RAAW Jibb V2 – In our big 2025 trail bike comparison test

RAAW have quickly established themselves as a cult brand, and with the Jibb V2, they’re already presenting the second iteration of their trail bike, which is designed to be even livelier and more versatile than its predecessor. But how does the RAAW Jibb V2 stack up against the competition in our test field? We put it through the wringer to find out.

RAAW is a small bike brand with a strong identity and high recognition value. Their focus is on simple, durable aluminum bikes, designed for maximum trail performance, longevity, and ease of maintenance. The Jibb is their trail bike, generating 150/141 mm of travel at the front and rear, thus fitting perfectly alongside the manufacturer’s DH and enduro models.

The latest Jibb model offers numerous adjustment options to fine-tune the bike’s geometry and ride characteristics. The frame is also UDH-compatible, though with some limitations. Complete bikes aren’t available – the frame kit with shock costs €3,245, while the tested build came in at around €8,400. Weighing in at 15.3 kg, the Jibb V2 is on the heavier side for a modern trail bike but remains well within range for a burly alloy frame.

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 RAAW Jibb V2 in detail

With the Jibb V2, RAAW stay true to their unmistakable design, with a clean, rectilinear frame silhouette and a striking polished aluminum finish. Compared to its predecessor, the latest descendant of the Jibb dynasty relies on even flatter, more angular lines, which give the bike a modern and distinctive look.

The external cable routing is a signature feature of RAAW bikes, and has many practical advantages – for example, the rear brake doesn’t have to be disassembled for servicing or replacement, meaning that you don’t have to bleed it. Despite this functional approach, the bike maintains a clean look, thanks to the neat cable routing along the top of the downtube, where the brake line and cables are securely clamped. Together with the generously sized chainstay protection, this ensures a quiet ride.

A tool mount under the top tube allows you to secure all your trail essentials directly to the frame, though RAAW forgo an integrated storage compartment in the robust aluminum. The downtube is protected by a sturdy, durable TPU plate in the bottom bracket area, adding to the bike’s rugged durability.

The spec of the RAAW Jibb V2

Our RAAW Jibb V2 test bike comes with a well-thought-out, high-quality spec, which was chosen for maximum trail performance. The suspension consists of a 150 mm FOX 36 Factory fork and matching FOX FLOAT X Factory air shock. The fork relies on the proven GRIP2 damper, which has recently been replaced by a newer version but still delivers a tremendous performance on the trail, offering countless adjustment options with adjustable low and high speed circuits on both the rebound and compression circuits.

The 210 mm OneUp V2 dropper post provides plenty of freedom of movement on technical descents. Shimano XTR brakes do stopping duties, ensuring powerful, reliable deceleration in combination with the 200 mm rotors front and rear.

Shifting is taken care of by an electronic SRAM X01 Eagle Transmission drivetrain, which relies on a direct-mount rear derailleur and ensures butter-smooth shifting even under load. The cockpit consists of OneUp stem and wide 800 mm OneUp carbon handlebars.

The wheelset relies on 29-inch Newmen Phase 30 Light carbon rims, which are designed to combine low weight with a high degree of stiffness. The wheels are paired with MAXXIS tires, with an ASSEGAI in the soft MaxxGrip compound at the front and a Minion DHR II in the harder MaxxTerra compound at the rear, both in the EXO+ casing – an excellent tire combo for a bike like the Jibb. Riders who push the bike to its limits may want to consider upgrading the rear tire to a more puncture-resistant Doubledown casing for more durability.

Tuning Tip:
– none

The Geometry of the RAAW Jibb V2

The RAAW Jibb V2 is available in five sizes, S to XXL, offering a suitable option for a wide range of rider heights. RAAW’s countless geometry adjustments, which are already featured on the Yalla! and Madonna, have now made their way to the Jibb, allowing for extensive fine-tuning via the Toolbox Kit. Riders can adjust chainstay length, bottom bracket drop, rear suspension progression, and head angle to suit their preferences and riding style. The Toolbox Kit components must be purchased separately, but they are compatible with all RAAW bikes.

The external cable routing and a maintenance-friendly frame make the Jibb V2 a top choice for home mechanics.

