Ibis Ripley AF Review: The Little Engine That Could
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- Опубликовано: 30 июн 2024
- The Ibis Ripley AF is stout, sturdy, and packed to the brim with a can-do attitude. It builds on the venerable Ripley platform with a burly alloy frame, slacker head tube angle, and smart build kits starting at $3000. What more could you ask for? Nothing really - you’d only come off as greedy at that point. Have the folks at Ibis have cracked the code for what a short travel trail bike should be? Stick around to find out.
0:00 Intro
2:31 Ride Impressions - Uphill
5:44 Ride Impressions - Downhill
10:33 Conclusion
Read the full written review at - www.bebikes.com/the-hub/ibis-...
For a hookup on a demo bike visit - www.bebikes.com/tellusyoucame... 
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I own this ripley in the carbon frame. This AF ripley looks sweet. I guarantee anyone who ends up with one of these will love it.
It's kind of unusual to see such a thorough review by an experienced rider/reviewer with this much time on a bike that is actually affordable.
So, thank you!
Hey thanks for the kind words. I was stoked to get so much time on this bike. It’s a keeper.
Best bike stuff Reviewer so far on RUclips. Love your Content. Thx for the good work.
Thanks for the kind words! I really appreciate that.
@@bikersedge Yeah definitely one of the best!
Agreed Conor is very thorough and to the point. Thanks again for your dedicated knowledge.
Yeah not like all the magazines with bad jokes and slang that take away from the point of the review. Very to the point and informative!
What I really notice about the Ripmo & Ripley AF is the weld quality. A lot (almost all) other bike manufacturers welds look like someone's wire feed was set to eleven and pooped way too much metal. These Ibis AF's have nice looking welds! That shows just how much Ibis cares about the aesthetics , good on them. Another great review, thank you!
Thanks for the kind words! The welds do look pretty smooth and nice.
I just got this yesterday and say that i am overwhelmed.
Just got this bike and love it. Thanks for your reviews and videos. Really great content.
Thanks for the kind words. Glad you like them!
Great review as always. Love how quiet it is..
Thanks! Stoked you like it.
As always your reviews are top notch. Another killer kit from Ibis!!!
Thank you very much for the kind words! The bike is awesome.
Nice review, I got 5 rides in on mine before I blew my knee skiing and was delighted with both the up and down hill performance of this bike. With the great geometry and suspension design it doesn’t give up much compared to the 160/140 bike I’m used to. As far as the seat post goes I swapped the remote to a Wolftooth ReMote Light action and it’s totally acceptable now. Can’t wait till physio gives me the all clear to get back on it, even if it’s just gravel roads for the first bit.
I wanted to see you clean the technical stuff at the end of Zen but you diverted!!! Stoked on this bike, picking mine up early next week. Great review btw.
I rode it. Wasn’t able to clean that tough climb by the road. I rarely do. Ha.
Well done for making a reviewing bikes people can actually afford. Very new to your channel but loving the videos so far... keep up the good work 😀🚴♂️
Hey thanks for the kind words. Glad you like them!
@@bikersedge 👍
Quickly becoming one of my more favorite short/list travel items I’m considering for a trail bike! My large SB100 feels tiny every time I get off my Megatower.. and almost hurts to climb compared based on geo alone.. also my SB weighs 29.5lbs the way I have it built up, so this bike could probably complete pretty close weight wise and it’s not even carbon! This is big news and given how magical the Ripmo AF is I can only imagine this being the one bike 95% of the MTB population would ever truly need for a trail bike!
Well done here on the video! 👏🏼😎🚲💨
Thanks for the kind words! I have a feeling the Ripley AF is going to be super popular with folks who have overbuilt traditional XC/Short-travel trail bikes because they like the way they descend. Except, the Ripley AF comes ready to shred out of the box.
Tallboy AL vs Ripley AF vid seems like a great shootout. Awesome vid thanks for the great content.
Now there’s an idea. Please hold. Let me see what we can do.
@@bikersedge Would love to see this as well!! Was pretty set on getting the Tallboy AL next, but the Ripley AF has thrown a wrench into my plans now...
Yes, also add a tall boy and spur to the mix.
Would love to see the comparison as well!
Add another +1 to this
Best review of this bike I've seen. Didn't spend the whole video comparing it to other $6k bikes like other peoples reviews (other than the carbon Ripley naturally). I'm on the list for one now!
