Ibis Mojo SL-R Launch!

Last week, I was called to the Ibis Cycles headquarters to help ring in the launch of the new Mojo SL-R. Upon arrival we attended the official unveiling of the new bike and components from Easton, Shimano, and Fox. Then we rolled out for a short ride above the Santa Cruz coast to shake out the legs and get some fresh air. I have still been a bit under the gun physiologically, so I turned back and cut the ride short to save something for the Sea Otter.

On Wednesday, we took a short drive to the Easton office for the lowdown on the incredible EC-90 carbon wheels. This technology is RAD–with options for various axles and both 26” and 29” wheels. Both rim sizes are UST compliant and require no strips or tape to seal. Test data demonstrated best-in-class stiffness and strength making these wheels undoubtedly some of the hottest items of 2011!

After the show, we all rolled out for a ride west over the hills and down to the coast and dinner at the Ibis shop. The trek began with some dry, sandy trails through tight chaparral then climbed into the redwood forest of the Santa Cruz mountains. After miles of stunning vistas and cool, damp, deep-woods awesomeness we broke out for the final high-speed descent to the coast. It was a great way to show off the new Mojo SL-R!

Speaking of which, the latest Ibis model has been refined to the MAX! It sports a tapered headtube, 142mm thru-axle, direct mount front derailleur and rear brake, and press-fit bottom bracket. While the new frame shares lines with of the original Mojo, new manufacturing technology required to build the SL-R means it is completely different inside and has to be produced in another factory.

All these new features mean that the new Mojo is nearly as stiff and strong as the industry leading HD model while also shaving nearly a half pound off the SL! The demo bikes were set up with the new shocks from Fox that sported the ridiculously smooth Kashima coating.. Valving has also been modified to improve platform and compliance of the DW-Link rear suspension. Shimano even showed off their latest Shadow Plus rear derailleur that damps excess movement and imparts supreme chain control nearly negating the need for any additional guides or tensioners.

Overall, the new bikes were a big hit with the international press core and I saw nothing but shred-happy smiles throughout the ride. Dinner was a scrumptious assortment of locally grown fair that left us blissfully satisfied and primed for a weekend at the Sea Otter!