Ibis RipmovsRevel Rascal

The Ibis Ripmo V3 and Revel Rascal V2 target a similar patch of dirt from slightly different angles. Ibis has pushed the Ripmo further into the all-mountain category with 160mm of front travel and 150mm in the back, making it a singular choice for everything from high-altitude epics to bike park laps. It is the safe, established choice, backed by a lifetime warranty on bushings and a massive dealer network. The frame has moved away from organic curves toward a sharper, straight-tubed aesthetic that feels modern and purposeful. In contrast, the Rascal V2 is a 130mm trail bike that fights well above its weight class, using its 140mm fork to tackle technical terrain that usually requires more travel. It’s the bike for the rider who values efficiency above all else but wants a chassis that won't wince when the rocks get bigger. However, the recent business instability at Revel adds a significant layer of risk; you might snag a top-tier build for a bargain, but you’ll be doing so without the long-term support and warranty safety net that comes standard with the Ibis.

The Ripmo V3 is a master of the middle ground, balancing a supportive mid-stroke with an energetic feel that encourages you to hop over obstacles rather than plow through them. While the DW-Link suspension provides excellent technical climbing traction, some reviewers have noted it can feel a bit 'busy' or 'fluttery' on high-frequency chatter compared to previous generations. It’s a nimble bike for its size, especially if you opt for the mixed-wheel setup on the smaller frames, which helps it square off corners and change direction with an urgency most 150mm bikes lack. Climbing on the Rascal V2 is a revelation thanks to the CBF suspension design, which remains remarkably firm under power without requiring you to reach for a lockout lever. One tester even found that running 35% sag didn't ruin its uphill efficiency, which is a testament to how well it manages pedal forces. On the way down, the Rascal is a 'live wire'—it’s agile and sharp, but it can become skittish at the absolute limit of its travel when things get fast and chunky. Where the Ibis remains composed and balanced in the rough, the Revel demands more precision and a cleaner line choice to stay on the intended path. Handling-wise, the Rascal’s 65.5-degree head angle and short 40mm stem make for quick, almost twitchy steering that rewards an engaged pilot. The Ripmo is a full degree slacker at 64.5 degrees, giving it more stability when you’re staring down a steep rock chute or hitting high-speed sections. Ibis has also focused heavily on frame stiffness, creating a stout-feeling bike that tracks well under pressure, though some very aggressive riders have reported a hint of torsional flex that makes it feel more like a light-duty all-mountain bike than a heavy enduro sled.