I hear nothing but positive feedback from anyone who rides a Ripmo. I've also heard multiple people say it's the best all around bike they've thrown a leg over to date. Good stuff as aways man!!
Yeah, I mostly agree. The Sentinel is more capable in steep terrain but less versatile. The RIPMO is a better climber (especially on steep technical terrain) and is more fun on slower, more technical trails. I’d also give the RIPMO the edge in its design by using bushings for the main pivot. They last a long time and are very cheap/easy to replace (no need for special tools!). I’d love to see IBIS split the RIPMO into a RIPMO SL and a RIPMO HD variant with one staying 150/160 and the other moving into the super-enduro category at 170/170.
I don't have any long term experience dealing with the bushings to comment on them, but I’ve heard good feedback from everyone who has. I definitely agree with the rest of what you said as well.
You can run a Ripmo with a 170mm fork, thats how I run mine and thats how the Ibis enduro team runs their too. No noticeable changes in any negative way.
Two great bikes, so many options now, the hard part is really being honest with yourself what kind of rider you are and where/how you will be riding. I think many of us buy the bike for the rider we want to be, not the rider we are, but maybe that will push us to be the rider we want to be. At least it is fun to keep trying, great video again as always.
You make a great point, and this is something I think about often. We tend to learn and grow best while experimenting well within our control zone, not from the edge of it. Speed is a great example of this, since most riders try to get faster by always pushing at the edge of their comfort zone attempting to go as fast as they can at nearly all times. This limits the window of progression, because we can't break down and improve our skillset when we're riding at the far end of our spectrum. The most common result is a plateau with the least amount of potential for improvement. The saying "Slow down to speed up" hits on that core reality, and the accompanying factors are also bike fit and design as it pertains to our terrain and riding style. Back to your point, I think it's crucial to find a bike that best suits our region that also allows us to grow our skillset. I think that getting a bike that doesn't suit us well in hopes that we will grow into is is akin to trying to get faster by always riding at your edge. Cheers, RWOG!
@@SemiSendy So true and a deeper dive on the concept. Basically I am guilty, my bike deserves a better rider. Luckily there are so many great bikes available for all levels of riders and all types of riding. Keep it up, love your posts. Enjoy the summer bikepark season, we are looking forward to getting back to Snowshoe soon.
Good picks for a bike comparison video, thanks! Version 1 of both bikes were in my top 3 choices to buy a few years ago. Ended up with the Ripmo, and love riding it. I quickly installed a Works Components -1.5 degree angle head set, and eventually increased the fork air spring to 170mm. HTA = 63.9 degrees. It rocks on descents! DW link suspension is awesome, great climber. Perfect for my local trails in Western NC, Pisgah National Forest.
I absolutely did give Sean a call, I live in Louisville Kentucky, just 30 minutes from N+1. Small shop, great people. My new Ripmo is nothing short of amazing!
Love my Ripmo AF and agree with everything you said. It’s funny though how the Ripmo geo is considered conservative when a few years ago it would have been radical - mountain bikes sure have progressed a ton in such a short time!
Absolutely. I think the 64.5*-65* HTA and 1230-1240mm wheelbase range is a nice sweet spot and plenty progressive for a good majority of riders and terrain. Conservative only by recent trends.
Shaun at N+1 is a good friend of mine and I bought one of his sick V2 Ripmo builds a couple years ago. It is full carbon on fox factory 36 160 fork, Fox factory DPX2 shock. Industry 9 -16 carbon hoops, industry 9 hubs with I 690 hydra rear, XX1 drivetrain and cranks and XT brakes and much more. I am still on this bike with almost zero issues and Ride it a couple times a week in some of the rockiest rootiest gnar that southern Indiana and north central Kentucky have to offer. A very hilly area. Even sent it down Windrock from the top at windmill a couple times. Bike is an in the seat climber and most of my during the week rides net an average of 1000 to 1100 ft of elevation gain in 10 to 13 miles. Couldnt be happier with this bike. it is truely the DO'ALL
Great comparison. The Pivot Switchblade and Ripmo were the two I was comparing when picking my next bike...ended up with a Ripmo. Felt it's climbing was far superior vs slightly better descending on the SB.
Got my Ripmo V2 a couple weeks ago in the best color (Star Destroyer Gray) - I was looking hard at the Yeti SB150 but I’m super happy with the Ripmo. It rips!
