Ibis (bicycle company)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bicycle manufacturing |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Founder | Scot Nicol |
| Headquarters | Santa Cruz, California , United States |
Area served | 33 nations |
| Products | Mountain bike frames (Mojo, Ripmo, Ripley) |
| Website | ibiscycles |
Ibis Cycles is a US-based bicycle manufacturer located in Santa Cruz, California. The company is recognized for its mountain bike frame models, including the Mojo, Ripmo, and Ripley. Ibis distributes its products across 33 nations.
History
Established in 1981 by Scot Nicol, a key figure in Northern California's mountain biking scene, Ibis originated in Nicol's garage when he crafted a frame for a friend. In 2000, Nicol sold the business to an investment group; however, the company filed for bankruptcy within less than two years. Ibis made a comeback at the 2005 Interbike trade show with leadership from Hans Heim—previously co-owner of Bontrager Cycles and Santa Cruz Bicycles—working alongside Nicol, Tom Morgan, and Roxy Lo. Later on, Colin Hughes joined as Head of Engineering and partner.
Production
The majority of Ibis bicycle frames are produced in Asia. In 2018, the company introduced a limited edition US-manufactured series named Carbon 831. While carbon fiber remains the primary material for their frames, Ibis resumed aluminum frame production in 2018 after an 18-year hiatus that began in 2001.
Innovation
Unlike many manufacturers who used branded steel tubing such as Columbus' "Genius," Ibis and Nicol developed their own tubing called "Moron." This design featured thicker ends for enhanced strength and thinner midsections to lower weight, an approach now commonly known as butted tubing. The Moron tubing was first introduced in 1994.
Ibis is also distinguished by its unique "hand job" cable hanger—a sculptural piece shaped like a fist clutching the rear brake cable—transforming a normally unnoticed part into a brand-defining element.
The 1998 BowTi model was remarkable for being a full suspension frame without pivot points separating the front and rear triangles. Instead, it utilized flexible titanium tubes to allow suspension travel. Created by John Castellano, only 269 BowTi frames were manufactured before Ibis ceased operations in 2002. Castellano subsequently launched his own company and continued to support this design.
Sponsorship
Ibis Cycles has supported notable riders such as Brian Lopes, who contributed to the development of the "Lopes Link" suspension upgrade for the Mojo and Mojo , improving handling responsiveness. In 2011, Ibis also sponsored Anne-Caroline Chausson.
Lopes departed from Ibis on good terms in 2014 to explore other endeavors but returned in 2018 to lead Ibis' new US enduro team.
In 2016, Ibis formed an Enduro World Series Team that secured the Overall Team Title in 2017. The lineup for 2020 featured Robin Wallner, Bex Baraona, and Cole Lucas.