Stoked you liked it! You’re going to love the bike.
Loving my ripmo af. I'm sure this is also going to be a great seller ! .
Sure is!
As a multi metal bike owner, it's cool to hear you praise all the traits of this alloy frame that carbon was supposed to deliver. This is a very nice rig.
In my experience, most alloy frames feel smoother in the chatter than their carbon counterparts. I really like how they ride. Now if we could just get titanium bikes to be popular again....
awesome review, never seen trails in St. George, looks so sick
It’s a great winter time escape from bad weather.
Beautiful trail...I’m from the seattle area and will be in a road trip in a few weeks with my Ripmo AF and will be down in the Nevada, Utah and Arizona area and would love to ride that trail.
It's one of my favorites in Southern Utah. It's called Zen.
Had mine for a year in the Bentonville/ Bella Vista area. When you factor price into everything, I think this is the best trail bike money can buy. Bulletproof and so fun
Don’t think I can argue with you there.
Didn’t expect this tbh! Perfect timing. I’m hoping this bike is not sold out till 2030, would love to buy this bike for my wife 😀
If it's anything like the Rimpo AF, I wouldn't sleep on one if you can find one. We have a bunch at our shop right now if you're local.
It's nice to see a UT (SLC area, specifically) reviewer that looks at shorter travel bikes. I feel like the common wisdom around here is that everything requires a 140mm travel bike, minimum for our deserts and mountains, but I just don't believe that. Thanks for giving relevant, thorough reviews of short-travel trail bikes here in UT.
Stoked you like the reviews. I'm a big fan of short travel bikes on some of the mellower desert stuff. they're really fast.
So stoked on this bike! Great review! You said in the video if it were in the previous three bike test it would be right there with the tallboy in terms of descending. What about climbing performance comparison?
Hey thanks. It climbs about on par with the Tallboy as well. It’s not as quick as the carbon Ripley but it’s not far off.
Would love to see you test ride a Niner jet 9 RDO, heard a lot of great things about them and their suspension. Really like your channel you have great content. Thank you
Thanks for the kind words. We don’t carry Niner at the shop so I won’t be able to get one for review.
Nice job on Zen.....great looking bike
Hey thanks! It’s one of my favorite trails.
Great commentary. Keep it up.
Thanks! Glad you like it.
I bought this bike because of your review. Thanks!
Stoked! Glad it was helpful.
@@bikersedge Can you review the Trek Top Fueld 9.7 SLX/XT build next? That's the one I didn't end up buying. haha. Thanks!
We don’t carry trek at the shop. Won’t be able to make it happen unfortunately.
@@bikersedge Bummer, you're stuff is great regardless. I can't wait for spring out here in Vermont.
Really great review
Hey thanks for the kind words!
This was a great review! Thank you I’m definitely purchasing this bike now. You should go head to head with the Tallboy AL and the Ripley AF for the comparison 👍.
Hey thanks! I’ll do my best to get a TB for testing.
@@bikersedge Awesome Thanks!
Everytime I think I have decided on my next bike, another rad short travel 29er comes out. Transition Spur seems ideal, but now this comes out for half the price... What a great time to be a mtn biker.
Right?!? We are pretty lucky.
Excellent review. Just one small item that should have been mentioned is how effective the rear shock lockout lever was on your ride testing?
Also would be cool if you actually measured weight of bike.
Hey thanks for the feedback! Glad you liked the video.
I don't wanna say I need this bike, but I think I need this bike.
I don’t want to send it back. I need it.
@@bikersedge oh boy, that's some good feedback!
Fantastic review Connor (and Zach) Best reviews on the inter webs for sure! I picked up an AF from you guys this week! Question: Mine came front and rear Assegai tires. Is that what you were running on your test bike? What front tire do you like for the Wasatch Front? I ran a DHF/Aggressor combo for the past couple of years. I would like a faster rolling tire combo. Thoughts?
Our test bike came with Minion DHRIIs front and back. I actually really liked that combo. I’ve also been liking the dissector rear with a minion up front.
Zach as usual great job, great reviews! You do some of the best reviews in the world and you always answer the question, thank you very much. Excuse my English
Please, I know you are riding your own Ripmo V2 and I wonder how you would compare Ripley AF with Ripmo V2.
Which bike you feel sitting on, your position more comfortable and whether Ripley AF climbs much better uphill than V2. Down the hill in rough terrain, I assume it will be better about V2, which will go like a tank, but at AF it will be more work with driving, but also probably more fun?
