Ibis RipmovsRocky Mountain Altitude
Picture yourself hurtling down a steep, technical chute, braking bumps blurring beneath your wheels. Would you prefer a bike that encourages you to pick apart lines and float over obstacles, or one that flattens the chaos into a predictable blur? The Ibis Ripmo V3 and Rocky Mountain Altitude (2024-) approach aggressive trail and enduro riding from subtly different philosophies, offering distinct paths to downhill confidence.
Overview
The Ibis Ripmo V3 has always been a do-it-all kind of bike, a 150mm travel 29er that balances climbing efficiency with descending fun, making it exceptionally popular. This latest generation sees a clean, modern frame redesign, refined geometry, and subtle suspension tweaks aimed at maintaining its playful nature while adding capability. It's positioned as a versatile all-mountain machine that truly excels across a wide range of riding styles and terrains. In stark contrast, the Rocky Mountain Altitude (2024-) throws caution to the wind when it comes to uphill compromise, planting itself firmly as an enduro race weapon. With 160mm of rear travel and a 170mm fork, its radical redesign features a new LC2R dual-link suspension system and an abundance of geometry adjustments. The Altitude is built for speed, stability, and unflappable composure on the gnarliest descents, openly declaring its bias towards gravity-fed performance.
Ride and handling
When you drop into a descent, the Altitude is an absolute beast, often described as a "magic eraser" that makes terrain disappear. Its LC2R suspension system, with a low center of gravity, delivers exceptional small-bump sensitivity and a deeply planted feel that keeps the wheels glued to the ground. Reviewers consistently praise its ability to "plow through medium-sized bumps very well" and remain "extremely composed" even through high-speed rock gardens. This unflappable stability encourages riders to simply point and shoot, trusting the bike to "erase mistakes" and hold a line without fighting the trail. However, this comes at the expense of liveliness; some find it less playful than its predecessor, requiring significant speed and rider input to come alive, and preferring wider turns rather than quick flicks. The Ripmo, by contrast, is a more engaging dance partner. It’s a nimble bike that loves to be ridden actively, rewarding rider input with a "playful pop." The DW-Link suspension is known for its mid-stroke support, making it easy to "gap sections of trails or whip the rear end around" and get airborne. While the Ripmo is praised for its ability to smooth out roots and rock gardens, offering "exceptional traction and comfort" on climbs and descents, a few critics have noted it can feel "nervous" or "fluttery" at the absolute highest speeds or in truly brutal, sustained chop compared to some longer-travel enduro bikes. Many, though, enjoy this active feel, finding other bikes
Specifications
The Altitude's build philosophy unequivocally prioritizes downhill performance and durability right out of the box, a clear departure from manufacturers who spec lightweight parts merely for paper-thin weight claims. On the Carbon 70 build, you get a RockShox ZEB Select+ fork and a RockShox Vivid Select+ shock, robust components appropriate for a gravity-oriented machine. Critically, Rocky Mountain includes Maxxis Assegai MaxxGrip EXO+ and Minion DHR II MaxxTerra DD tires with factory-installed CushCore Trail inserts on many builds. This is a huge value, saving riders from immediate upgrades for aggressive riding. However, the DT Swiss 370 hubs are a common point of contention, criticized for their "painfully slow engagement," and some reviewers found the Race Face AR 30 alloy rims "quite soft" under hard riding. Ibis, with its XTR build, opts for a more premium, trail-focused spec, and the price reflects it at $9,999. The Ripmo comes with Fox Factory suspension—a 36 GRIP X2 fork and a Float X shock—which generally earns high marks for adjustability and performance. The XTR drivetrain is top-tier, offering crisp, precise shifts. Ibis’s own S35 Carbon rims with Industry Nine Hydra hubs are a significant upgrade, providing a blend of strength and responsiveness. However, reviews for the Ripmo's Shimano XT builds (which share brake characteristics with XTR) often highlight the 180mm rear rotor as a potential weakness for heavier riders or long descents, recommending an upgrade to 200mm for better heat dissipation. The Altitude's component package consistently features SRAM Maven Bronze Stealth 4-piston brakes, known for their power, while the Ripmo's XTR build boasts Shimano XTR 4-piston brakes with 203mm rotors front and rear, offering excellent stopping power. Drivetrain-wise, the Altitude C70 uses SRAM GX Eagle Transmission, a modern wireless system, contrasting with the Ripmo XTR's cable-actuated Shimano XTR 1x12. Both bikes benefit from threaded bottom brackets and fully guided internal cable routing for ease of maintenance. The Ripmo’s switch to a 34.9mm seatpost diameter aims for greater dropper post durability, while the Altitude offers an integrated AirTag holder in its Penalty Box 2.0 downtube storage, a clever security detail. Both brands offer thoughtful frame protection, but early Altitude models did have a recurring loose main pivot bolt issue, requiring a specific tool and Loctite, which highlights a potential maintenance hurdle for the home mechanic.
