The Vampire Bikes Riperatti is a direct descendant of the famous Canfield Bros. bikes. Behind the brand, founded in 2024, is none other than Chris Canfield. In the 2000s, the Canfield Brothers caused a sensation in the gravity scene with their spectacular rear-end designs. The Vampire Ripperatti aims to build directly on this legacy and is based on some of the original patents. At the same time, the frame is constructed from a titanium-aluminium material blend and features an integrated Pinion gearbox. There’s no doubt about it: the Vampire Ripperatti is a truly special downhill bike!
Conclusion
I’ve got a soft spot for passionate, niche brands. The Vampire Bikes Ripperatti is packed with lovingly crafted details, and the titanium-aluminium hybrid frame is a real eye-catcher. The adjustable suspension with Canfield Heritage and the gear shifting system are further cool unique selling points. What a cracking bike! - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
The Vampire Ripperatti in detail
- Intended use: Downhill
- Suspension travel: 170–200 / 193–223 mm
- Wheel size: 29 / 27.5” (Mullet)
- Frame material: titanium / aluminium
- Frame weight: approx. 4.1 kg (excluding shock absorber)
- Weight of the complete bike: approx. 18.8 kg
- Price of frame without accessories: approx. 3,580 euros
- Price of the frame, including shock absorber and gearbox: approx. 5,940 euros
- Special features: quick switch between high- and mid-pivot suspension set-ups, mixed frame materials, Pinion gear system
One bike, two chassis
The Vampire Ripperatti’s suspension is based on the CF3 patent, which Canfield once registered, and the tried-and-tested I-Track system, which incorporates a pulley linked to the suspension. The rear triangle can reportedly be converted from a mid-pivot to a high-pivot setup in just two minutes. The former option reduces travel by 30 millimetres and, with its responsive handling, is designed to be the ideal setup for jumps and bike parks. In the high configuration, Canfield promises a shock-absorbing downhill monster for the really rough terrain. So, on the Vampire Ripperatti, just a few simple adjustments are all it takes to reposition the rear triangle’s main pivot and change the character of the suspension.
Titanium and aluminium in harmony
On the Ripperatti, he combines a titanium main frame with an aluminium rear triangle and a Pinion gearbox. This unusual combination of materials is designed to both reduce vibrations in the chassis and enable precise handling. Titanium is known for a very distinctive material resonance, often described as ‘lively and comfortable’. Aluminium, on the other hand, is considered stiff and precise. Vampire Bikes therefore harnesses the advantages of both metals to create an optimised riding experience. Canfield states that the frame weighs 4.1 kilos without a shock absorber. Complete bikes are expected to start at around 18.8 kilos.
Dimensions, specifications and price
The Vampire Ripperatti is available in four frame sizes. All are compatible with either a 170 or a 200 suspension fork and feature size-specific chainstay lengths. The head angle is a flat 63 degrees. Customers can currently only order frame sets. The price for the bare frame is 4,500 US dollars, or approximately 3,580 euros. When it comes to drivetrains, there are three Pinion variants to choose from. All come with the electronic Smart Shift function and cost between US$1,600 and US$1,800 extra. For an additional US$700, you can add either a Fox DHX 2 Factory or a RockShox Vivid Coil Ultimate shock. The Vampire Ripperatti is designed exclusively for mullet tyres.
What do you think: do you have fond memories of Canfield bikes? Share your experiences in the comments!
Jan Timmermann
Editor