Is AF much more agile and playful than V2?
I think Ripley AF will be very similar to Ripmo V2 or am I wrong?
When Ibis makes the Ripley V5 with geo AF, will it be the perfect bike for most regular rides?
Thanks and continue your excellent work, we greet you from Europe
The best way to get ahold of Zach would be at the info@bebikes.com email address.
Thanks for this review! Trails look really fun. Where was that?
Zen trail in St. George, UT
Thanks again for the great review, do you think this bike might benefit from a 140mm fork? How might it compare to the norco optic or trance x with a 140mm fox 36?
Glad you liked it! I didn’t feel it needed a 140mm fork. That said it could be cool to try. I’d think the Trance X would still be more capable. It’s quite a bit longer.
Jeebus! Just bought the occam for its efficiency. Couldnt afford to go ibis lol. This would have been great!
It’s awesome to see this bike at this price!
I really like your content and probably will buy a bike from your recommendation. For a semi beginner, would you recommend this or the Occam for 95% natural trails and maybe 5% manmade flow trails? Trails here are often characterized by repeated short, slow, high torque, full power mini sprints to get up difficult trail features.Thanks!
Hey thanks! I’m glad you find the videos helpful. For a semi beginner the Occam is going to be a bit. Ore forgiving. Especially if you get one with a 150mm fork. The Ripley is a great bike but will require a bit more confidence and control for riding rough trails at speed. They are both excellent climbers.
I'm so curious how this compares to a specialized epic evo. They're quite similar in price here in Aus. I know the epic leans more on the XC side of the scale but I'm more curious about the fun factor. And which would you pick if you had to choose.
I haven’t ridden the specialized. Can’t say.
Just bought a used one, which is a nice upgrade from my Giant Stance. My pedal strikes however are way up on the Ibis, I guess due to the extra travel, something I'm working to get used to. Other than that, brilliant.
More travel doesn’t necessarily mean more pedal strikes. Might want to look into setup and make sure you’re at the proper sag. It could also be the ibis has a lower BB than the stance or even longer cranks.
@@bikersedge I'll recheck and possibly reduce the sag. Thanks for your response
excellent. thank u
Nice looking bike, Do you think the rear shock is restricted to non piggy back?
I don't see any reason you couldn't run a piggy back. The shock size is pretty small so finding a piggy back might be tricky. I'm pretty sure the DPX2 comes small enough to fit though.
It's better on the descent because they've tweaked the kinematics to make it a slight rising rate rather than the slight falling rate of the carbon version, so it doesn't blow through it's travel.
Turns out we are both wrong. According to Ibis they haven’t changed the kinematics at all.
Love an alloy trail bike. Thinking this frame might be the one to replace my Trance 29 one day
I'm with you on the alloy thing!
That's funny, I was wondering how this would compare to my Trance 29 2
Been a great bike, except the fork damper in the Fox 34 Float Rythm broke, I think from hitting rocks with lockout on
@@youtubeaccount9058 running a Factory Grip 2 on mine now. Great fork 👍🏻
Nice Video. I own a ripmo AF and I am looking for a better climbing bike that still is fun on the descents. I was aiming at the evil following 2020. How does it compare in therms of suspension kinematics? I found my ripmo Af quite linear with a super deluxe rear shock with LL tune and 3 volume spacers at 30%measured sitting. At least I'm using full travel very often without hitting big drops. I noticed that you said it's more progressive than the carbon Ripley but having the same suspension design as the ripmo Af it might be still linear compared to evil? Thank you in advance. Cheers
I haven't ridden the Evil so I can't really compare at all. Ibis bikes aren't know for being super progressive, however.
Sounds kind of crazy but I think I might like this bike more than my Spur. Little softer front end would be really nice.
Nothing crazy about that.
Thanks for great review! Ripley AF could be my next bike... or Occam. How would you compare these two? Is Ripley better in any aspect? From the comments it seems that Occam can do everything as good as Ripley, plus it has reserves in travel for rough trails...
I think the carbon Ripley climbs better. They’re pretty similar bikes but the Occam is probably slightly more trail/all mountain while the Ripley is right in the middle of the trail category.
I'd buy it for the color alone!
It's very nice. One of my favorites.
The tall top tube reminds me of GT.
