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Ibis Ripmo AFCheaper version of the luxury enduro bike

Adrian Kaether

 · 17.09.2019

Ibis Ripmo AF: Cheaper version of the luxury enduro bikePhoto: Ibis,Ian Collins
Ibis Ripmo AF: Cheaper version of the luxury enduro bike
As beautiful and functional as the Ibis Ripmo was when it was launched, at a price of over 7,000 euros it was not a bike for the masses. The aluminium version of the enduro bike is now set to change that.

The Californian luxury manufacturer Ibis is known for many things, but certainly not for bikes that are easy on the wallet. An Ibis complete bike is almost always over the 6000 euro mark. But that's now coming to an end! Raise the curtain on the new Ibis Ripmo AF. By the way: The abbreviation "AF" stands for Aluminium Frame. However, the association with Sick A* F*** is probably intentional.

With 29-inch wheels and 160/147 millimetres of suspension travel, the Ibis Ripmo AF is equipped for rough terrain.Photo: Ibis,Ian Collins With 29-inch wheels and 160/147 millimetres of suspension travel, the Ibis Ripmo AF is equipped for rough terrain.

Aluminium Ripmo: Copy of the carbon enduro bike at a lower price

And what's new about the Alu-Ripmo? Everything and nothing. The bike is in fact an exact replica of its more expensive, EWS-tested carbon twin. Wheels in 29 inches, 160 millimetres of front travel, 147 millimetres of progressive rear travel, tyre clearance up to 2.6 inches, slack 64.9 degree head angle, 44 millimetre fork offset, steep 76 degree seat angle for efficient pedalling, frame with rubber protectors, bolted bottom bracket, internal cable routing, sizes between S and XL.

If it says Ibis on it, it's Ibis inside. So you can expect a certain level of quality.Photo: Ibis,Ian Collins If it says Ibis on it, it's Ibis inside. So you can expect a certain level of quality. Ibis Ripmo AF: DVO suspension, rear triangle like its carbon counterpart, internally routed cables, threaded bottom bracket.Photo: Ibis,Ian Collins Ibis Ripmo AF: DVO suspension, rear triangle like its carbon counterpart, internally routed cables, threaded bottom bracket.

What is new, of course, is the frame material. Aluminium brings the price of the frameset with DVO Topaz shock down to 1799 dollars, complete bikes are available from 2999 dollars, prices in euros are likely to be slightly higher. We expect an RRP for complete bikes from 3299 euros and frame kits from 1999 euros. The disadvantage is the higher weight. The frame with DVO Topaz shock should weigh an impressive 3.76 kilograms, but despite the internal shock, a 650 millilitre water bottle fits in the bottle cage.

The Ibis Ripmo AF is supposed to be just as tough as its carbon twin.Photo: Ibis,Ian Collins The Ibis Ripmo AF is supposed to be just as tough as its carbon twin.

Equipment: DVO with Shimano or Sram

On the equipment side, Ibis relies on suspension from the American manufacturer DVO for the more budget-friendly aluminium bikes, as well as affordable twelve-speed drivetrains and components from Sram or Shimano. Here, the cheapest model with Guide T brakes and a heavy NX Eagle drivetrain saves the most to reach the price of 3000 dollars. The suspension, on the other hand, is impeccable even on the cheapest model. Other options are the SLX model with the Shimano drivetrain and brakes of the same name for 3999 dollars and the 4299 dollar GX Eagle model with - surprise surprise - GX Eagle drivetrain and Shimano MT-520 four-piston brakes.

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All further information can be found on the Ibis website.

The rear triangle is also designed for steel shocks. The upgrade costs just 100 dollars.Photo: Ibis,Ian Collins The rear triangle is also designed for steel shocks. The upgrade costs just 100 dollars. Wide cockpit, strong DVO suspension. The Ibis Ripmo AF should not weaken on the trail. But the aluminium enduro bike certainly won't set any weight records.Photo: Ibis,Ian Collins Wide cockpit, strong DVO suspension. The Ibis Ripmo AF should not weaken on the trail. But the aluminium enduro bike certainly won't set any weight records.
Adrian Kaether

Adrian Kaether's favourite thing to do is ride mountain bikes on bumpy enduro trails. The tech expert and bike tester knows all about Newton metres and watt hours, high and low-speed damping. As test manager at MYBIKE, Adrian also likes to think outside the box and tests cargo bikes and step-through bikes as well as the latest (e-)MTBs.

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