| Ripmo | Altitude | |
|---|---|---|
| FRAMESET | ||
| Frame | Ibis (frame model not specified in provided specs) | FORM™ Alloy | Full Sealed Cartridge Bearings | Threaded BB | Internal Cable Routing | 2-Bolt ISCG05 Tabs | RIDE-4™ Adjustable Geometry | 160mm Travel | FORM™ Alloy Rear Triangle |
| Fork | Fox Float 36, Factory Series, GRIP X2, 160mm, 29in, 15x110mm | RockShox Zeb RC 170mm | 27.5 = 38mm Offset | 29 = 44mm Offset |
| Rear shock | Fox Float X, Factory Series, 2-position adj. w/ EVOL, 230x60mm | Fox Float X Performance | Sealed Bearing Eyelet | 40x10mm F Hardware | SM = 210x55mm | MD - LG - XL = 230x60mm | Size-Specific tune in FAQ |
| GROUPSET | ||
| Shift levers | Shimano Deore M6100 | Shimano Deore 12spd |
| Front derailleur | — | |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Deore M6100 SGS | Shimano Deore 12spd |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore M6100, 12-speed, 10-51T | Shimano Deore 10-51T 12spd |
| Chain | KMC X12 | Shimano M6100 |
| Crankset | Shimano Deore M6120, 24mm spindle | Shimano Deore | 32T | 24mm Spindle | Crankarm Length: SM = 165mm | MD - XL = 170mm |
| Bottom bracket | Shimano MT501 | Shimano Threaded BBMT501-B |
| Front brake | Shimano Deore M6120, 4-piston hydraulic disc | Shimano MT6120 4 Piston | Metal Pads |
| Rear brake | Shimano Deore M6120, 4-piston hydraulic disc | Shimano MT6120 4 Piston | Metal Pads |
| WHEELSET | ||
| Front wheel | Blackbird Send Alloy, 32h, Ibis Logo hubs (Front: Send I 29in) | WTB ST i30 TOUGH TCS 2.0 | 32H | Tubeless Set Up | Sealant Incl; Shimano TC500 | 15mm Boost; 2.0 Stainless |
| Rear wheel | Blackbird Send Alloy, 32h, Ibis Logo hubs (Rear: Send II; S–M: 27.5in, XM–XL: 29in) | WTB ST i30 TOUGH TCS 2.0 | 32H | Tubeless Set Up | Sealant Incl; Shimano TC500 Boost 148mm; 2.0 Stainless |
| Front tire | Maxxis DHF, 29x2.5, EXO+ | Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5 WT EXO Tubeless Ready | Tubeless Set Up | Sealant Incl |
| Rear tire | Maxxis DHR II, EXO+ (S–M: 27.5x2.5; XM–XL: 29x2.5) | Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 WT EXO Tubeless Ready | Tubeless Set Up | Sealant Incl |
| COCKPIT | ||
| Stem | Ibis 31.8mm (S–M: 40mm; L–XL: 50mm) | Rocky Mountain 31.8 AM | 5° Rise | All Sizes = 40mm |
| Handlebars | Ibis Aluminum, 780mm | Rocky Mountain AM | 760mm Width | 38mm Rise | 9° Backsweep | 5° Upsweep | 31.8 Clamp |
| Saddle | WTB Silverado Fusion CrMo 142 | WTB Solano Fusion Form 142 | Steel Rails |
| Seatpost | KS Vantage dropper, 34.9mm (S: 110–140mm; M–XM: 140–170mm; L–XL: 180–210mm) | X Fusion Manic Composite 30.9mm | SM = 150mm | MD = 170mm | LG - XL = 200mm |
| Grips/Tape | Lizard Skins Single Clamp | ODI Elite Pro Lock On |
Geometry and fit comparison
Comparing the Ripmo XM to the Altitude L reveals fundamentally different geometric intentions, even with similar reach numbers. The Ripmo XM offers a 478mm reach and a 633mm stack, paired with a 64.5-degree headtube angle and relatively short 436mm chainstays, resulting in a 1249mm wheelbase. This geometry leans into a nimble, responsive ride, prioritizing an active rider who wants to maneuver the bike rather than just plow through terrain. The slightly slacker 76.5-degree seat tube angle, combined with size-specific bottom bracket heights that get higher with larger sizes, aims to balance climbing efficiency with obstacle clearance. The Altitude L, on the other hand, boasts a 475mm reach and a taller 639mm