I’m thinking about buying this, but I also do some park riding, could it handle some jumps and like a 4-5 foot drop or should I look for something with a bit more suspension. I also do 2-3 xc races a year
It will be more than enough for 4-5 foot drops and jumps. It’s not the lightest for XC but it sure is efficient.
So you pointed out the KS dropper as a weakness... what about the G2 brakes? I do think all the ibis wheels are great and lend to the “feel” you talked about. Oddly your description of AL vs CF frame is opposite of my experience. I feel like carbon minimizes vibration over chattery stuff. Yes it is stiffer and transmits more hard edges, but overall less vibration and in my opinion “quieter”. You do great reviews...keep it up!
Mine had shimano brakes. They were fine. I don’t dislike the G2 brakes either. In fact I’d probably prefer those.
I feel like Ibis is doing this better than the aluminium budget options from Santa Cruz. The SC bikes are really weakened by cheap, heavy spec on their still NOT cheap lower models
Yeah, Santa Cruz seems to think their name alone will move their AF bikes at a price point that should be a higher spec.
I am so split between this and the new Canyon Spectral 29er. I might go with the Spectral just because if I am going to have one bike, it might be nice to have a bit more travel.
Same boat. Spectral looks amazing. My issue is the sizing. I'm 6 2 and the reach on spectral is 485 on large and 510 on xl. This bike seems to fit better at xl 500 reach.
@@robwilkins304 I'm not sure 10mm would do all that much and you should be able to shorten the reach a bit by either pushing your seat forward or getting a different stem.
I'm 6'2" and that extra 10mm is what takes it from being a comfortable fit, to being a stretch.
@@bikersedge That's fair
Do you think this would be a good bike in a 2 bike garage to complement a Transition Spire? I'm looking for a more playful muck around bike, to compliment my Spire and tossing up between a short travel whip like this or a hard tail. What are your thoughts?
This would be perfect next to a spire.
Great review! Question: would you recommend this bike for guys in the 200 lb range? My last bike had 115 rear travel and to get the 30% sag i needed the shock at 260 psi which was harsh on rocks and roots. Wondering if guys my size are better served with mid travel? Thanks.
So there's probably a little more to it than this, but the bike should feel the same for you at 30%/260PSI as it does for someone who is 150 and is at 30%/190PSI. Sag is what matters. It could be that your last bike just doesn't have a particularly plush suspension design, or your damper needed some fine tuning.
That said, I weigh 185 and have zero problems with the Ripley. I can happily recommend it to riders of all sizes.
@@bikersedge thanks. Was riding a 2019 trance 29. The reach was 480 and felt a bit small also. I'm looking for short travel 29 with some small. Bump compliance for my Rocky and rooted trails.
The best short travel bikes I’ve ridden for that are the Santa Cruz Tallboy, Norco Optic and this one. They will feel really good in chattery terrain.
Can you offer some suggestions for setting up the rear shock. I'm new to DW-link. Just got a RipleyAF, took my first ride and i felt like I had alot of pedal kickback and roots where seeming to pop my feet off the pedals on some rougher areas. Is pedal feedback a trait of dw-link or do i have the rear shock too stiff? Im 180 and had 200psi in rear shock.
I ran mine just under 30% sag. Pedal kickback isn’t something I noticed too much of. I wonder if dialing in the compression and rebound could help keep the feet on the pedals a bit better.
Have you had a chance to try the Revel Rascal? I’m really anxious to know how the Ibis DW-Link compares to Canfield suspension.
This climbs much better. I think the Rascal is a bit more progressive but doesn’t feel nearly as plush.
@@bikersedge Interesting. I'm assuming you're comparing climbing with the shock wide open, yeah? I have a Canfield Balance and I never once have touched the climb switch and that's a big deal for me. I'm hoping the Ripley is the same!
Yes. That’s worth the shock open. I don’t think you’d ever even think about the lockout lever on the Ripley.
@@bikersedge You might have just sold me my next bike.
This is probably the right bike for 90 percent of people. I almost regret buying my Ripmo AF now.....almost!
Nah. No regrets. That’s bike is rad.
I have read a article once that said the ripmo climbs 90% as well as the Ripley. Would a carbon ripmo climb close to the af Ripley
Thanks for the great video
Thanks for the kind words.
I think you could say that about the old Ripmo. The new one isn’t quite as good. I think the Ripley AF would fall between the carbon Ripley and Ripmo V2.
