In an era where every other e-bike launch feels like a race to find the most absurd amounts of power and torque as possible, Ibis is taking a different, more modular path. And no, for those of you scouring the forums for rumors, the new Oso doesn’t have an Avinox motor. Instead, the Santa Cruz-based brand has doubled down on its partnership with Bosch, utilizing the refined Performance Line CX Gen 5 motor as the heart of a wildly versatile new platform.
The headline here isn’t just a motor update; it’s the “One frame, three personalities” philosophy. By using a modular chassis – much like the Ripmo and Ripley – Ibis has created a single platform that adapts to three distinct travel classes: HD (Heavy Duty), TR (Trail), and S (Sport).
Although Ibis recently “updated” the Oso in early 2025, we’re now getting a full overhaul, and, with all the modularity, the bike now looks way more at home with the rest of the Ibis Cycles mountain bike roster. Gone are the massive swingarm and asymmetrical shock placement, and I don’t think many will miss them, though they were unique.
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The Modularity of it All
Ibis has moved away from the “one-size-fits-all” approach to travel. The Oso’s modular chassis allows riders to swap the shock, clevis, and fork to transform the bike between its three configurations. This is paired with a Modular Dropout System featuring bolt-on dropouts and brake mounts, letting you fine-tune chainstay length and wheel size.
Ibis Cycles
The Three Personalities
Ibis Cycles
- Oso HD (180mm Front / 165mm Rear): This is the gravity specialist, built for shuttle laps and big-mountain lines. It thrives on fast, technical descents and uses gravity-focused geometry to stay composed.
Ibis Cycles
- Oso TR (160mm Front / 150mm Rear): The “do-everything” trail companion. It’s designed to be efficient for all-day missions while remaining lively enough for every lap.
Ibis Cycles
- Oso S (140mm Front / 130mm Rear): Agile, responsive, and playful. This configuration is optimized for tight terrain and flowing singletrack where intuitive handling is king, but I’ll admit, I’m confused by this category of full-power eMTB.
Bosch Gen 5 Power
Ibis chose the Bosch Performance Line CX (Gen 5) for its powerful, natural-feeling assist and refined torque delivery. To keep the weight low and the handling sharp, the bike comes standard with a 600Wh internal battery. I really appreciate seeing brands avoid the Avinox trap, because, if I’m honest, the latest trend is just too much, and as an industry, I think we’re getting a little too lost in the sauce. The Bosch Performance CX is the right balance of sauce.
“A man can get lost in the sauce, but the same man can be lost without the sauce.” -Gucci Mane
For those looking for big honkin’ range, the frame is compatible with the 250Wh PowerMore range extender, which mounts via a dedicated bracket that doubles as a water bottle cage. This brings total capacity to a big ol’ 850Wh for more laps. Just don’t forget that the body also needs fuel.
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Geometry and Adjustability
- Mixed Wheel (Mullet): Small and Medium sizes ship with a 27.5-inch rear wheel for better maneuverability.
- Full 29er: XM, Large, and XL sizes utilize dual 29-inch wheels for maximum rollover and stability.
- Chainstay Lengths: The modular dropouts allow for lengths ranging from 440mm to 465mm, depending on the configuration and size. (29”: 455mm in regular, and 465mm in long | 27.5”: 440mm regular, and 455 in with the long dropout)
Recognizing that 80% of their riders are 5’5″ to 6’0″, Ibis introduced a fifth size: the “Extra-Medium” (XM). This size sits in the middle of a range that now ensures consistent handling and suspension kinematics from Small to XL.
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Pricing and Availability
The new Oso is set to begin shipping in May 2026. Ibis is also backing this platform with a lifetime warranty on both the frame and bushings. The Oso HD and S come in a single build option featuring the SRAM Eagle 90 drivetrain, whereas the Oso TR gets both Eagle 90 and a wireless GX Transmission. Cool.
Ibis Cycles
Ibis Cycles
Ibis Cycles
Ibis isn’t just updating a bike here; they’re offering a long-term platform that can evolve with your riding style. Whether you’re a weekend park warrior or a daily trail rider, the Oso finally offers a way to have all those bikes in one garage, although I don’t know anyone looking for a 140/130mm full-power eMTB.
|
Model |
Build Kit |
Pricing |
|
Oso HD |
SRAM Eagle 90 T-Type |
$8,999 |
|
Oso TR |
SRAM GX Transmission |
$9,699 |
|
Oso TR |
SRAM Eagle 90 T-Type |
$8,499 |
|
Oso S |
SRAM Eagle 90 T-Type |
$7,999 |
|
Frame Only |
HD or TR |
$6,499 |