stack, but pairs this with a significantly slacker 62.9-degree headtube angle and much longer 450mm chainstays. This stretches the wheelbase to a substantial 1282mm, creating a bike that feels supremely stable at speed. The steeper 77.0-degree seat tube angle attempts to mitigate the long wheelbase for climbing, keeping the rider centered over the pedals. The Altitude's Ride-4 chip system and +/-5mm reach adjust headset cups offer an unparalleled level of tuning, allowing riders to drastically alter headtube angle, seat tube angle, and bottom bracket height, providing immense flexibility to match specific trails or preferences. For riders who prefer a flickable, poppy bike that excels in tight, technical trails, the Ripmo's shorter wheelbase and more upright headtube angle will feel more natural. Its geometry suits an active riding style where jumping, pumping, and quick line changes are paramount. The Altitude, with its slacker front end and extended rear, is for the gravity fiend who prioritizes straight-line speed, stability through high-speed chatter, and a deeply planted feel. The extensive adjustability of the Altitude means riders who love to tinker can fine-tune it for a more agile feel if desired, but its core character remains that of a rock-solid descender. Taller riders may also appreciate the Altitude's overall longer fit and higher stack.
| FIT GEO | Ripmo | Altitude | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stack | 643 | 639 | -4 |
| Reach | 506 | 475 | -31 |
| Top tube | 655 | 610 | -45 |
| Headtube length | 125 | 115 | -10 |
| Standover height | — | 797 | — |
| Seat tube length | 457 | 440 | -17 |
| HANDLING | Ripmo | Altitude | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headtube angle | 64.5 | 62.9 | -1.6 |
| Seat tube angle | 77 | 77 | 0 |
| BB height | 349 | — | — |
| BB drop | 27 | 29 | +2 |
| Trail | — | — | — |
| Offset | — | — | — |
| Front center | — | — | — |
| Wheelbase | 1286 | 1282 | -4 |
| Chainstay length | 438 | 450 | +12 |
Who each one is for
Ibis Ripmo
The Ibis Ripmo V3 is for the rider who values versatility and a lively, engaging feel above all else. If your local trails mix technical climbs with playful descents—think quick direction changes, roots to pop off, and rollers to pump—this bike is a superb companion. It's ideal for someone who enjoys feeling connected to the trail, preferring to pick precise lines and actively maneuver the bike rather than simply plowing through obstacles. This is your bike for long days in the saddle where climbing efficiency is appreciated, but the real joy comes from a poppy, fun-loving descending character that makes every trail an opportunity to play.
Rocky Mountain Altitude
The Rocky Mountain Altitude is squarely aimed at the rider who lives for the descents, embracing gnarly terrain and high speeds with unwavering confidence. If your riding consists of shuttle runs, bike park laps, or seeking out the steepest, most technical lines possible, and you're willing to earn your turns with a bit more effort on the climbs, the Altitude is your weapon of choice. It's for the rider who wants a bike that acts like a "magic eraser," flattening rough terrain and forgiving mistakes, encouraging a point-and-shoot style when gravity takes over. Tinkering enthusiasts will also appreciate the extensive geometry adjustability to perfectly dial in its aggressive nature for specific race courses or big mountain adventures.
