Ibis RipmovsPropain Hugene

These two bikes, the Ibis Ripmo V3 and Propain Hugene 3, approach the mid-travel mountain bike category with different priorities. The Ripmo, boasting 150mm of rear travel and a 160mm fork, positions itself as a versatile all-mountain machine, a “do-it-all” companion for a broad spectrum of trail conditions, from long pedaly epics to demanding enduro tracks. Ibis made deliberate changes from its predecessor, leaning into its all-mountain character rather than pushing further into enduro territory after the release of their HD6. Propain, with the Hugene 3, chose a path of less travel, reducing it to 130mm rear and 140mm front. This design decision carves out a niche for the Hugene as a "short-travel trail ripper" – a bike optimized for fun, agility, and responsiveness on flow trails, jumps, and technically engaging terrain. While it's eager for aggressive input, it acknowledges its limits, clearly distinguishing itself from longer-travel enduro sleds. Both bikes utilize carbon frames and modern geometry, but their ride philosophies, as reflected in their suspension design and travel, cater to slightly different rider expectations and trail preferences.

When it comes to climbing, the Ibis Ripmo V3's DW-Link suspension is widely praised for its exceptional efficiency and traction. Riders often describe it as a "hoverbike" on chunky technical climbs, seemingly floating over obstacles while maintaining momentum and delivering a "pep in its step" with each pedal stroke. The suspension feels active in its initial stroke, providing comfort and grip, though some reviewers noted a "bouncy" or "busy" sensation on rougher climbs. The Hugene 3, in its turn, is also an efficient climber, thanks to high anti-squat numbers in its PRO10 suspension. This makes it "snappy and responsive" under power, encouraging out-of-the-saddle efforts and feeling "businesslike" on ascents. However, this comes with a trade-off: some riders experienced "pedal tug" and a less planted, more "juddery" feel on technical or bumpy climbs. If you prioritize plush, unflappable traction uphill, the Ripmo has the edge; if you prefer a direct, power-transferring feel and don't mind some feedback, the Hugene delivers. Descending, the Ripmo V3 is a genuinely capable machine, evolving into the "most capable descending Ripmo to date." It's lauded for a playful, poppy character, easily gapping trail sections and whipping the rear end around, making it a "total fun machine" on flowing trails. Its suspension offers excellent mid-stroke support and good bottom-out resistance for bigger hits. While generally stable, some noted a "slightly more nervous feel" at very high speeds compared to dedicated enduro bikes, and Pinkbike's review, in particular, found it "decidedly more timid" and "nervous" in rough terrain, attributing this to an "uneasy suspension feeling" from the stock fork damper. Frame stiffness also drew mixed reviews, with some finding it stiffer than its predecessor, while another felt it was torsionally softer. The Hugene 3 shines on flowy trails, berms, and jumps, where its agile and snappy nature allows riders to pump for speed and carve corners with confidence. It "goes really brilliantly through corners" and is surprisingly stable for its 130mm of travel, handling high-speed chatter effectively. Reviewers describe its handling as intuitive and direct, begging for active rider input. However, its shorter travel means it finds its limits when pushing into truly rough, sustained enduro terrain. On such trails, the Hugene can feel "not particularly forgiving" and the rear might "kick slightly, especially when braking." The frame's stiffness, while contributing to its reactive feel on flow trails, can also reduce comfort on rougher ground, potentially leading to rider fatigue on long, demanding descents. It's a bike that is fun and capable, but clearly communicates its boundaries in serious chunder.