DW Link
With 180mm of travel and a 29” wheel up front the HD6 gives the confidence to charge into the rough. The 27.5” wheel out back gives you a bit more room as the 165mm of travel deals with the consequences. The all new suspension layout is progressive enough to be sensitive off the top, yet supportive enough for the biggest hits. It is also compatible with all coil shocks, for those longer race stages that can tax air shock performance.
The suspension layout may be new, but it’s still dw-Link. The inherent efficiency means you don’t need an overdamped shock to climb well. Less shock damping allows the wheels to stay planted on the ground, providing more traction and that hover-bike feel that our frames are known for. The HD6 climbs with a finesse that defies its enduro race pedigree.
Size-Specific Tube Angle
Geometry, suspension curve, and the overall design goals were defined with input from our enduro team. The 64-degree head tube angle is one-degree slacker than the current Ripmo, but a similar BB height and identical chainstay length (despite
the 27.5” rear wheel) provides a balance between agility and stability.
At the same seat angle, a tall rider sits 45mm further back than a short one. In order to place every size rider in the same position over the rear wheel, the HD’s seat tube angles get steeper as frame size increases. This means larger jumps in reach, so we added a fifth size. The jumps between frame sizes are now smaller, so you can find the size that’s just right.
34.9mm Seat Tube Diameter
Ibis is also shifting to a numbered sizing system to encourage riders to delve into their geometry charts. Ibis frames showcase low standovers and uninterrupted seat tubes, enabling the use of extra-long droppers. Riders can choose their bike size based on their desired reach and top tube measurement.
To support this shift, Ibis has transitioned to a 34.9mm seat tube. These posts boast greater strength, enhanced stiffness, and expanded room for internal hydraulics, resulting in better reliability.
2.5” TIRE CLEARANCE
Ibis didn’t skimp on the details. Internally routed cable tunnels make changing a derailleur or dropper cable easy. Our combination of lower-link bushings and upper-link bearings significantly reduces the need for yearly overhauls. They have also laser-etched torque specs on the hardware. There’s also clearance for 2.5” tires, a 26 oz bottle inside the frame (22 oz on the size 1), top tube mounts for tool storage, porkchop bag compatibility, and a super-quiet chainstay protector. With its unique combination of climbing efficiency and descending speed, the HD6 is ready for the next evolution of enduro racing.
The Final Word
Design-wise, the HD6 breaks away from Ibis's signature curves, featuring straighter, sharper lines that give it a burly, fast look. The stout frame weighs under 6lbs without a shock and is backed by a lifetime warranty. A complete HD6 with enduro-ready components can weigh less than 32 lbs. When you’re climbing more than 5,000 ft on race day, every ounce (or gram) matters.
