@Michael B. Fishing for the intentions of the bike, I think large was a good fit. I did a video where I rode this, the Izzo and Spur. Riding the Spur makes the Ripley feel more compact, but Spur has longer geo. Ripley AF is a fun bike and can take you a lot of places.
Really appreciate all of your reviews, this one in particular. I started researching the Ripley AF many months back and have appreciated the several reviews you have done. Love the fact that you're willing to admit to not loving the uphills, but do it for the downhills. Also - great video on the actual trails. Super clear, and the comments are the types of things I want to hear. Keep 'em coming and keep loving those rides! You do good work.
I bought this guy based on availability to upgrade from my hard tail. It's been awesome so far. I've been worried about the short travel, but it's been a blast for my level of riding.
@@StraightLine_MTB For sure! I kind of regret the purchase though. Two weeks later the Nukeproof Reactor was back in stock and that was the bike I was really looking for. That thing is a beast.
Thanks for this review. Enjoy your thoroughness and thoughtfulness in comparing with the YT, Transition and Ripmo AF. I have a Ripmo AF on order now. Keep up the great work!
I emailed the bike shop the moment I saw the pre-announcement of the bike's release. Had it reserved on it's way to the bike shop. Now it's like a rare item.....it is an awesome bike.
Great review. I also have this bike and regarding the brakes I upgraded the brake pads to the MTX red label pads and it helped in a huge way. More power and a quiker bite point. Mine came Maxxis DHF & DHR and to make it climb faster i put the DHR up front and put a Revon on the rear in a harder compound. Makes it climb even better. I have a large and with the tire changes mine weighs in at 32lbs. Keep up the great reviews
Great tip on the brake pads. The tire specs have been changing on the AF and think now it states Dissector front DHR2 rear which should be the other way around. Sounds like your setup is about what I'd do on this bike. Thanks for watching Jarod
Really good and fast bike. Would you say short travel bikes are faster, nimble and more poppy? I’m trying to understand the pros/cons with this one vs the ripmo af. Thanks for the content 👏
Short travel bikes can be more poppy and playful. They're generally not as capable as longer travel bikes so can find the edge quickly. I find they make me be more active on the trail which can get you moving pretty fast. I am a fan of the new generation of the short travel 29ers
@@derrickj925 of course, I do this for you guys and appreciate the support. I was actually thinking about mullet bikes and which I'd like to try. First one that popped into my mind was Foes as I have always wanted one.
It's been a while since I had this bike but for rear I'm almost always setting sag at 30% and front I go off pressure guide by weight and run about 5 psi lower than recommended. Ripley AF is such a cool bike.
@@StraightLine_MTB Thanks for the advice. I just got a ripley AF and put a ride on it. It always takes me forever to setup a bike. I'm very good at adapting to things so i can make it work which makes it take a really long time to set it up. After a bunch of time i realize i don't actually like things I've just adjusted my riding to the deficiency lol.
Looking at sizing on one of these. You are on a large, correct? What height and inseam or wingspan are you. I'm just about 6'1 and stuck right between L and XL according to Ibis
I'm just under 6' with 31.5" inseam. The cockpit felt more compact to me personally. Being right on the edge of either size I personally would go bigger and adjust stem shorter if needed. Bike will be a bit longer but would gain some stability in the tech.
Nice review, I’m debating getting that bike vs Trance X2.. reason for X2 is full SLX & more travel for my weight.. I’m affaire always bottodown the shocks ( 275 lbs ).. but i love that Ripley AF! Wish could test both Currently own 2018 Trance 2
I really want to try the new Trance X 29. I bet the Ripley AF climbs better and Trance X descends a bit better. With proper sag and help of volume spacers you can help with bottoming out. It may be best to get which ever you can get sooner. DW link is very awesome
Great review thanks! I am trying to find a "do it all reasonbly well" -bike and finally trying to choose between the Ripley AF Deore build (4200USD locally Sweden) or Orbea Occam H30(2850USD locally - the budget alt.) or Occam H10 (4200USD locally). I mostly ride natural quite flat singletrack locally and like technical (not very downhill focused) riding. But I also take trips to the mountains with long days in the saddle and would like to try some local XC/Gravel amatuer races for fun with ligther tyres. I fully understand no bike is ideal for all of this but which one, also considering the Swedish pricing, would you recoomend? Very thankful for your feedback! Love your channel.
