Ibis Ripley
The Trail Bike for the Enduro Racer! That’s how I felt about the Ibis Ripley. A well designed, modern geometry pedaling machine that allows you to playfully descend with a big smile on your face. The new Ripley frame geometries are right in line with what many in the industry are using for their long travel steeds with a pedal happy 76 degree Seat Tube angle, a confidence inspiring 66.5 degree Head Tube Angle, and a Reach of 450mm (Medium Frame) that is right in line with the Ibis Ripmo, the Ripley’s longer travel sibling. Ibis also offers 6 different complete bike packages ranging from $4099 for the NX Drivetrain and Fox Performance suspension build up to $9399 for the no need to change a thing build, with its XTR Drivetrain/Brake combo matched with the Fox Factory suspension and Ibis Carbon wheels with Industry Nine Hydra Hubs. The Ibis carbon wheels can be easily upgraded on any level build however.
Ascending
I’ve ridden many different bikes over the years, but the Ibis Ripley may be the most pedal efficient bike I’ve ever ridden. I’m not the quickest or strongest climber but I found myself cleaning steep rooty sections as well as tight uphill switchbacks with greater ease. Never needing to use the lock out on the Fox Float Factory rear shock or needing to leave the saddle for that little punch up over the rise. The 76 degree seat tube angle along with 450mm Reach was comfortable for longer climbs and the super low Standover height allows for many lengths of dropper posts to work for the various rider heights out there. The Ripley left me with energy remaining for the important stuff, DESCENDING!
I’ve ridden many different bikes over the years, but the Ibis Ripley may be the most pedal efficient bike I’ve ever ridden. I’m not the quickest or strongest climber but I found myself cleaning steep rooty sections as well as tight uphill switchbacks with greater ease. Never needing to use the lock out on the Fox Float Factory rear shock or needing to leave the saddle for that little punch up over the rise. The 76 degree seat tube angle along with 450mm Reach was comfortable for longer climbs and the super low Standover height allows for many lengths of dropper posts to work for the various rider heights out there. The Ripley left me with energy remaining for the important stuff, DESCENDING!
Descending
SHOCKER….. The Ripley is not a long travel, big hit sending, rock garden smashing machine but it is a super capable, agile and playful trail bike! I’ve had the opportunity to ride the Ripley on some of the best red rock trails in Sedona, AZ as well as the trails around home in Snohomish, Bellingham and North Bend, WA and I have to say it has never disappointed. The bike will shine the most when the trail is twisty and full of sweeping corners and small rollers but when the trail gets steep or technical, the modern geometry helps you adjust your body positioning quickly to respond to the changing terrain and navigate the roughest and trickiest of trails. I honestly only felt the bike was under gunned when I followed fellow Tim’s rider Karen Oconnell down the super-fast trail, Airchair at Galbraith. To the bikes defense, I had forgotten to unlock the rear shock, which is not needed to climb but was testing, and I had never ridden the trail before while she rides it regularly. Once I unlocked the shock, the bike became lively again and the big smile came back to my face! You will feel the bike bottom out on drops over 2 feet which is to be expected for a 120mm travel rear suspension, other than that I was able to push the bike beyond its limits and was still super happy with the feedback from the Ripley.
SHOCKER….. The Ripley is not a long travel, big hit sending, rock garden smashing machine but it is a super capable, agile and playful trail bike! I’ve had the opportunity to ride the Ripley on some of the best red rock trails in Sedona, AZ as well as the trails around home in Snohomish, Bellingham and North Bend, WA and I have to say it has never disappointed. The bike will shine the most when the trail is twisty and full of sweeping corners and small rollers but when the trail gets steep or technical, the modern geometry helps you adjust your body positioning quickly to respond to the changing terrain and navigate the roughest and trickiest of trails. I honestly only felt the bike was under gunned when I followed fellow Tim’s rider Karen Oconnell down the super-fast trail, Airchair at Galbraith. To the bikes defense, I had forgotten to unlock the rear shock, which is not needed to climb but was testing, and I had never ridden the trail before while she rides it regularly. Once I unlocked the shock, the bike became lively again and the big smile came back to my face! You will feel the bike bottom out on drops over 2 feet which is to be expected for a 120mm travel rear suspension, other than that I was able to push the bike beyond its limits and was still super happy with the feedback from the Ripley.
Overall Thoughts
The Ripley is a short travel trail bike with the promise of easier climbs to the top rewarding you with fun, grin inspiring descents. I would happily choose the Ripley over the longer travel Ibis Ripmo for riding days at Tokul or Galbraith but wouldn’t shy away from riding more technical trails like Tiger Mountain or Raging River! Get over to Tim’s Bike Shop for a demo!
The Ripley is a short travel trail bike with the promise of easier climbs to the top rewarding you with fun, grin inspiring descents. I would happily choose the Ripley over the longer travel Ibis Ripmo for riding days at Tokul or Galbraith but wouldn’t shy away from riding more technical trails like Tiger Mountain or Raging River! Get over to Tim’s Bike Shop for a demo!