Even with so many available build kits – Shimano SLX/XT/XTR and SRAM X0 and XX, the Mojo HD will never be particularly inexpensive. But there are no weaknesses you can be rest assured. Stan’s rims have proved faultless every time we have ridden them. We mounted a shorter stem and soon got tired of the awkward shaped Crank Brothers Cobalt bars, UK distributors 2 Pure also sent us down a chainguide to replace the dual ring and we were good to go.

Ibis say that the Mojo is optimized for air shocks yet have “revised their stance on coil.” Whatever that stance was a coil will work better on a 160mm big hitting bike by offering more sensitivity. We had a particularly smooth pair of Fox 36 forks up front and the superb Fox RP23 on the rear with Kashima coating. Built to take either that 160mm or 180mm fork, for UK use the former will surely be the favourite. Maybe part of the reasoning for a change of stance on coil is that there would be a mismatch on this bike with the bigger fork. Other detail includes the dw–Link, which offers some platform, but we found little variation in the Pro Pedal on the shock.

Whilst the Ibis is undoubtedly a speed merchant it doesn’t feel entirely balanced. On many occasions I felt my body having to compensate for chassis movement, and often had push back from the rear of the bike forcing weight onto the handlebar. I had to run harder fork pressure than normal to counter this. The angles appear good with a lowish bottom bracket, yet is possibly a touch short on the wheelbase for a large, which means the Ibis isn’t able to use its inches quite to the degree you can on bikes such as the Specialized Enduro. Certainly not at high speed descents. I’d like to see more length up front on the Ibis (front centre) including a slacker head angle. I never got one hundred percent comfortable on the HD although I desperately wanted too. A simple case for shock off–sets bushings?!

The Ibis also seemed reluctant and undecided between beginning–to–midstroke, loading the pedals is not as intuitive as it should be. Setting up and turning could be more spontaneous. I feel a change of angles would get the rider in the right place. We’re talking fine tuning here for an otherwise very good bike.

Ground speed is sensational and the power transfer is very, very good indeed, although the Pro Pedal setting on the shock lacked any major distinction between on and off. As a trail bike the Mojo HD is an amazing speed–bike, it just lacks that poise in more technical terrain. Noise from the rear also needs improving big time, there’s simply way too much clatter from the HD. Having spent time on such a sublime design Ibis have missed out creating a silent glider.

Slightly short, a little bit too noisy, I’d be looking to possibly fitting a coil to the Ibis to get the most out of its undoubted class. You’d be proud to own an Ibis…so beautifully made. The carbon front triangle has arguably the best feel of any carbon bike out there, offering greater sensitivity, precise steering and in some ways better than many crude and harsh designs on the market. This quick and extremely well made bike certainly has more trail than DH in its nature with these angles and numbers, but is still a bike you could use as an all–round UK trail bike, for alpine hammer or competitive use.

In terms of 180mm suitability I think that Ibis are trying to eek too much out of it, 180mm is a different beast, certainly not an indigenous UK breed that’s for sure. Somehow 180mm needs 180mm angles. The Ibis is weighted too trail orientated to arrive at semi downhill territory. As a (rare) sub 30lb, 160mm speed machine however, and so distinctive in character, it sits right near the top.

Frame: £2174.99

Bike: £4732.99 XT Build

www.2pure.co.uk