First Ride Review: Ibis Mojo HD4 – Enduro Weapon

I had the opportunity to throw a leg over the Ibis Mojo HD4 this past weekend on some local trails for a nice little test of the latest generation Mojo.  Having owned and loved the HD3 I was excited to see how the new direction of ultra long and slack would perform.  The HD4 is the latest evolution of Ibis’s longest travel bike aimed directly at the enduro crowd.

Details: Ibis Mojo HD4 

Size: Medium | Build: Sram XO1 Eagle,  Ibis 742 Carbon wheelset, Maxxis 2.6 Minion DHF WT

Weight: 29.4lbs w/Crank Brothers Mallet E Pedals | Price as built: $7899

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Favorite Features:

1. Very confidence inspiring at speed and on steeper terrain.
2. Climbs very well, similar to the older HD3 until standing.
3. Short seat-tube allows compatibility with LONG droppers.
4. Ability to run 2.6″ tires is awesome, and yes I am a fan!
5. Complete refinement: Not really a single thing that bugs me.

The Ride:

Upon first pedaling the HD4 on my initial forest road climb, I flipped the Fox DPX2 shock into the firm setting and was surprised how similar it climbed to the olderHD3.  Pedaling characteristics are easily among the best for long travel bikes.  When I stood is where I noticed the difference between the older HD3.  The difference wasn’t in the rear suspension though, it was in the front end.  There was a slight feeling of the front wheel flopping over due to the slacker 65-degree headtube angle.  Not a big deal unless you’re standing.   Climbing manners are definitely quite excellent overall. I was able to easily clear a very steep climb without a noticeable increase in effort over my Ripley LS.

Now pointed down, I was really excited to see how the HD4 would perform.  Immediately I felt the long legs of the HD4 working to smooth out some of the rooty and mildly rocky terrain.  I noticed the wheelbase in the switchbacks not quite being as agile.  I expected this since the medium HD4 has nearly a 47″ (1192mm) wheelbase – 2 inches longer than the Ripley’s.  Where the HD4 really shined for me was when things opened up and got rougher.  The bike held its line really well and I found myself laying off the brakes more and more as my confidence grew.

The 2.6″ Minon DHF really feels great.   I ran them at 19 and 20 psi and sidewall flex in the corners is much improved over 2.8’s.  The traction is great and they roll with less resistance than I thought they would.  I might be tempted to throw a 2.6″ Maxxis Rekon on the rear for a little less rolling resistance though.

Size/fit:  Like the wheelbase, the reach has been lengthened to stay with modern enduro trends.  Size medium reach is 435mm compared to the Ripleys 414mm.   This gave a little more room to move around over the bike and didn’t feel bad anywhere.

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Final Thoughts:

Do I really need an HD4?  No, but it sure would be great to add it to the stable!  The percentage of trails I enjoy/have locally that have me wanting an enduro ripper is super small.  Maybe 5 of my local trails here in Brevard, NC I would want this kind of bike.   The rest are solidly Ripley territory for me.  The Ripley is agile on the downs and now with the ability to throw on some meaty 2.6″ tread, it’ll rip!

The HD4 is for those who want to rip down the fast, steep and chunky terrain.  I’d say that Ibis hit the bullseye with a bike that has fantastic stability at speed.  That being said, you actually have to go fast to take advantage of the HD4.

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