The Jank Link is the newest release from Ibis athlete Eric Olsen. His component brand, Jank Components, makes some cool add-ons that just make sense. Now, he has released a linkage for the Ibis Rimpo and Ripley that lengthens the chainstays.
Ibis Ripmo and Ripley
Last year, Ibis released the latest versions of their two most popular bikes. The V3 Ripmo and V5 Ripley saw significant changes from previous iterations.
Both received internal frame storage. Both frames are also compatible with a 29 or 27.5 rear wheel, thanks to an MX flip chip. As standard, Ripmos in sizes small and medium come with mixed wheels, while the Ripley is a full 29er across all sizes. But the option is there.
There were also geometry changes across both platforms, including “size-specific everything” and a new XM (Extra Medium) size. The Ripley also saw a bump in travel, landing solidly at 130/140mm rear and front, respectively.
Perhaps the most significant change came in frame design. While Ibis changed the frame on both bikes, giving them cleaner lines and straight tubes, they also made it so the Ripley and Ripmo now share a frame.
This design decision enabled the Jank Link to work on both platforms, including the AF (aluminum) versions that followed.
The Jank Link
Olsen’s Jank Link replaces the bottom link on the latest versions of Ripmo and Ripley frames and adds 13mm to the rear center. His reason? Simple: Olsen loves the Ripmo platform, but wanted a bit more stability for gnarlier trails.
Both bikes have size-specific chainstays, so changes from the Jank Link will vary by frame size. Olsen says the Jank Link increases his XM Ripmo’s rear center from 436mm to 449mm.
While the 13mm the Jank Link adds to the chainstays is significant, it also changes some other aspects of the bike. Here’s what they are:
- A 3mm lower bottom bracket. While this isn’t a ton, Olsen says it is more noticeable on the already lower Ripley. He recommends 165mm cranks
- A 0.5° slacker headtube angle
- +3mm of travel to Ripley
- +5mm of travel to Ripmo
- Allows for a 52mm chainline with added clearance
- The link affects the leverage curve, and Olsen recommends a 5-10% shock pressure increase to start
However, there are some caveats to using the Jank Link. First, it can only be used on the latest generations of Ripleys and Ripmos. This is because using the Jank Link requires you to run the bike with the flip chip set to the 27.5-inch rear wheel setting, but with a 29-inch rear wheel. So, size Small and Medium Ripmo owners will need to have an additional 29er rear wheel.
And, it doesn’t appear that the link can be used with an MX wheel setup.
Olsen is also working with Ibis to determine whether this product will fall under the brand’s warranty. We reached out to Olsen, who said he has been in communication with Ibis and that decisions will hopefully be made soon.
“Warranty info pending,” he told us.
For now, Olsen made 20 Jank Links. He is also toying with the idea of a link that adds only 8mm of rear center length, so reach out if that interests you. He also mentions that the Jank Link could work with the Ibis HD6. Again, reach out if you have an HD6 and are interested in learning more.
The Jank Link retails for $248 at jankcomponents.com.
