Ibis

Mojo HDR 650B/SRAM XX1 Complete Mountain Bike - 2014

In the realm of aggressive use trail bikes, there's arguably no bike more classic than the Mojo HD. So when Ibis gave it an update, they dropped half a pound off the frame and increased the clearance to accommodate 27.5-inch wheels. And here we have the Mojo HDR 650b XX1 complete mountain bike. With a bike this capable, it only makes sense to dress it in some of the finest components known to mankind, and this trail monster proves that Ibis agrees.

The Mojo HD is already legendary, 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 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 that 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 smoothes out the roughest 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 employs 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 find the same stiff aluminum links and head tube insert, so durability won't be a concern. As before, the rear wheel is held in place by a 142x12mm Maxle quick release through axle. The Mixed Tapered headset carries over as well, for compatibility with modern tapered forks. And while the ISCG05 chain guide mounts give you new chain retention options, thanks to the XX1 build kit, you can save those mounts for a frame-mounted bashguard should you feel it necessary, and forgo the added weight and drag of a chain guide. The seat tube is 31.6mm in diameter, so it's compatible with most every dropper post on the market. And for tire clearance, you can expect most 2.3-inch tires to fit. As you probably know, each brand's 2.3s measure slightly differently, so it's wise to double check clearance before committing to any particular tire.

Suspension duties are handled by FOX's Factory Series lineup, with a 34 FLOAT CTD fork, and FLOAT CTD Adjust rear shock. Both benefit from FOX's CTD dampers, as well as the drool-worthy Kashima coating, which reduces friction in the suspension to an absolute minimum. As you're certainly aware, the XX1 drivetrain provides a much wider gear range than a traditional single chainring setup. XX1 accomplishes this feat through the use of a massive 11-speed cassette, which ranges from a 10t small cog to a whopping 42t large cog. The lack of a front derailleur and shifter, along with some truly impressive machine work, enables SRAM to keep weight to a minimum. And that's made the XX1 drivetrain competitive at the highest levels of both Enduro and XC racing. Shimano's venerable XTR brakes handle stopping duties, offering up tons of power that's remarkably easy to control. The Ibis stem and carbon fiber handlebar contrast nicely with the Easton EC90 carbon post and Ibis saddle. It rolls on the generous width and renowned durability of Stan's Flow EX wheelset, which is laced with stainless spokes to Stan's hubs.

The Ibis Mojo HDR 650b XX1 Complete Mountain Bike is available in four sizes from Small to X-Large and in the colors Cobra Blue and Reverse Vitamin P.