Oso 2023

The Ibis Oso 2023 is the original Ibis Oso platform: a full-carbon DW-link trail eMTB built around the Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System. Headline numbers: 170mm fork, 155mm rear travel, Bosch CX (Gen 4 at the 2023 launch with a Bosch Smart System update path), 24.3kg claimed at the L NGX trim, 64.0 degree head angle and reach 430 to 540mm across SM, MD, LG and XL. Priced at GBP 7,999 for the NGX trim at launch. Production status is discontinued: Ibis has since iterated the Oso platform through 1.1 and current-generation TR models. @Cactus Jack Slade reports the platform's range is competitive: a 155lb rider completed 32 miles and 4,500ft of climbing in Trail mode finishing with 34% battery remaining on a 750Wh-equipped Oso.

Drive system and range. The 2023 Oso shipped with the Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System, which at launch delivered 85Nm of torque. Bosch's later Gen 5 PU2.0 firmware update is available to compatible Smart System bikes and lifts torque to 120Nm at the wheel and 750W peak with a more refined dynamic mode. Battery options at the 2023 launch ran 625Wh or 750Wh integrated. @Cactus Jack Slade on a 750Wh Oso versus a Specialized Levo Gen 4 reports that battery consumption appears worse on the Levo relative to stated capacity across an identical ride profile: a credit to the Oso's drivetrain efficiency.

Geometry and handling. 64.0 degrees up front is bang on the modern trail/all-mountain norm. Reach steps cleanly: 430 (SM), 460 (MD), 500 (LG), 540 (XL): XL's 540mm reach is among the longest available on any 2023-era trail eMTB. Chainstays grow with size from 439 to 444mm: a thoughtful proportional approach. Wheelbase tops out at 1341mm on XL. Wheel layout is mullet on S/M and full 29in on L/XL: a clever size-matched configuration. @Brawwp highlights the Oso's "lowest standover height of any eMTB in its class", allowing flat-foot standing over the downtube. The DW-link layout is proven and pedal-efficient.

Build and value. One trim in gold (NGX) at GBP 7,999 / 24.3kg at launch. Spec: Fox Float 38 Performance e-Bike Series fork at 170mm, Fox Float X2 Performance Elite shock at 155mm rear, Shimano Deore XT M8120 four-piston brakes with 220mm rotors front and rear, SRAM GX Eagle mechanical. @ozzybmx notes the original Oso is rated for DH fork compatibility (170mm front / 205mm rear). Standout: 220mm rotors front and rear is rare on stock trail eMTB; DH fork compatibility opens upgrade paths. Questionable: @ridethatbike notes the price jumped USD 2,300 between Oso 1.1 and the current TR generation with downgraded spec.

Caveats and known gripes.

• Discontinued. Production status is discontinued; new purchases are only via used market. Warranty support is limited to the original warranty period.
• Pricing instability. @PDXRooster reports the Oso 1.1 dropped to USD 5,999 (nearly 50% off V1), then @ridethatbike notes a USD 2,300 jump back up with spec downgrade on the current TR generation.
• Battery removability. Not explicitly specified in the gold record; verify with Ibis dealer for the 2023 platform.
• Bosch Smart System update. Whether a 2023 Oso has received the Gen 5 PU2.0 firmware update depends on individual bike history; ask the seller for current firmware version.
• SRAM GX mechanical at GBP 7,999. No AXS option at the NGX trim; buyers wanting electronic shifting pay aftermarket.
• Heavy. 24.3kg with 750Wh-class battery is on the heavier side of carbon trail eMTBs from 2023.

Verdict. The original 2023 Oso is one of the most credible carbon DW-link trail/all-mountain eMTB platforms from a small-brand pedigree, with 170/155mm travel, modern slack geometry, large 220mm rotors, low standover and Ibis's signature ride feel. Production status is discontinued so new buys are via the used market. It suits riders seeking a used carbon Ibis with proven Bosch Smart System power and a 540mm-reach XL frame. Buyers wanting a current-production warranty path should look at the Oso TR generation, Specialized Levo or Trek Fuel+ MX. Production status: discontinued.