swing arm and easier wheel installation.
• Direct mount front derailleur, using the high direct mount standard. It delivers drivetrain compatibility for both 2×10 and 3×10. Also, eliminates the “neck-down” of the seat tube improving BB stiffness and frame strength.
• BB92/Press GXP style integrated BB is lighter and stiffer.

Additional features include:

• FOX RP23 with Genuine Kashima Coat and Adaptive Logic ProPedal shock standard.
• Carbon fiber post-mount rear brake mounts and integrated drop outs.
• Four colors: Black & Blue, Lamborine Orange, South Beach White and DB5 Silver.
• The new chain suck plate has more coverage.
• Same proven geometry of the Mojo SL.
• Titanium fasteners abound.
• Links interchangeable with Mojo SL links.
• Best of all, target weight for the frame is sub 5 pounds (2250g) for a large matte clear.
• Complete bike with XTR in size large 22.4lbs (10.16 kilos) w/o pedals.
• MSRP: $2499 (frame only)
• Available late June 2011

More Info: Visit IbisCycles.com

By utilizing the same frame as the HD, Ibis has come up with swappable “Limbo Chips” (arched forward shock mounts) that will allow the HD to accept the standard shocks utilized on the Mojo and Mojo SL models, thus dropping the travel to 140mm and steepening up the head angle by a degree (with 150mm fork).

Chatting with Scot Nicol (Owner, Ibis Cycles), he acknowledged that the HD may be overkill for some folks, but those same peeps are clamoring for the new tapered steerer forks and/or they want something a little beefier than the Mojo/Mojo SL. While I absolutely love the Mojo, I can see how people might want just a little more beef and are willing to sacrifice a few pounds to do it.

Quick Rundown of the Mojo HD 140:

• 140mm rear wheel travel (vs 160mm w/HD)
• 68-deg head angle w/150mm travel fork (vs 67-deg with HD and 160mm fork)
• 6.1 lb frame (vs 6.2 lb for HD)
• 32mm stanchion fork saves significant weight
• Accepts tapered-steerer forks
• 13.5″ BB height (vs 13.8m for HD)
• Same anti-squat platform, but lighter and quicker than the HD
• Availability: Late August 2010
• MSRP: TBA (guessing same as HD at $2399)

More Info: Visit IbisCycles.com – Download Mojo HD 140 Spec Sheet (PDF)

Ibis Mojo HD Features

• Completely new molds and design from the standard Mojo
• Utilizes the same carbon layup as the Mojo SL
• DW-Link suspension design yielding 160mm travel
• 12×135 Maxle rear thru-axle for added stiffness
• Tapered steerer for added control
• Up to 2.5″ tire clearance (depends on tire)
• Fox RP23 rear shock standard
• Colors: White, Vitamin P (tested) and Matte Black
• Linkages available in red, blue or black anodized
• Weight: 6.31 lbs
• MSRP: $2399

Ibis Mojo HD Review

While I typically like to ride the bike for awhile before reviewing, this review comes following a single 2-hour ride. I can say that in that time, I was able to ride a variety of trails and felt instantly comfortable aboard the HD. I’m confident that a long-term review would yield more of the same results.

Hopping aboard the HD for the first time, the bike felt BIG… really big. So much so that I was worried I should have elected to ride the Medium instead of the Large. Realizing that this bike was equipped with a longer-travel fork (2011 Fox Float 36) and slackened angles throughout, I was content sticking it out with the Large. In the end, the sizing was a non-issue, but if I were to purchase an HD, I’d want to ride the Medium just to be sure.

To yield 160mm of travel out of the HD, the entire frame design and molds were cast specifically for this big rig. There is a definite family resemblance (uncanny, right?), but everything is HD-specific. The carbon layup is the same as the Mojo SL and overall weight is a mere half-pound more than the regular carbon Mojo at 6.31 lbs.

The test bike was equipped with a slew of 2011 components including: Shimano XT Dyna-Sys (10 speed), Fox Float 36 RLC fork and Fox RP23 shock. The wheels were Crank Brothers Iodine’s and the treads were WTB’s new Mutano 2.4′s with TCS. So, a killer parts spec.