How does it stack up against the Occam and have you had a chance to ride the new Stumpjummper? Also, with it being slacker does Ibas still say you can throw a 140mm fork?
I'd actually put it pretty close to the Occam. The Occam obviously has more travel, but I think they feel pretty similar on trail. When things get really rough, the extra travel on the Occam would be nice though.
I'll have to check on the 140mm fork thing. I don't have any official yes/no statements from Ibis right now.
@@bikersedge Thanks and another great review.
What do you use for your camera chest mount so it is always pointing forward?
I used a Hero 7 and Karma gimbal for this. Now, I just use the Hero 10 on a chesty.
I’m 6’ with short legs for my height, and a long torso. Stuck between this bike in a L and XL. My legs would love the large and room for a longer dropper, and my upper body would love the reach of an XL lol. Any input on which way you’d go?
Thats a tough call. I hesitate to give out any specific size advice over the internet. It's a crapshoot without seeing someone on the bike. I'll just refer you to our "what size bike should I buy" video.
@@bikersedge Thank you! Looked around more and I’m considering an XL tallboy v4. Shorter seat tube than xl ripmo and still enough reach. I’ve had VPP bikes in the past and loved them
Such a shame Connor didn’t do the RIPMO AF test back in the day
I've ridden that bike plenty. I give my feedback on it in the roundup video for the 3k showdown.
I wish they were more transparent about their plans to release this bike.. I would had probably waited instead of buying my SB115
Most companies play things pretty close to the chest on bike releases.
This or trek top fuel 8? Both AL frames. Both about 120mm travel. Both about 3k.
Not at all familiar with the Trek. Can’t really say.
Do you think they would sell it also as a frame only?
As of right now they don’t. I bet we see the option in the future, though.
Great videos! With that being said, probably gonna go with the carbon version just because I like sprinting uphill (weird, I know lol), but I see where this bike fits the bill.
You’re one of the boogery, drooling and suffering types huh?
@@bikersedge Yes, but I love descending too lol, and short travel bikes these days are so capable you can do a fair bit of both really well. All modern bikes are so good.
@@bikersedge Gonna be demoing both tho just because I'm curious how this rides in the steep trails in Santa Cruz. Can imagine it's more capable than the carbon Ripley there...
You’re totally right. Bikes are amazing these days. This one handles the steeps well.
@@bikersedge Decided on the v4 carbon Ripley. Even if they change it next year, I'll buy the frame used. It suits my riding more than the AF and there is nothing wrong with that, all forms of mtb are good whether endurance or gravity. Thanks for the reviews, yours are some of the best online! (Much better than bikemag or pinkbike).
Was this the “secret bike” in your spur/ripley/tallboy video? Or is there another short travel 29er being unveiled soon?
Great review as always!
You got it. Secrets out.
I'm looking at the build kits from Deore to SLX, I noticed the full groupset costs from deore to slx is a $100-250 difference in price but the price difference in Ripley AF deore to slx is $900 for all the same other stock parts (suspension/wheels) with a different dropper post. Am i missing something in the spec list?
You're not wrong. Thats a little weird to see. I know that Bike Yoke dropper is one of the most expensive on the market but It's not $700 more expensive.
@@bikersedge thanks for the reply. Hopefully you guys can get a few rides on the new rocky mountain element before my next bike purchase. Currently trying to decide between Element, top fuel, spur, ripley AF and YT izzo. Looking for a 29er. From Illinois, so mostly 12-20mile rides usually 1500-1800 foot climb over those miles. Im not a strong climber but i have a canyon spectral 160mm travel which is way overbiked for my location! Im looking for an efficient bike that is still fun at charging down stuff (while not feeling like i may go over the bars easily) @3k the deore ripley is a great price but at $4100 it opens the door to those other bikes which are all equal or better specs and lighter.
I’ve spent about 30 minutes on the new elelment. Trying to get more time so I can make a video. Stay tuned. It looks likely.
Would you recommend a large or extra large for someone 6ft tall?
Size advice over the internet is a crapshoot. I’d try to find one to try on in person. If you can’t find an AF, a lot of shops will have the carbon version. Fit will be the same.
thy should do a Ripley short travel for xc racing
You already can put a short travel for like the SID Ultimate on it, should work fine
With how fast the regular carbon Ripley is, there's really no reason to make it shorter travel. Put some fast tires on there and you'll be crushing at the races.
