Ibis has released a revamped version of its long-standing Ripley trail bike.The latest Ripley keeps the same 120mm 29er format its owners know and love but adds a long/slack geometry option for those who want a bike that’s further optimised for descending.
The optional longer and slacker frames are available in medium, large and extra-large sizes, and see 15mm added to each top tube length while the fork gets pushed out a further 1.7 degrees from the 69 degrees of the regular Ripley frame. Should you not want to tick the long and slack box then geometry very similar to that of the tried and tested current generation Ripley remains.
The Ripley also holds onto its proven DW-Link suspension while updates to its eccentric linkage system have resulted in increased torsional stiffness at the frames bottom bracket - that’s despite larger cutouts at the chainstay area to make way for bigger tyres, too. Ibis says that it’ll now accept most 2.35in rubber when mounted to its wideboy 941 rims.
Sticking with the bouncy stuff, Ibis has worked with Fox to develop a tune for the latest generation Float DPS shock, complete with its EVOL air sleeve. Ibis say this setup allows for a plush ride that doesn't wallow and pops off of jumps in a very controlled way.
The seat mast of the latest Ripley has been lowered by 0.5in to accommodate longer dropper posts
Ibis has also moved away from the press-fit bottom bracket used on the current Ripley to a threaded (73mm BSA) standard. That’s down to there being too much variation between the different manufacturers' press in cups to get a consistently reliable fit, something that echoes the words of BikeRadar’s Technical Editor, James Huang.
The new Ripley also gets internal cable routing via a port system similar to that used successfully on the company’s Mojo frame. Additionally, the new Ripley is compatible with Shimano’s side pull front derailleur standard, but for those who want to go 1x a 32-34t ring will work best.
Futureproofing comes in the form of Boost148 compatibility, that’ll be available from November, while regular frames will use a Shimano 142x12mm rear end.
The new Ripley also arrives with a moulded chainstay protector, a component that’s retrofittable to the current model.
The first of the new Ripleys will arrive at Ibis in early July, various build kits will be available along with a frameset that’ll retail for US$2,900.
