2023 Ibis Hakka MX Rival Review
- Price: $4599
- Category: Gravel Bicycle
- Tire: 700C / 650b×40mm
- Drivetrain: 1×11
What we like about it: The new carbon frame design gives the body enough stiffness and is lightweight, the excellent geometry for a comfortable riding experience, and high-end components for excellent performance.
What we don’t like about it: The need to equip yourself with pedals.
Rating (4.8/5)
What makes a good gravel bike? Is it extremely lightweight? Or the ultimate in speed? In my opinion, a great gravel bike should be ready to ride with great all-around characteristics. Whether it’s on gravel roads or trails in the countryside, it can handle it well. And the 2023 Ibis Hakka MX Rival we’re introducing today is one such gravel bike.
Although Ibis is a brand with only 40 years of history, it has been making bicycles with care and you can see the dedication of the creative team behind the scenes on this bike.
Let us introduce you to the Ibis Hakka MX Rival in more detail, from the gravel ride to the main features, the main components, and the other versions. If you want to know more about this series of bikes, please follow us and we will keep you updated.
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Ibis Hakka MX Rival Gravel Riding
I prefer the untouched trails to road riding to nature. The Ibis Hakka MX Rival has been with me for the past few weeks. It has been a pleasure to ride time and time again. Another thing that needs to be prepared in advance is booking accommodation. This time, I still booked accommodation on Skyscanner, hoping for a good rest.
I rode it every afternoon along the surrounding roads. The full carbon frame and gravel-specific carbon fork make it very light and stiff. This makes it very easy for me to ride.
Wrapped around the handlebars were black EVA strips, which gave me a very comfortable touch and allowed me to control the reverse steadily. Meanwhile, its WTB Silverado 142 saddle provided a comfortable saddle, which I liked the feeling of sitting, and I finished the day’s ride with the sunset, breathing in the fresh air and facing the breeze.
Although it’s a gravel bike, I’d like to mention its versatility, and the excellent configuration gives it commendable performance on gravel road climbs and descents.
Ibis Hakka MX Rival Uphill
I also found other bikes for comparison while I was reviewing this bike. In uphill performance, it climbed quite well and more efficiently than the Canyon Grizl 7 Suspension that was tested with it. This is mainly due to its lightweight and strong frame stiffness.
At the same time, the 1×11 drivetrain gives it enough gearing options to have enough power when facing a climb, and I can quickly and accurately shift into the gear I want.
And the 700C tires provide a strong boost on the uphill journey, and the excellent grip makes me more stable when riding. When climbing, the rustling sound from the tires rubbing against the ground is quite pleasant, and I enjoy the process very much.
Ibis Hakka MX Rival Downhill
On the downhill, this bike is still a great performer. Super fast descents and razor-sharp handling are how I would rate it. The lightweight carbon frame gives it extreme acceleration, but it’s not effective at absorbing road bumps. After all, it’s just a gravel bike, and it’s already proving itself in terms of speed. So we don’t need to ask too much in terms of damping.
The proper geometry allows me to maintain a very comfortable position while riding and be ready to go into a sprint when I need to.
Also worth mentioning is its excellent braking ability. Because of the use of SRAM Rival hydraulic disc brakes, even in high-speed downhill, its strong braking ability can let me easily stop, always protecting my riding safety.
Main Features
Frame Group
Ibis has always had their unique take on the look of its bikes, and I have to say that its design fits my aesthetic for gravel bikes.
This bike has three different choices in paint colors and they have different interesting names for it. Each of the different colors has its characteristics, and you can find your favorite style among them.
The application of a carbon frame makes the body light enough and stiff enough in terms of strength. In addition, the superb manufacturing process makes every connection point very tight. In addition, the internal cable design makes the bike look very clean and tidy. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the cable being damaged.
And there is water bottle mounting holes on its downtube and seat tube, which greatly facilitates your riding outdoors. You can also choose to install front and rear fenders according to your needs.
Geometry
I like the geometry of this bike. It keeps me in a very comfortable position while riding and the geometry of the bike is designed to meet the demands of gravel riding.
