Ibis Swingarm Converts Mojo HD to 27.5-inch Wheels

Dec 12, 2013
by Richard Cunningham  


Ibis Offers Swingarm to Convert 26-inch Mojo HDs to 27.5-inch Wheels

If you own a Mojo HD and want to run 650b wheels with robust mud clearance, this new swingarm is what you need. Additionally, we've modified the dropouts to be fully compatible with 11 speed cassettes. Ibis is taking custom orders for this retrofit swingarm, and delivery will be 60-90 days from order. Your card will not be charged until it's shipped (unless you pay with PayPal, in which case it will be immediately charged). We will be painting these to match the original Mojo HD, so your bike will look fresh and new (well, at least the swingarm will). MSRP is $599USD.

With 650b wheels, this swingarm works in the shorter travel mode using the 140mm limbo chips. If you have an HD 140, no problem, this will bolt right on with the limbo chips and shock you already have.

If you're running a 160mm HD, then you will need a 7.875" x 2" shock along with some 140 limbo chips. You can order the limbo chips from us, in the related products below. We are not currently selling any shocks to match.

This swingarm will give you identical geometry to the Mojo HD 140. So if you're switching from 26" to 650b wheels, your bb height will grow approximately .5", depending on your tires.

Finally, this swingarm has 142 x 12 Maxle rear axle spacing. So if you are converting from an HD with a 135 x 12 Maxle, you'll need to modify your rear hub to fit. If you have a set of 142 Maxle wheels for your HD (140 or 160) and have one of the older 135 Maxle HD swingarms, this will also work as an upgrade.

Ibis Cycles

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119 Comments
  • 166 1
 I'm out raged !! How dare they take care of their current and future customers by being clever and creative. I was hoping to have to sell my current bike at a massive loss and then forking out huge cash money dollars for a brand new bike ! hehe.. nice work Ibis.
  • 16 79
flag YoungPedalwon (Dec 12, 2013 at 17:05) (Below Threshold)
 Better voice your opinion in an over dramatic fashion and insult anyone who disagrees
  • 29 2
 Oh yeah.. Ummmm.... Let me think. I'm not very good at this. Nope i got nothing, you try.
  • 22 61
flag DaltonJaybirdThomas (Dec 12, 2013 at 17:18) (Below Threshold)
 Im not willing to upgrade unless I know for a fact its enduro specific!
  • 48 3
 ^^^^^^^^^ dead joke.
  • 9 0
 IBIS, your mother would be proud!^^
  • 5 41
flag mfbeast12 (Dec 12, 2013 at 19:25) (Below Threshold)
 Looks like the Trek Session.Norbs got robbed on
  • 8 3
 I hope @ROCKYMOUNTAIN BIKES does this for their SLAYER. f*cking love the Slayer. Would love the option to run it 27.5 without shelling out for another entire bike.

Ibis IS ABSOLUTELY AWESOME FOR TAKING CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS! WAY TO GO IBIS!

If @ROCKYMOUNTAIN BIKES doesn't do this with their SLAYER, I will definitely switch to IBIS when I do get a new bike.

Seriously, this is hudge. Major props to IBIS.
  • 3 3
 this is kindda pointless, I run the 160 ibis hd, with 750 wheels, wiht 2,35 inch tires, and they clear well, the whole point of the ibis hd is the extra travel and robustness.
  • 5 5
 How are they looking after customers?

They release a mojo HDR to cater to people that want to use 650b wheels, then when enveryone switches over to the HDR, they release a low cost part for the old HD to make it basically the same thing?

