Ibis Ripmo Vs Ripley Mountain Bike ?

Californian giant bike manufacturer Ibis Cycles is irrefutably one of the finest mountain bike brands today, and it’s known to customize model do-it-all trail bikes. Today’s battle of the do-it-all trail bikes pit Ibis Ripmo vs Ripley.

Ibis Ripmo has a long-range suspension and bigger shock specs, making it ideal for rocky descents, loose climbs, and unpredicted drops. Meanwhile, Ibis Ripley is lighter, more aggressive, and has a short-range suspension, making it best for flowy single tracks with rocky sections and long trails.

The other differences are concerning the frame appearance and price, as shown in the table below:

Note that since these two Ibis MTBs are full-suspension trail bikes by the same company, they are likely to share more features, which we will highlight too.

But first, let’s go through their overview.

Ibis Ripmo Review

Imagine everyone’s favorite trail bike coming in a slacker, more adjustable, and longer geometry! That’s what Ibis Ripmo promises, and even better, it comes in the most innovative design.

This MTB comes with a progressive geometry that is more relaxed and enjoys a slacker 64.9-degree headtube angle and a 76-degree seat tube angle to offer you extra stability and more control.

With its 160mm front suspension and 147mm rear travel, and 210 x 55mm shock specs, the MTB feels like an enduro monster, taking on all rocky downhills and unpredictable drops.

The manufacturer employs Traction Tune technology and DW-link on this bike to give it off-road dominance.

While Traction Tune promotes better handling and traction, DW-link creates the perfect balance between acceleration, braking, and traction. So, DW-link suspension guarantees a comfortable ride regardless of the nature of the terrain.

Another unique element of Ripmo is coil compatibility. The bike frame is compatible with coil shocks to give its suspension a smoother and supple feel, and in some way, that improves traction.

Its dropper post has a 125-185mm clearance, which is massive to allow you to find your comfort. While this bike is a 29er, you have a maximum tire clearance of 2.60, and the best part is that it employs Bushings Isolation Technology to isolate the vibrations when you hit a hard surface.

The bike feels lightweight owing to its carbon frame (6.3 pounds in weight) and generally weighs 28.2 pounds when complete. You’ll get it in Star Destroyer Gray and Bug Zapper Blue options.

Ibis Ripley Review

There’s little to separate Ibis Ripley from its cousin Ibis Ripmo. Like Ripmo, Ripley is an all-terrain full-suspension trail bike.

It, however, enjoys a smaller travel range, a much lighter build, and a slightly aggressive geometry. In terms of suspension range, Ripley has 130mm front travel and 120mm rear travel, and when it comes to weight, its frame is only 5 pounds, and it weighs 25.5 pounds when complete.

And while the bike enjoys a progressive geometry like its cousin Ripmo, it’s slightly more aggressive, as you can tell from its shorter chainstays, steeper head tube, and more extended standover height.

As a result, it’s best for taking on long flowy single tracks with rocky patches and long trails. Concerning suspension technology, the manufacturer also employs DW-link to promise better braking and control.

Other impressive technologies include Traction Tune for predictable handling and bushings for vibration isolation. The bike also enjoys a longer dropper post and tire clearance like Ripmo. 

The difference is the shock specs which are rated 190 x 45mm, thus likely to extend more with less force. You’ll get this trail bike in Blue Steel and Matte Braaap options.

Ibis Ripmo vs Ripley Side-by-Side Comparison

After discussing the two bikes overviews, here’s how they compare head-to-head:

1. Bike Weight 

The Ibis Ripmo frame weighs 6.3 pounds, and upon completion of its assembly, the bike weighs 28.2 pounds. In contrast, the Ibis Ripley bike frame weighs just 5 pounds, and upon assembly, the complete bike weighs 25.5 pounds. 

So, while these two MTBs are irrefutable lightweight, given that they weigh under 30 pounds when complete, the Ibis Ripley weight saves you about 2.7 pounds, making it the most efficient on long trails. 

2. Suspension Travel Range

There’s a vast difference in suspension travel range between Ripmo and Ripley. On the one hand, Ripley comes with 130mm front and 120mm rear suspension travel ranges.

On the other hand, Ripmo comes with 160mm front travel and 147mm rear travel. That is part of the reason the bike matches most enduro bikes and is thus best for rocky descents and unpredictable drops.

3. Ibis Ripmo Vs Ibis Ripley Geometry 

Both mountain bikes have a progressive geometry, which is slacker and more extended. But when you look at their geometries closer, Ripley has a slightly aggressive design, characterized by shorter chainstays, a steeper head tube, and longer standover height.