I was amazed when I hit the dirt that this bike (though offering much more travel), immediately felt like a Mojo. Well, it felt like a Mojo on steroids. (Now don’t go calling BALCO or anything because the HD was made from hard work and serious R&D, not cheater juice.) There’s a reason why I love the DW-Link suspension design so much and it is even more evident when hopping back aboard one. The overall feel is so supple, yet efficient.

Not one time on the climbs did I feel the need to reach for the Propedal switch — there’s no need for it. While the angles are slacker than the Mojo and the squish is notably increased, the complete package felt amazingly-balanced without extensive front-end wander in the steep stuff. You do, however, notice the extra squish and heft on the up. I didn’t feel quite as quick as I do on the Mojo, so keep that in mind. This bike will definitely not keep up with your XC-racing buddies, but that’s not what you’re buying the HD for, is it?

You buy the HD so you can fly downhill with pinpoint control and finesse. Once the trails opened up and speeds increased, the HD begins to show its true character as a descending superstar. Despite being a bigger, heftier bike, the HD feels comfortable, agile and of course, smooth on the downhill. Without question, this bike will deliver no matter how hard you push it. Jumps, berms, drops, tables, rock gardens… please, this bike will simply fly through it all.

Bringing this bike back down to reality, the HD is not for everyone. It is a high-flying vert-devouring machine that’s built to ride fast and hard. If you plan to do anything less than that all the time, I’d say the regular Mojo will be just fine. I had a great time on the HD and on the right trails with the right pilot, the HD will be the weapon of choice. You just need to decide for yourself which one will be your cup of tea.

Good Mojo HD

• Despite the increased travel and slacker angles, it feels just as balanced as the regular Mojo
• Responsive and fast
• One of the most capable climbers in its class
• It just feels comfortable… like an old friend
• So light for what you’re getting
• Carbon fiber adds to the smoothness
• Lateral stiffness is unmatched
• Tapered head tube provides added stiffness

Bad Mojo HD

• Thru-axle rear adds stiffness, but limits wheel selection
• Still difficult to find, but production is catching up
• May be overkill for many riders who could be OK with the Mojo
• Expensive, but there are more expensive models on the market from competitive brands

Bottom Line: Ibis Mojo HD

I had an amazing morning on the HD and was able to push it hard. In the end, the HD impresses with Mojo-like balance and agility in a longer-travel and more capable package. Downhill junkies and technical trail riders will appreciate the full 160mm of travel provided by this DW-Link-equipped steed. No matter the obstacles and terrain, the HD simply won’t flinch.

Buy Now: Visit Wrenchscience.com or Search for a Local Dealer

(6/25/10: Ready my Ibis Mojo HD Review)

I saw the Mojo HD in person while at Interbike last Fall and as a Mojo owner, I’m stoked on the longer-travel design. While I’ve yet to feel like I’m bottoming-out my Mojo, an extra bit of plush with the same efficiency sounds sublime. And, the frame continues to be as sexy as all get-out. Head on over the Ibis Web site for more details about the new Mojo HD.

Mojo HD Specs:

• 160mm of rear wheel travel via DW Link suspension
• Weight for the frame and shock (Fox RP23), size large: 6.3 lbs, 2.86Kg.
• 67 degree head angle with a 160mm fork
• Polycarbonate down tube cable guard.
• Chain stay length: 17.125?
• 12 x 135mm Maxle rear axle
• Post mount magnesium left dropout, carbon right dropout
• Compatible with the new tapered steerer standard
• Compatible with both Chris King InSet and Cane Creek Frustum headsets
• 2.35?-2.55? rear tire depending on brand and height of cornering knobs
• Dual row angular contact bearings in the front of the lower link for stiffness and long wear
• The Bottom Bracket height is 13.8?-14? depending on tires
• Top-tube cable routing for front derailleur and adjustable seatpost
• Colors: White, Carbon and “bright color (TBD)
• MSRP: $2399

