We all know the advantages of carbon fibres: they are extremely light, stiff and can be shaped almost at will. We owe these properties not least to the most powerful sports equipment in the history of mountain biking. But those who really put their bikes through the wringer don't always long for maximum lightweight construction or unusual design. A robust companion with simple technology often seems better suited to everyday off-road use - one like the Raaw Jibb, for example.
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Raaw Jibb with the licence to shred
The young company Raaw from the Allgäu region first appeared on the scene in 2017. Since then, the four letters have stood for durable and uncomplicated mountain bikes with a licence to shred. The model range is clear: an enduro bike called Madonna, the downhiller Yalla and the short-stroke Jibb - that's it. In order to do justice to the company philosophy, Raaw naturally does not rely on an elegant carbon chassis, but on a solid aluminium construction. Our test bench certifies that the Jibb has 130 millimetres of rear suspension travel. The crumple zone at the front, on the other hand, is an impressive 150 millimetres. Wheel size: 29 inches. So far so good.
Despite its high weight: all-round carefree bike Raaw Jibb
The Jibb only provides food for thought when it comes to weight. At over 16 kilos including pedals, our test bike weighs even more than many enduro bikes in this price range. A large part of the weight is due to the 4094 gram frame. To put this into perspective: Touring riders usually start rolling their eyes at the three-kilo mark. However, if you can cope with the excess weight, you get the typical Raaw all-round carefree package. All pivot points of the four-bar rear triangle are fitted with double-sealed industrial bearings. The oversized bearings at the main pivot point are particularly striking. This promises long maintenance intervals and maximum protection against dust and moisture. The unrestricted bike park approval and five-year warranty - also valid for second owners - emphasise the Jibb's taker qualities.
Surprisingly manageable downhill
But now off-road. Given its colossal appearance, the Raaw Jibb is surprisingly manoeuvrable downhill. One reason for this is the short-stroke rear suspension. Despite the coil spring shock, it offers plenty of support and helps riders with an active riding style. In addition, the steering angle (65.8 degrees) is rather steep compared to the suspension travel. This enables precise and fast direction changes. The very stiff frame also contributes to the direct riding behaviour. However, if you want to pull the Jibb into flight mode, the weight disadvantage compared to lighter models is clearly noticeable.
On steep and technical terrain, the Jibb really comes into its own. Thanks to the very high front end, you are always safely behind the bike. Its moderate geometry also makes it easier to control when riding slowly. Also good: The soft MaxxGripp tyre on the front wheel does a great job of guiding you at the limit. However, if you venture onto rough high-speed sections, the Raaw quickly reaches its limits. Although the rear suspension also handles fast hits without any problems, it cannot keep up with the more potent fork in terms of absorption capacity. The steep steering angle in combination with the short reach also only provides limited composure.
No loss of energy uphill
Uphill, the Jibb benefits from its short suspension travel. This is because hardly any energy is lost through bobbing in the rear triangle, even when pedalling out of the saddle. Thanks to the compact riding position and long chainstays, the Jibb masters technical climbs without any problems. There is always room for balancing movements and the front wheel maintains contact with the ground without actively shifting weight. The only drawback is the sluggish acceleration behaviour. If this is your focus, you should invest your money in the advantages of lightweight carbon fibres in this price range.
Conclusion on the Raaw Jibb by Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor:
The Raaw Jibb is characterised not least by its solid riding performance. But first and foremost, it is the rough-and-tumble character, the simple technology and the durability that make the Allgäu trail bike particularly interesting for hard-core shredders. Thanks to its downhill qualities and short suspension travel, it is also perfect as a second bike for enduro riders.
This is Raaw
The Allgäu bike brand Raaw was founded in Kempten in 2017. Since then, founder Ruben Torenbeek and his team have focussed on downhill-oriented and durable mountain bikes. Production takes place in Taiwan. Complete bikes are not available from the mail-order company. The bikes are available either as frame kits or as "rolling chassis". The latter is basically a complete bike without the drive unit and brake system. The remaining components can be customised using the online configurator.
Technical data and notes on the Raaw Jibb
Manufacturer information
- Price: 5445 Euro (Rolling Chassis )
- Available from the shipper
- Frame material: aluminium
- Frame size: S / M /L / XL (Tested size L, 44 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 15.84 kg
- Frame weight: 4094 g
- Weight of wheels: 5185 g
- Acceleration of running wheels: 4297 kg x cm²
- Handlebar width: 790 mm
- Frame rigidity (absolute): 66 N/mm
Equipment
- Wheels: Newmen Evolution SL A.30
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai/Minion DHR II; Maxxgrip/Maxxterra Exo+ Protection 29 x 2.50/2.40
- Fork: Öhlins RXF36 m.2 Air
- Shock absorber: Öhlins TTX 22 M
- Front/rear suspension travel: 150/131 mm
- Brakes: Shimano XT BR-M 8120 / 203/203
- Gear system: Shimano XT 1x12
- Ratio/bandwidth: 32; 10-51 / 510 %
- Telescopic post / stroke / Ø: One Dropper Post V2 / 180 mm / 31.6 mm
Valuation
- Driving behaviour uphill: 21.25 from 25
- Chassis efficiency: 17 out of 20
- Rolling resistance: 6.5 out of 10
- Weight:: 1.5 of 15
- Inertia impellers: 4 out of 10
- Bottle cage: 3 out of 10
- Driving behaviour downhill: 29.75 from 35
- Front suspension: 18 out of 20
- Rear suspension:: 20 of 25
- Saddle retractability: 10 out of 10
- Brakes: 14.25 out of 15
- Tyre grip: 14.25 out of 15
- Driving stability: 4 out of 10
TOTAL UPHILL: 53.25 OUT OF 90
TOTAL DOWNHILL: 110.3 FROM 130
- Other: 22.75 out of 30
- Ease of maintenance: medium
BIKE test rating*: very good - 186.3 out of 250 points
*The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price.
BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-170 P.), good (169.75-140 P.), satisfactory (139.75-100 P.), with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.
Max Fuchs
Editor