Love my Ripmo v2. Just rode out west on the Enchilada trail then 2 days later was ripping Angel Fire bike park on it. Got a beefy wheelset and kept DH tires on it the whole time. Love the bike. Rides my local Georgia XC trails great and can handle the tech DH decently too. The Ibis Enduro World Series team seems to like it as well! And they do pretty decent in the races!
Love my Ripmo AF, probably the best "one bike to do it all" solution out there, I've done everything from 20+ mile XC rides to bike park days to the Whole Enchilada on it. I did put a cascade link on mine and I would recommend it for any heavier or more aggressive rider on the Ripmo, especially if running a coil. Not sure how a cascade linked Ripmo would compare to the Sentinel in terms of progressivity, I still found both the RM Altitude with the ride 9 set to progressive and the Commencal Meta SX to be significantly more progressive.
Nice, that AF sounds like it's treated you really well. I was really impressed with the AF I rode for the last review. Even with the stock link on both, I was pretty happy with the trade off overall. It's the only bike I've ridden as far back as I can remember where I didn't feel like I wanted to modify something on it right out of the gate.
So, hopefully this won't be long. First off, great work on this one. Next, so interesting that it's been over 2 years since the Ripmo v2 launched and its still a hot topic bike and seller. I sold my Hightower v2 for the Ripmo when it first came out. Thanks to Shaun at N+1, it launched in Feb and I had it in late April customized. Now on my second v2 Ripmo, after eyeing the SB150. With that said, the Ripmo is/can be whatever you want it to be. You want more trail, run a fox DPX2. You want all mountain/enduro run a Fox X2, DVO Topaz X or go full coil shock. Some are even long shocking the Ripmo as well, I wouldn't recommend unless you know. Bike comes stock with 160 fork and you can run it with 170 as I do. Lifts the bb slightly, slackens the HTA .5 degree and no negative climbing hinderances. The bike likes the party, play, pop and get rowdy. But it's still fun on much more tame trails. The only bike I would say goes beyond it is the Pivot Firebird, more travel with DW link and climbs amazing (pricey though). Nice thing about Ibis, is that their carbon bikes are their top tier carbon. Theres no affordable heavier carbon version and then a lighter and stiffer pricer version as some bike companies do.
Man, I'm certainly LATE to the party! I considered the V1 when I was last looking, it certainly rode quite well, but I went with the HTv2 at the time. The V1 was a great bike, but I honestly never would have guessed the RV2 would be as much improved for my personal taste as it is. The worst part is...... I long shy'd away from this bike due to it's looks. It just wasn't my bag of tea. When Shaun offered them up for review, I definitely didn't know at the time how much I'd love the revisions. The funny thing is, this bike has been so impressive, that I actually really like the looks of it now. That says a lot imo. I've ridden plenty of incredibly beautiful bikes that I would now walk right past in a heartbeat to hop onto an Ibis. There's definitely going to be more to come with this bike, and I hope to hop on the Ripley and Exie before too long as well. As for long shocking it, I could see it playing well with 10mm more much like the HTv2 did. That said, the 65* hta is extremely capable already, and even some of the most notorious drop compressions at Snowshoe felt very comfortable on it's current travel. Road gaps to fast tech, it ate it all up. Also, props to Ibis for their paint as well. I feel like quality paint and finish is something severely lacking with a lot of their competitors.
@@SemiSendy Interesting, because I loved the v1 Ripmo but wanted a slacker HTA so I went HT v2. Then Ripmo v2 came out with all the revisions I thought the bike needed and I called up Shaun, and no demo pulled the trigger. Same as you, what I didn't really care for is the how the rear triangle looked because I'm a guy who likes a great looking bike and paint job. I never regretted it. Same as you, the SC Hightower was a great bike but the Ripmo v2, man. Never been on an Exie but I've heard the amazing reports and I'm sure its legit. The Ripley is a pretty amazing bike too. Spent much time on it and its just a speed demon climbing or buffed out trails and on chunk. However, the Tallboy does handle chunk much better but its not as agile and fast feeling as the Ripley. The Exie probably feels like a jet plane.
One thing that really stands out about the Ripmo is it comes alive really quick. It even puts to shame some 140/130 or 140/120 on slow speed tech. For us the can’t go to Windrock every weekend this is gold.
I own a DH bike but I still ride the Ripmo at Windrock periodically for funsies. It's fun on the top drops... Windmill, East Ridge, etc. I do ride with a -1 angleset. All you need are good brakes though, really.
@@sham8723 I usually ran XTR 4 piston. I personally don't like Sram brakes. But I would say TRP are between XTR 4 piston brakes and Sram Guide Ultimates. The lever feel is sort of shimano-ish but a bit longer. Plus they look amazing. They are priced right too. I would suggest getting the TRP metallic sintered pads too over the resin they come with.
