Field test: Ibis Exie – Ready for your next XC race – Pinkbike

Ibis sent us the mid-level X01 build, which cost $10,048 when we added the optional carbon wheels. Three builds are available, with the XT priced at $7,999 and the XX1 AXS offering a whopping $12,799. You can also buy the frame and build it yourself for $4,499 USD.

The SRAM X01 build we tested features a Fox Factory Series 34 Stepcast fork with a Fit 4 damper and Fox Float DPS rear shock. The suspension is controlled by a lock on the handlebar. Stopping was done with Shimano XT brakes and on our ride a medium 160mm Bike Yoke Revive drop which got the saddle out of the way nicely. We tested all of these bikes with steer tires, but it’s worth noting that the Exies come with Maxxis’ wider-than-usual Recon Race 2.4″ tires.

Trailforks areas we tested

The Sentiers du Moulins trail system was just one of the five trail networks we explored on the Ibis Exie. This zone is full of long, exposed bedrock, a healthy dose of machined and naturally flowing technical trails. This zone surprised us with all the gems hidden on both sides of the valley.

We took in the views and rock work on Crête du Lynx before heading down the fast and flowing Maelstrom with tons of benches and rollers flying through it.

Sentiers du Moulin mountain bike trails

Climbing

Just looking at this XC whippet and its rounded rear triangle, you’d expect 100mm of rear wheel travel to get up and go. And get up and go it does! The first ride I did on this bike was on the Mont-Sainte-Anne World Cup cross-country course, and I had forgotten how steep and demanding it is. I was really happy to have this bike on my side for tight corners and steep sections with questionable grip.

The Exie comes with a 50mm stem that’s on the short side for an all-terrain bike, which, combined with the steep head tube angle, makes it easy to change direction quickly and pick the best line for a climb. . I felt the Exie really put me in the ideal position to put power into the pedals on the climbs. While it doesn’t have size-specific chainstays, the size-specific seat angles should mean that a wider range of riders will feel in an optimal climbing position as well.

As for the suspension, there’s some magic going on with the DW link suspension, taking the traction out of the Exie’s short travel and allowing you to conquer the toughest challenges on technical climbs. The Exie cranks up the power in the hills without wasting energy, but when you make a mistake or crash off the line, the suspension forgives the mistakes and lets the rider keep grinding. There’s definitely more to the Exie than just a shiny raw carbon finish and a low number on the scale.

Downward

While the Exie is forgiving on climbs, you’d better be careful when you start descending. With a steep head angle (compared to other test bikes) and a relatively short stem, it feels like the front wheel is more under you than some of the other, less race-focused bikes we had during the season. mix in Quebec.

Nevertheless, it does not feel delicious and mistakes can be made without disastrous results. The frame is a comfortable ride and the grip we noticed on the uphills is also there on the descents. It’s just that the geometry is definitely happier on parts of the trail that aren’t too steep, and requires a different degree of concentration to make the bike work for you.