Ibis has launched a metal version of its Ripley, offering excellent value for downcountry riders.
The Californian bike brand has taken its Ripley trail 29er and reshaped the bike’s front and rear triangles in aluminum.
Although the metal Ripley AF is heavier than its carbon-fiber sibling, everything else about it remains true to the Ibis design philosophy.
Classifying somewhere between a downcountry and trail bike, the Ripley AF pairs a 130mm front fork with 120mm of rear suspension travel. Short links connect the two triangles via a proven Dave Weagle patented suspension system.
Short travel, but slacker
It might not have a great deal of travel, but the Ripley AF is not short on progressive geometry numbers. With the 130mm fork in place, it sits at a 65.5-degree head angle, whilst reach on a size L frame is 475mm.
Compared to the carbon-fiber Ripley, this new AF version is an entire degree slacker in the head angle and should be even more stable when descending steep terrain.
Aware that more riders are desiring to run extra-long dropper seat posts, the Ripley AF can accommodate up to 150mm of stroke on a size S, while sizes M-XL are compatible with 170mm+ droppers.
Rear triangle tire clearance is good for casings up to 2.6 inches in width and integrated chainstay protectors prevent terrain debris from chewing up your frame.
Ibis is offering two build options with the new Ripley AF. At $2,999 you get the Shimano configuration, which runs a Deore M6100 component specification, including two-piston brakes. For $3,299 you can upgrade the Ripley AF component specification to a blend of SRAM GX/NX.
Suspension, dropper seatposts, tires and wheels are identical on both build options. That means you roll along on Maxxis Aggressor 2.5in dual compound EXO casing tires, mounted on Ibis S35 wheels.
Fox supplies a Performance series Float 34 fork and matching Float DPS Evol shock, whilst the dropper seatposts are Rage-I components from KS.
Ibis is offering a frame-only purchase option, at $1,799. Weight ratings are 7.45lb for the frame and shock, whilst Ibis says that its Ripley AF build kits come to about 30.5lb. Colors? Well if Pond Scum green doesn't appeal, Ibis also does the Ripley AF in Monolith silver.
