Ibis Ripmo V2 enduro sled gets AF treatment in full carbon & more progressive tune

The Ibis Ripmo carbon frame has finally received AF treatment. For those unfamiliar with AF, it stands for Aluminium Frame, and makes reference to the alloy Ripmo launched last September. The Ibis Ripmo V2 takes geometry lessons from the AF but applies them to a stiff and lightweight full carbon frame. This means your V2 Ripmo is a whole degree slacker at the front end, and longer in reach and wheelbase. We have the updates.

V2 Carbon with AF geometry

Ibis’s pro-rider, Robin Wallner, rode a disguised Ripmo V2 to four top-ten EWS finishes in the 2019 season. Thus, the new geometry has seen a thorough and arduous testing. The “new” geometry isn’t 100% new – it was applied successfully to the Ripmo AF, reviewed by Bikerumor’s Tyler Benedict, here. The Ibis Ripmo V2 is available in four sizes, S-XL, servicing rider heights of 5 ft to 6ft 6″. In that range? Read on.

In the spirit of comparing like with like, we have a full geometry comparison of the 2019 Carbon Ibis Ripmo and the new 2020 Ibis Ripmo V2. First up, the head tube angle slackens off to 64.9°, a whole degree slacker than the V1. The 160mm travel fork has a custom offset of 44mm, lengthening the trail figure to 118mm. Out back we still see a 76° seat tube angle (77° in S and M) and 435mm chainstays, consistent across the size range.

Reach is lengthened somewhat, now spanning a range of 433mm-500mm, compared to the V1’s 431mm-493mm. This is actually a couple of millimetres longer than even the Ripmo AF. Owing to the slacker head angle, the wheelbase in considerably longer too, now at 1267mm in XL. The bottom bracket remains at 341mm, while the stack height is largely the same too, if a little lower in size small.

In the rear end, 145mm of rear wheel travel is serviced by Ibis’s 5th generation DW link. The suspension platform has been updated for 2020 with a more progressive end rate with more ramp up to eliminate bottom-out worries. This new leverage curve opens the door for a coil shock. The initial leverage ratio is now a little higher for improved small bump performance to eliminate trail chatter.

As for ride feel, Ibis say you could ride a climb on the original Ripmo, then ride the same climb on the V2, and not notice a difference. Descending is a different kettle of fish. Ibis say the extended reach and slacker head angle mean nothing holds you back on descents.

Ibis Ripmo V2 29er Frame Details

The Ripmo V2 is composed of carbon front and rear triangles, and weighs in at a claimed 6.3 lbs with a DPX2 shock, and 6.74 lbs with an X2. The boost 12mm x 148mm rear end spacing and beautifully contoured chainstays allow clearance for up to 2.6″ wide 29″ tyres.

The frame is built around air shocks with an eye-to-eye measurement of 210mm and a stroke length of 55mm, but the frame is compatible with selected coil shocks. Cable routing is internal with in-frame molded cable tunnels. The 73mm BSA BB is threaded while the headtube and steerer are tapered. Bearings service the upper link of the suspension while IGUS bushings, said to be perfect for high stress, low rotation placements, service the lower.

The downtube features bottle bosses, with sufficient space in the front triangle of the M-XL to carry a 26oz bottle. The Ibis Ripmo V2 is a 1x drivetrain specific design. The post mount rear brake will take up to a 203mm rotor, as will the front brake. Frame sizes M-XL will take 175mm dropper seat posts, while the small can take 125mm to 150mm dropper lengths. Frame protection is far from lacking with a polycarbonate downtube protector and molded swingarm protectors.

Ibis Ripmo V2 Pricing and Availability

The Ripmo V2 is available in both frame & shock options, and several complete build options. The frame with Fox DPX2 shock will set you back $2,999, while a complete build with SRAM NX drivetrain is priced at $4,399. The no expense spared V2 is an XTR groupset build with Fox Factory Float 36 forks with GRIP 2 damper, X2 shock, and Ibis S35 carbon rims laced to i9 Hydra hubs. It is the most expensive complete build at $9,299. Four other complete builds are available, with SLX, GX, Deore XT, and XO1 AXS groupsets. The V2 Ripmo is available now with a 7-year frame warranty and a lifetime warranty on the IGUS bushings. Head to the Ibis website for full pricing info.

IbisCycles.com