Ibis

Mojo HDR 650B Carbon Mountain Bike Frame - 2014

When re-imagining its long-travel trail bike for 27.5-inch wheels, Ibis refused to sacrifice the handling that popularized the Mojo HD. So, rather than reinventing it, Ibis chose instead to refine it by shedding a half-a-pound of weight, adding ISCG05 chain guide compatibility, and renaming it the Mojo HDR 650B Mountain Bike Frame. In other words, you get the same ride that's made the original a worldwide favorite, with a few subtle tweaks that bring it back to the forefront of its class. Basically, it's exactly like it was, only better.

The Mojo HD is something of a modern classic, which is why Ibis chose not to mess with the geometry or the suspension on the HDR. Accordingly, you'll find the same DW-Link suspension design, which relies on parallel links in order to generate 130mm of plush, yet firm travel. And if that sounds like a paradox, let us assure you, it isn't. Dave Weagle is a bright guy, and as the namesake and designer of the DW-Link, he has a history of building some of the best performing suspension bikes on the planet. What this means for the HDR is that the suspension is designed to provide anti-squat in response to rider input. So, rather than relying on elevated amounts of compression damping to provide a firm feel, the suspension design does that for you. And since that allows for a lighter compression tune, the rear wheel is free to move out of the way of impacts. The result is a bike that smooth out the roughest of trails, while remaining firm when you get on the pedals.

Like its predecessor, the HDR's front and rear triangle are built of carbon fiber, and employ a process that Ibis has been steadily refining since the first Mojo hit the scene in 2005. Those refinements have enabled Ibis to shave roughly half-a-pound from the HD without sacrificing any strength or stiffness. And that's important, since the HDR is intended to be rallied down the fastest, roughest trails around. You'll also find the same head tube insert and stiff aluminum links, so durability won't be a concern. Additionally, the HDR re-purposes the same 12x142mm Maxle quick-release thru-axle, and the ZS44/EC49 Mixed Tapered headset carries over as well.

Basically, it's compatible with the latest wheels and forks, which means that the HDR achieves a maximum level of stiffness. And, after a clever adjustment of the lower-link, the frame now gets ISCG05 chain guide mounts. So, the single-ring enthusiasts among us will now have tons of chain retention options. For tire clearance, you're able to expect most 2.35-inch tires to fit. As you probably know, every brand's 2.3-inch measurement is slightly different, so it's wise to double check clearance before committing to any particular tire.

The Ibis Mojo HDR 650B Carbon Mountain Bike Frame is available in four sizes from Small to X-Large and in the colors Cobra Blue and Reverse Vitamin P.