Ibis RipleyvsRipmo
For riders torn between speed and savagery, the Ibis Ripley V5 and Ripmo V3 offer a compelling dilemma. These bikes share a frame platform but diverge sharply in their intended missions, with the Ripley evolving into a burly trail machine and the Ripmo cementing its place as a playful, highly capable enduro bike. Deciding between them means honestly assessing your appetite for steep climbs versus aggressive descents.
Overview
The Ibis Ripley V5 and Ripmo V3 are siblings from the same carbon mold, built around Ibis's celebrated DW-Link suspension. This common DNA means both bikes offer exceptional pedaling efficiency and robust frame features like the STOW internal downtube storage and flip-chip mixed-wheel compatibility. Where they differ, however, is in their travel, geometry, and ultimately, their trail personality. The Ripley V5 steps up to 130mm of rear travel paired with a 140mm fork, a clear departure from its 'downcountry' predecessors, now a fully-fledged trail bike ready for more aggressive terrain than ever before.
Ride and handling
The Ripley V5 delivers a ride that is notably balanced, confident, and engaging, having evolved from its lighter-duty past to become a serious trail contender. Reviewers consistently note its nimble feel remains, making it easy to 'pop off of sketchy side hits' and carve through corners, yet it gains a 'more planted feeling' from its slacker head tube and longer wheelbase. While its 34mm Fox fork is generally capable, some heavier riders observed noticeable flex on 'higher speed and rougher trails,' hinting at its limits when pushed hard. The DW-Link suspension, however, is almost universally praised for its 'plush and progressive' feel, with ample mid-stroke support and bottom-out resistance that allows riders to 'use all the travel' without harshness. In contrast, the Ripmo V3 offers a distinctly more capable downhill experience, feeling like 'the most capable descending Ripmo to date.' Its 150mm rear travel and 160mm Fox 36 fork are geared for aggressive all-mountain and enduro riding. The Ripmo's suspension provides a 'more active initial stroke' that enhances comfort and grip, even creating a 'hoverbike' sensation on chunky climbs, according to some. On descents, it feels supportive enough to encourage 'gapping sections of trails or whipping the rear end around,' maintaining a playful character despite its greater travel. However, a few outliers, notably Pinkbike, found the Ripmo's suspension 'bouncy' and 'nervous' at speed, suggesting it can feel less composed in truly brutal terrain or with specific stock tunes. Most, though, describe it as a 'total fun machine' that blends stability with agility admirably. Both bikes benefit from rattle-free internal frame storage and quiet drivetrain protection, contributing to a refined ride experience. The Ripley's upgraded carbon chassis is described as 'bigger and beefier,' providing a stiff platform. While the Ripmo's frame also gets a new, stiffer aesthetic, there's some debate among reviewers about its torsional rigidity compared to its V2 predecessor, with one long-term user perceiving it as 'torsionally softer' but still a 'fantastic all-around bike.' This suggests that while both are robust, the Ripmo's feel for stiffness might be more nuanced for very aggressive or heavier riders, or depend heavily on component choices.
