Ibis Ripley XTR Bike Review

Ibis is an American mountain and trail bike manufacturer based out of Santa Cruz, California. The company is known for their custom and local-made mountain bikes, which they’ve been manufacturing since 1981. The company is employee-owned and they have created several award-winning components, including the Traction Tune and DW-Link suspension.

The Ibis Ripley doesn’t appear to be much different than other standard bikes. The flow and shape of the frame makes the bike seem more casual than hardcore and sporty. However, the high-quality components featured on the bike make it much more powerful than you would first assume. The head angle is 66.5-degrees and the seat angle is 76-degrees, which delivers long distances of travel with speed and ease. The Ibis Ripley is a durable, lightweight bike with dual-suspension, made for an enjoyable, off-road riding experience. The price of the Ibis Ripley is high, but the quality of the build makes it more than fair.

If you’re looking for a quick bike that’s easy to handle on the trails, the Ripley could be perfect for you. The Ibis Ripley accelerates well and rides smoothly, easily controlled by cyclists for the entirety of their trip. The saddle and riding position provide comfort throughout all types of rides, from extreme mountain biking, to casual, laid-back rides. The bike gives cyclists plenty of mid-stroke support, which allows rider’s to use the terrain to their advantage. The Ibis Ripley is perfect for fast trails with a flow, but it can also handle rougher trails.

Ibis Ripley Specs:

Frame Material- Carbon Fiber Monocoque

Frame Weight- 5lbs (M, w/o shock)

Wheel Size- 29” / up to 2.6” tires

Front Travel- 120-140mm forks

Rear Travel- 120mm

Shock Specs   – 190 x 45mm

Chainstay Length- 432mm (17 inches)

Bottom Bracket- Threaded (73mm English threaded)

Chainline- 52mm chainline, 168mm Q Factor

Boost Axles- 148mm rear / 110mm front

Rear Brake- 160mm post mount / 203mm max rotor

ISCG 05 Compatible- Optional removable adapter

Headset- ZS44 upper / ZS56 lower

Sizes- S/M/L/XL

Ibis Ripley Tires and Brakes

The 29-inch rims are built-in with 2.35-inch tires. Slightly thicker tires could help provide the Ripley for more stability, but that could also tip the balance while descending, as well as add weight. The suspension on the Ripley can be upgraded, as well as the rims and tires, if needed. The head tube angle is close to 66-degrees, which gives the bike some slack, and raises the bottom bracket a bit. The Ibis Ripley may not be great for tougher off-road trails, but it can still pack a strong punch for most cyclists.

The Ibis Ripley tires are suiting for the bike’s character, featuring a Schwalbe Hans Dampf tire on the front and a Nobby Nic tire on the rear. The 185mm Bike Yoke Revive dropper post is able to get the saddle entirely out of the way, and it assures smooth operation. The dropper post gives cyclists the freedom of movement while on the Ripley, ensuring confidence on steep descents. Ibis has also created their own extra-wide carbon fiber rims, utilizing Stans NoTubes Bead Socket Technology to assure lightweight, impact-resistant wheels.

The Ibis Ripley is also equipped with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, which are included with the SLX groupset. There is also a fitted Bike Yoke Revive dropper for convenient height adjustment for hills and descents.

Ibis Ripley Frame

The Ibis Ripley had a 29er frame design, which includes a long front end with a slack head angle. Ibis has specialized in trail, all-mountain, dual-suspension downhill, and enduro mountain bikes. Most of their bikes include full carbon frames and high-quality components. The Ripley also utilizes a molded swingarm and a polycarbonate downtube protector to provide the frame with protection from trail obstacles and other debris.

The Ibis bike models with dual-suspension frames are also equipped with the DW-Link suspension system. The suspension on the bike uses IGUS bushings, which decrease the weight of the bike and require much less maintenance. The suspension on the Ibis Ripley also allows riders to have an uninterrupted seat tube, which gives them the opportunity to run a longer dropper post. The Ibis Ripley bike frame is also covered by a seven year warranty, assuring that accidents and issues will be taken care of properly, when needed.

If you’re looking for a quick bike that’s easy to handle on the trails, the Ripley could be perfect for you. The Ibis Ripley accelerates well and rides smoothly, easily controlled by cyclists for the entirety of their trip. The saddle and riding position provide comfort throughout all types of rides, from extreme mountain biking, to casual, laid-back rides. The bike gives cyclists plenty of mid-stroke support, which allows rider’s to use the terrain to their advantage. The Ibis Ripley is perfect for fast trails with a flow, but it can also handle rougher trails.

The modern geometry and lightweight carbon frame ensure complete control and enjoyability throughout any type of cycling adventure. Cyclists can choose from the XTR or NX kit, but both feature the same premium carbon frame, high-quality component, and riding performance. The shorter 44mm offset gives plenty of slack and stability, while maintaining the popular and comfortable BMX feel that Ripley is known for. The Ibis Ripley is a well-balanced, reliable bike.

It features a roomy cockpit for comfortable riding and smooth, efficient pedaling to assist with climbing. The bike descends well due to the stability, balanced center, and the high-quality suspension. The Ripley picks up speed quickly, especially on flatter trails, and there is clearance available for tires of up to 2.6-inches wide.

            Overall, the Ibis Ripley is a great bike for short travel on trails and other off-road terrain. The 29-inch wheels and DW-Link suspension give cyclists the ability to ride smoothly and comfortably throughout almost any trail. The Ripley exceeds expectations for its smooth pedaling and climbing abilities, and remains stable on most descents. There is space within the frame for a water bottle or a couple of bags, which makes the Ibis Ripley great for both short trail riding and longer day rides!

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