Between the Ripley AF and aluminum Occam for what you described, I would probably choose the Ripley. Sounds like you won't need the extra travel of the Occam. While both will be on the heavier side, you could lighten up the Ripley AF with lighter tires. Both great bikes for sure but Occam would be a little more rowdy.
@@StraightLine_MTB Big thank you! Does that mean that the Ripley is a more efficient climber/fire road bike? Or is the pedaling efficinency diff minimal?
@@smurfgudrun thing about DW link is it's good in techier climbing but stiffens up when on the gas. Occam is efficient but the AF will be a bit better. Neither are a bad choice and I probably would got with the one that is available sooner. Ibis customer service in my experience is faster and better than Orbea. Orbea's service is great but Ibis has been faster when I needed replacement parts.
@@StraightLine_MTB Big thank you again. Channels like yours with ind depth comparison reviews are great as MTB shopping is hard and often done without having the possibility to test bikes ahead (at least in the far north of Sweden).
Great review J! I agree with most everything you said. You have the luxury of owning many bikes at once and trying them back to back. The DW link is pretty amazing for sure! I've owned my AF since January but really didn't start riding it until March. It is a solid bike for sure. The wheels are so odd for the bike's purpose. It's a trail bike! Why such wide wheels Ibis? Mine came spec'd just like yours even down to the tires. I did put a Wolf Tooth Dropper lever on, which makes the dropper much better! For tires I am running a Mazza up front and an Agarro in the rear; both are 2.6's. I may switch to a 2.4 combo but that wide 35mm rim might not work with 2.4's. If you have a trail that doesn't have any curves, this bike is so fast! My fastest dirt run (according to Strava) I hit 36 MPH! That is super fast for me. Great follow up review!
It is great and I agree with regarding the wider wheels...seems like an odd pairing with this bike. Although having a narrower set as well gets you some extra versatility. I actually had my fastest time by several seconds on the Ripley AF on our smoother trail which showed me how fast this bike can be in the right situation. Ibis remains one of my favorite brands. Thank you for watching!
Do you find yourself running the performance fox forks with the grip 1 compression dial always fully open or do you move it a touch to add some low and high speed compression? As I’ve gotten better as a rider I sometimes find the need for some mid stroke support when hitting berms/gouts/braking hard on my fox 36 performance. Great review love your content
I too add some dampening as I've gotten faster. I used to ride it fully open but currently rin it about 1/3 open. I find the Grip Performance damper pretty good for the price.
Thanks for the review! That bike looks a pretty good deal for 3500. By the way, loved that shirt man! Are you planning on any MTB trips? You should come to Mexico city, we have an amazing trail sistem just outside the city, and the best part is the after riding beer and tacos!
Great review.
Thank you!
Great review, very thorough and I like your chill attitude. Thank you.
Thank you Paul.
Good review man, looks like a fun bike
Thanks brother. It's a blast out here in auburn
Just curious, how tall are you, what’s your inseam, and what size Ripley did you ride?
Hey Michael. I'm just under 6' with 31.5" inseam on size large.
Thank you! I’m 6’ with a 32” inseam, thinking the large might be the right size.
@Michael B. Fishing for the intentions of the bike, I think large was a good fit. I did a video where I rode this, the Izzo and Spur. Riding the Spur makes the Ripley feel more compact, but Spur has longer geo. Ripley AF is a fun bike and can take you a lot of places.
Really appreciate all of your reviews, this one in particular. I started researching the Ripley AF many months back and have appreciated the several reviews you have done. Love the fact that you're willing to admit to not loving the uphills, but do it for the downhills. Also - great video on the actual trails. Super clear, and the comments are the types of things I want to hear. Keep 'em coming and keep loving those rides! You do good work.
Thank you for the support and feedback. Happy I am helpful with my videos. Ripley AF is an awesome bike!
I bought this guy based on availability to upgrade from my hard tail. It's been awesome so far. I've been worried about the short travel, but it's been a blast for my level of riding.