Below is a table that compares the geometries of their extra-large frames (Ripley also has a shorter seat tube length, steeper head tube angle, slightly shorter wheelbase, and shorter trails)

4. Shock Specs

There’s also a vast difference in shock specs between the two MTBs. Ripmo comes with 210 x 55mm shock specs, while Ripley comes with 190 x 45mm shock specs.

The difference is that since Ripmo’s shocks are slightly bigger, they require more force to compress and extend than Ripley’s 190 x 45mm shocks.

As a result, Ripmo is more comfortable talking on rocky descents and unpredictable drops.

5. Ibis Ripley Vs Ibis Ripmo Suitability 

I’ve already stated this severally. However, just a recap, Ripmo’s long-range suspension, slacker geometry, and larger shocks make it best for rocky descents, loose climbs, and unpredictable drops.

On the other hand, Ripley’s slightly aggressive geometry and shorter shocks make it best for long flowy single tracks with rocky sections and long trails.

6. Frame Appearance 

Ripmo and Ripley differ in frame colors, and you can thus separate them according to their frame appearances.

Ripmo comes in Star Destroyer Gray and Bug Zapper Blue frame options, while Ripley comes in Blue Steel and Matte Braaap options.

7. Bike Price 

An Ibis Ripmo frame goes for $3,499, while that of Ripley retails at $3,199. That makes Ripmo $300 costlier than Ripley, mainly because of its long-range suspension travel and more powerful shocks.

Note that a complete bike may cost you more than these quotes, depending on the customization you want.

Similarities 

After analyzing the difference between Ibis Ripmo and Ripley, it’s time to look at their similarities. Here are the highlights:

Frame Material – Both MTBs come with lightweight carbon frames that make them comfortable to ride.

Frames Warranty – Both bike frames come with a 7-year frame warranty 

Bike Size – The two MTBs come in four frame sizes as follows:

Bike Geometry – Both bikes enjoy a progressive geometry that promotes more stability and better control, even though Ripley is slightly aggressive.

Bike Customization – Both bikes are customizable according to your preference and riding needs.

Dropper Post Clearance – Both bikes allow you to adjust the dropper post to a larger extent (between 125 and 185mm), depending on preference.

Wheel Size and Tire Clearance – Both bikes are compatible with 29-inch wheels and offer a tire clearance of 2.40 – 2.60 inches.

DW-Link – The two bikes employ DW-Link suspension technology that promises the perfect balance between acceleration, braking, and traction.

Bushing Isolators – The two bikes feature bushing rubbers that promote vibration isolation when riding off-road.

Frame Protectors – The two frames feature linkage, downtube, and swing arm protector, which boost their lifespan.

Removable ISCG – The add-on allows you to screw on a bike chain guide.

Traction Tune – Traction tune technology promotes predictable handling – better traction and control.

Ripmo Vs Ripley: What Should You Go for?

Judging by looks, there’s little to separate the two trail MTBs. But if we can base the decision on the suspension range, shock specs, and geometry, go for Ripmo if you plan to take on rocky descents, loose climbs, and unpredictable drops.

On the other hand, go for Ripley if you intend to take on long flowy single tracks with rocky sections and long trails.

People Also Ask

1. What Is the Difference Between Ibis Ripmo and Ripley?

The difference between Ibis Ripmo and Ripley is that Ripmo has 160mm front travel, 147mm rear travel, and 210 x 55mm shock specs, while Ripley has 130mm front travel, 120mm rear travel, and 190 x 45mm shock specs.

2. Is Ibis Ripmo Trail or Enduro?

Ibis Ripmo is a trail bike and not an enduro. However, its 160mm front travel and 147mm rear travel, slacker geometry, and Traction Tune Technology give it better control, making it comfortable for enduro racing.

3. What Type of Bike Is Ibis Ripley?

Ibis Ripley is a short-travel trail bike. The 29-inch trail bike (29er) comes with a 130mm front travel and 120mm rear travel suspension.

4. How Much Does Ibis Ripley Weigh?

Ibis Ripley’s frame only weighs 5 pounds. However, the complete bike weighs 25.5 pounds, making it one of the most lightweight full-suspension mountain bikes today.  

Closing Remarks on Ibis Ripmo vs Ripley!

There is no denying that Ibis Ripley and Ibis Ripmo are versatile all-trail bikes. However, given Ripmo’s stronger shocks and longer-travel suspensions, it’s best for taking on the rockiest descents and most unpredictable drops.

In contrast, Ripley’s lighter frame and short-range suspension travel make it suitable for long trails, especially those with rocky patches.

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