Ibis Hakka MX Gravel Bike Frame

The Ibis Hakka MX bike: Designed for Comfort and Versatility

If you are rather skeptical about the latest segmentation of the cycling industry into gravel grinders, just keep in mind that no one is claiming you can’t ride gravelly trails on your mountain bike or indeed your racer or your cross bike. All we’re saying is that you will probably be a lot happier trying out a bike that has been designed to be comfortable over large sections of gravel and rough roads, while still being snappy enough to be fun on paved roads. That is exactly the idea behind the Ibis Hakka MX.

After all, there is no need to buy a cross-specific bike if you never intend to race between the tape. But if you are interested in heading out on your normal road ride, and instead of going straight down the paved road, you turn left or right into the gravelly woodsy trails, then the Hakka MX is the sort of bike you’d love as a companion. You may already be familiar with Ibis’ cyclocross-specific Hakkalügi disc brake bike. Well, the Hakka MX may take some inspiration from its cross brother, but really it is a whole different animal. A hint of what it is really all about comes in the name with the MX being shorthand for Monster Cross. This is a bike all about slapping some big tires on and getting deep into the backcountry. The lightweight carbon monocoque frame has the clearance to accept up to 27.5x2.1" or 700cx40mm tires. So you can stick some nobblies on if you are planning an entire day off road and want the unlimited amount of traction or some super wide slicks for those days that you will be mixing in a lot of different road surfaces where limiting rolling resistance on the tarmac will be at least as important as being able to handle the gravel paths.

Thoughtful design for Ibis Hakka MX bike frame performance

But aside from the tire clearance, Ibis has put a lot of thought into the design to make the Hakka MX bike stiff, responsive, and reliable. Upfront, the tapered head tube and steerer will ensure the sort of rigidity we all like to have for those moments we really want to accelerate out of the saddle. And the spec’d Enve fork will work to help absorb the roughness of the roads while offering snappy, precise handling. Something to keep in mind if you are building the frame up with your own components, the Enve fork takes post mount disc brakes while the frame calls for flat mount disc brakes. For the bottom bracket, Ibis uses a threaded T47, which squares the bottom bracket circle by providing an oversized shell that is compatible with lots of different crank axles while still having a threaded cup that will be easier to maintain and less likely to develop the irritating press-fit-squeak. With the wider shell, the frame tubes of the Hakka MX can also beef up, guaranteeing a stiff and responsive ride.

The internal cable routing will keep the bike looking sleek with its clean lines. It will be offered in two complete Ibis builds or as a frame that you can customize according to your component preferences. And since it is compatible with electric and mechanical groupsets, the sky is the limit as far as potential build options go. For anyone who will want to use the Hakka MX as a commuter or wet weather training bike, rear fender mounts will make it possible to keep your backside from getting unpleasantly soaked. Available in five sizes, it is that rare gravel bike that makes enough sizes to accommodate the small and the large among us.

The Ibis Hakka MX is the type of bike that will get you excited to get out and ride no matter the weather or road conditions. It’s perfect for tackling rides of all seasons.

Also check Colnago gravel bikes.