3 years now on my bug zapper blue Ripmo V2 Shaun George is one of my good friends and actually built my bike for himself then sold it to me after 2 rides. its still a great bike. my only complaint is the fox factory fork is harsh. always has been.
Great review dude. This is really helpful since my son has the Ripmo. So Northstar bike park just opened and Hunter from Spoke X was in Tahoe. Me and my son rode with Hunter and had a blast.
It sucks here in Evansville, Indiana, the only full suspension bike to test is the Trek Fuel Ex. I'm thinking about the Fezzari Delano Peak for my first full suspension bike though.
Tough when you have limited access to give things a try. I know Louisville is just under two hours away. If you can make the trip over there I think it would be well worth your time. Not sure what the trails are like in Evansville, but if it's at all like Brown County, I'd give the Ripley serious consideration.
As an owner of an Ibis Ripmo V2, the Sentinel is the only bike that I would consider owning instead. Most of the riding I do is pretty steep and rowdy so the Transition makes total sense... except for those days when the trail is more rolling and less technical and the Ibis is the bike to be on. Seeing how I can only afford one sled I'm keeping the Ripmo, but there are trails that I ride that are definitely calling for that Sentinel.
Have you ridden a Stumpjumper EVO? With the geo adjust it can be both of these bikes and beyond. It’d be cool to hear your opinion on it vs these. Thanks!
Yes I have, definitely a good bike. It does offer versatility, but I would say it doesn't hit the mark quite as much as these two bikes in the areas each one shines. However, that's not an uncommon trade off I've found with the geo adjustable designs I've ridden.
Well, I still have the Sentinel. I pumped the brakes on selling it so I could film a couple more videos with it. But I still plan to part ways with it. Right now I haven't purchased anything else, but the Ripmo is definitely topping my list these days. I'll be riding this Ripmo for a bit longer though!
How tall are you and what size are you riding? I’m right between the L and XL and am leaning towards the L, but still want some input. It’s only 20mm reach and 25mm wheelbase difference so I doubt the L would be much less stable for the occasional bike park days, while being a little easier to throw around
So these are long travel trail bikes? I bet they are pretty heavy and at enduro bike weight range. The categories are getting pretty blurred these days. They are basically shorter travel enduro bikes, I guess if you have one bike that really does all they are very competent at just about everything. Great review
Definitely, they are absolutely at that top limit. The Sentinel for sure feels much more like the bikes found in the "enduro" category. The Ripmo feels more well rounded and capable for general trail duty. Even with the heavy suspension bits, they are both surprisingly light. That sentinel with the heavy 11-6 and Zeb is actually just under 33lbs. Could save a considerable amount with a lighter air shock and fork, and some lighter cranks.
Would putting a Slackr headset to steepen the head angle make it ride the way you want? The 1.5 degree angle increase would put it at 65 degrees and shorten the wheelbase.
Unfortunately it also slackens the STA and raises the BB considerably. IMO anglesets are much better used to slacken an HTA. Even still, it's always better to go with the bike that's designed to fit your riding style and terrain whenever possible.
I own a V1 Ripmo, so I am a little biased. In terms of overall efficiency I'm assuming the Ripmo wins? How much of a difference in climbing is there? On a scale of 1 to 10 how close is the Sentinel to the Ripmo in climbing ( 10 being identical to the Ripmo) ?
Depends on how you look at it. Efficiency on a gravel road, the Sentinel is maybe a 7-8? Things change the moment you have some maneuvering to do and the Sentinel's length and slack hta start to penalize you more. They are very different bikes.
Hi this is a great review. I'm looking for my next bike and like both of these. I live in Tahoe and do lots of climbs and sending as well. I was leaning towards the Ripmo AF but looks like will only have coil front and rear now that's horrible no interest in coil as terrible climber. I'm 5'10 so was going to upsize in the Ripmo to large but in the Sentinel I would go Medium as such a long bike? How does the Sentinel climb is it as good as the Santa Cruz High Tower V2 that you had. I'm coming from a Bronson V3 that probably climbs similar to the Hightower? Thank you!
I wouldn't rank the Sentinel as a better climber than the Ripmo with a coil, but it's on par with the Hightower. I just got back from riding Northstar and the Downieville region on the Ripmo, and it was incredible on those trails out there,.