More Info: Visit IbisCycles.com

May I present the 2009 FeedTheHabit.com Gear of the Year:

DaKine Blockade Gloves

Super-versatile, comfortable and warm enough for most high-output winter activities (backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, trail running, etc.), the DaKine Blockade gloves feature Gore Windstopper and softshell fabrics to ensure long-term durability. Read full review…

Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover

This jacket quickly won me over with its ultralight insulation and flexibility. Use it as a mid-layer or outer layer–either way, the Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover is a winner. Read full review…

Mountain Hardwear Hooded Compressor PL Jacket

Lightweight and even more versatile than the Patagonia Nano Puff, the Mountain Hardwear Hooded Compressor Jacket utilizes Primaloft Eco insulation and has all the bells-and-whistles you’d expect from Mountain Hardwear. I love the warmth of this jacket and found it to be an excellent outer layer for backcountry touring when things got chilly. Read full review…

Scarpa Skookum Alpine Touring Ski Boots

With the versatility to go Dynafit or Fritschi, the Scarpa Skookum’s are a solid choice for burly backcountry tours. The extra weight is well worth it on the Skookum as these boots absolutely shine on the down while maintaining supreme walkability on the up. The Intuition liner and proven design make the these winners. Read full review…

Arc’teryx Fury AR Windstopper Pants

It’s usually hard to find fault with Arc’teryx gear and the Fury AR pants are great backcountry skiing pants. The trim fit of the Windstopper softshell fabric screams efficiency, but the brushed lining also helps them breathe while adding a titch of warmth when needed. Read full review…

La Sportiva Crosslite Trail Runners

Tenacious grip… race-car handling… nope, not an Audi S4, but the now-beloved La Sportiva Crosslite trail running shoes. These kicks were fast and fun on the trails. While not cushiony enough for long-distance training (at least for a flat-footer like me), these shoes simply nailed it on 4-5 mile runs and would be an excellent choice for race-day. Read full review…

Chaco Paradox Sandals

Not the most technical footwear but fun and extremely-comfortable shoes/sandals for cruising around. These are the sandals that should have gone viral instead of Crocs, but that’s another story. Super-comfortable Bio-centric footbeds, excellent traction and super breathability. Read full review…

Jetboil Flash Cooking System

Welcomed improvements to the already-stellar Jetboil Personal Cooking System make this an easy choice. Boiling water has never been so easy and cooking meals in the backcountry for yourself has never been so quick. I’m really digging the new Flash PCS. Read full review…

SRAM XX Components

SRAM has really come up with a killer component spec in the new XX grouppo. While the full meal deal doesn’t come cheap (it costs more than XTR), it is without a doubt the smoothest shifting drivetrain I’ve ever pedaled. Add on top of that the weight savings and simplification of a 2×10 design and there’s no way I could overlook the new SRAM XX this year. Read full review…

Fox TALAS 32 RLC 15QR Suspension Fork

As the pioneer of long-travel single-crown suspension forks, the 2010 Fox TALAS 32 RLC is for real. With the new FIT dampening system and the solid 15QR axle, this lightweight wonder offers smooth travel that’s fully adjustable in every way shape and form to be both XC efficient and AM durable. Read full review…

Ibis Mojo SLX Mountain Bike

Full-carbon goodness wrapped in the much-lauded DW-Link suspension design in a complete bike for under $3000! Are you kidding me?!? To think that you can get into a complete Ibis Mojo for that price is really unthinkable, in my opinion. The parts spec is rather pedestrian with a full Shimano SLX grouppo, RockShox Revelation fork and Ibis house-brand wheels and cockpit–still nothing to shake a stick at. While my review of the Ibis Mojo was a custom build, there’s no way you will find an equally-impressive all-mountain bike for $3000 on the market today. Read full review…

Santa Cruz Tallboy 29er

I’ve got a serious love affair with 29ers and the all-new Santa Cruz Tallboy simply blew me away with its quiet smoothness and versatility. I was not expecting such a refined steed from a 29er newbie, but Santa Cruz definitely did their homework with this one. Read full review…

There you have it… my picks for the 2009 Gear of the Year. What’s on your 2009 best gear list?

