I’ve owned this bike for several months now and can honestly say it’s my favorite trail bike I’ve ever owned. However, one of the first changes I made from the GX build that I have was to change both the wheel set and the tires. Not that there is anything wrong with the Ibis set that it came with, but I had a much better carbon set that made a huge difference in weight and performance. Also, I’m not a huge fan of the 2.6 tires that it came with. I put a 2.4 DHR2 up front and a 2.35 Aggressor in the rear and it made a massive difference in both acceleration and all around performance. Anyway, great review on an amazing bike! Oh and as an aside, with the changes I’ve made, my size large bike is coming in at about 27.2 lbs.
The new Ripley is a great bike, I have mine coming this week and I have been able to take my LBS demo out many times. Just a great all around bike. Great review!!
Love your complete and honest reviews. Your not afraid to tell us the good and the not so good features. Also appreciate the price comparisons. Keep it up
Nice review...I hope to make it to your area someday with my Ripley v4. I wish reviewers would put on a 140mm fork. I have one one mine along with a 2.5wt maxis dhf up front and an Aggressor wt 2.5 out back. It is still a trail bike but feels much better going down. I really like that Ibis gives you that option with the fork. It can still climb but is more stable going down and raises the somewhat low bb a bit.... and is not 'over forked'.
Great review and I agree with your assessment. I demoed a Large and that is usually my size with most 29 full suspension bikes and at 6’2” I was at the top of the fit but always felt better than an XL. The Ripley I ordered is XL as the L in this bike felt way too small. Almost like a Medium in Giant, Niner and Specialized.
I know this is an old video but not a lot has changed between the ripley and tallboy. Which bike do you prefer for trail riding? Which one is more playful?
Great Video! The reason I been riding my V1 for so long is for the same reasons you described the V4 as being a fun trail bike. Here in NorCal, a Trail bike is ideal in my opinion. All models seem to share the same characteristics as being nimble and great climbers. The difference is that each subsequent model is noticeabley stiffer in the swingarm so they are more stable in the descents. How did you feel with the descents on this model?
I think Intense offer the best bang for buck. For $7500 the Intense Sniper package includes full carbon frame with carbon upper and magnesium lower links, a DT SWiss M1700 wheel set, XO level cassette, rear mech, carbon crank, GX shifter, XT brakes and Fox FActory suspension front and rear,. Ah, but its direct to consumer, no LBS support right? Wrong, MEC carries them and I get full shop service including suspension maintenance for free over 2 years. This was too good a deal to pass up and I have been very happy with the bike regardless but its tough to argue against the bargain. This would probably be near a $9000 bike otherwise. Canadian. Really like your honest critiques of bikes, this sorely lacks in nearly every other bike review, its rare and I know we all appreciate it. Very cool seeing a fellow Islander doing reviews also.
Can’t really disagree with you! Intense value is really great and with MEC etc you can get insane deals from time to time. I have never ridden one but have heard great things. Thanks for watching!
Hi, i have a chance to buy new Ripley for a discounted price, here at my local bike shop in London. The only problem is that I’m 6’1 (184.5cm) and this bike is in size L. Do you think it’s a good call and go for a large ? Regards
Ibis Ripley or yeti sb130 for trail riding? already got yeti sb150 for big days but to want something more for trail riding, maybe Ripley with 140mm travel and get fox 36 grip2 140mm instead of 34 or it does not make a huge difference 34 or 36 with 140mm ? Thanks
I would probably go with the Ripley or similar bike to complement the SB150. That is the debate I am having now. I would stick with the 34 on a bike like this, remember what the purpose of the bike is. The 36 would be overkill for what you are trying to get from it.
Hi! for a one quiver to replace my actual Orbea Rallon 160-150, looking better performance on flat trails and climbing but good performance on downhills, Ripley with 140 (mayby in chunky terrain...), sb 130 (mayby more heavier), rascal 150mm or ripley v2 Thx!
Hi, new in your channel! 🤷🏽♂️ Have you ever tried the yt jeffsy? If so, how you feel this ibis compared to the jeffsy. I owned one and interested in the ibis for a long rides which I'm doing with my jeffsy. Thanks in advance.
I found the Tallboy climbed better. If you check out the head to head with the trail 429 the Ripley was a faster climber. It just was softer and had more movement that I didn’t like as much. It is a great climber just not my favourite.
@@IslandBikeLife you're the first person I've ever heard said the Tallboy climbs better. Maybe you should have set the sag at 25% like Ibis recommends, these bikes are very sensitive to setup. I have 3 Ibis bikes and 2-3 mm of shock sag can make a big difference.
Thanks for watching! Both are pretty great but meant for different things. The Ripley will be more in line with your 5010 for sure. Guess it comes down to where you want to go with your riding.