Specifications
Comparing the top-tier XTR builds of both bikes reveals Ibis's clear intent for each model. Both are priced identically at $9999, but the Ripmo receives a subtly more aggressive component package befitting its enduro leanings. The Ripley V5's XTR build features a Fox 36SL Factory 140mm fork with a Grip X damper and Fox Float Factory shock. The Ripmo V3, however, steps up to a burlier Fox 36 Factory 160mm fork with the GRIP X2 damper and a Fox Float X Factory shock, offering greater damping control and travel for hard-hitting terrain. This fork choice is a key differentiator, with the Ripmo getting the stouter option. Braking power also reflects their respective purposes. Both bikes use Shimano XTR M9220 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, which are excellent. But the Ripley comes with 180mm Shimano XTR CL-900 rotors front and rear, while the Ripmo upsizes to 203mm Shimano XTR IceTech rotors both front and rear. These larger rotors provide superior heat dissipation and power for sustained, aggressive descending, a critical advantage for enduro riding. For wheelsets, the Ripley's XTR build rolls on Ibis S28 Carbon rims, while the Ripmo's XTR features Ibis S35 Carbon rims. The S35 rims are wider, providing better tire support and durability for more aggressive riding, again fitting the Ripmo's character. Both wheelsets use Industry Nine Hydra CL hubs, ensuring instant engagement. Both bikes share top-shelf Shimano XTR Di2 12-speed drivetrains, including XTR cranks, cassettes, and chains, ensuring flawless, reliable shifting performance. Shared cockpit components include BLKBRD 35 Carbon Riser Bars and BLKBRD 35 Stems, though some Ripmo reviewers disliked the bar's sweep. Both also come with BikeYoke Revive Max dropper posts, appreciated for their generous travel and reliability. Tire choices also vary: the Ripley comes with a Maxxis Minion DHR II front and a faster-rolling Maxxis Rekon rear, suitable for trail riding. The Ripmo, in contrast, gets a more aggressive Maxxis Assegai front and Minion DHR II rear, both in EXO+ casing, signaling its readiness for hard charging. Overall, for the same price point, the Ripmo's XTR build receives a notably more downhill-capable and robust specification, reflecting its category.
| Ripley | Ripmo | |
|---|---|---|
| FRAMESET | ||
| Frame | Ibis (model not specified) | Ibis (frame model not specified in provided specs) |
| Fork | Fox Float SL 36, Factory Series, GRIP X, 140mm, 29in, 15x110mm | Fox Float 36, Factory Series, GRIP X2, 160mm, 29in, 15x110mm |
| Rear shock | Fox Float, Factory Series, EVOL, 210x52.5mm | Fox Float X, Factory Series, 2-position adj. w/ EVOL, 230x60mm |
| GROUPSET | ||
| Shift levers | Shimano Deore M6100 (band clamp) | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Front derailleur | — | — |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Deore M6100 SGS | Shimano Deore M6100 SGS |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore M6100, 12-speed, 10-51T | Shimano Deore M6100, 12-speed, 10-51T |
| Chain | KMC X12 | KMC X12 |
| Crankset | Shimano Deore M6120 (24mm spindle) | Shimano Deore M6120, 24mm spindle |
| Bottom bracket | Shimano MT501 | Shimano MT501 |
| Front brake | SRAM G2 4-piston hydraulic disc | Shimano Deore M6120, 4-piston hydraulic disc |
| Rear brake | SRAM G2 4-piston hydraulic disc | Shimano Deore M6120, 4-piston hydraulic disc |
| WHEELSET | ||
| Front wheel | Ibis 933 Aluminum Rim; Ibis Hub (15x110mm implied by fork) | Blackbird Send Alloy, 32h, Ibis Logo hubs (Front: Send I 29in) |
| Rear wheel | Ibis 933 Aluminum Rim; Ibis Hub | Blackbird Send Alloy, 32h, Ibis Logo hubs (Rear: Send II; S–M: 27.5in, XM–XL: 29in) |
| Front tire | Maxxis Minion DHR II, 29x2.4, EXO, TR — OR — Maxxis Forekaster, 29x2.4, EXO, TR | Maxxis DHF, 29x2.5, EXO+ |
| Rear tire | Maxxis Rekon, 29x2.4, EXO, TR | Maxxis DHR II, EXO+ (S–M: 27.5x2.5; XM–XL: 29x2.5) |
| COCKPIT | ||
| Stem | Ibis 31.8mm; S–M: 40mm, L–XL: 50mm | Ibis 31.8mm (S–M: 40mm; L–XL: 50mm) |
| Handlebars | Ibis Aluminum, 780mm | Ibis Aluminum, 780mm |
| Saddle | WTB Silverado Fusion CrMo 142 | WTB Silverado Fusion CrMo 142 |
| Seatpost | KS Vantage Dropper, 34.9mm; S: 110–140mm, M–XM: 140–170mm, L–XL: 180–210mm | KS Vantage dropper, 34.9mm (S: 110–140mm; M–XM: 140–170mm; L–XL: 180–210mm) |