How would you compare this bike to the Occam aluminum?
Pretty similar. I think the Occam gets after it just a little more on the DH but not by much.
oh no. Do you think they now are going to change the carbon Ripley? I thinking about buying one, but i dont want a slacker head angle.
Ibis said they are not planning to replace it soon. Probably they are going to replace it in fall or early next year (given how they updated the Ripmo)
I would imagine we will see an update at some point. Although, I doubt it will be soon/this year. If they follow the Ripmo trend they will most likely make it a bit slacker.
@@bikersedge I'm hoping they don't do that with the carbon model. Yes a slacker bike does help with descending on fast open trails, but for climbing and tight trails a steeper head angle is just more agile. I feel the slack angles suit the aluminum version, given its heavier, whereas the carbon should remain agile, given its lighter. We'll see tho...
We will see. It would be nice to have that difference between the carbon and alloy versions for sure.
I hate being snotty and drooling! Haha
Then you'd probably like the Ripley AF!
How would you compare this to the Ripmo AF? Would it be worth getting the Ripley AF as a second bike for more XC / Trail type riding?
I don't think the Ripley AF is your "XC" bike though. I'd go regular Ripley for that. If by "XC" you mean, short-travel trail destroyer, then yeah, it would fit the bill. I think there's more overlap between the Ripley AF and Ripmo AF than between the Ripmo and Ripley.
Yea I’m waiting for the Mojo Af hurry up Ibis!
That would be sweet. Make it a mullet too!
@@bikersedge yea a mullet Ripmo!
They could call it the moJo Exotic.
Hey guys . What is the difference between Ripmo and ripley af and which one would you prefer?? I hope (forget your name ) you can see my question and answer me , please !!
The Ripmo is a longer travel bike than the Ripley. The Ripley has 120mm of rear travel while the Ripmo has 147mm of rear travel.
Sexy frame. Does anyone know the Rider Weight Limit? Reason being I have A GT Zaskar LT & Sonder Evol. My weight(255 pounds), was making the rear wheel nipples break through the rim. Fracturing the rim in several spots. And that was from very light crushed-stone/paved trail riding. I've upgraded to heavier Halo rim, that supports the bodyweight. Bike makers just keep making lighter frames and thinner wheels, that pancake under stress. Maybe just the Ripley frame, and I can add SRAM SX and my own wheels. Looking for a long-haul rig to go from Jasper Park to NY, in Summer 2022.
As far as I know, Ibis doesn't list a max rider weight. At 255 you should probably be OK on almost any reputable frame out there.
Wonder how it compares to the Transition Spur? Obviously ist's heavier, so it won't climb as fast. Bitte how does it compare on the descents?
If you go watch our “Ripley vs Spur vs Tallboy” video and then watch this one, you’ll see that exact comparison I made.
Alright, got it. What about sizing, does XL frame feel noticably bigger than the xl tallboy or the large spur?
The sizing feels pretty similar to an XL Tallboy but smaller than an XL Spur. I like how this one fits the most out of all of those. I’m 6’2” if that helps.
Thanks, yes it does help. I'm 6'1" so it should be pretty comparable to your sizing.
This bike is definitely a unicorn. Particularly the part about never being able to see one in person. 🦄
Thanks for the great review!
They are pretty rare. Can confirm they actually exist though. Just like Bigfoot.
Dump the Aggressor tires for some lighter faster-rolling 2.6 Rekons and the Ripley AF would take off.
Totally agreed. Mine actually showed up with DHRIIs front and back. Turns out, that's a killer combo.
How did it compare to the Trance 29 ?
It’s been so long since I’ve ridden a Trance and I’ve never ridden the alloy version. Can’t really make a fair comparison.
Will the CF Ripley get the slacker head tube as well?
No official word from Ibis but it wouldn't surprise me. Doubt we will see that this year, though.
@@bikersedge I don't know if I can another year! 😁
Id get one of these. I honestly didn’t miss the carbon frame.
How would this compare to a Giant Trance X aluminum? Which would you prefer?
I haven’t ridden the Trance X in aluminum so I can’t really say.
@@bikersedge Thank you. By the way great review. Your videos are awesome.
So stoked you like them!
2014 called, wants its top tube back.
Hahahaha.
Thanks for excellent bike reviews. I'm struggling with either carbon frame Ripley w/ aluminum wheels or Ripley AF w/ carbon wheels? Want to get bike weight under 30lbs for either config assuming lighter EXO tires.
