The Ibis Ripley has been part of the Santa Cruz firm’s lineup since 2011, and while Ibis doesn’t do the annual traditional model year sort of thing, it has nevertheless undergone three major iterations of refinements. Let’s face it: bike technology and the geometry of today’s 29ers are vastly different than the 29ers made as little as two, three seasons ago, and so the 4th generation Ripley reflects that.
The new Ripley, according to Ibis, is a complete redesign with a nod to the current trend of extended reach (by an average of 45mm), slacker headtube (by 1 degree at 65.5), a steeper seat tube (by three degrees at 76), and of course, a shorter chainstay (by 12mm at 432mm). What does that translate too? Ibis’ ultimate trail bike.
The new 1x specific chassis is still made out of carbon with 120mm of rear travel, but it has borrowed cues from the company’s longer travel Ripmo in ditching its double eccentric in favor of a linkage-based suspension design. The new combination of bearings and hermetically sealed IGUS bushings are not only lighter and stiffer, but also allows users freedom to run longer dropper posts. Talk about a win-win.
Before you start murmuring about them bushings, however, Ibis is so confident in its performance that there’s a lifetime warranty on the said bushings. The dw-link suspension has also been updated with more progressive kinematics for better performance.
Weight weenies will be delighted to hear the Ripley 4 frame is also some .65lbs lighter. In addition, the 148mm Boosted frame features a removable ISCG 05 mount, 2.6″ tire clearance, molded internal cable channels and a replaceable downtube protector to protect your hard-earned investment.
Each Ripley will come with a seven year warranty on the frame. Framesets will be available in four sizes in either Blue Steel or Matte Braap for $2,999 and six complete bike builds starting at $4,099 today.
All Images: Lear Miller / Ibis
