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Pro Bike Check: Gary Forrest’s Ibis Mojo HD3 Team Issue

With New Years celebrations still fresh in our minds (and on the old waist line) it may seem a little early to be starting EWS bike checks, but with such an exciting season ahead and so many new teams, it seemed like a good time to begin checking out this years fastest bikes. First up we have the latest evolution from Ibis, the Mojo HD3.

‘Don’t call it a comeback’ as the well loved Ibis HD and HDR were great bikes, but the new HD3 is longer, lower and more aggressive and has the makings of a serious race machine. Ibis certainly think so, and are backing a big EWS race team this year headed up by Anne Caro Chausson and Gary Forrest. We caught up with Gary to find out what he thought of the new bike.

The size large team issue HD3 weighs in at 13.08kg (28.8lbs) with pedals. Long low and mean!
The 160mm travel Team Issue (large)HD3 weighs in at 13.08kg (28.8lbs) with pedals. Long low and mean!

We were impressed with the new HD3 when we tested it awarding it a Design & Innovation Award 2015. The old HD and HDR’s were both great bikes, but we liked the new HD3 geometry even more. The new bike is 15mm (now 620mm in a large) longer in the top tube, 5mm shorter in the chain stays, and has a 32mm longer wheelbase (1164mm). It is also 1 degree slacker and now features a devilishly good 66.6 degree head angle.

Gary will be racing on the new Ibis 741 rims, with a 35mm internal width. He is currently testing tyres for Maxxis and Schwalbe
Gary will be racing on the new Ibis 741 rims, with a 35mm internal width. He is currently testing tyres for Maxxis and Schwalbe

Gary runs 70 psi in the forks, “I run my suspension quite soft, keeping the rebound on the faster side. I think if you have an hours racing on technical descents, after an hour you need to maintain strength and a softer suspension works well for me. The dual chambered prototype shock is running 110 psi and is incredible, it has been tuned for me at the factory and it went well straight out of the box“.

The Race Face Next SL cranks are about as light as they come, 425g. Gary will change the 32T to a 36T for racing.
The Race Face Next SL cranks are about as light as they come, 425g. Gary will change the 32T to a 36T for racing
The 212g Joystick Analogue 35mm carbon bar is supplied in a foliage collecting 800mm width, Gary has cut his down to 770mm. Twined with the 150g Joystick Builder 50mm stem the cockpit is wide and aggressive.
The 212g Joystick Analog 35 mm carbon bar has a foliage collecting 800 mm width, Gary has cut his down to 770 mm. Twinned with the 150 g Joystick Builder 50 mm stem the cockpit is wide and aggressive
Gary is testing a prototype shock from X-fusion. We will bring you more news of this twin barrelled shock soon.
Gary is testing a prototype shock from X-fusion. We will bring you more news of this twin barrelled shock soon
Full XX1 keeps the shifting smooth and precise.
Full XX1 keeps the shifting smooth and precise

Gary used to race for the Ibis UK Enduro Team on the HD then the HDR and when asked how he would describe the new HD3’s ride he explains. “The new bike is longer and slacker, and just seems to want to go faster and faster. it climbs really well and descends far more effectively. There is no platform on the shock and I have not missed it once.

With the 741 rims and the way the suspension performs, it is hard to explain, but the grip is just incredible. With the new 741 rims (our review) I can run much lower pressures, 20 psi in the front and 22 psi in the rear, which is a big drop for me. The grip is insane and even when I smash them into turns they do not burp or deform“.

Up front Gary uses a 160mm X-Fusion Sweep fork. It looks standard from the outside but features the top secret Roughcut HLR damper cartridge.
Up front Gary uses a 160mm X-Fusion Sweep fork. It looks standard from the outside but features the top secret Roughcut HLR damper cartridge
Shimano XT brakes and Lizard Skin grips make for a clean cockpit
Shimano XTR brakes and Lizard Skin grips make for a clean cockpit
The Team Issue bikes will run XT brakes, with 160-180mm rotors on the rear and 180-200mm on the front depending on the stages
The team issue bikes will run XTR brakes, with 160-180mm rotors on the rear and 180-200mm on the front depending on the stages
The rear brake hose is routed externally for ease of maintenance
The rear brake hose is routed externally for ease of maintenance
With a 66.6 degree head angle the new HD3 is more aggressive than the outgoing bike
With a 66.6 degree head angle the new HD3 is more aggressive than the outgoing bike
The dropper post and rear gear cable are all routed internally in the main triangle.
The dropper post and rear gear cable are all routed internally within the main triangle
At 184cm and 79kg, Gary chooses to ride the size large
At 184cm and 79kg, Gary chooses to ride the size large

Gary finished 39th overall last season, despite missing some rounds and holding down a full time job, this year he has turned professional and will be gunning for the win as the elites line up on the start line in Rotorua.

Words and photos: Trev Worsey

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