The adjustments with the Toolbox Kit work as follows: The head angle is set at 64.5° by default but can be adjusted by ±1° using headset cups from Works Components. The chainstay length can be changed by ±5 mm by swapping out the Rear Axle Kit. Regardless of the wide adjustment range, the chainstays grow with the frame size. The default chainstay lengths in the middle setting are 445 mm for frame sizes S and M, 450 mm for L, and 455 mm for XL and XXL.

RAAW offer rear triangles with and without UDH compatibility, though the UDH version doesn’t allow you to adjust the chainstays. On our test bike, for example, they’re fixed at 450 mm.

The bottom bracket drop and rear suspension progression can be adjusted independently by swapping the lower shock mounts. The default setting features a 35 mm bottom bracket drop and 25% progression, both of which can be altered by ±3 mm and ±3%, respectively. Additionally, a special shock mount allows you to switch to a 27.5″ rear wheel without affecting the geometry or kinematics. However, in the mullet setup, adjustments to bottom bracket drop and progression are not possible.

Size	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Seat Tube	395 mm	420 mm	445 mm	470 mm	470 mm
Top Tube	577 mm	607 mm	620 mm	648 mm	673 mm
Head Tube	100 mm	115 mm	130 mm	145 mm	145 mm
Head Angle	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°
Seat Angle	76°	76°	77°	77°	77°
Chainstay	445 mm	445 mm	450 mm	455 mm	455 mm
BB Drop	35 mm	35 mm	35 mm	35 mm	35 mm
Wheelbase	1192 mm	1224 mm	1260 mm	1296 mm	1321 mm
Reach	420 mm	445 mm	470 mm	495 mm	520 mm
Stack	621 mm	635 mm	649 mm	662 mm	662 mm

The RAAW Jibb V2 on the trail

The RAAW Jibb V2 puts you in a comfortable, upright pedalling position, which makes it suitable for long days in the saddle. The firm rear suspension bobs slightly, and while the Jibb climbs efficiently, it lacks the lively uphill performance of some competitors. As a result, it ranks mid-pack in terms of climbing performance, similar to the Santa Cruz Bronson.

The Jibb integrates you nicely between its wheels, with the weight well distributed between the front and rear. However, it takes some time to truly feel at home on the Jibb V2. The tall front end inspires huge amounts of confidence, especially on steep and rough terrain. That said, the Jibb’s handling is quite demanding, requiring a vigilant riding style . As a result, the Raaw takes some getting used to, and it’s not one you can push to its limits straight out of the box.

While it’s pleasantly composed and agile, it doesn’t set new benchmarks in this regard. Particularly in terms of composure, it ranks in the lower third of the test field, alongside the Pivot Switchblade and Merida eONE-SIXTY SL.

For those seeking sheer trail performance, there are stronger alternatives – the Jibb V2 is more of a bike for tinkerers and individualists.

On the suspension side, however, the Jibb V2 gets a lot right. The firm setup provides solid support, allowing you to generate lots of speed by pumping through rollers and berms. At the same time, it generates good traction and remains composed with bigger hits. Only fast, consecutive impacts can unsettle the rear suspension.

Overall, the Jibb V2 is a solid trail bike that performs reliably, although it lacks standout qualities and struggles to keep up with the best bikes in this test.

Who should take a closer look at the RAAW Jibb V2?

The RAAW Jibb V2 is a great match for riders looking for a high-end aluminum trail bike and who enjoy tinkering with their setup. With its adjustable geometry and progression, it offers plenty of tuning options. Home mechanics will appreciate the external cable routing, which makes it easier to maintain and service the bike. However, if you prioritize sheer trail performance, there are more capable alternatives in this category.

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Conclusions about the RAAW Jibb V2

The RAAW Jibb V2 is a well-engineered high-end aluminum trail bike that stands out with solid performance and excellent serviceability. The extensive adjustment options of both the geometry and progression make it particularly appealing to riders who love to fine-tune their setup. On the trail, it feels pleasantly composed and well-balanced,, but lacks behind the top contenders in this test in terms of agility and composure. Still, for home mechanics and individualists, it remains an intriguing and versatile choice.

For more info, visit raawmtb.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