Ibis Ripmo XT – In our big 2025 trail bike comparison test

Ibis Cycles have long reached cult status, and are well known for building mountain bikes that can be pushed hard on the descents. With the latest iteration of the Ripmo, they relied on a cleaner frame silhouette and sleeker overall look. But how does the Ripmo perform on the trail?

Californian bike manufacturer Ibis still flies under the radar on this side of the ocean, but it has repeatedly proven its ability to build top-tier bikes – most recently with the HD6, which won our enduro comparison test.

The Ibis Ripmo generates 160/150 mm of travel. The XT spec variant we tested tips the scales at 14.8 kg in size XM (between M and L), thus placing right in the middle of our test field in terms of weight. Retailing at €7,448, the Ripmo is one of the more affordable bikes in this comparison.

The wheel configuration depends on the frame size: in size XM, the bike rolls on 29” wheels but can be converted to a mullet bike.

For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test

The Ibis Ripmo XT in detail

With the new Ripmo, Ibis introduce a new design language that relies on clean, straight lines and sharp edges, and replaces the previously curved, organic tube shapes. One of its most striking features is the sleek matte green finish, which gives the bike an elegant look.

The cables are routed internally and, while not clamped at the ports, are completely silent on the trail. The rear end is impressively quiet too, which is mainly due to the generously sized protector that extends over the seat and chainstays – perfect for a noise-free trail experience. A TPU plate on the downtube extends all the way to the bottom bracket, and is complemented by a shuttle guard, which prevents chafing when you throw your bike on the back of a pickup truck.

The new Ripmo is the first Ibis bike to feature an integrated storage compartment. Positioned beneath the bottle cage, it’s flawlessly executed and has a big opening, with a secure closure mechanism ensuring easy operation – even with a bottle in the cage and with gloves on. The compartment comes standard with two stylish storage pouches, which were developed in collaboration with Cotopaxi– a nice little touch. However, Ibis forgo an additional tool mount.

The spec of the Ibis Ripmo XT

The Ibis Ripmo XT comes with a well-thought-out spec that was chosen uncompromisingly for trail performance. The 160 mm FOX 36 Factory GRIPX fork offers countless adjustment options and delivers a tremendous performance on the trail – it was recently awarded top marks in our fork comparison test. At the rear, a FOX FLOAT X Factory shock controls 150 mm of travel.

The 185 mm BikeYoke REVIVE dropper post functions reliably but slightly limits freedom of movement on the trail – by comparison, the test average for dropper travel is 197 mm.

Braking is handled by Shimano XT brakes with a 200 mm rotor at the front and a 180 mm rotor at the rear. For long, steep descents, we recommend upgrading to a 200 mm rotor at the rear, which ensures better heat dissipation, thus delivering a more consistent braking performance.

Shimano also supply the XT drivetrain, which delivers butter-smooth, dependable shifting performance. The in-house Ibis Blackbird HiFi carbon handlebars feature a clever adjustability option: threaded aluminum inserts allow you to set the width between 750 mm and 800 mm or cut it down to any length in between.

The robust Blackbird Send aluminum wheelset excels on nasty root carpets, adding extra composure. For an additional €1,000, Ibis offer an optional upgrade to Blackbird carbon rims.

The rims are paired with a MAXXIS ASSEGAI up front and a MAXXIS Minion DHR II at the rear, both in the EXO+ casing and harder MaxxTerra rubber compound. For better grip and control, you might want to consider upgrading to the softer MaxxGrip compound at the front. If you want a more durable rear tire, you could swap the standard tire for one with the tougher Doubledown casing.

Tuning Tip:
– Front tire with softer MaxxGrip rubber compound
– big 200 mm rotor in the rear

The geometry of the Ibis Ripmo XT

The Ibis Ripmo XT is available in five sizes, S to XL, with an additional XM size that sits between M and L. Like many other brands, Ibis introduced an in-between size because most bikes are sold in this range, allowing riders to find the perfect fit. Sizes S and M roll out of the factory on a mullet wheel setup, while XM, L, and XL are come with two 29” wheels. The wheel configuration cannot be selected at purchase but can be adjusted later using a flip chip on the seat stay.

The entire geometry of the Ibis Ripmo scales with the frame size. Along with the chainstay length – 436 mm in size XM – the seat angle, bottom bracket height, and even shock tuning are adjusted depending on the frame size. Unusually, Ibis defines their frame sizes based on top tube length rather than reach. The reach value is a result of the top tube length and seat angle adjustments in each size.

