Ibis Cycles Launch the New Ripley SL

Super light, super fast, trail capable and tough. Today Ibis Cycles launch the new 120mm travel Ripley SL.

Ever since Ibis re-mapped the Ripley 4 into the new 130mm travel V5, there has been a small but obvious gap in their line up between it and their full XC race bike, the Exie. Well that all  changes today, as that gap is now well and truly plugged with the arrival of the new Ripley SL. 

If you’ve never ridden one of the new breed of short travel bikes that combine near XC uphill performance and weight with trail riding angles then you are missing out. Incredibly easy to ride and fast uphill and across rolling terrain, they are also a complete blast to descend both flowy and technical trails on, with super fast handling paired to confidence inspiring geometry.

The new Ripley SL epitomises that style of bike with 117mm rear DW link travel and a 130mm fork paired to a light 5lb (2.2kg) frame weight and modern angles to create an XC biased, yet full capability trail riding bike. 

With space for two water bottles along with in frame storage via the Ibis STOW system, it’s ideal for long distance racing or full days in the hills but it’s equally as happy blasting a power hour on your local trails or taking part in the odd XC race. Elsewhere the bike is as practical as we’ve come to expect from Ibis; gear and brake hoses route externally on the swingarm under neat captive guides to keep access and changes easy, the BB is threaded for simple swaps and there’s space in the rear triangle to mount larger 4 piston brakes for the trail riding crowd.

There are a generous five sizes of Ripley SL to choose from keeping size gaps to a minimum. Geometry looks to be a very good balance of numbers, with almost every measurement changing along with frame size, from chainstay length to seat angle and even BB height. The middle sized X-Medium Ripley SL (for riders around 5,10’) sports a 66’ Head Angle, 463mm Reach, 436mm chainstay, 1201mm wheelbase and a ground hugging 36mm BB drop. All that points to a very non-XC descending feel, and should create a bike that will absolutely rail corners without handling like a barge.

All the bikes are being handbuilt by Ibis themselves in their 100% solar powered factory in California allowing for perfect quality control throughout the production of every single frame along with reduced environmental impact. 

Three colours will be available, a Raw Carbon, the striking Tahoe Blue or a more subtle finish in the Matte Gold Rush. Ripley SL’s will be available either as a frameset or in three builds; a value SRAM 90 setup, or higher end Shimano XT and XTR Di2 options. Interested? Get in touch for current pricing and lead times. 

☎️ 01896 831429

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