The first is its steep seat tube angle (73.5°), which not only keeps pedaling efficient but also keeps your center of gravity in the right place. In addition, its equally steep head tube angle (72°) allows for quicker steering response when riding. One might think this would affect its stability when descending, but my actual riding tells me it doesn’t.
Finally, the 550mm top tube length with 382mm of forward reach enables you to ride more comfortably. At the same time, the right standing height can keep you upright at all times.
Components and Specifications
SRAM Rival Kit
The 1×11 drivetrain offers enough gearing options to get you through most terrain. The 1×11 drivetrain offers enough gearing options to get you through most terrain, and you can quickly and accurately shift into the right gear while riding, making it even easier to ride.
The hydraulic disc brake provides strong braking performance and has good heat dissipation performance. Therefore, even in high-intensity use, it can still brake well.
Maxxis Rambler Tires
The Ibis Hakka MX Rival comes with two different tire options, you can choose the Maxxis Rambler 700c x 40 mm or the Schwalbe Thunder Burt 27.5″ x 2.1″. This is a great way to meet the needs of different riders. And we are using the former in this case.
As a tire specifically for gravel riding, it is tough enough to have sufficient rolling efficiency when riding on hard roads. It also uses EXO technology, which can effectively keep the tire from wear and tear.
Other versions of Ibis Hakka
In this test, we not only tested this bike but also other bikes in the same series, so that you can have a clearer perception of this Hakka MX Rival bike.
2022 Ibis Hakka MX GRX
As an Ibis Hakka MX GRX bike equipped with high-end components, it is a few hundred dollars more expensive than the Hakka MX Rival in terms of price. And while the two share many of the same components in terms of configuration, there are a few subtle differences.
First of all, the Hakka MX GRX uses the Shimano GRX kit for brakes and drivetrain, while the Hakka MX Rival uses the SRAM Rival kit. The higher-end configuration makes the Ibis Hakka MX GRX even better in terms of performance, but it also gives a very comfortable ride.
In terms of geometry, Ibis didn’t redesign it for it, but rather followed the version of the Ibis Hakka MX Rival. Overall, this bike is more like a sister version of the Ibis Hakka MX Rival. You can choose according to your needs.
If you still want to know more about this series, welcome to follow us, your attention is my greatest motivation to update.
What we like about it
- Carbon frame design, bringing extremely lightweight.
- Different color styles to choose from.
- 1×11 drivetrain system to meet your needs for different terrain.
- Powerful braking ability, to protect your riding safety.
- Maxxis Rambler tires to guarantee your gravel ride.
- Professional geometric design, more aerodynamic.
What we don’t like about it
- Need to equip yourself with pedals.
FAQs
- What are the tires for the 2023 Ibis Hakka MX Rival?
The tires on the 2023 Ibis Hakka MX Rival are Maxxis Rambler tires.
- What speed is the drivetrain of the 2023 Ibis Hakka MX Rival?
The 2023 Ibis Hakka MX Rival has a 1×11 speed drivetrain.
- What are the brakes on the 2023 Ibis Hakka MX Rival?
The brakes on the 2023 Ibis Hakka MX Rival are SRAM Rival brakes.