If any other make did that, they would be exposed for what they are really doing, screwing the 650b cash cow for all its worth...
  • 5 0
 Some say screwing the cash cow, some say supply and demand capitalism but everyone can agree that if you're at 26 and want 27.5, this is a cost effective way to make that happen.
  • 4 3
 Stefanfreah - not everyone enjoys 12mn higher bottom bracket, where apparently the BB drop inrelation to wheel axles is the biggest of not the only actually percievable benefit of 27.5b over 26".
  • 3 0
 Mega, wtf do you want Ibis to do then dude bring the conversion rear swingvarm out before they release their 650b bike. Yeah, score good marketing strategy bro, thatll work.
  • 1 3
 If they were looking after customers they would be only releasing the swingarm. Theres nothing wrong with what they've done, i just can't see why people are jumping on the ibis fanboy wagon because of it.
  • 5 0
 Maybe because it is the first company that did it and presented it in a coherent way? They got +50 points in my eyes Big Grin
  • 1 3
 Lol
  • 4 0
 No one else seems top be offering it, they are looking after they new and old customers which can only be a good thing in my eyes. They are a business and want/need to make money so obviously they are going to release the bike before the parts to make a larger profit.
  • 7 0
 Your mom is enduro specific
  • 1 0
 you guys realize I was just hitting off of the whole "dead joke" thing right...
  • 1 0
 Yes, I realized it bud, dont worry about it, keep your chin upWink
  • 1 0
 WAKIdesigns, first change ur name dude haha
and second, it really does not make that bigger difference, it makes the bike more fast and fun to ride, and more agile too, i mean what´s 12 mm dude!
  • 1 0
 What's 12mm? The increase in the wheel radius you are making by switching to 650B, so... Why change if it is so little? Look 29er is only 33mm larger!
  • 1 0
 I feel u man, but, I just came from the store talking to a guy whos bought the new ibis, and he says hes having problems with bottom outs, as the wheel when u run serious tires hits the seat tube, therefore. I stand, pointless hahaha just my opinion. I get what u mean though
  • 24 1
 now thats a cool idea. no one can bitch about wheel size now
  • 110 1
 Oh you might be under estimating your fellow pinkbike users.....
  • 55 2
 I'm mad that they didn't also produce a 29" swingarm.
  • 25 1
 ^nailed it
  • 69 2
 'pick your wheel size, and be a dick about it.'
  • 17 3
 I will only ride on 22" or 36", the best wheel sizes.
  • 4 2
 Ideally if they're both on the same bike... wait, we just reinvented Penny-farthing Big Grin
  • 3 0
 22'' on the rear and 36'' in front...
  • 5 0
 Going from 26" and 160mm to 27.5 and 140mm is good how?
  • 2 1
 Different wheel sizes roll differently over different obstacles. Bigger wheel size rolls over bumps better so less travel needed for bigger wheels.
  • 2 7
flag DJDrysdale406 (Dec 13, 2013 at 9:24) (Below Threshold)
 not true...wheel size does not replace travel lol
  • 1 0
 I actually do own three bikes with different wheelsizes on each wheel... rear/front they are 700c/24", 26"/650b, and 19"/20"
  • 3 7
flag SlodownU (Dec 13, 2013 at 9:50) (Below Threshold)
 Less travel needed for bigger wheels? So your one of the sheep who buy into this.
  • 7 0
 Yes, it does, in the way it feels.
  • 2 0
 Thank you ^
  • 1 0
 I prefer big wheels myself.
  • 7 0
 By big wheels do you mean those plastic three wheelers we rode as kids? Those were sick
  • 1 0
 really a good compromise.
  • 18 0
 I have no need/desire for the replacement swingarm on my Mojo HD, but I have to applaud Ibis for putting this product out. Great job of taking care of their customers! tup
  • 16 1
 on pink bike people bitch more about people bitching about tire size than the people who actually bitch about tire size
  • 9 0
 Bitchception!
  • 1 0
 well played sir
  • 6 0
 Or you could just put a 2.4 Ardent tyre on and experience EXACTLY the same thing!

My 26" Crossmax with a 2.4 Ardent was literally exactly the same size as my 650B crossmax 'Enduro' with the mavic 2.2 Roam rear tyre.
  • 2 0
 Change Cmax to any wheelset with Flow EX rims and you get your 2.2" tyre grow to the volume of 2.4" without the weight penalty. I always say that wheel diameter is overrated... Tim width is thekey...
  • 1 0
 You can't run a 2.4" ardent on the rear for Ibis mojo HD 26" because it doesn't have clearance on to the swing arm when turning and on the seat post when the suspension bottoms out. Yes the 2.4 ardent would work in theory, but probably not in reality.
See forum: tryonbike.com/forum/index.php?topic=3092.0
  • 1 3
 With all due respect converting 26" bike to 27,5" by just swapping the rear wheel is dorky.... It raises your BB by half of an inch which has quite begative influence on handling. By doing so you are badicaly going 10 years back in development of geometry of a Mountain bike. Then you get clearance issues. Then you get a few benefits of a larger wheel that is microscopicaly smaller rolling resistance and slightly better grip on uphills, along with increased totating mass at a larger diameter. Don't do it!
  • 6 1
 New swing arm= $599+ New wheels= $599+ New Tires= $160+ New Chain= $50+ New Shock= $499+ New Fork= $899, New Brake Lines $80, New Drive Train $1000....where's the savings? And your stuck with an old front triangle.
  • 1 0
 a lot of people are already running 650 on mojo's so this retrofit swingarm is great for them. I however didn't have any, so I sold my HD for a good price and bought a carbine all set up already without shelling much more money out...
  • 1 0
 @driveright: With this setup, you essentially have two bikes. There is one all mountain (bigger travel/smaller wheel) bike for aggressive riding/more gravity riding and one for more peddaly/less technical trails. The 650b is more efficient on a lot of the courses they run during the racing season. So, theres two bikes that pack slightly better for race trips that you could switch out in under 30 minutes.
  • 13 7
 They really need to start from scratch, design a new Ibis HD 650B with 160mm of travel and update the geometry.
  • 1 0
 Thank you, what the HDR should have been?
  • 3 0
 Hmmmm!!...so to go 650b I need a new set of wheels,tyres,fork,rear shock limbo chips and rear swing arm..is it really going to be worth it...I don't think so!! Mojo hd is excellent as it is.
  • 2 0
 This! It's going to cost you well over 2000$ and that's a lot of money just to get slightly bigger wheels. It's not the night and day difference that marketing want to make you believe. If you can't ride a shitty outdated carbon mojo hd, just sell it and buy a new fancy bike. Just remember it's the rider who is fast, not the bike!
  • 3 0
 My paint coat has cracked up top, too. And around the rear magnesium brake insert. I don't give a shit and continue to beat the hell out of it. Love it and it loves abuse, ssshred on bitches!
  • 1 0
 This isn't really about Ibis cashing in on the "27.5 cash cow". This retrofit swing arm exists purely because existing Mojo HD owners asked Hans at Ibis (through another MTB enthusiast website, where he communicates directly with the MTB community) if it was possible to make one. If anything it means Ibis will likely loose potential HDR customers! Amazing that Ibis has done this, incredible customer service!

