ENDURO 2015 Long Term Test | First Look: Ibis Mojo HD 3
The Bavarian mountains might still be under a layer of deep snow and bitterly cold but long term tester Vinzenz has still been eagerly awaiting this years ‘work bike’: the Ibis Mojo HD3. Not a big surprise really, the Mojo HD series is as good as legendary. We took a close look at this classy machine and pinned Vincent down on his plans for the season.
Plans and goals
Vinzenz asked us for a bike with “Race qualities“ but one without extreme geometry. The Ibis HD3 looked to be a perfect choice: slack enough for Vinzenz’ steep local trails in Garmisch, playful enough for the more moderate trails along the Isar river in Freising where he is studying. At the moment though you are more likely to bump into him in the ice hockey stadium or on the cross-country skiing course. But in May he’ll be travelling to Punta Ala with ENDURO Editor Christoph. The huge trail network there offers perfect conditions to gather meaningful test impressions and round off the semester break in style. Then he’ll be hitting the forest trails around Freising hard. A further highlight in this years calendar will certainly be a planned Transalp-trip in mid July. The final route isn’t quite fixed but he knows most of the best crossing already having worked as a bike guide last year. The decision will be a tricky one.
Exactly which races he will compete in is also not decided but if his form is good then Vinzenz will be sure to take part in all of the races in the Alpine regions. The focus will be on the Specialized-SRAM Enduro Series and the European Enduro Series.
Planned Upgrades and Changes
Until now the only upgrades made have been in replacing the over long/narrow cockpit for a super sexy Race Face SIXC set-up. In addition Vinzenz has also fitted ESI grips which you’ll find on each of his bikes – the low weight and pleasant grip characteristics are unbeatable according to him.
Lastly he has ditched the inner tubes in favour of a tubeless-latex set up straight away “I like a worry-free package and this way I don’t have to stress about annoying flats” he sums up. Thanks to the Stans wheels the upgrade is quickly sorted “It also saves a bit of weight in the perfect place.”
Further modifications are not planned as apart from a chain guide the bike doesn’t need any. And that’s a good thing as at Euro 7000 the Ibis HD3 certainly isn’t cheap.
Vinzenz is looking forward to great rides aboard the new bike and will post regular updates on our long-term test timeline.
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