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Mojo SL upgrade to M3 or HD3?

1K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  ckspeed 
#1 ·
I know that the difference is now clear between the Mojo 3 and the new HD4. But I'm looking at the used market to be able to afford an upgrade for the SL that I have been progressing on during the last two years. Maybe this has been hashed out already, but am wondering if anyone would be willing to break down differences in feel or the potential need for more suspension on the M3.

I have put a 150mm x 27.5" front end on my SL so the angles are slacker, but the reach is shorter and BB higher. I definitely feel perched on the bike if that makes sense, though it does behave better going downhill over rough terrain. I am using all of the suspension on a typical ride, which is my only hesitation to going with the M3, but I have also heard that the newer DW link with newer shocks might be more progressive, and the newer forks being better than the Fox 32 that I have. I like to ride singletrack climbs to avoid fire roads whenever possible. I'm turning 50 next year, so am not going to be doing big gap jumps at bike parks. But I also ride more aggressively than my other friends my age, and do like to get out and try to keep up with my son and his buddies on shuttle days.

One day I'm convinced that I should pick up that baseline M3 on craigslist for $2k, then the next I feel like if I keep building to bigger jumps and faster descents I would want the extra travel. HD3 bottom end builds are in the same price range, though not with boost. I will eventually figure it out or find a deal too good to pass up on one or the other, but would appreciate any extra discussion on your personal experiences.
 
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#2 ·
I have had a couple of M3's and now a HD3, except for all out xc speed I prefer the HD3 hands down. I spend a fair amount of time park riding and love the longer travel. I do have a -1 deg headset in mine but honestly I didn't notice a huge difference for my daily riding. Also for all day adventure out in the chunk I think the HD3 is a more comfortable ride without being a mushy turd. Oh and I'm a year shy of 50 and hit some fairly big stuff. Sorry just couldn't resist some jump porn :D lovin the HD3
 

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#4 ·
I went from a Mojo C to the HD3. The M3 wasn't even a consideration for me. I felt it would be more of a lateral move. Granted this was just a feeling and not based on any real world experience with either the M3 or HD3.

My Mojo was set up with a 160 Lyrik so a little taller and slacker than your SL which is also one of the reason why I preferred the HD3.

Flash forward to now. After riding the HD3 for 800+ mi, 125k of climbing, I can decisively say that the HD3 does not compromise anything compared to the Mojo. It climbs faster, even through tight switchbacks, obviously descends better but not just straightline, high speed steeps, rocks, and off camber chunk but even tight, slow switchbacks.

I can only compare the advantages of the HD3 over the Mojo but I figure our impression of the Mojo is probably about the same so I'm hoping I'm able to give you some insight into the huge performance gap btw the HD3 and SL. Granted my Mojo is ~.70 lbs heavier than my HD3. If your SL is built up more on the XC side of the spectrum then our experiences and opinions of the Mojo may be different.

IMO, the upside potential of the HD3 ends the discussion. You're not going to give up much where the M3 shines but if you start pushing the M3 into the more aggressive side of the spectrum, you'll reach the limit faster. From your post it seems like its in the back of your mind that you want a bike that you can grow into. And even if you don't, you're not going to be hampered if at all.

BTW: I had a quick demo of the M3 at Sea Otter and while it felt quicker when you slammed on the pedals, my goals aren't to be the fastest up the hills but most definitely its to have the most fun blasting downhill.

I have not regretted my choice one bit and everyday I ride it I'm steadily making faster times on the ups and downs.
 
#5 ·
I just went from a 2012 Mojo SL running 27.5/25.5 lbs to an HD3./28.5 lbs. I was pondering an M3 as well. I'd agree with the above assessments too. The outstanding deals on HD3s pushed me that way a month or so ago. I am around your age and it sounds like similar riding. Northeast, fairly aggressive, sometimes rocky, rooty, some drops, nothing park big. The HD3 has been great, climbs at least as well (even with the extra weight), doesn't seem to give anything up in responsiveness in tight stuff, very playful, and def more confidence inspiring when things get steep and sketchy. I tend to keep things for a while, and I'm sure this one will be with me. My girlfriend took the SL so that stays in the family too.
 
#6 ·
I'm really glad to hear from you guys. There is a lot that I like about the SL, so knowing that the HD3 keeps or improves on all of that goodness is great news. I'm in the PNW and yes, it is steep and rough with drops. I live almost on top of some of the trails used by the regional enduro series and the SL feels out of its depth trying to take them at a fast pace. I am inching towards trying a race or two next season, so it does seem like the HD3 is the right direction.
 
#7 ·
I got myself one for Christmas! Loving it so far. I think the shock could use a rebuild, so I got a new take-off Monarch RC3+ debonair for a great price to try out. So far all of my new PRs are downhill, but I think that is just my winter fitness level rather than the bike.

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#8 ·
I’ll join you guys on the almost 50 yo. I have the Mojo 3 and I love it on smoother trails, not XC like trails. I also have the SC Bronson for a more knolly and rooty trails so that my body don’t get too beat up after the ride.
 
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