LAGUNA BEACH, CA (BRAIN)—After his longtime partnership with GT ended at the end of 2007, Brian Lopes was continually asked by media and fans who he'd be riding for in 2008.
Well, the wait is over, as Lopes has chosen Ibis Cycles.
After talks with several potential bike partners, his search led him to Ibis. This boutique brand has a long heritage dating back to the beginnings of modern mountain biking. Ibis was founded by Mountain Bike Hall of Fame inductee Scot (A.K.A. "Chuck Ibis") Nicol.
More recently, Ibis is best known for its high-end carbon fiber frames and integration of the "dw-link" into its Mojo Carbon and Mojo SL mountain bikes.
Lopes and Ibis will be working together in the coming years to develop lots of new Ibis product, and to attract a much wider audience to the Ibis brand.
"I'm thrilled to be riding what in my opinion is the best looking and best riding bike on the market," Lopes said. "I personally tested numerous bikes and the Ibis Mojo has won hands down as the best all-around machine. Which was the main driver for my decision, shortly followed by the the likeability of the Ibis owners, their future products, heritage and long-term commitment and vision to make the ultimate working bikes in the market. To me it was a perfect fit."
Nicol said, "Ibis' collaboration with Brian Lopes is all about eyes and ears. There are a lot of riders who still don't know who or what Ibis is all about. I want them to hear what Brian has to say about the Mojo. I want them to see what Brian can do on our bikes, and once and for all end any speculation about whether or not carbon fiber is strong enough for a mountain bike. Brian's credibility and endorsement of Ibis will cause a lot of new customers to take a look at the Mojo for its functional beauty, the dw-link's plush efficiency and the durable lightweight performance of the Mojo's monocoque carbon fiber frame."
(PHOTO courtesy of brianlopes.com.)
