Ibis

Mojo HD3 Carbon X01 Werx Complete Mountain Bike - 2015

With a carbon frame weighing a mere 2,676g, six inches of world-beating DW-Link suspension, Ibis' huge 41mm-wide carbon rims, and SRAM's nigh-indestructible X01 drivetrain, the Ibis Mojo HD3 X01 1x Complete Bike continues forging ahead in the direction established by Ibis' previous 27.5 enduro beast, the HD 650. Combined with the long, low, and slack geometry, the build kit reads like a how-to manual for enduro riding.

The HD3's 27.5in wheels enjoy all the handling benefits of 26ers and a big, 29er-esque angle of attack. The HD3 also rocks the venerable DW-Link suspension platform, which completely isolates rear wheel movement from pedaling and braking forces, creating a plush and linear suspension motion that feels like an even bigger bike on descents yet pedals on flats and climbs like a trail machine. This build's 160mm of front travel means its tapered head tube is slackened from the standard 67 degrees to a beastly 66.6, which pushes the bike more toward the demonic downhill side of enduro racing without totaling sacrificing its angelic climbing and XC platform.

The 16.9-inch chainstays and 13.4-inch bottom bracket are also studies in paradoxical balance that net uncommon agility for a bike in this category. Power transfer and travel both sit where we like them — high — without compromising tracking or clearance, so you won't lose the advantages you gain climbing by being hamstrung or pedal-struck on gnarly descents and rocky corners.

The threaded bottom bracket mercifully dismisses any proprietary press-fit systems in favor of a rock-solid, dirt-simple, creak-free standard that will last for ages. Dual-row angular contact bearings on the drive side of the linkage require zero preload adjustment and dramatically reduce play compared to standard sealed bearings, further bolstering the bike's lateral solidity whether you're climbing or dropping-in.

Since it runs on a rock-solid one-by drivetrain featuring SRAM X01 and Race Face's Turbine crank, you'll be worrying less about component failure and more about the right line through looming rock gardens. Ibis's girthy 741 carbon rims boost tire volume and allow the Maxxis Minion DHF tires to be run at lower pressures to afford greater climbing, cornering, and braking traction while further smoothing trail furniture already laid low by the high-volume, lightweight Cane Creek DBinline air shock FOX Float 36 RC2 fork.