(6/25/10: Read my Ibis Mojo HD Review. A bigger, burlier Mojo.)

As additional boutique bike manufacturers have adopted the much-heralded DW-Link suspension design, the praise has followed. But, only one combines full carbon with the DW-Link and that’s the Ibis Mojo. The DW suspension platform lives up to the hype–no question. So, would the carbon/DW combo prove to be the silver bullet? Locked and loaded, I was bent on finding out the answer to that question with a custom-built 2010 Ibis Mojo.

About the Ibis Mojo

Since its introduction in 2005, which also ushered the return of Scot Nicol to Ibis, the Mojo has won many awards as well as the hearts of a faithful crowd over at MTBR.com.  Outside Magazine has gushed over it and so have most of the mainstream mountain biking publications over the past 4 years. The fireplace is adorned with everything short of an Oscar, I guess. And to top it all off, the vibe at IbisCycles.com is witty and a bit irreverent, which adds to the fun of the brand.

The standard Mojo is built from head-to-toe in the latest in high-modulus carbon fiber with smooth lines and available in five colors. Here are a few more specs:

• High-modulus carbon-fiber
• Easy-to-service pivots and bearings
• Lopes Link now standard for increased stiffness
• Forged and nickel-plated links in chrome, blue or red
• Travel: 140mm (5.5″)
• Colors: Clear, Nuclear Pesto, Guiness Foam, Vicious Blue or Eddy Orange
• Weight: Sub-6 lbs. (frame & shock)
• MSRP: $1999 (frame & shock)

Ibis Mojo Review

Upon arrival, the Mojo had a set of Crank Brothers Iodine wheels, a 2010 Fox 2010 32 TALAS fork and a complete SRAM X.9 group waiting in the garage to complete the build–solid parts to adorn this carbon beauty. I ended up with the clear black color frame (after waiting a few weeks for the Guiness Foam), which in the end looks to be the best choice in combination with the burnt orange wheels… it’s a looker both on and off the trails.

The complete build was performed by the crew at Timpanogos Cyclery in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Not only did they do a great job, but they turned it around in an afternoon in rockstar fashion. The mechanics were stoked to build up the Mojo and had the final weight waiting for me upon arrival… 26.5 lbs.! I knew it would be light, but not that light! I’m confident if I carbon this thing out, it would easily drop below 26 lbs.

My Mojo Custom Build

• 2010 Ibis Mojo (Size: Large – Color: Clear – Lopes Link)
• Rear Shock: 2010 Fox RP23 w/Boostvalve
• Front Shock: 2010 Fox 32 TALAS 150 RLC
• Wheelset: Crank Brothers Iodine
• Drivetrain/Shifting: SRAM X.9
• Cranks: Shimano SLX
• Brakes: Avid Elixir R (180 front / 160 rear)
• Tires: WTB Wolverine 2.2 F/R
• Stem: Syncros AM (60mm / 12deg)
• Seatpost: Ibis
• Bars: Ibis low riser
• Headset: Cane Creek IS3
• Saddle: WTB Rocket-V
• Pedals: Crank Brothers Candy SL

On the Dirt

Once built-up, I couldn’t believe just how absolutely sexy this bike was. After a photo session suitable for a fashion model, I was this close to keeping it hanging in the garage a few more days just to enjoy it, but alas… the trails beckoned.

After looking through the included Owner’s Manual (yup, I actually read parts of it) for suggested rear sag settings, I settled on 15mm sag for my weight (175 lbs.) and riding style (everything, everywhere, all the time). That put me at 140 psi., which has turned out to be perfect for both XC and AM riding. The front fork took a little more fiddling to find the right air pressure, but in the end I’ve settled on 80 psi. For the first few rides, you may want to be sure and take a shock pump along as you fine-tune the suspension to your liking.

