Ibis

Mojo SL-R

In this world of rapid change and technological progression, it would seem impossible that a full suspension bike frame could not only endure, but stay at the top of its game for 6 years. However that's exactly what the Ibis Mojo has done. Granted, it went on a diet to become the Mojo SL, but it was the original dw-link, full carbon monocoque, and shapely design that won our hearts. Not a company to rest on its laurels, Ibis has re-spun the classic Mojo with new molding technology and our favorite new component standards to become an even better bike, the Ibis Mojo SL-R.

The Mojo SL-R uses a new molding process to shave a third of a pound from the weight of the SL. A size large frameset with the Fox RP23 rear shock weighs just under five pounds, and our sources at Ibis tell us that it's nearly as stiff as the Mojo HD frame. This is an understated way to say that the SL-R possesses a remarkable stiffness/weight ratio. The stiffer frame will steer better and allow more accurate tuning of the front and rear suspension. After all that's what it's there for. Out back, Ibis specs the latest Fox RP23 rear shock with Kashima Coat and Adaptive Logic Boost Valve. Just like its effect on the front forks, Kashima Coat creates a slicker more durable finish on the shock shaft. This allows the rear suspension to respond to bump input with greater sensitivity. This rear shock has user adjustable rebound damping and a two position lever that now selects from climb mode (comparable to the #3 Propedal setting on last year's RP23) to Propedal with selections from 0 (open for super plush descending) to 2 (medium damping) for the low speed compression side of things.

The 140mm rear suspension design stays largely the same. The dw-link controlled movement provides an optimal blend of all-mountain suspension characteristics. One of the most notable traits is its built in anti-squat. The position of the linkages creates resistance in the suspension to the rearward transfer of mass and subsequent compression (squat) of the rear end as you stomp the pedals and accelerate. This anti-squat transfers your pedal input into forward motion instead of "monkey motion." According to Dave Weagle, the dw-link creator, the anti-squat properties built into the Mojo SL-R rear suspension allow Ibis to use a more lightly damped shock. This translates into greater bump sensitivity, traction, and control in all trail situations whether accelerating or coasting. The Mojo SL-R has that "buttery smooth" feel of a coil spring without the weight penalty. With the dw-link, the chainstay length increase is minimal and occurs at a constant and smooth rate. Pedal feedback as the suspension cycles is nominal and doesn't markedly change from the small to the big ring. We've found it to be a square-edge bump-eating machine.

The bike is designed with a 69 degree head angle that is optimized for a 140mm travel front fork. However, it's fully compatible with Cane Creek's Angleset Headset that would allow you to adjust the head angle, in total, from 67.5 degree to 70.5 degree to change the steering behavior of the bike to suit your personal taste. Ibis recommends forks up to 150mm for lovers of aggressive terrain.

The Mojo SL-R is 100% carbon fiber except for the inserts at the linkage shaft bores, threaded inserts for the rear brakes, front derailleur direct mount plate, and threads for the rear Maxle. The composite frame sections are molded in one piece to exploit the benefits of an exacting layup schedule and to eliminate any unnecessary material. The one-piece carbon structures are stiff and durable and provide the ultimate platform for the dw-link to do its work. Each alloy link is forged, CNC machined, polished, and anodized for the ultimate in stiffness and sex appeal. To finish off the quest for lightness, all of the pivot hardware for the SL-R is machined from 6/4 titanium.

The cable/hose routing is similar to what you'd find on the Mojo HD, with provisions for a cable actuated dropper seatpost on the top tube. The rear brake and rear derailleur will route under the down tube, and the rock-proof Mojo HD cable protector will mount right up to protect them if you find yourself in loose rocky conditions often.

The Ibis Mojo SL-R comes in four sizes -- Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large and is available in Matte Clear/blue, South Beach White, DB5 Silver, and Lamborine Orange. Anodized Black is the standard color for the dw-links, however Red and Blue are available upon request. Please call us to order with your preference. It takes a 31.6mm seatpost and comes standard with a bolt-on seatpost clamp. It requires a direct mount top-pull front derailleur, and the post style rear brake mount will allow a direct caliper mount for 160mm rotor. The Mojo SL-R has a 1-1/8" to 1.5" tapered headtube (44mm ID top and 49mm ID bottom) and accepts a mixed tapered headset. It is compatible with Angleset. You'll need to use a BB92 (pressfit) style bottom bracket, and the rear dropouts take a 12 x 142mm rear hub (Maxle thru-axle included).

Ibis Cycles offers a 3 year warranty on the Mojo SL-R frame. Please follow this link to register.

Note: Not all front derailleurs will work with this frame. Please check the compatibility here.