Crazy how these 120mm bikes are so capable with a bit more aggressive geometry. Ibis is doing it right
@@StraightLine_MTB For sure! I kind of regret the purchase though. Two weeks later the Nukeproof Reactor was back in stock and that was the bike I was really looking for. That thing is a beast.
@@radagascar1 I want to try the Reactor as well. Looks like a great bike
Thanks for this review. Enjoy your thoroughness and thoughtfulness in comparing with the YT, Transition and Ripmo AF. I have a Ripmo AF on order now. Keep up the great work!
You're going to love the Ripmo AF. Such a fun bike and a price that's hard to beat. Thanks for watching
a fidlock bottle works well on bikes where the cables come out right around where the bottle mounts are
I'll have to try one of those. Once the cage is in it keeps the cables in check a bit.
Really pleased with my RipleyAF and I was fortunate to pick it up in February. It’s amazing and perfect for my needs.
It really is a fun bike. Ibis sure knows how to make a great bike. I too snagged one on announcement day by luck.. Thanks for watching.
Love seeing a homie talking about MTB. Great reciew! Keep doing what you do G 🤙🏽
Thanks amigo. I actually watched your Trance X video earlier this year. Great review as well.
You’re lucky to even have one. So hard to get a hold of.
I emailed the bike shop the moment I saw the pre-announcement of the bike's release. Had it reserved on it's way to the bike shop. Now it's like a rare item.....it is an awesome bike.
@@StraightLine_MTB excellent! I just picked up a regular Ripley… I kinda still would rather have the AF though :)
nice review!
Thank you!
Great review. I also have this bike and regarding the brakes I upgraded the brake pads to the MTX red label pads and it helped in a huge way. More power and a quiker bite point. Mine came Maxxis DHF & DHR and to make it climb faster i put the DHR up front and put a Revon on the rear in a harder compound. Makes it climb even better. I have a large and with the tire changes mine weighs in at 32lbs. Keep up the great reviews
Great tip on the brake pads. The tire specs have been changing on the AF and think now it states Dissector front DHR2 rear which should be the other way around. Sounds like your setup is about what I'd do on this bike. Thanks for watching Jarod
Cool vid bro. The Santa Cruz Tallboy I ordered has similar travel to the Ibis Ripley. Someday I'd like to try an Ibis.
I'd also like to try the Tallboy. SC make some great bikes and hard to beat their warranty. Thanks for watching!
Nice review. I love mine. It really is a great climber.
I do need to know where to get that shirt though!
Yes, I agree. This bike is a blast to pop around and have some fun. Link to the shirt- amzn.to/3xVwYpv
No crying 😆
Really good and fast bike. Would you say short travel bikes are faster, nimble and more poppy? I’m trying to understand the pros/cons with this one vs the ripmo af. Thanks for the content 👏
Short travel bikes can be more poppy and playful. They're generally not as capable as longer travel bikes so can find the edge quickly. I find they make me be more active on the trail which can get you moving pretty fast. I am a fan of the new generation of the short travel 29ers
@@StraightLine_MTB thanks for taking the time to respond to your fans 👍
Have you considered testing out a mullet bike?
@@derrickj925 of course, I do this for you guys and appreciate the support. I was actually thinking about mullet bikes and which I'd like to try. First one that popped into my mind was Foes as I have always wanted one.
@@StraightLine_MTB That Foes bike looks cool. I would be interested to hear your thoughts if you decide to try out a mullet bike.
Que chicas están tus playeras! Looking forward to get mine, but I’m having trouble with availability at Mexico. Excellent reviews. Subscribed
Gracias carnal. This bike is so good you'll love it. Hope you are able to find one soon! Thank you for watching
Good reviews! What front/rear suspension pressure/settings did you use for your weight?
It's been a while since I had this bike but for rear I'm almost always setting sag at 30% and front I go off pressure guide by weight and run about 5 psi lower than recommended. Ripley AF is such a cool bike.
@@StraightLine_MTB Thanks for the advice. I just got a ripley AF and put a ride on it. It always takes me forever to setup a bike. I'm very good at adapting to things so i can make it work which makes it take a really long time to set it up. After a bunch of time i realize i don't actually like things I've just adjusted my riding to the deficiency lol.