- Size Chart for 2023 Ibis Hakka MX Rival
| size | Rider height |
| 49 | 150 CM – 163 CM |
| 53 | 160 CM – 173 CM |
| 55 | 170 CM – 183 CM |
| 58 | 180 CM -188 CM |
| 61 | 185 CM-198 CM |
2023 Ibis Hakka MX Rival Specs
Build
| Frame | carbon monocoque BB Standard: T47, Threaded Colors: Bone White / Teal; Coal; Fireball |
| Fork | Enve Cross Disc Fork, 700c, 100×12 |
| Bottom Bracket | T47 Threaded Bottom Bracket |
| Headset | Cane Creek 40: IS41/IS52/40 |
| Stem | Ibis 31.8mm Road49/53: 80mm, 55: 90mm, 58: 100mm, 61: 110mm |
| Handlebar | Ibis Alloy Flared Bar49/53: 42cm, 55/58/61: 44cm |
| Saddle | WTB Silverado 142 |
| Seatpost | Ibis Alloy |
| Grips | Black EVA Bar Tape |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM Rival |
| Crank | Praxis Zayante Carbon S 30mm spindle, 40t Alloy Ring49: 170cm, 53/55/58: 172.5cm, 61: 175cm |
| Shifters | SRAM Rival |
| Cassette | SRAM PG 1130 11-42 |
| Chain | SRAM PC 1110 |
| Brakes | SRAM Rival |
Wheels
| Rims | Ibis 733 Aluminum (27.5″/650b) or Stan’s Grail (700c), Ibis Hubs |
| Tires | Schwalbe Thunder Burt 27.5″ x 2.1″ or Maxxis Rambler 700c x 40mm, EXO |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Drivetrain | Brakes | Tires | Click view |
| 2023 Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 1 | $5500 | 2×12 electronic | SRAM Rival eTap AXS hydraulic disc | 700×40c | Click View |
| BMC URS 01 THREE | $5299 | 1×12 electronic | SRAM Rival eTap AXS Hydraulic Disc | 700×40C | Click View |
| 2023 Trek Checkpoint SL 6 eTap | $4499 | 1×12 electronic | SRAM Paceline Hydraulic Disc | 700×40C | Click View |
| Bianchi Arcadex – GRX 810 Di2 | $5001.33 | 1×11 electronic | Shimano BR-RX810 hydraulic disc | 700×37C | Click View |
2023 Ibis Hakka MX Rival VS 2023 Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 1
As a gravel bike with the same mid to high-end components, the difference in components between these two bikes isn’t that great. This also means it can handle more different roads and the electronic drive is more precise in shifting.
But I would say that as a gravel bike you don’t need that much gearing. In real-world riding, the Ibis Hakka MX Rival’s 1×11 drivetrain is adequate. Besides, in terms of price, the Giant Revolt, Advanced Pro 1 is almost a thousand dollars higher, which is unaffordable for some friends.
If you want a cost-effective bike, then you might want to try this Ibis Hakka MX Rival.
Learn More: Giant Revolt Advanced 3 Review [2022]- The Best Carbon Gravel Bike For The Money
2023 Ibis Hakka MX Rival VS 2022 BMC URS 01 THREE
The SRAM Gx Eagle AXS drivetrain is paired with SRAM Rival eTap AXS brakes, giving you a comfortable ride with excellent braking. And with 700×40C tires, you can ride on gravel roads as if you were on flat ground.
But the Ibis Hakka MX Rival is no slouch in the real world of riding. The carbon frame makes the body light enough and the excellent geometry makes it more aggressive and has a faster speed when riding.
Both of them are very good bikes. You can choose the one that suits you best according to your riding habits and routes.
2023 Ibis Hakka MX Rival vs 2023 Trek Checkpoint SL 6 eTap
Honestly, while the Trek Checkpoint SL 6 eTap paint color is just as striking, I prefer the three different styles of the Ibis Hakka MX Rival. It doesn’t help you much on the ride though.
But a bright bike can make you reap the envious glances on the road, not to mention its powerful performance.
In addition to the color, the Hakka MX Rival uses a custom Ibis saddle, which will make your ride more comfortable. When I was comparing these bikes, the Hakka MX Rival was the one I rode the longest.
If you share my preference, like its color scheme, and are keen on long-distance riding, then this Ibis Hakka MX Rival might be a good choice.
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2023 Ibis Hakka MX Rival VS 2022 Bianchi Arcadex – GRX 810 Di2
This Trek Checkpoint SL 6 eTap bike differs from several of the bikes compared above in that it uses the Shimano brand for its choice of components. While it has the same great performance, for me, I’m still used to SRAM products.
It must be said that both use 1×11 gearing in their drivetrains, but the Trek Checkpoint SL 6 eTap uses electronic gearing. This makes it more accurate and faster when shifting, but at the same time, it needs to pay attention to its power consumption.
As for how to choose, I can only say that I prefer the Ibis Hakka MX Rival.
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