Ibis Mojo HD

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Fit / Geometry 

I’m about 6’ tall, with a 32” inseam, and the large HD with a 50mm stem fits me well.

The HD’s geometry isn’t anything new. A 67-degree headtube angle and 71.5-degree seat tube angle are neither archaic nor especially innovative, but for this genre of bike—one that climbs and descends equally well—they work.

When I think back on my Nomad, I notice that it’s slightly more eager to manual up onto the rear wheel, a credit to the slightly shorter chainstay. But I think a mid-travel bike actually gains a lot of stability with slightly longer chainstays. While you do lose some of that fun, jibby feel, it’s important to note that a bike like the HD is meant to strike a balance between both worlds. And when I’m two hours into the backcountry with a huge, rocky descent between me and the car, I appreciate that added stability.

Bottom Line

For me, the HD is a successful one-bike quiver. I have absolutely none of the problems I had when trying to lug the Nomad deep into the backcountry, and the HD’s downhill performance is better than that of the Nomad.

With a reasonable tire selection (Maxxis EXO), tubes, a bomber Enve All Mountain wheelset, along with a clutch derailleur and wide DH handlebars, I have a sub-30 pound bike that can withstand a 40+ mile Crested Butte Epic, a gnarly DH trail, and anything I can throw at it in the bike park.

For a one-bike guy with a preference for the down, the HD is pretty hard to beat.

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5 comments on “Ibis Mojo HD”

  1. Hey Rob, I really enjoyed this review and your review of the Nomad. I have a question about sizing and riding style. I’m 6’2.5″ tall, 35″ inseam. I currently ride an old SC Bullit Large frame and 50 mm stem. I only ride up to ride down but find myself trail riding more often now. I was pretty set on a Mojo HDR, and from what I’ve read, I figured an XL size frame might be best. But I’ve found a great deal on a L Nomad C. The frame feels good and is actually slightly larger than the old bullit. I’m pretty torn now.

    I noticed in your reviews you rode a M Nomad and a L Mojo HD. Can you comment on frame sizing between these two bikes? Were these two bikes similar in feel/size or was it your riding preference that dictated frame size?

    I’m pretty comfortable on my bullit and would probably be pretty happy on a L Nomad. But I’ve never ridden a larger frame and don’t know if maybe I’m missing out on something and would be happier on an XL frame. Any comments or thoughts would be great. Thanks,

    Nathan

  2. Nathan,

    I felt pretty comfortable on the M Nomad, as well as the L HD, but the L HD is a good bit larger. I really like the recent trend of going with a larger frame and then the shortest stem you can get. If I was you, I might be a little reluctant to run a L in either frame – You’re a big guy with long legs, but that’s personal preference. The local riders on SC around here all upsize. I didn’t so much like the upsized SC, but liked how an upsized Ibis rode. Similarly, my wife, who works at a shop and buys a new SC every year, first upsized a few bikes ago and hated it, then bumped back to a medium (Bronson) and loves it. A worthy sidenote is that I far prefer her Bronson to the Nomad. Not even close really. SC really nailed the Bronson, and I still think the Nomad missed the mark.

  3. Hi
    Great reviews, because they dont smell like paid spam. Great job!
    Will you be testing the HDR?
    Just rode the Bronson L with 60mm stem. Liked it, climb better than the Covert Carbon I had for 6 months.
    I lean towards the HDR because my ex. Enduro 2009, Covert 2013 and Bronson are in my perspective “Tanks” ;)
    I Like them but I now tend to be popping and playing down the trail (after spending time in our local DJ park).
    Need a more agile nimble and playfull frame. Read me ?
    ;)
    Keep it up!

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