Looking at sizing on one of these. You are on a large, correct? What height and inseam or wingspan are you. I'm just about 6'1 and stuck right between L and XL according to Ibis
I'm just under 6' with 31.5" inseam. The cockpit felt more compact to me personally. Being right on the edge of either size I personally would go bigger and adjust stem shorter if needed. Bike will be a bit longer but would gain some stability in the tech.
Nice review, I’m debating getting that bike vs Trance X2.. reason for X2 is full SLX & more travel for my weight.. I’m affaire always bottodown the shocks ( 275 lbs ).. but i love that Ripley AF! Wish could test both
Currently own 2018 Trance 2
I really want to try the new Trance X 29. I bet the Ripley AF climbs better and Trance X descends a bit better. With proper sag and help of volume spacers you can help with bottoming out. It may be best to get which ever you can get sooner. DW link is very awesome
Great review thanks! I am trying to find a "do it all reasonbly well" -bike and finally trying to choose between the Ripley AF Deore build (4200USD locally Sweden) or Orbea Occam H30(2850USD locally - the budget alt.) or Occam H10 (4200USD locally). I mostly ride natural quite flat singletrack locally and like technical (not very downhill focused) riding. But I also take trips to the mountains with long days in the saddle and would like to try some local XC/Gravel amatuer races for fun with ligther tyres. I fully understand no bike is ideal for all of this but which one, also considering the Swedish pricing, would you recoomend? Very thankful for your feedback! Love your channel.
Between the Ripley AF and aluminum Occam for what you described, I would probably choose the Ripley. Sounds like you won't need the extra travel of the Occam. While both will be on the heavier side, you could lighten up the Ripley AF with lighter tires. Both great bikes for sure but Occam would be a little more rowdy.
@@StraightLine_MTB Big thank you! Does that mean that the Ripley is a more efficient climber/fire road bike? Or is the pedaling efficinency diff minimal?
@@smurfgudrun thing about DW link is it's good in techier climbing but stiffens up when on the gas. Occam is efficient but the AF will be a bit better. Neither are a bad choice and I probably would got with the one that is available sooner. Ibis customer service in my experience is faster and better than Orbea. Orbea's service is great but Ibis has been faster when I needed replacement parts.
@@StraightLine_MTB Big thank you again. Channels like yours with ind depth comparison reviews are great as MTB shopping is hard and often done without having the possibility to test bikes ahead (at least in the far north of Sweden).
@@smurfgudrun My pleasure, I enjoy helping fellow riders. Share the channel with your friends! Thanks again!
Great review J! I agree with most everything you said. You have the luxury of owning many bikes at once and trying them back to back. The DW link is pretty amazing for sure! I've owned my AF since January but really didn't start riding it until March. It is a solid bike for sure. The wheels are so odd for the bike's purpose. It's a trail bike! Why such wide wheels Ibis? Mine came spec'd just like yours even down to the tires. I did put a Wolf Tooth Dropper lever on, which makes the dropper much better! For tires I am running a Mazza up front and an Agarro in the rear; both are 2.6's. I may switch to a 2.4 combo but that wide 35mm rim might not work with 2.4's. If you have a trail that doesn't have any curves, this bike is so fast! My fastest dirt run (according to Strava) I hit 36 MPH! That is super fast for me. Great follow up review!
It is great and I agree with regarding the wider wheels...seems like an odd pairing with this bike. Although having a narrower set as well gets you some extra versatility. I actually had my fastest time by several seconds on the Ripley AF on our smoother trail which showed me how fast this bike can be in the right situation. Ibis remains one of my favorite brands. Thank you for watching!
Do you find yourself running the performance fox forks with the grip 1 compression dial always fully open or do you move it a touch to add some low and high speed compression? As I’ve gotten better as a rider I sometimes find the need for some mid stroke support when hitting berms/gouts/braking hard on my fox 36 performance. Great review love your content
I too add some dampening as I've gotten faster. I used to ride it fully open but currently rin it about 1/3 open. I find the Grip Performance damper pretty good for the price.
Thanks for the review! That bike looks a pretty good deal for 3500. By the way, loved that shirt man! Are you planning on any MTB trips? You should come to Mexico city, we have an amazing trail sistem just outside the city, and the best part is the after riding beer and tacos!
Thanks amigo. I've seen some awesome videos from that area and would love to travel with a bike. Just have to quit my job 😆