Preview Issue #015 | Ibis Ripley 29 Review
From the 23st February issue #015 of ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine will be available for you to download. Along with our big brakes group test and exciting travel stories, we will also be presenting our XC bikes group test. We made a special trip to the USA in order to test the bikes under sunny Californian skies. Here’s a look at the first bike in the group test – the Ibis Ripley 29.
About the test
Our request to the manufacturers was simple: Send us a fast, light and potent XC bike for maximum fun on the fast, flowing southern California trails.
We let the manufacturers decide for themselves which exact models, wheel sizes and suspension-travel range this actually meant. The only fixed criteria was the price limit of € 5.500.
The bike makers were also allowed to improve the downhill performance of their bikes by making small spec changes, just like bike shops often do. This includes changes to the cockpit, tyres and retrofitting a dropper seatpost.
The test team, made up of ENDURO editors Robin Schmitt, Joe Parkin and several other experienced test riders carefully examined the bikes over multiple days. The team established the strengths and weaknesses of each model, and discussed in depth the verdict of every bike.
The Ibis Ripley 29
For our test we received the Ripley in the X01 specification. The company made good use of the upgrade option and changed both the wheels and suspension fork. Instead of a Fox 32 with 120mm travel, our test bike was fitted with a Fox 34 featuring 140mm – the right choice? We’ll tell you in the next issue.
The DW-link rear suspension system developed by Dave Weagle should give the Ripley the combination of plush suspension with maximum forward propulsion. The chic carbon fibre frame has externally routed cables, a tapered steerer tube and a BB92 bottom bracket.
A further exciting upgrade was in the choice of wheels. Here Ibis switched the standard ZTR Arch wheelset for their own brand, super wide 941 carbon wheels. You’ll also find out how the Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.25″ tyres worked when fitted to the über-wide rims in the upcoming issue.
Changing the suspension fork has a noticeable effect on the bike’s geometry. Both the head and seat tube angles become about 1.5° slacker (HT 68,5° / ST 71,5°) which is immediately apparent on both climbs and descents. The extremely short reach (396mm size L) and the very short wheelbase of 1131 mm (large) promise playful handling even though the chainstays are relatively long at 445 mm.
Here’s an overview of the geometry:
How the Ibis Ripley 29 fares with against the other bikes in the group test as well as how the bike rides with the modifications will be revealed from 23rd February in issue #015 of ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine – digital and free of charge as always.
Words: Christoph Bayer | Photos: Abner Kingman
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