If you want to go under 30 you'll have to do the carbon frame. Don't think you're getting there with one of the alloy builds currently available.
@@bikersedge Understood. Any performance/comfort gains with alloy frame w/ carbon wheels vs carbon frame w/ alloy wheels?
In this case the Ripley AF is slacker making it more capable on the DH. I haven’t ridden it with carbon wheels but it rode pretty great with the stock alloy wheels.
i ; need help to find the right size for me :: i will ride almost same type of terreain like in the video , im experience rider having some years on the bike forest and some trail 's like big bear snow summit like more flow trails ... my size is 174,5 ( 5,9 ) long ...will ypu go for large or medium ????
I steer clear of giving out specific size advice over the internet. Your best bet is a demo or a parking lot test ride. Also the manufacturers size guide can be a good resource.
With a Sid and Sidluxe ultimate this bike would be killer
I think that would better suit the carbon Ripley. This one wants to ride harder on the DH.
Any word on a frame-only option?
No word. Looks like they only have completes right now.
Comes to my mind the giant trance for 3k would be like three pounds lighter? 🤔
I would spend 4k for a ripley af weighting 29 pounds.
You sure about those weights? I have a 2019 Trance 29 2 and it's like 32 lbs on my scale.
Jesus-tap-dancing-Christ, I want this bike
I always though he rode a bicycle. But yes I agree and want it too.
keen on getting a frame so that can make the bike more competitive with its weight.. Let me know if I can order a frame.
Send an email to info@bebikes.com and they can help you out.
Can You upgrade to a 38 Fox fork?
You won’t be able to get a 38 short enough to not alter the geo too much.
This or the Polygon Siskiu T8?
Haven’t ridden that one.
mojo af would be bike of the year and you all know it
Wrong wheel size duh.
Where is that trail?
St George Utah.
Where are you riding?
St George, Utah.
How does the Ripley AF compare to Tallboy alloy
Haven’t ridden an alloy Tallboy. Its not going to change the bike all that much though.
Do you think with Ripley AF and it’s slacker head tube it’s closer to descending as the Tallboy? I’m looking for shorter travel trail bike bcus my current bike feels like to much bike at some of my local trails
@@abrahamchairez8699 i think its closer but the Tallboy still descends more capably. The suspension design has a lot to do with it.
Wow tall are you?did you drive an xl?
I’m 6’2” on an XL
@@bikersedge ..does this bike does" long "rides with frend's?or the weight is too much?
@@paulomoreira3147 I don't think it's too heavy. I think pedaling efficiency and geometry matter way more than bike weight when it comes to long rides.
Not sure who this bike is for. When you want a good climbing bike it is on the heavy and slack side. If you want a good descender you could also buy the more capable Ripmo?
If you watch until the end of the video I describe exactly who it's for.
@@bikersedge I know, I just think that's a pretty small bunch of riders, but maybe I am seeing that wrong
We see so many people who buy short travel/XC bikes then proceed to bump the fork travel, put a coil shock on it, run aggressive tires... The Ripley still kicks ass on the climbs while being ready to shred out of the box.
You must be kidding? This is exactly the recipe of bike that’s hot right now. Norco Optic, Marin Riftzone, Tallboy etc. I’m my opinion a alloy Ibis is like a affordable Ferrari.
@@esdubya No absolutely serious. I do not see the point of a 33 lbs short travel bike
As an all-rounder what are your thoughts on ripley vs occam vs trance?
Personally if I could have one bike and wanted the most versatile option, it would be between the Occam and Trance X. They’ll let you ride tougher terrain. If I already had a long travel bike and wanted a lively and fast trail bike, I’d go Ripley.
@@bikersedge Im just that liiiitle bit worried I dont feel the occam will have enough descending capability as looking at your comments the Occam is noticeably outdone by something like the Hightower. Is there a bike that is one notch better pointed down while still being a strong climber? Occam H30 with xt brake upgrade is a lot cheaper than Trance x in Scotland. I think Im starting to expect too much, but better to check before I decide!
@@kevinchristoforou1519 the Ripmo could be a good option for you. Still climbs very well but is in the next category up in DH capability. The SB130 would also fit the bill.
Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help. One last question - where do you see the trance x vs the ripmo in relation to the occam?
I think it’s slight right between them both up and down.