Regarding the cost, anyone thinking this might be overpriced need to remember that these are made-to-order swing arms and aren't being pumped out of the factory in the thousands.
  • 1 0
 That's great news, however not totally needed unless you demand more mud clearance. Or if you are like me with the old 135 rear end, it's and upgrade I suppose that better supports xx1.

I have the conversion, and Burgtech offset bushings drop the BB lower than the existing HDR, and slightly slacker (with maxxis HR2 2.35, arch ex) FYI Smile

Cracking front triangle, how about splitting gell coat. How many have actually cracked? I'm year 3 on my Shore shredder!
  • 2 1
 They should call it "Enduro" swingarm. "Limbo" chips does not sound as good.


Seriously though, just run front 27.5 (with 20mm less travel to keep geometry). Unlike 69rs, it is not disbalanced, and gives enough benefits.
  • 1 0
 I don't really get why someone would buy that. You need to buy a 600$ swingarm, then a new rear shock, chips, 650b wheelset and tires and most likely a new fork to fit the new wheels. Are the slight benefits of 650b over 26'' really worth all that trouble? Just sell your mojo and buy a new one then!
  • 1 0
 sorry markyboy, didn't see your comment saying exactly the same thing before posting.
  • 3 1
 www.pinkbike.com/photo/9202852
i like my 26', 16', 28',
27,5 i dont see a problem
  • 2 0
 Motard thats spot on! My 26" well upgraded wheeled HD eats BIG WHEELS for DINNER!!!!
  • 1 0
 So you have a 160mm HD and need to reduce it to 140mm to fit a wheel that rolls over things a little better. Something that the extra 20mm you had helped with anyway.

EH?
  • 3 1
 I think that when you're climbing uphill, there will be a noticeable difference between a 140mm 27.5" and a 160mm 26".
  • 3 1
 I doubt it. I've run my hd with both 140 and 160 and because the DW link is so sorted, there is practically no bob when climbing, even in 160. If anything, the 650b wheel is going to climb worse having a larger mass to rotate.
  • 1 0
 I can't speak to 650b, but the rollover of 29'' wheels definitely makes climbing easier. Whether it is worth it is a subjective thing, everyone seems to say that big wheels help with rough ground but do nothing on drops.
  • 2 0
 It depends on the terrain. If the trail is full of roots and rocks, climbing with bigger wheels is easier because it's less likely to get stuck.
I had a chance to test a Santa Cruz Nomad and Bronson on the same trail (they're more or less identical bikes, only with different wheel size) and the difference was easily noticeable.
  • 1 0
 Good move by Ibis I'm scratching my head thinking of something negative to say but nothing comes to mind. ..... ... ... Nope. There is nothing wrong with this at all.
  • 1 0
 Ibis has got the best customer service out there, and helping people enjoy their "Past Models" for years to come is even more awesome! Thanks Ibis.
  • 2 0
 Best Christmas present ever!
  • 2 2
 Surly the bike was originally designed around a 26 inch wheel and by putting a 27.5 is going to mess up the handling of the bike and the geometry
  • 1 0
 All this math and numbers is making my head explode. Just fukin ride........BRO
  • 2 0
 Thats why they make chocolate and vanilla.
  • 2 1
 Great idea, but i'd still prefer to spend my money on a brand new build since I like new shit, and I can afford it.
  • 7 8
 Whoever from IBIS came up with this idea has to get a huge year end bonus. They mange to squeeze a bit more money from an end-of-life product. Brilliant!
  • 1 0
 160mm and 27.5?? No dice??
  • 5 8
 I'm guessing their customers think 27 inch wheels are better than 26" wheels, and are willing to pay for them. And if not Ibis like most other manufactures, will stop producing 26 inch frames. Forcing us to buy bigger wheeled frames. Folks we are getting a load of hewwy shoved down our throats. Bike manufactures need your money more than you. LoL.
  • 2 1
 Now if Trek would do that for the Fuel.....
  • 1 1
 650b Fuel EX? I'd ride that.
  • 1 0
 @ROCKYMOUNTAIN BIKES