Above all, I keep coming back to the light weight of this bike as built. My goal was not to build the lightest bike, but this is by far the lightest all-mountain bike I’ve owned and it is absolutely amazing how much of a difference dropping a couple of pounds can make.

OK… once I got past the ooo’s and aahhh’s of the bike and its light weight, I was bent on finding its weak spots on the trail. I’ve now ridden the Mojo on a variety of nearby trails–from high-energy XC burn-fests to thousand-foot climbs and on down fast and technical descents. Nothing fazes this thing.

In all conditions, the DW-Link suspension provides super-efficient pedaling performance. Climbing traction is awesome in all conditions with the only weakness shown in the tire traction at times on steep, rocky pitches. The entire rear-end stays steady and smooth under occasional hard pedaling and digs in for fast power transfer throughout all types of steady climbs. The occasional standing climb does blow through the travel a bit more, but traction is maintained.

When pointing this bike downhill, the suspension really shines. I love how well it soaks up obstacles and adapts to varied terrain. Rock drops and jumps are no match for this bike as it launches with ease and lands with bottomless comfort. The suspension ramps up well with consistently smooth resistance–making the 5.5″ of travel feel like more. I’m sure the new 2010 Fox RP23 with Boost Valve that I’ve been riding improves the downhill performance over the 2009 model, but I didn’t have a 2009 model shock on this particular bike for a direct comparison. All I can tell you is the new 2010 RP23 is perfect on this bike.

Like all full-suspension bikes (except full-bore DH rigs), there are some small bump compliance issues where you can feel the rear end bouncing on rutted or rocky downhills, but it’s acceptable and forgetful considering how well this bike performs otherwise.

I’ve found the 2010 Fox 32 TALAS 150 with 15QR to be the perfect fork for this bike. Without question, the adjustability of the TALAS system makes this bike even more versatile, but if you’re running short on cash and have to settle for a 140mm or 150mm fork without travel adjustment, you won’t be sacrificing much. At full 150mm travel mode, this bike climbs with minimal wander and descends with confidence. Dropping it to 130mm slightly reduces front-end wander and makes for a little speedier handling (excellent for XC-style romps).

Some may question the durability of carbon fiber, but throughout my tests, this bike has felt absolutely solid with no perceptible flex or weakness. Like any bike frame, a hard crash may require inspection by a mechanic, but carbon frames can in most cases be repaired easier than aluminum or steel tubes.

An email from Scot Nicol yielded a bit of the thought process behind selecting carbon fiber for the Mojo:

“When we first conceived of the Mojo back in ’03 or so, one of our biggest questions was about the acceptance of the material. We rolled the dice and went for it. At first there were a lot of questions about it. But once people got some time on their Mojos and reported back on MTBR and places like that, the acceptance became less and less an issue.

Now we’ve got guys like Brian Lopes riding it, and all you need to do is look at the video we’ve posted (go full screen) on the Lopes page on our website, and that should make a bit of a believer out of you.”

~ Ibis Founder, Scot Nicol

I opted to mount the Crank Brothers Iodine wheels on my Mojo and they have been the perfect wheelset for this bike. I suppose if you wanted to save 363 grams, you could go with the Cobalt’s, but the lateral stiffness, quick engagement and worry-free performance has been a perfect match for the Mojo. Leaning hard into the corners, the Mojo just carves with ease and the wheelset provides just the right stiffness to maintain a consistent trail feel. The Mojo SLX is now shipping with Ibis wheels, which look solid and offer 9mm, 15mm and 20mm axle compatibility out of the box.

I’ve had more fun on the Mojo than on any other bike I can recall to date. It’s versatility is really unmatched (adding an adjustable-travel fork adds to that) and its overall efficiency just screams to be ridden and ridden hard. I love pounding out XC terrain and flying through twisty singletrack one day and then pushing the limits of my lungs and the Mojo on high-altitude climbs the next day. It is a consistent and comfortable performer when gravity takes over and always seems to glide through all types of sketchy terrain.

