Ibis Cycles Launch the new Ripmo and Ripley AF

 The Ibis Ripmo and Ripley are both very well established platforms at this point with the two bikes covering everything from light trail riding to world level enduro racing between them. Last year saw a full redesign on both of the carbon framesets, with almost every aspect of the design overhauled and a host of improvements made. Now the aluminium versions get the same treatment, with Ibis launching updated Ripmo and Ripley AF models to make their newest frame designs available at a more affordable price. 

You might already be familiar with the changes if you know the carbon bikes well, but if not read on below for all the changes to what were already some pretty good bikes in the previous generation AF models! We’ve also published some ride impressions from the carbon bikes in the past with Neil riding a Ripmo himself and the team testing the Ripley when it launched. 

In terms of travel, the new Ripmo AF stays the same as the outgoing bike at 160mm / 150mm, while the Ripley AF steps up to 140mm / 130mm. Where both bikes were previously full 29’ models, both now have the option to ride them either as full 29ers, or as mixed wheel bikes thanks to a large flip chip on the seatstay which adjusts the rear axle position to compensate for the change in wheel size. Small and Medium Ripmos ship with Mx wheels, while the larger sizes and all the Ripleys come with dual 29’ wheels by default, but the ability to easily try both setups adds even more versatility to these mid travel bikes. Also in common with the carbon models, both the Ripley AF and Ripmo AF are actually built round the same frame, with an upper link, shock and fork being all that is required to turn one bike into the other.

As with the carbon bikes, a new storage compartment has been added complete with one of the better executed doors we’ve seen and for sure the nicest internal frame bags, courtesy of Cotopaxi. Both bikes ship with air shocks, but thanks to a much smaller clevis on the upper link are now also Coil compatible. The upper linkage also sees a switch from bushings to bearings to improve wear in the higher rotation areas. 

Geometry has been tuned on both bikes, with chainstays, seat angles and uniquely to Ibis, BB height all being size specific. Their take on BB height is that longer bikes with the axles further apart are more likely to ground out at the chainring (imagine a car vs a long wheelbase van over a crest) and so the larger sizes get slightly higher BB’s by size to counteract that effect. Larger sizes also see slightly steeper seatube angles to keep even tall folk in front of the rear axle without chainstays having to become too long. Overall they are simply nicely balanced modern bikes that tip towards the quicker handling end of the spectrum with just enough stability to ride hard while still responding well to rider input. That’s a shape of bike that really tends itself to our technical trails here in Scotland with endless turns and roots to negotiate. 

Elsewhere around the frame, all the smaller details are well thought out. The BB is a sensible threaded type, the headset uses press in cups, cables route internally through the frame rather than the stem and there is plenty of clearance for a 2.5’ tire on a normal boost 148 wheelset and  there is plenty of room for a water bottle. The DW link suspension feel should be the same as on the carbon models and as our staff and race team can attest, that platform works exceptionally well with a great balance of efficiency, plushness and support. As with all Ibis bikes, both frames come with full lifetime frame warranties and free lower link bushes for life. 

There are two spec options for each bike, a Shimano Deore based build, or a higher end SRAM 90 version, with both delivering a lot of bike for the money. The colours are some of the nicest of recent times too, with the Burnt Orange Ripley and Metal AF Ripmo looking as good as any bike we’ve seen. 

UK Pricing

Ripmo AF Deore: £3549    Ripmo AF 90 kit: £4099

Ripley AF Deore: £3449    Ripley AF 90 kit: £3949

Full specs for the bikes below - we’ve new Ripmo AF’s inbound already and order for other specs should be no problem do let us know if you like the look of one and we’ll see what we can do for you!

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