SRAM's XX1 group is popular with enduro racers for its wide range and durability(Image credit: Josh Patterson / Immediate Media)
Anne-Caroline road this Ibis 27.5in prototype to a first place finish at last weekend's Enduro World Series stop in Winter Park, Colorado(Image credit: Josh Patterson / Immediate Media)
...alloy cranks are a requirement for the Stages Cycling power meter(Image credit: Josh Patterson / Immediate Media)
No word yet on home much rear suspension travel this yet-to-be-released frame will offer(Image credit: Josh Patterson / Immediate Media)
Chausson runs Mavic Crossmax pedals, which are made by Time(Image credit: Josh Patterson / Immediate Media)
The recent Enduro World Series race in Winter Park, Colorado, saw the debut of several new bikes. Jared Graves won the pro men’s category aboard the new Yeti SB6c, while Anne-Caroline Chausson took top honors in the pro women’s category aboard a new 27.5-inch Ibis.
The 36-year-old French racer had previously been riding an Ibis Mojo HDR with 26-inch wheels. “I notice the larger wheels keeping more speed coming out of corners," said Chausson when asked how the new bike stacks up against her previous 26-inch race bikes.
She went on to state that while many enduro bikes are getting quite slack, this particular bike has geometry that is not quite as extreme, making it a better option for general trail riding. She was sworn to secrecy when it came to further elaboration on the matte black carbon frame she was on (and Ibis president Scot Nicol also declined to answer any questions about the new bike).
While Chausson would not discuss specific numbers, we’re wagering the head tube angle is in the realm of 66 to 66.5 degrees with a 160mm fork. Rear suspension travel is likely 150 to 160mm — a welcome step up from the short-shocked Mojo HDR 650B.
The sleek lines look to be an evolution of the popular Mojo series.
The frame features internal cable routing through ports on the side of the downtube, which now curves away from the bottom bracket to provide room for a water bottle within the main triangle. The upper dw-link is now positioned behind the seat tube, requiring the use of a clevis to drive the shock, as is the case with the Ripley.
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The overall size of the bearings appears to have increased as well. There does not appear to be a front derailleur mount on this frame, though it would not be surprising if Ibis plans to use some sort of removable direct-mount plate on production bikes.
As for the specifics of Chausson’s build, Bos handles suspension duties with a 160mm Deville upfront and Kirk in the rear. The Kirk offers the rider adjustable high- and low-speed compression damping, as well as beginning and end of stroke rebound damping.
SRAM’s XX1 group is favored among enduro racers. Chausson runs a 34t front chainring and 170mm cranks.
As a Mavic-sponsored racer she runs the robust Crossmax Enduro wheels, but opts to run a Maxxis Highroller II upfront and a Michelin Wild Grip’r in the rear.