Do this with the Slayer!!!!
  • 2 1
 A great example that other companies,(specialized) should follow .
  • 1 0
 Pretty much my thoughts exactly motard5
  • 3 3
 27.5? Oh you mean 650b. Yeah the wheels are not actually 27.5" in diameter.
  • 6 1
 26" wheels arnt 26 inches either fella, better just sit down cos I rocked your world
  • 3 0
 I am well aware, I'm just pointing out that [even with your statement taken into account] a 650b wheel doesn't come near 27.5" in diameter. Just sick of people calling them 27.5" like they're literally half way in between a 26" and 29" wheel.
  • 1 0
 my bad, i was high on coca-cola when i wrote that and grumpy as shit. I concede my good sir
  • 1 0
 Well... Is the actual measurement 650 centimeters? Why doesn't the industry call them 650c wheels?
  • 1 0
 650c is a different wheelsize. It's actually most similar to a very narrow 26" wheelsize, i.e. a 650x23 tube will fit in a 26x1.0 tire.
  • 1 0
 25.59 inches instead of 27.5 if you do the math, is that right? Did anyone measure them wheels?
  • 3 2
 27,5" +140 mm? Sorry its stupied. I still prefer 160mm and 26"
  • 1 1
 This is why Ibis is the best!
  • 2 1
 Interesting.
  • 1 2
 600 bucks for a freaking swingarm and you have to buy new wheels also? Ripoff!
  • 7 8
 Why would anyone pay the money to switch to 27.5 from a 26?
  • 6 2
 1kg worth of upgrade - thats why.
  • 9 0
 a larger wheel has advantages, as well as disadvantages. some people feel the pro's are worth the con's. what dont you understand about that? its pretty simple
  • 6 1
 I don't understand why people would spend a lot more money upgrading a bike that already is great just for slightly bigger wheels. I'm not knocking the product or that people like riding different size wheels but I personally would never buy the swingarm, a new shock (depending on what bike you have), new wheels, and possibly a new fork if yours isn't compatible with 650B. If people want to pay all that money to ride 1.5 inch bigger wheels, go for it, but I can question their rationale. After shelling out for one of these I don't think I'd ever spend that much money to roll slightly bigger wheels personal preference aside.
  • 5 0
 That still costs less than selling your bike at a loss, and buying a new one. Options are good. Good options like this are better
  • 1 0
 Cool if you've got the $ to buy one of these and 1.5 inch bigger wheels then good for you. I'm assuming money you'd save isn't going to be that much for someone who can shell out to "upgrade" to bigger wheels etc.
  • 23 2
 because the wheelsize difference between 26 and 27.5 plays SUCH a small percentage of the overall ride. This is simply a play towards the business machine. To pay for a new swing arm, wheelset/tires, rear shock, and front fork is ridiculous to have a bike that will basically feel the same. Such a small incremental change for the money is ridiculous.

Why not instead upgrade to some baller 26" carbon wheels, or go full XX1, or get XTR brakes, or get high volume lightweight tires, or get PUSH suspension? These are all going to have profoundly more immediate impact on the riding, and you can actually LOSE weight. This is just beating around the bush
  • 3 0
 My thoughts exactly mototard5
  • 1 0
 Ride more and hit the gym, best upgrade! Carbon wheels are nice too!
  • 1 2
 If you really don't thing the 650b changes much, try tour favorite trail on 1.95 tires and say you can't feel the difference from your 2.3 tires. This is a smaller change in diameter and air volume and is quite noticeable. 650 b is about triple the difference.
  • 1 0
 Making sense always gets neg propped! If we can feel a tire size change, we can feel a 26" to 650b change LOL!!! A 2.3" tire is heavier and slower than a 1.95" tire, but no one bitches about that!
  • 1 0
 the difference between a 2.3 and a 1.95 doesn't really translate to differences in wheel size. When you run wider tires, you generally run them with less air pressure. therefore when you roll over something, the tire conforms to the surface, and it doesn't give you the full advantage of a larger diameter. There's much more physics behind it, but that's just a quick example
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