Ibis Oso Launched - Bosch Powered EMTB

Had you given up and thought Ibis would never release an emtb? Well, they would, the Ibis Oso is here. This 155/170mm travel bike comes in at U$ 10.999. Photos of the bike have already been leaked online. And the rumor mill picked up after Zakka took a 12th place in the Finale Ligure E-EWS running what could only be this bike. Reading comments online, I saw a few complaints about the looks.

Clean​

My tastes may have been shaped by only focusing on emtbs for the last few years. But I think it looks very good! Frame tubes are supposed to be chunky. And I like the rear triangle that isn't a triangle because the chainstays are missing. I think the rear stays flows nicely into the main frame and continues up the downtube. Sure, it's one fat tube, but it's got a nice and clean look. And I like the sharp integration of the shock. Can I confess I prefer the looks of this bike over the Ibis Ripmo?

Also, a bit messy​

The Ibis Oso isn't a top-of-the-line bike with maxxed out specs. The cables for the 12-speed Sram GX drivetrain, combined with a Lupine 900 lumens head light makes the handlebar area a bit busy. So, no wireless shifting for the Oso, and that isn't a big surprise. Ibis usually isn't the most expensive "high-end" mtb brand. And I think the spec level makes perfect sense.



The Shimano XT dual caliper brakes, Fox 38 Performance fork and Fox Performance Elite X2 shock are all sensible and well performing kit. The Maxxis tires are the burly DoubleDown carcass version of the Dissector and Assegai. Oh, and there’s a rear light too.

Bosch Smart System 750​

The Bosch Performance CX isn't a new motor, but the Smart System with the 750Wh battery is. A lot of bikes are coming out with this now, and we're seeing a few different ways of integrating the battery. Some bikes come with a non-detachable battery, it’s easier finding room the long battery inside the frame this way. Ibis wanted an easily removable battery, to take it indoors for things like charging or storing. This usually can’t be done without some sort of compromise. Ibis decided to go with the smaller Powertube 625 for the size Small. That makes sense, it’s easier fitting the Powertube 750 in the bigger frames.

Enough, what about the geometry​

It’s not just the battery size that varies between the frame sizes. No, the Oso is a very different bike between the size S and XL. The two smaller sizes have got mullet wheels. The smaller 27.5 rear wheel allows for a 439mm chainstay length. The L and XL are 29er bikes with 444mm chainstays. Even the seat tube angle is different. It’s 79* for the XL, 78* for the L and 77* for the two smaller ones.


I think this makes sense. To have similar handling between sizes, the ratio of bike length on either side of the cranks needs to be similar between sizes. A bigger bike has a longer front end and needs longer chainstays to maintain a similar balance. Head angle is similar on all sizes though, and I can’t see why it wouldn’t be. Bottom bracket drop is 341/340mm, which is fairly low and just how I like it.

Different travel options​

This bike comes as default with a 170mm travel fork. But Ibis says it 180 and 190mm is an option too, even dual crown forks. The 155mm travel rear end has a 205x60mm shock. Swap that for a 205x65mm one for 170mm of rear action. According to Ibis, the Oso is stable yet responsive, mimicking the Ripmo, regardless of configuration. And look at the design of the DW-link rear suspension. This is a floating design with a virtual pivot point. But it looks a bit unusual having all the linkage bolts so high on the frame. Looks like a mid-high pivot point design I think.

Final Thoughts​

A great addition to the EMTB world, and now we think pretty much every major brand has an ebike in their catalogue. The Bosch powered Oso will appeal to those searching rowdy terrain, but also gives riders a lot of scope for upgrading as they progress. We particularly like the fact that it can run longer forks, and over stroked rear shock for up to 170mm rear wheel travel. Great job, Ibis!