@@SemiSendy thanks yeah lots of diversity in Tahoe. I do the bomber trails less. The Ripmo AF is great I just didn't want the coil as I struggle climbing as it is. Did you ride with the new Z1 coil on it did you like it? I got a sale AF bike but found a shop that let me upgrade to the Fox Factory 38 as climbing was more important than sending.
@@SemiSendy thanks. Got my bike but need to dial in. I ran 20% sag in fork with 4 spacers for 210 pds. I had 25% sag in the rear but feels too harsh. Curious what spacers, sag and rebound you run? I was going to try 30/30 sag with maybe 3 spacers. Setting rebound is new to me.
Thanks, Ryan! I haven't personally ridden the Spire, so I can't share any personal experiences between the two. Jim over at The Shredist recently built one up, and he swapped bikes with his buddy who has the Sentinel V2 for a video. He felt the Sentinel was notably more sporty and responsive compared to the Spire, which is what I would have guessed based on the numbers. Great channel if you haven't already checked him out. Here's the link to the video: th-cam.com/video/amIpvD7TwbE/w-d-xo.html
@@SemiSendy I saw that video from The Shredist, that was an interesting one. I've ridden the Sentinel and have an apponintment to ride the Spire next month :) I was merely curious, since I assume you were considering the Spire too.
RIPMO is rocking a 38?!?!... That bike looks so light and agile, I think a 38 is way over-forking it. A 36 or a Lyrik make more of a match in my idea of this type of Trails bikes. Shaves some weight also to keep it agile on the climbs.
Dude, I thought the same thing! That's the stock configuration. I was happy to have the 38 and X2 for the days I spent at the bike park, but I was weary of the definite difference in weight for trail riding. Surprisingly, I never really felt a notable penalty on the climbs. Still feels way more efficient than all of the other bikes in it's class I've ridden so far, all of which had much lighter setups for fork and shock. I'm real curious to ride one with something like a float x and 36.
@@SemiSendy Oh yesss! A Float X and a 36 would seem perfect for Trail riding in that bike! Would've been my stock config preference. And then offer an LT or "LunchRide" version with the 38 for those gnarley yiiiuuu dudes. Hahah! Cheers!!!
It is interesting how different bikes with the same travel can feel, even with geo that is similar. I recently picked up a 2022 Canyon Spectral 29 and was surprised how snappy, poppy and fast it felt everywhere (I'm sure the near 30lb weight helps) for being a 150/160 machine, yet It's still feels very resistant to harsh bottom outs. But the slacker 64 degree head angle had me needing to adjust my riding a little to get slightly more weight forward in order to keep traction than on my previous steed. In my mind it would likely be more similar to the RIPMO than the Sentinel, but the Spectrals 64 degree head angle, 437mm chainstay, 481mm reach and 1251mm wheelbase and progressive suspension (in a Large), maybe it'd be closer to the later. Maybe you should find out Semi-Sendy? = )
Would love to see you compare the Evil Offering to the ripmo...I know you wont have the Transition to compare it to haha. I was torn between the Rascal,Offering and Ripmo and I found the Offering kinda split the difference on travel and that mid travel trail bike spot.
@@SemiSendy oh, very cool. Yeah, was between this, the SB130, and the stumpy Evo. Landed in the Evo. SB130 infinity link worries me in Georgia mud and Ripmo is solid, but can't find one to demo.
I’m on a large at 6’ tall. The reach is spot on for what I like and I’m at the upper end for that size. My wife is 5’8” on a medium. Id be inclined to say a medium would be best, but its hard to make that call for someone else. I’d suggest asking Shaun George at N+1. He’s personally put more folks on Ripmo’s than probably anyone else out there, and would have the best feel on what works out best for most people. I know I mentioned him in the video and description for sales, but he’s genuinely just a very informative and helpful guy. You can tell him that you were asking me about sizing.
I keep hanging my nose over a ripmo af with coil shock. I currently ride a mondraker foxy r which I purchased a year ago. The problem is its sooooo bloody long (495 reach on size large) and to not get wash out on the corners you have to stay centralised on the bike rather than move around like on other bikes. This is great for flat out speed but takes some of the fun out of other types of riding. Most of my riding is steep tech and fast decents with big boulders. Has anyone rode a mondraker foxy then a ripmo for comparison?
Hi Jane, the forks movement in that shot is mostly related to the terrain and fork set-up. Also, after 8 days straight of riding, filming and riding DH casing tires on challenging XC that morning, perhaps some sloppy pedaling technique too! Haha. The low on the ground angle of the shot doesn't show the consistent rooty nature of that section. If you've ever had a chance to ride "the fingers" backcountry of Snowshoe, you'll know what I mean.
