Ibis Ripley Review - 2019 Bible of Bike Tests

Despite its Ripmo-esque silhouette, the new Ripley is still the quick, high-mileage trail machine it’s always been, but its updated linkage and geometry edge it into more aggressive territory.

[ScbyPwr]

Yay, the review we've been waiting for!

[BurnsRubber]

I’ve been on a Gen 1 I Ripley for over 5 years. It has been an incredibly versatile bike. I’ve raced it as a 23lb XC bike, and now it’s a 29lb pseudo Ripmo with -1.5deg headset cups and chunky Enduro tires. I really like what Ibis has done with this update. Based on where I’ve built my Ripley, I have my eye on the Ripmo as my next bike. Although I haven’t had any issues with my eccentric cups, I think the Ripmo style link is a win. Lighter, stiffer, and simpler. The XC build is unquestionably more fun on most trails in my area, which are steep, technical and flowing. This new geometry in an XC build would make an awesome do it all bike that’s capable, playful and very fast downhill except for super chunky trails, while retaining superb climbing abilities. The weak link I have found in an Ripley XC build is the durability of wheels and tires. If you fix this by installing more durable wheels and tires you lose a lot of climbing capability and playfulness—it’s no longer as fun. It becomes a short travel Enduro rig. Finding the optimal wheel-set/tire combo is the key to the optimal Ripley build. Those new Zipp Moto wheels with a medium casing, medium compound fast rolling set of tires might be the killer setup.

[mtb]

The Ripley Rips. Demoed this bike and was blown away. Amazing climber in open. Long reach (that felt great). Confidence inspiring on downhill. Just loved it. I demoed 16 bikes in 2 weeks (for $105 total - many free - see how on my channel), and the Ripley was my favorite. You've got to demo this thing.

[maxbolenkab]

Bikemag, your bible of bikes is some of the best informative content on YouTube. Thanks. I watch all of these regardless of my interest in the bike. Cheers guys.

[NDemanuele]

My dillema is between the Ripley and Ripmo. I currently ride a V1 Ripley. I'm siding with the Ripley, however, I like the stability of the Ripmo. As I get older ( 48 now), I could probably use the extra stability on descents. But I wish the Ripmo was a bit more stable.


I plan to demo the V4 Ripley soon and will figure it out.

[schlooonginator]

In Canada, Intense offers the direct to consumer price yet they sell via our verion of REI called MEC.
I bought the Sniper Trail Pro and they built it up, gave me the free kit including torque wrench and shock pump plus I get 2 years of service which included 2 shock/fork rebuilds!
Pretty good deal.
The bike is awesome but not having fun with the extremely finicky Eagle shifting.

[stephensantilli]

Hey Bike Mag, thanks for the review!! For those of us in New England who ride a lot of tight twisty rocky rooty trails, how is the slow speed handling on this?

[walterkasper]

How would it compare to the trail 429. Would the weights be closer if the ibis had maxxis tires
Thanks for the great videos

[myronsichanpheng]

Great review yet again guys! Wondering if you could get your hands on a Jamis Hardline A1? I think you guys could do a proper review on their 3VO suspension system!

[bokiker]

Could we see a review of the rocky mountain instinct in future bibles?

[unknownKnownunknowns]

what rim width would you choose for the build for this bike ? offers 28 or 35. I'm coming from a 22.5 and riding NoRcal rutted and 4 inch rocky trails

[scottm.]

Ibis Ripley vs. Yeti sb100? Your audience is dying to know!!!!

[Dincrivelfly]

Great bike!
Any word from Ibis for when they would start using the new Xt/SLX on the R4?

[mikea]

But if its gonna be my only bike since I'm not made of money, should it be a 140mm or 130mm?

[dhosekowski]

Didn’t hear a word, so distracted by the man bun 😂

[bacala]

I demoed this bike and was blown away. Currently on an Evil The Following V1

[nicksknives]

Would u guys get the Ripley or the pivot trail 429? Those are 2 of the dream bikes im lookin at.

[ChrisBryanTisSkinny]

How does this bike compare to the smuggler? Geo wise they are incredibly similar except besides, of course, the linkage design. I'd be interested to hear your take. Thanks.

[esdubya]

Guys you didn’t mention the tyres spec’d on the bike! Haven’t seen Hans Dampf Nobby Nic before 😱 no Maxxis Dhr/f

[SLAMTRON]

Factory Tag placed on all Ripleys, *"This is the BEST Trail bike you can buy, this is NOT an Enduro bike"* - lol