The Ibis Ripmo XT combines clean lines and a modern look with an elegant matte finish – minimalist and fast at the same time.

The goal of this geometry philosophy is to maintain consistent balance across all sizes without making extreme changes to the chainstay length. However, this approach results in very long reach values, with the biggest XL frame rocking a whopping 540 mm. The intermediate XM size has a more moderate 478 mm reach, which is paired with a pleasantly short 415 mm seat tube.

Size	SM	MD	XM	LG	XL
Seat Tube	395 mm	400 mm	415 mm	457 mm	477 mm
Top Tube	578 mm	605 mm	630 mm	655 mm	685 mm
Head Tube	85 mm	95 mm	110 mm	125 mm	140 mm
Head Angle	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°
Seat Angle	77°	76.5°	76.5°	77°	77.5°
Chainstay	435 mm	435 mm	436 mm	438 mm	440 mm
BB Drop	36 mm	33 mm	30 mm	27 mm	24 mm
Wheelbase	1195 mm	1219 mm	1249 mm	1286 mm	1329 mm
Reach	436 mm	456 mm	478 mm	506 mm	540 mm
Stack	616 mm	622 mm	633 mm	643 mm	654 mm

The Ibis Ripmo XT on the trail

Uphill, the Ibis Ripmo XT impresses with an upright, comfortable riding position that doesn’t put too much pressure on your hands, even on level ground. The rear suspension offers exceptional traction and comfort, making the Ripmo an excellent companion for long days in the saddle. In terms of climbing performance, it ranks among the best in this test – excluding e-bikes – on par with the Pivot Switchblade and Specialized Stumpjumper.

Long and low: The Ibis Ripmo is one of the most balanced bikes in this test, providing a well-integrated ride feel. With a low front end and an equally low-slung rear, it places you right between the wheels, similar to the Rocky Mountain Instinct. Even in rough terrain, the Ibis remains composed and is always predictable, allowing you to negotiate high-speed rock gardens with confidence. Only the Transition Sentinel and Atherton S.150 are even more composed, but the Ripmo brings an added level of agility to the mix.

This perfect balance between stability and agility makes the Ibis Ripmo a total fun machine, even on flowing trails. It carves effortlessly from one turn to the next, and actively encourages you to play with the trail. The suspension is top-notch, smoothing out roots and rock gardens with ease. True to its DW-Link design, it provides plenty of grip and confidence while offering more support than the suspension of the Atherton S.150, which feels more planted on the trail.

The perfect blend of trail agility and enduro stability – the Ibis Ripmo XT is ready for any adventure.

Despite the excellent traction, the Ripmo remains lively and responsive. If you actively push the bike, you’ll be rewarded with plenty of pop, adding to its playful character. In terms of suspension performance, it stands alongside the best in test, including the Atherton S.150 and Specialized Stumpjumper.

The Ibis Ripmo XT is one of the best bikes in the entire test field. It inspires more confidence than the test-winning Specialized Stumpjumper but isn’t as uncompromising as the hard-charging Atherton S.150. However, no other bike in our test field matches the Ripmo’s ability to blend composure and agility so seamlessly.

Who should take a closer look at the Ibis Ripmo XT?

The Ibis Ripmo XT is a top-tier all-rounder, perfect for riders looking for one bike that excels across a wide range of terrains. It’s extremely agile, the ideal companion for playful home trails, and at the same time impresses with outstanding composure on rough enduro tracks and bike park lines. Both characteristics are exceptionally well-balanced and operate at an extremely high level. On top of that, the Ripmo stands out with its sleek design, seamlessly blending functionality and style.

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Conclusions about the Ibis Ripmo XT

The Ibis Ripmo XT combines a fresh new look with the proven hard-charging characteristics the brand is known for. It’s not just fast and stylish in appearance – it also features well-thought-out frame details that are flawlessly executed. With an impressive balance of stability and agility, along with a top-tier suspension that shows no weaknesses, the Ripmo is unstoppable on the trail. Thanks to its strong climbing performance, it ranks among the best bikes in the test.

For more info head to ibiscycles.com.

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The test field

For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test

All bikes in test: Atherton S.150 | Canyon Spectral CF LTD | Canyon Spectral:ONfly CF LTD | Ibis Ripmo XT | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL | Norco Optic C1 | Orbea Rise LT M-LTD | Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission | RAAW Jibb V2 | Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 | Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV | Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV | Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 | Transition Sentinel X0 AXS | Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS | YT JEFFSY CORE 5 CF

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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker