The Ibis HD is back after three years with a complete update to the frame and specs. The new edition of the successful enduro bike - the HD6 - was developed with input from the Ibis Enduro World Cup team and is based on the lines of the award-winning predecessor HD and the Ripmo - of which a new model was recently presented. The new Ibis HD6 offers more travel, a redesigned rear triangle and a mixed wheelset across all sizes. The design of the HD6 is characterised by straighter, sharper lines, which are intended to give the bike a powerful, fast look. The Ibis Mojo HD5 was more characterised by curved frame shapes. The bridge between the top tube and down tube has disappeared. The only striking feature now is the kinematics on the rear triangle with the dw link. You could say that the HD6 is quite straight - or has grown up.
Ibis HD6: customised geo for demanding trails
The increase in travel can be clearly quantified: a Fox Float 38 Factory Series suspension fork with 180 mm front travel instead of the previous 170 mm. Together with a 29" wheel at the front, the HD6 should give you the confidence you need to tackle demanding terrain. The 27.5" rear wheel gives you a little more space and more agile handling, while the Fox Float X2 Factory Series EVOL rear shock with 165 mm travel absorbs the impacts - in 2020 it was 153 mm. According to the manufacturer, the completely new rear suspension of the Ibis HD6 is progressive and reacts sensitively to impulses, but also provides support for bigger hits.
The shock suspension is new, but it is still a dw-link, which should provide more traction and a certain lightness on the climbs. With a frame weight of approx. 3.5 kilograms in size L (3) with a Fox X2 shock and a complete bike weight of approx. 14.46 kg, this should easily be possible. After all, the Ibis HD6 is intended to be a race enduro bike. The shock mount is compatible with all coil shocks.
Flat steering angle - increasing seat angle
With a modern slack head angle of 64°, the new Ibis Enduro should offer a smooth ride. The seat angle is size-specific and grows with the rider from size S (76°) to L (76.5°) to XXL (77.5°).
The Ibis HD6 is available in numbered sizes so that riders can choose their bike size based on their desired reach and top tube dimensions. Thanks to the low standover height and a continuous seat tube, extra-long seat posts can be fitted. In addition, a 34.9 mm seat tube has been introduced for increased strength, stiffness and more space for the internal hydraulics.
Ibis HD6 in four equipment variants
In addition to the frameset of the Ibis HD6 including Fox Factory X2 shock for EUR 4,398, the Santa Cruz brand also offers four equipment variants. All have the same Fox suspension, a dropper post and Maxxis Assegai, 29" x 2.5", Exo+/TR/WT at the front and Maxxis DHR, 27.5" x 2.4", DD/TR/WT at the rear. All can be optionally upgraded to Ibis Carbon wheels. The cheapest version is specced with a Sram GX drivetrain and comes with a Sram Code RSC brake with four pistons and 200 mm discs for a total of 6,998 euros.
The mid-range models are enduro bikes equipped with Shimano SLX or XT drivetrains and corresponding brake systems - albeit with 203 mm brake discs at the front and rear. They cost 7,898 euros (SLX) and 8,848 euros (XT).
The top version of the Ibis HD6 - available for $9,299 three years ago - now costs $11,199 and €12,548 respectively. However, in addition to the Fox suspension, the carbon rims, Industry 9 Hydra hubs and a Sram XX Eagle Transmission AXS rear derailleur are already emblazoned on the frame. It also comes with the electronic seatpost from Sram: the Reverb AXS dropper.
Details and data on the Ibis HD6
- Carbon frame and rear triangle
- Mixed wheel 29" front / 27.5" rear
- 180 mm front suspension travel / 165 mm rear
- dw-link rear triangle compatible with all coil shocks
- Compatible with long-stroke dropper posts
- 34.9 mm Ø seat tube / seat posts over 200 mm possible
- Space for 2.5" tyres and a 650/750 ml bottle
- Available in 5 frame sizes (for body sizes from approx. 1.57 m - 2.00 m)
- Available from mid-July
- Price frame incl. Fox Factory X2 4,398 EUR
- Price complete bike:
- Sram GX 6,998 Euro
- Shimano SLX 7,898 Euro
- Shimano XT 8,848 Euro
- Sram XX Transmission (incl. Ibis/I9 carbon wheels) 12,548 euros - 3 colour versions: Emerald Forest / Wizard Sleeve / Traffic Cone
Marc Strucken
Editor
