Ibis Mojo HD Review

I met up with the Ibis crew while on their whirlwind demo tour through Utah and they bestowed upon me a dirty and well-loved Ibis Mojo HD for my morning ride. With two demo events on consecutive nights, I was able to ride it without the worries of having to return the bike in 30 min. So, I took my time and had a blast on the HD.

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.

The Good 

• 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

The Bad 

• 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

The 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: Get an Ibis from CompetitiveCyclist.com