| Grips/Tape | Lizard Skins Single Clamp | Lizard Skins Single Clamp |
Geometry and fit comparison
Comparing the XM sizes, the Ripley V5 and Ripmo V3 exhibit nuanced geometric differences that define their handling. The Ripley has a slightly longer reach at 483mm compared to the Ripmo's 478mm, which is an unexpected twist for a bike with less travel, offering a surprisingly stretched-out and stable feel for its class. The Ripmo counters with a marginally taller stack at 633mm versus the Ripley's 629mm, providing a slightly more upright front end. The head tube angles directly reflect their intentions: the Ripmo V3 is slacker at 64.5 degrees, giving it a calm, confident demeanor at high speeds and on steep descents. The Ripley V5 is only slightly steeper at 64.9 degrees, still quite slack for a trail bike, contributing to its newfound stability without sacrificing agility. Both bikes feature steep seat tube angles, with the Ripley at 76.9 degrees and the Ripmo at 76.5 degrees. The Ripley's steeper angle aids in an efficient climbing position, keeping the front wheel planted, while the Ripmo's still-steep angle ensures good seated pedaling even with its more gravity-focused geometry. A notable difference lies in the bottom bracket drop. The Ripley has a more generous BB drop of 42mm, placing the rider deeper 'in the bike' for a stable, carving sensation. The Ripmo has a higher bottom bracket with a 30mm drop, which Ibis claims helps prevent pedal strikes for taller riders with longer wheelbases, a choice some reviewers found preferable for technical climbs but others desired lower for a more planted feel. Chainstay lengths are very close, with the Ripley at 437mm and the Ripmo at 436mm, both contributing to a lively, flickable rear end despite the Ripmo's overall longer wheelbase of 1249mm (vs. Ripley's 1241mm). This longer wheelbase on the Ripmo naturally enhances its high-speed stability. Both frames boast 'size-specific everything,' meaning not just chainstay lengths but also seat tube angles and BB heights are adjusted across sizes to maintain a consistent ride feel, although some riders found the sizing could still be tricky due to how the numbers translate on trail, recommending demo rides.
| FIT GEO | Ripley | Ripmo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stack | 640 | 643 | +3 |
| Reach | 511 | 506 | -5 |
| Top tube | 654 | 655 | +1 |
| Headtube length | 125 | 125 | 0 |
| Standover height | 759 | — | — |
| Seat tube length | 457 | 457 | 0 |
| HANDLING | Ripley | Ripmo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headtube angle | 64.9 | 64.5 | -0.4 |
| Seat tube angle | 77.4 | 77 | -0.4 |
| BB height | 335 | 349 | +14 |
| BB drop | 39 | 27 | -12 |
| Trail | — | — | — |
| Offset | — | — | — |
| Front center | — | — | — |
| Wheelbase | 1279 | 1286 | +7 |
| Chainstay length | 440 | 438 | -2 |
Who each one is for
Ibis Ripley
The Ibis Ripley V5 is for the rider who values a playful, agile bike that can still tackle surprisingly aggressive trails. If your local loops feature plenty of flowy singletrack, technical climbs that reward precision, and opportunities to pop off jumps and side hits, this bike will shine. It's an excellent choice for someone who wants to cover significant ground efficiently and comfortably, but also wants the confidence to push boundaries on descents without feeling over-biked or under-gunned. This bike excels as a 'one bike quiver' for the rider who enjoys an energetic, active riding style on varied terrain, preferring to float over rather than plow through obstacles.
Ibis Ripmo
The Ibis Ripmo V3 suits the aggressive all-mountain rider who routinely takes on challenging, rough terrain and high-speed descents, but still needs a bike that climbs exceptionally well. If you regularly seek out steep, technical trails, bike park laps, or enduro-style descents, the Ripmo provides the confidence and travel needed. It’s ideal for a rider who appreciates a bike that feels 'planted' and composed when pushed hard, yet retains a lively, 'poppy' character for dynamic riding, cornering, and getting airborne. This bike offers a robust platform for hard riding, capable of handling high-intensity impacts while still being efficient enough for big, epic climbs.
