This article is part of the Mtbr's Enduro Compare-O. See all the stories in this special section here--https://reviews.mtbr.com/category/enduro-compare-o-2014

Some might call it a "hack" bike due to fact that the Ibis Mojo HDR was originally designed for 26-inch wheels, but based on rider feedback, the slightly modified geometry and slightly larger 27.5-inch wheels didn't hurt its performance. In fact, the Mojo HDR 27.5 takes all the positive attributes of the original and adds better cornering grip, rollability and versatility thanks to its ability to run both 26-inch and 27.5-inch wheels with a couple minor linkage tweaks and two different length shocks (You can check out our First Look at the HDR for a more in-depth explanation of the bike's changeable nature).

At first glance, the test riders' opinions of the HDR's looks varied.

"The HDR looks stout and heavy duty as the name suggests. Tires looked substantial and it had a ready for anything vibe. I like seeing ISCG tabs and a threaded bottom bracket. Cable routing looked good, though some might complain the dropper post cable wasn't internal," said one test rider. "Tire clearance seemed quite good. Even though I've never loved the Mojo's form factor (industrial design) I really liked the tasteful graphics-in the case of our bike, mostly raw carbon with neon accent."



Another rider found there to be a significant issue with the Mojo HDR.

"Timeless and iconic design. Love the looks-razor sharp, precise, clean. Neon yellow on the nude carbon pops. I like the external cable routing, easy to access and service. Done cleanly with bolt on cable guides," mused another rider. "My main gripe about the Mojo is that there's no provision for an easily reachable water bottle."

Genius dw-link Gets it Done



David Weagle is truly a boy genius. It seems every bike we ride that sports his suspension design performs with the utmost efficiency both up and downhill. The dw-link on the Mojo HDR is no exception. Boasting either 160mm of rear wheel travel with 26-inch wheels or 130mm of rear travel with 27.5-inch wheels (as tested), the Mojo HDR can go both ways without changing geometry spec of the original Mojo HDR. Our test bike featured a standard Fox Float CTD shock out back and a 140mm Fox Float 34 CTD up front.

Pedaling up the 1,500-foot vertical Sulphur Springs Road climb, riders were impressed overall with the HDR's climbing prowess, especially considering its somewhat portly 30-pound weight.

"The bike climbs with almost zero pedal induced bob thanks to the dw-link system, even with the CTD system in 'descend' mode," one rider said. "I was astonished to find this bike weighs almost 30 pounds."

Another rider praised the HDR's climbing ability as well.

"The HDR holds a line pretty well and the suspension helped the rear tire dig in on loose, steep climbs, even when pedaling erratically. I was actually amazed the rear didn't break loose a couple times when I picked deliberately poor lines," he said. "All around I found both Ibis'-I rode the Ripley too-climbed nimbly and efficiently."



In technical uphill sections, the dw-link showed off its superior anti-squat reputation.

"Very little traction loss even when out of the saddle. The dw-link is so efficient you can climb in 'trail' or even 'descend' mode through tech sections and maintain traction without bobbing all over the place. This is a true 'set and forget' bike," said yet another rider.

Continue to Page 2 for more on the Ibis Mojo HDR 27.5 and full photo gallery »

When Gravity Takes Over



Point the HDR downhill and let the smiles begin, albeit with a few minor caveats.

"The Mojo is a bike that rewards those with bike handling skills. In the right hands, this bike can shred anything. It's definitely a bike that can be overwhelmed by big hits, huge rocks and choppy, rutted out drops. But the Mojo feels so natural, so perfect, that it's like an extension of your body. A less skilled rider might be better suited on a 29er that offers better high-speed stability. Someone who wants razor sharp precision and a bike that will dance with you will be well suited on the HDR."

As speeds increased, the HDR took a bit more finessing.

"I found myself fighting the bike to get it turn. It felt like I really had to lean in hard and early-or just lock up the rear end and slide it-to get on my desired line in some cases," explained one rider. "I'm not saying it was horrible by any stretch, but I had to be more deliberate. The somewhat flexy wheels likely contribute to the feeling. Ultimately it demanded better form and is likely one of those niggles that goes away over time."

