Once it was released, the original Ibis Ripley has received a lot of praise for its fun, fast ride quality. As it turns out though, many of the same attributes that caused it to be adored led to riders wanting more – more tire clearance, slacker geometry, and essentially the ability to ride the Ripley beyond its original XC/Trail limits.
That’s where the new Ripley comes in. On one side you have a frame with the original geometry that has been updated with new frame features. On the other hand you have the all new Ripley LS, a longer and slacker version of the original better tuned towards more aggressive riding. Both models benefit from new cable routing, improved frame stiffness, and standards, but which Ripley takes the cake is up to you….
Given the fact that many riders were pushing the original Ripley well past its limits in Enduro type situations the addition of the LS version isn’t that surprising. The frame follows the trend of many new “trail” bikes we’ve seen with shorter travel and slacker angles. Using a 67.5º head angle compared to the original’s 69.2º, and a 15mm longer top tube, the LS geometry is perfectly suited to shorter stems and should be more stable at high speeds. If you’re a fan of the original geometry, it will still be available at least in the medium and large sizes for now. When asked about the absence of small frames we were told that Ibis simply didn’t sell enough of the original small frames to warrant making a small of the New Ripley partially due to the perception that 29ers aren’t ideal for shorter riders. Scot Nicol did point out that they are “huge believers in small Ripleys” so they hope the demand dictates the need for an additional small size in the future.
Going hand in hand with using the Ripley for more aggressive riding is the need for bigger tire clearance. Even since the Ripley was first introduced and now, tires and rims have continued to grow making the need for more clearance a must. Claiming to have room for most 2.35″ tires on their 941 (41mm wide) rims for both new Ripley Models, fatter tires caked with mud shouldn’t be an issue. The increased tire clearance is also still available with a 12×142 rear axle, though a 12×148 Boost rear end will be available in November as an option.
Other changes to frame spec include a switch to a threaded 73mm BSA bottom bracket instead of pressfit. Ibis cites too much variation between various press in cups as the reasoning for the change. More important is the switch to the cable port system used on the Tranny 29 and Mojo HD3. The internal cable routing allows for running nearly every combination of droppers and drivetrains as well as the new Shimano Side Swing front derailleur.
Along with updating the bike with new suspension bits from Fox like the 2016 Float DPS shock with EVOL sleeve, the actual linkage has been improved as well (again). The suspension components should add up to improved small bump compliance and better mid to end stroke for a playful ride that can be boosted off lips. On the linkage side of things the Gnar Core eccentrics have been massaged to add even more stiffness and use more material to increase the torque spec on the shaft bolts. The resulting numbers are listed at 12% stiffer at the BB even with more tire clearance and only 2g heavier. While the frame and rear swingarm use new or modified carbon molds that are only available on the New Ripley, the Gnar Cores are retrofittable to the original.
Even though it isn’t as ground breaking as new geometry or suspension performance, the addition of the new rubber molded chainstay and seatstay protection is still important. Most riders are going to try and cobble something together to protect their frame anyways, so why not integrate it into the bike and make it look good? The new protector will fit the old Riley as well and will be available for purchase in the Ibis web store.
The new Ripley will be available in Black or Tang with prices starting at $2900 for the frame, and $3950 for the complete bike in the Special Blend build. The first new bikes are expected to arrive at Ibis in early July while the first Ripley LS frames should be arriving in early August.
New Features:
- Two geometry options: The nimble geometry of the original or a new school long and slack version called the Ripley LS
- Internal cable routing using our flexible and easy to setup port system
- Increased tire clearance
- Threaded bottom bracket
- Seat mast lowered by 1/2” to accommodate today’s longer droppers
- Choice of Boost 148 (staring in November ’15) or 142mm x 12mm Shimano through axle (now)
- Stiffer eccentric cores
- New rubber molded chainstay and seatstay protection
- Two new colors (let’s call them “Tang” and “Black”)
Additional Features:
- 120mm rear wheel dw-link travel
- Carbon fiber monocoque frame and swingarm
- 5.5 Pound frame* with Fox FLOAT DPS EVOL
- Approved for 120-140mm forks, 51mm rake is STRONGLY recommended
- Tapered head tube (suitable for various Cane Creeks & Chris King InSet 3)
- Shock Specs: Fox Factory FLOAT DPS 3pos w/Adj and EVOL Sleeve with Kashima Coat 184mm x 44mm
- Provision for internal cable-actuated or hydraulic adjustable seat posts
- Post mount rear brake mounts
- Shimano side swing front derailleur compatible.
- * Frame weight is for a medium black with shock but without seat collar, rear axle, or water bottle bolts
