Mojo 3 Build – Jeff Kendall-Weed
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Jeff Kendall-Weed’s got a spring in his step! After upgrading the suspension on his Mojo 3, he’s even happier than he was before, if that’s possible!
It’s been six months since I swapped my medium Mojo 3 to a size large- but the changes in this episode made for the biggest improvements in the bike thus far!
Check out the Mojo 3 at Jenson USA here: http://bit.ly/2Oodh2X
The longer front center of the size large felt really good, and more specifically, I liked the stability it gave the bike when speeds got over 15mph or so. With both short travel and small (27.5) wheels, I was looking to regain a little bit of the lost speed and momentum that the bike gave up in comparison to a longer travel 29er like my Ripmo.
The downsides to a longer Mojo 3? It is no longer quite as snappy in the tight corners, and that’s exactly how a small bike needs to be ridden! By going around obstacles rather than plowing through them! Going longer means it is more of a compromise rather than a super-efficient slalom style bike. I prefer to build bikes to suit my (and their own respective) strengths, rather than using bikes as bandaids to cover up weaknesses, and I had a sneaking suspicion that I might be working against this ethos on the build. However, all that changed in this episode of my Mojo 3 bike build vlog!
I sourced a Fox DPX2 rear shock, and have about a month’s experience riding that shock on the Mojo3. That’s been a month of gingerly pedaling around on the bunny trails, but hey, it’s better than nothing! The DPX2 feels great, and the extra damping over the stock Evol shock is noticeable, but not so much as to be a buzz kill. With the 34mm stanchion, 140mm travel Fox Float fork in front, this set up felt good, but I still wanted something a little more stout.
Enter the Fox 36 Factory Fit 4 fork set at 150mm of travel: http://bit.ly/2KBD1Xf This made a HUGE difference!!! I couldn’t believe just how much better the bike suited me with this fork. The suspension feels VERY balanced, but what I noticed most was the massive improvement in geometry. The new, slacker head angle feels spot on with this wheelbase. Now, how might it feel compared to the HD4? Great question- it’s MUCH more agile and nimble! The shorter chainstay keeps it VERY lively, and the front center still feels shorter. It feels like a smaller, more playful HD4! Stiffness is not an issue, and this means lots of CONFIDENCE. I love that in a bike!
I have a few more things on the bike that I’d still like to tweak, so stay tuned as I continue to dial in what is quickly becoming my dream bike. Will I end up riding this more than the Ripmo? Maybe! Both are super fun!
BIG THANKS to the Patreon supporters who made this episode possible! Homeskillet level Patreons include:
Wasaker09
Chris Kelly
Kevin Maresco
Casey Kelso
Nels
Wanna see your name here? Support me at https://www.patreon.com/jeffkendallweed
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Jeff KW rides an Ibis Ripmo bike: https://bit.ly/2KdZn5S
Jeff KW wears a Camelbak Kudo: https://bit.ly/2tHs5ku
Jeff KW wears the Kitsbow Trials Jacket, Ride Tee, and Origin short: https://bit.ly/2N2SeTY
Jeff KW is protected by the Kali Maya helmet: https://bit.ly/2KmcCgJ
Jeff KW runs the PNW Components Bachelor 170 post: https://bit.ly/2IvG0zA
Music by:
https://soundcloud.com/jumpsuit-records/scott-nice-all-the-wild-creatures-08-touching-down