@@IslandBikeLife I actually upgrade the 5010 to a 150mm fork, 4 pot XT brakes, and a DPX2 to handle more gnarly terrain. I'm thinking of leaning more towards the Ripmo because I love fast techy descents. Here is southern Cali, it's all rock gardens
That’s an interesting comparison. I would say the Druid climbs better, something about that platform is just really special. They are both really fun bikes and I would say the Druid is a bit more ‘aggressive’ in the sense of the types of trails I would be comfortable taking it on over the Ripley.
for the same money you can get an excellent mx bike what is up with manufacturers charging this much i wouldnt pay anything over £3k for a mountain bike this is nothin against ibis as i think it is a nice bike all bike brands are responsible for this over charging of people
@@IslandBikeLife thanks bud, and i know i must seem like im a moaner but i think everyone should be able to do this wonderful sport without it costing a second mortgage besides there might kids out there who cant afford this tech, but they might be the next loic bruni or sam hill or rachel atherton. plus the more people we can get out there riding the less people that will be driving so it would be a win for the environment
Why wouldn't they spec it with a Grip2? The Fit4 is more complicated and not as good. Fail on Ibis there. Bikes climb better with longer stays as well... it helps prevent front wheel lift and provides a more stable ride.
@@hummer694life the grip damper isn't better than the fit 4, also front wheel lift is minimal due to the steeper seat tube angle and rider position, Modern geo is actually a good thing
@@ironwillbowman6402 actually the pro's preferred running the lower Grip damper compared to the Fit4. Why we have Grip and Grip2 in the higher end models now. Grip is also easier to maintain (no vacuum pump needed). Win Win.
@@hummer694life I have the fox 36 grip 2, and several fox forks with fiit 4 and 2 forks hanging on my wall with base grip. I've never read any pro preferring the base grip over fit 4.
I’ve owned this bike for several months now and can honestly say it’s my favorite trail bike I’ve ever owned. However, one of the first changes I made from the GX build that I have was to change both the wheel set and the tires. Not that there is anything wrong with the Ibis set that it came with, but I had a much better carbon set that made a huge difference in weight and performance. Also, I’m not a huge fan of the 2.6 tires that it came with. I put a 2.4 DHR2 up front and a 2.35 Aggressor in the rear and it made a massive difference in both acceleration and all around performance. Anyway, great review on an amazing bike! Oh and as an aside, with the changes I’ve made, my size large bike is coming in at about 27.2 lbs.
Nice sounds like you have set up a pretty great rig there! Thanks for watching.
Good to know! I can't wait for my frame to come in. Also order we are one composites union wheelset
TheArsenalGoonship quick question I am 5’10 and weigh 225 lbs you think this would hold my weight
The new Ripley is a great bike, I have mine coming this week and I have been able to take my LBS demo out many times. Just a great all around bike. Great review!!
Thanks for watching
Love your complete and honest reviews. Your not afraid to tell us the good and the not so good features. Also appreciate the price comparisons. Keep it up
Thanks for watching and the support!
Nice review...I hope to make it to your area someday with my Ripley v4. I wish reviewers would put on a 140mm fork. I have one one mine along with a 2.5wt maxis dhf up front and an Aggressor wt 2.5 out back. It is still a trail bike but feels much better going down. I really like that Ibis gives you that option with the fork. It can still climb but is more stable going down and raises the somewhat low bb a bit.... and is not 'over forked'.
Nice that would be a great setup no doubt! Hope you can get up this way at some point, you will love it I have no doubt.
Great review and I agree with your assessment. I demoed a Large and that is usually my size with most 29 full suspension bikes and at 6’2” I was at the top of the fit but always felt better than an XL. The Ripley I ordered is XL as the L in this bike felt way too small. Almost like a Medium in Giant, Niner and Specialized.
Thanks for watching! Enjoy the new bike!
Great review! It would be nice if you could compare the Ripley to the Tallboy
Stand by for more on that.
I know this is an old video but not a lot has changed between the ripley and tallboy. Which bike do you prefer for trail riding? Which one is more playful?
Great Video! The reason I been riding my V1 for so long is for the same reasons you described the V4 as being a fun trail bike. Here in NorCal, a Trail bike is ideal in my opinion. All models seem to share the same characteristics as being nimble and great climbers. The difference is that each subsequent model is noticeabley stiffer in the swingarm so they are more stable in the descents. How did you feel with the descents on this model?
I think Intense offer the best bang for buck.
For $7500 the Intense Sniper package includes full carbon frame with carbon upper and magnesium lower links, a DT SWiss M1700 wheel set, XO level cassette, rear mech, carbon crank, GX shifter, XT brakes and Fox FActory suspension front and rear,.
Ah, but its direct to consumer, no LBS support right? Wrong, MEC carries them and I get full shop service including suspension maintenance for free over 2 years.
This was too good a deal to pass up and I have been very happy with the bike regardless but its tough to argue against the bargain. This would probably be near a $9000 bike otherwise. Canadian.
Really like your honest critiques of bikes, this sorely lacks in nearly every other bike review, its rare and I know we all appreciate it. Very cool seeing a fellow Islander doing reviews also.
Can’t really disagree with you! Intense value is really great and with MEC etc you can get insane deals from time to time. I have never ridden one but have heard great things. Thanks for watching!
It climbs so much better with 2.3 tires.
Great and honest review man. Subscribed!!
Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for the sub.
Hi, i have a chance to buy new Ripley for a discounted price, here at my local bike shop in London. The only problem is that I’m 6’1 (184.5cm) and this bike is in size L. Do you think it’s a good call and go for a large ? Regards
I would likely go with an XL at your size but see if you can get on a large to confirm. Everyone is a bit different.
Island Bike Life Thank you
Ibis Ripley or yeti sb130 for trail riding? already got yeti sb150 for big days but to want something more for trail riding, maybe Ripley with 140mm travel and get fox 36 grip2 140mm instead of 34 or it does not make a huge difference 34 or 36 with 140mm ? Thanks
I would probably go with the Ripley or similar bike to complement the SB150. That is the debate I am having now. I would stick with the 34 on a bike like this, remember what the purpose of the bike is. The 36 would be overkill for what you are trying to get from it.
Thanks for the video. I ordered a xl frame last week
Did this feel good on flat xc ish type trails ?
That’s great, thanks for watching. Enjoy the new bike!
Yes it did feel good on XC style trails. Really versatile bike that’s for sure!
Hi! for a one quiver to replace my actual Orbea Rallon 160-150, looking better performance on flat trails and climbing but good performance on downhills, Ripley with 140 (mayby in chunky terrain...), sb 130 (mayby more heavier), rascal 150mm or ripley v2
Thx!
Ripley is a good choice, also maybe consider the Hightower, really great all around bike.
Great review!
Why can’t people understand this is a trail bike not a downhill sled that’s what the Ripmo is made for! Smh
Hi, new in your channel! 🤷🏽♂️ Have you ever tried the yt jeffsy? If so, how you feel this ibis compared to the jeffsy. I owned one and interested in the ibis for a long rides which I'm doing with my jeffsy. Thanks in advance.
Hey thanks for watching. I have never been on a YT bike. Getting demos around here are next to impossible I am afraid.
Pedal bob? on a Ripley? Whoa, everyone says it's the best climber ever, what would you think would out-climb it?
I found the Tallboy climbed better. If you check out the head to head with the trail 429 the Ripley was a faster climber. It just was softer and had more movement that I didn’t like as much. It is a great climber just not my favourite.
@@IslandBikeLife you're the first person I've ever heard said the Tallboy climbs better. Maybe you should have set the sag at 25% like Ibis recommends, these bikes are very sensitive to setup. I have 3 Ibis bikes and 2-3 mm of shock sag can make a big difference.
Brakes are just Deore, not Deore XT as stated in the video.
my v4 is a rocketship!
Nice glad you are enjoying it. Thanks for watching.
Great vid and review! I'm in the market deciding between the Ripley and Ripmo (selling my SC 5010).
Thanks for watching! Both are pretty great but meant for different things. The Ripley will be more in line with your 5010 for sure. Guess it comes down to where you want to go with your riding.
@@IslandBikeLife I actually upgrade the 5010 to a 150mm fork, 4 pot XT brakes, and a DPX2 to handle more gnarly terrain. I'm thinking of leaning more towards the Ripmo because I love fast techy descents. Here is southern Cali, it's all rock gardens
How does it compare to the druid for climbing, descending and fun factor?
That’s an interesting comparison. I would say the Druid climbs better, something about that platform is just really special. They are both really fun bikes and I would say the Druid is a bit more ‘aggressive’ in the sense of the types of trails I would be comfortable taking it on over the Ripley.
How much?
So much! Bikes prices are insane these days.
for the same money you can get an excellent mx bike what is up with manufacturers charging this much i wouldnt pay anything over £3k for a mountain bike this is nothin against ibis as i think it is a nice bike all bike brands are responsible for this over charging of people
Yeah bike prices are so high these days it is insane
@@IslandBikeLife thanks bud, and i know i must seem like im a moaner but i think everyone should be able to do this wonderful sport without it costing a second mortgage besides there might kids out there who cant afford this tech, but they might be the next loic bruni or sam hill or rachel atherton. plus the more people we can get out there riding the less people that will be driving so it would be a win for the environment
Very similar Geometry to the Pivot Switchblade & Mach 5.5 but comparatively flexy.
30% too much sag on that bike dude
Why wouldn't they spec it with a Grip2? The Fit4 is more complicated and not as good. Fail on Ibis there. Bikes climb better with longer stays as well... it helps prevent front wheel lift and provides a more stable ride.
Grip2 not available with the Fox34
@@mtbsavant5414 but they have a GRIP damper for the 34 that is better than FIT4
@@hummer694life the grip damper isn't better than the fit 4, also front wheel lift is minimal due to the steeper seat tube angle and rider position, Modern geo is actually a good thing
@@ironwillbowman6402 actually the pro's preferred running the lower Grip damper compared to the Fit4. Why we have Grip and Grip2 in the higher end models now. Grip is also easier to maintain (no vacuum pump needed). Win Win.
@@hummer694life I have the fox 36 grip 2, and several fox forks with fiit 4 and 2 forks hanging on my wall with base grip. I've never read any pro preferring the base grip over fit 4.