Good Mojo

• The most confidence-inspiring bike I’ve owned in a long time
• Amazingly-light and fast up and down
• Super stiff frame feels solid
• Very flickable
• Drop-dead sexy looks
• Smoothest-climbing bike with 5.5″ travel
• Climbs straight with 150mm fork–even without reducing travel
• Built-in seatpost QR is smooth to use
• No weight limit on the frame
• 2-year warranty
• Absorbs drops and soaks up rough terrain
• Hauls tail equally well in XC or rugged AM terrain

Bad Mojo

• Difficulty in getting certain frame colors
• Location of single water bottle mount is a waste
• I have heard complaints about clearcoat chippage, but nothing so far with mine
• Some people just won’t believe carbon fiber can be this capable (their loss)

The Bottom Line: 2010 Ibis Mojo

It’s hard not to gush over this bike. Superlatives like “best ever” and “bike of the year” are said with care because the overall feel of a bike depends on riding style and terrain, but I will step out on a limb and call the 2010 Ibis Mojo the most fun, most versatile and most capable mountain bike I’ve ever owned or ridden. The custom build I’ve got isn’t cheap, but you can get a similarly-performing bike for $3000 with the Mojo SLX kit and upgrade as needed. I can say with confidence that you could not make a better choice for true all-mountain performance.

Buy Now: Visit Wrenchscience.com to Buy an Ibis Mojo

(6/24/10: Read my Ibis Mojo HD Review… yes, it lives up to the hype)

Here’s the word from Brian Lopes after racing in “The Enduro MTB Trophy of Nations” race in Vars, France this past weekend:

The Enduro race was a lot harder than I expected. The toll it took on everything: wheels, tires, brakes, suspension, the body, and of course the frame were beyond what I imagined. The new “HD” Ibis never missed a beat. For only getting the frame one week ago & with only one ride on it before packing it up for this race, it couldn’t have gone through any more of a test than the abusive one I gave it here in France. With 10 demanding races, 3 of which ended with flat tires, the French won all but one race (which I won!). It was hard to beat them on a course they knew better than all the rest, basically they were on their home track at times, where knowing the course saved them time.

It’s hard to believe that this bike isn’t much heavier than the standard mojo, as it was eating up courses that were worthy of full-on DH rigs. The added travel, stiffness, clearance for larger tires and a 8″ rotor allow you to take on the toughest terrain you can throw at it, but it’s still efficient and light enough to pedal up any hill. Another weapon is added to the ibis line up…

Both the HD and my current Mojo look stunning dressed in the new CrankBrothers Iodine wheels eh?

2010 Ibis Mojo “HD” Prototype Specs

• Price and availability TBD (I hope to hop on one at Interbike)
• 160mm of rear wheel travel.
• DW Link Suspension
• 26″ Wheels
• Target weight for the frame and shock: 6.2-6.5 lbs. (we’re not there yet but are fine-tuning the layup)
• 67 degree head angle with a 160mm fork (Brian was running a 170mm fork this weekend, you can also run a 180mm)
• Chain stay length: 17.125″
• Top tube lengths are the same as regular Mojos
• 12 x 135mm RockShox Maxle rear axle
• Post mount magnesium left dropout, carbon right dropout
• Head Tube: Tapered steerer (1-1/8 to 1.5) or standard 1-1/8
• Tire Clearance: Up to 2.5 (depending on knobbies)
• Dual row angular contact bearings in the front of the lower link that have less play than standard sealed bearings. Preload adjustment is not necessary. Large 28mm x 15mm x 7mm radial bearings in the rear for stiffness and long wear.
• The leverage ratio, like the Mojo and Mojo SL is designed for air shocks. The Mojo HD comes with a 8.5″ x 2.5″ Fox RP23. A DHX air will work on all but the small size. A coil shock is not offered because the linkage rates weren’t designed for it. We lowered the top tube to get slightly better standover than the regular mojo while having a higher BB because of the longer travel (we managed to retain the DHX air compatibility in 3 of the 4 sizes).
• The Bottom Bracket height is 13.8″-14″ depending on tires.
• Chain guide development is well on its way, we’ll announce compatible brands soon. The frame will not have ISCG mounts so it will not be Truvativ Hammerschmidt compatible (what are they thinking!?!?!).
• The HD runs full cable housing. Rear brake and rear derailleur run on the down tube, with hidden swingarm housing for the rear derailleur.
• Front derailleur (if you use one) and adjustable seatpost housing (if you use one) run along the top tube.