On rolling terrain, the slightly larger wheels helped the HDR bridge the momentum gap between 26 and 29-inch wheels.

"The HDR made everything seem easy. It feels like a 26er but rolls over rocks and logs like a 29er," explained another rider. "The handling was spot on and made me feel like I owned this bike from the get go. It was a bit on the heavy side to get going, but rolled very easily on the trail."

Component spec was very good on the HDR, with the KS LEV dropper post and Maxxis Minion tires getting multiple nods for their performance. However, a few riders wished that the somewhat noisy 2x10 drivetrain be swapped out for a SRAM 1x11 system.



"Overall, a solid parts mix. The Fox 34/Float CTD is a great combo, XT brakes are oustanding and fade free, Maxxis Minions a bit heavy but oh-so-tractiony, KS LEV seatpost was my favorite of the four posts I rode during the test," explained one rider. "I hated the noise and complication of double-ring setup-not to mention the weight-the Stan's ZTR Flow EX wheels felt flexy."

Who is This Bike For?

"Those with serious skill who want a bike that rewards skill. In the right hands, this bike can be piloted to do almost anything. It climbs exceptionally well and goes downhill like water down a raging river, although it isn't as effortless to pilot as some 29ers," said one rider, summarizing the commentary of others. "More novice riders might want to consider a bigger wheel bike, as it's more accommodating and forgiving when the limits of talent are inevitably reached. But for those who love the playful feel of a 26-inch bike and desire the added cornering traction and momentum of a 29-inch, the HDR is a must-ride."



The Final Word

Overall, the test riders agreed the HDR was a somewhat harsh ride in real chunky stuff yet a fully capable all-around performer.

"The dw-link provided hardtail-like efficiency on the ascents and came alive on descents. I prefer a more plush suspension feel than I could dial in on the HDR, though there's a certain taughtness to the DW package that might change my mind about that," commented one test rider.

Another rider compared the HDR's characteristics to a sports car.

"The HDR reminds me of a Porsche Cayman-highly refined, exacting standards, perfectly sculpted, timeless design, handles effortlessly, extremely forgiving and fits like a custom tailored suit," he said.

Although one of the test riders praised the performance of the HDR, the frame design was an insurmountable challenge.

"The lack of a reachable water bottle cage is unfortunately a deal breaker for me. I love this bike, but I hate being strangled by a hydration pack."

Ibis Mojo HDR 27.5 Key Specs

  • MRSP: $5965
  • Weight: 29.43 pounds (size large)
  • Wheel size: 27.5-inches (26-inch compatible)
  • Sizes: S, M, L, XL
  • Color: Nude carbon/neon yellow
  • Frame Material: Full Composite
  • Fork: Fox Float 34 CTD 140mm
  • Rear Travel: 160mm (27.5-inch) 130mm (26-inch)
  • Rear Shock: Fox Float CTD
  • Headset: Cane Creek
  • Handlebar: Ibis Carbon 740mm
  • Stem: Ibis Aluminum
  • Seatpost: KS LEV dropper
  • Brakes: Shimano XT 180mm Front, 160mm Rear
  • Brake Levers: Shimano XT
  • Shifters: Shimano XT 2x10
  • Front Derailleur: Shimano
  • Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT
  • Cassette: Shimano XT 10-36 cassette
  • Crankset: eThirteen 24t/34t/bashguard
  • Wheels: Stan's ZTR EX wheels with Speed Tuned XM hubs
  • Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.35 tubeless folding
  • Bottom Bracket Type: 68mm BSA English thread
  • ISCG Tabs: Yes
  • Chainguide: No
  • Head Tube Angle: 67.1 degrees
  • Seat Tube Angle: 71.1 degrees
  • Chainstay Length: 17.1 inches
  • Bottom Bracket Height: 13.5 inches

For more information visit www.ibiscycles.com.

This story is part of Mtbr's 2014 Enduro Compare-O. Check out our intro story here for all the ground rules and goings ons.


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