The release of Ibis’s HD6 was the first time we’d seen the brand deviate from their signature curved top tube appearance for a sleeker, highly capable long travel bike. This time around Ibis have given the same treatment to their beloved Ripmo and Ripley models, radically redesigning their frame while keeping their core characteristics that have made them such a staple in the industry. 

Ibis has refined their DW-link suspension kinematics, further refining the knife-edge balance between climbing efficiency and downhill capability, making the latest versions of these two models the best-performing iterations to date. The 150mm travel and (now) 130mm travel Ripley sport a range of new features such as size-specific geometry, internal frame storage, and an adjustable flip chip to run a 27.5 or 29” rear wheel. 

Frame Details

 Both the Ripmo and Ripley frames have been redesigned with a profile that is very similar to that of the HD6. However, these two models are the first bikes Ibis has produced to feature internal frame storage. For being their first go at it, Ibis’s frame storage is impressively user-friendly with a latching system and user feel that is far more polished than some other options on the market. Inside the compartment, riders will find two high-quality internal bags that Ibis partnered with Cotopaxi to produce. 

Geometry/Sizing 

 To provide the ideal ride quality to every rider, no matter their height, Ibis incorporated size-specific geometry across sizes for both models. With size-specific seat tube angles, chainstay lengths, bb heights, and suspension kinematics, riders on the extremes of the sizing chart will still experience Ibise’s intended ride quality without sacrificing any of the bike characteristics due to having a fixed geometry that is only ideal for the “average” rider. 

There are five sizes available for either mode, Small through Extra Large, with Ibis introducing an “Extra Medium” frame size between their Medium and Large sizes. A bit of a head-scratcher at first, Ibis claims that with 80% of their riders falling between 5’5” and 6’0”, this new Extra Medium size provides a frame size and ride quality tailored to best suit this category of riders.

Adjustability

All size frames can run either a 27.5” or 29” rear wheel without altering geometry via an adjustable flip chip. All sizes of Ripley’s and sizes Extra Medium through Extra Large Ripmo’s come in stock in the full 29” configuration, while size Small and Medium Ripmo’s come with mixed wheels. 

Verdict

In their latest release, Ibis has boldly revamped their Ripmo and Ripley models, departing from their traditional design ethos to deliver sleeker, more versatile bikes. Retaining their renowned characteristics while integrating modern updates like internal frame storage and adjustable wheel configurations, Ibis ensures these models cater to a wide range of riders. Enhanced with refined DW-link suspension and size-specific geometry, the new Ripmo and Ripley excel in balancing climbing prowess with downhill performance, marking them as the pinnacle of Ibis's engineering to date.