More Info: IbisCycles.com

When they wheeled it out from behind the counter, my jaw dropped and all four mechanics stood as if at attention… this bike is something to behold. I couldn’t help but keep staring at it either… wow.

After a photography session fit for a rockstar, the Ibis Mojo custom build is now ready to hit the trails and get dirty. I’m anxious to see how it performs. The first dirt times are scheduled for later this week, so I’ll soon know if this bike is all looks or if it also packs some solid trail slayer moves under that sexy skin. The details on the build are as follows:

• 2010 Ibis Mojo with 2010 Fox RP23
• 2010 Fox 32 TALAS RLC with 15qr
• CrankBrothers Iodine All-mountain wheelset
• SRAM X.9 drivetrain
• Shimano SLX crankset
• WTB Wolverine 2.2 tires
• Ibis handlebars and seatpost, Syncros AM Stem
• ODI Lock-on OURY grips

More Photos: Visit My Picasa Album

In Northern California, the crew that takes care of the fine singletrack in and around Downieville is the Sierra Buttes Trails Stewardship. As with all trail building organizations, they are always looking for donations to support the cause. This year, Ibis, Marzocchi, Shimano and Easton are providing a killer Ibis Mojo as bait to get all y’all to throw down in support of their efforts. Here are the details:

Here in Northern California, Spring has muscled winter aside which has in turn been temporarily displaced by summer with temps in the mid 90′s. The furnaces in our houses have been put back into hibernation and we’re enjoying monster traction on our local trails. “Ego Dirt” we call it, because just about anyone can pilot a bike around corners like Brian Lopes in these conditions.

The racing and festival season is heating up too; Sea Otter just finished, The Fruita Fat Tire Festival is this week, followed by Ales and Trails the next weekend and so on.

One Mid-Summer event that gets us particularly excited is the Downieville Classic. It’s in the tiny mountain town of Downieville, not too far from California’s Lake Tahoe, and one of the best events of the year. No cell phones work up there, no internet, just a few days of bike riding, camping and swimming in warm rivers. In other words, good clean fun.

Q: Why do we like Downieville?
A: Because the riding is exceptional
Q: Why is the riding exceptional?
A: Because of the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship

About the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship

This small dedicated group of rapscallions and rabble-rousers have been tirelessly building trails up in Downieville for the last few years: Winter, Summer Spring and Fall. Due in great part to their efforts, Downieville and environs has become one of the premier mountain bike destinations in the US.

When the good people at Yuba Expeditions asked us if we wanted to sponsor the Downieville Classic this year, we didn’t hesitate for a second. And the good folks at Yuba let us specify that 100% of the money we put toward “The Classic” will go to the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship (SBTS).

Enter the raffle to win an Ibis Mojo, help build a trail

We’re finally getting to the heart of this email. We are going to raffle off a brand spankin’ new Mojo worth well north of $5,000.00.

We’ve enlisted the help of our rider Brian Lopes. Brian likes Downieville just like we do, and we all decided we wanted to give a little something back. So we asked Brian to spec out a bike like he’d be riding up in Downieville. He did, and we asked his other sponsors helped us out with parts. They did.

Now it’s your turn, and FIVE BUCKS IS ALL IT TAKES TO BUY A RAFFLE TICKET but we think you’ll want to give a little more. The more you buy, the more trails you help build and the greater the chance you have of winning.

We will ship anywhere, so if you’re in another country, go ahead and enter. Your size and color choice is also part of the deal. The drawing happens April 27, so hurry up and get your raffle on!

Buy Tickets: Visit Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship