![Ibis Ripmo AF](https://i2.wp.com/element.ly/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/IbisRipmo192.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Carbon fiber might be the it material at the moment but if the latest crop of aluminum bikes are any indication, then you can say aluminum is so not dead.
![Ibis Ripmo AF](https://i1.wp.com/element.ly/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/IbisRipmo199.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
In fact, with standouts such as the Specialized Allez and the Cannondale Topstone, I would argue there’s no better time to get an aluminum-framed bike than now from a best bang for your buck point of view. And now Ibis is joining in with the all-new Ripmo AF. AF for Aluminum Frame, not the standard AF abbreviation.
![Ibis Ripmo AF](https://i2.wp.com/element.ly/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/IbisRipmo1913.jpg?fit=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
Though Ibis is no stranger to aluminum, the Ripmo AF is the company’s first aluminum frame since its 2001 Ripley softail, and first since Ibis came back to life as a company in 2005.
![Ibis Ripmo AF](https://i2.wp.com/element.ly/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/IbisRipmo1912.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
So what is the Ripmo AF? You can think of it as a more affordable version of the popular Ripmo plus a few minor updates. And how affordable is the Ripmo AF? The complete bike starts at $2,999, which is the same price as the Ripmo carbon frameset…
![Ibis Ripmo AF](https://i2.wp.com/element.ly/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/IbisRipmo191.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
The Ripmo features:
- 160mm front travel
- 147mm dw-link rear travel (2mm more than the carbon version)
- 8.25lb for size medium with DVO Topaz (6.1lb for medium carbon with Fox DPX2)
- Clearance for 2.6″ tires
- Four sizes (S-XL) that fit riders between 5′ and 6’6”
- Compatibility with select coil shocks, DVO JADE X coil shock available as an upgrade option
- Slack 64.9 head angle (compared to 65.9 on the carbon version)
- Same 44mm fork offset
- Steep 76 degree seat tube angle
- Threaded BB (73mm BSA)
- ISCG 05 compatible with removable adapter
- Port style internal cable routing
- 22oz bottles fit inside front triangle
- Size M-XL compatible with 170mm+ droppers, 125-150mm for smalls
- Molded rubber swing arm protectors
- IGUS bushings in lower link, bearings in upper link
- 203mm max rotor size
- 1x specific design
- Boost spacing
- Tapered headtube: ZS44 upper, ZS56 lower
- $1,799 for the frame with DVO Topaz Inline shock, or $1,899 with DVO Jade X coil shock.
![Ibis Ripmo AF](https://i2.wp.com/element.ly/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/IbisRipmo1910.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
The Ripmo AF is backed with a seven year frame warranty and lifetime replacement on bushings. It is available worldwide starting today. More about it here, plus of course, a fun launch video.
![Ibis Ripmo AF](https://i1.wp.com/element.ly/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/IbisRipmo1914.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Photos: Ian Collins/ Ibis