![ILLSLICK - KILLSHOT REMIX [FULL VERSION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RIK8RrqIAzE/mqdefault.jpg)
I hear nothing but positive feedback from anyone who rides a Ripmo. I've also heard multiple people say it's the best all around bike they've thrown a leg over to date. Good stuff as aways man!!
Thanks, my man! You know it's gotten my attention.
Yeah, I mostly agree. The Sentinel is more capable in steep terrain but less versatile. The RIPMO is a better climber (especially on steep technical terrain) and is more fun on slower, more technical trails. I’d also give the RIPMO the edge in its design by using bushings for the main pivot. They last a long time and are very cheap/easy to replace (no need for special tools!). I’d love to see IBIS split the RIPMO into a RIPMO SL and a RIPMO HD variant with one staying 150/160 and the other moving into the super-enduro category at 170/170.
I don't have any long term experience dealing with the bushings to comment on them, but I’ve heard good feedback from everyone who has. I definitely agree with the rest of what you said as well.
@@SemiSendy Just did the bushings on my Ripmo after 3ish years and it was super easy. And Ibis will send you bushing for free. 🙂
You can run a Ripmo with a 170mm fork, thats how I run mine and thats how the Ibis enduro team runs their too. No noticeable changes in any negative way.
Well said! Couldn’t agree more.
Two great bikes, so many options now, the hard part is really being honest with yourself what kind of rider you are and where/how you will be riding. I think many of us buy the bike for the rider we want to be, not the rider we are, but maybe that will push us to be the rider we want to be. At least it is fun to keep trying, great video again as always.
You make a great point, and this is something I think about often. We tend to learn and grow best while experimenting well within our control zone, not from the edge of it. Speed is a great example of this, since most riders try to get faster by always pushing at the edge of their comfort zone attempting to go as fast as they can at nearly all times. This limits the window of progression, because we can't break down and improve our skillset when we're riding at the far end of our spectrum. The most common result is a plateau with the least amount of potential for improvement.
The saying "Slow down to speed up" hits on that core reality, and the accompanying factors are also bike fit and design as it pertains to our terrain and riding style.
Back to your point, I think it's crucial to find a bike that best suits our region that also allows us to grow our skillset. I think that getting a bike that doesn't suit us well in hopes that we will grow into is is akin to trying to get faster by always riding at your edge.
Cheers, RWOG!
@@SemiSendy So true and a deeper dive on the concept. Basically I am guilty, my bike deserves a better rider. Luckily there are so many great bikes available for all levels of riders and all types of riding. Keep it up, love your posts. Enjoy the summer bikepark season, we are looking forward to getting back to Snowshoe soon.
@@rwogmtb-ridingwitholdguy I think your Trance X is a great bike to develop a huge range of skills on.
Enjoy your return to Snowshoe!
Good picks for a bike comparison video, thanks! Version 1 of both bikes were in my top 3 choices to buy a few years ago. Ended up with the Ripmo, and love riding it. I quickly installed a Works Components -1.5 degree angle head set, and eventually increased the fork air spring to 170mm. HTA = 63.9 degrees. It rocks on descents! DW link suspension is awesome, great climber. Perfect for my local trails in Western NC, Pisgah National Forest.
Thanks, Jason. That sounds like quick the WNC setup for sure!
I absolutely did give Sean a call, I live in Louisville Kentucky, just 30 minutes from N+1. Small shop, great people. My new Ripmo is nothing short of amazing!
Love my Ripmo AF and agree with everything you said. It’s funny though how the Ripmo geo is considered conservative when a few years ago it would have been radical - mountain bikes sure have progressed a ton in such a short time!
Absolutely. I think the 64.5*-65* HTA and 1230-1240mm wheelbase range is a nice sweet spot and plenty progressive for a good majority of riders and terrain. Conservative only by recent trends.
Shaun at N+1 is a good friend of mine and I bought one of his sick V2 Ripmo builds a couple years ago. It is full carbon on fox factory 36 160 fork, Fox factory DPX2 shock. Industry 9 -16 carbon hoops, industry 9 hubs with I 690 hydra rear, XX1 drivetrain and cranks and XT brakes and much more. I am still on this bike with almost zero issues and Ride it a couple times a week in some of the rockiest rootiest gnar that southern Indiana and north central Kentucky have to offer. A very hilly area. Even sent it down Windrock from the top at windmill a couple times. Bike is an in the seat climber and most of my during the week rides net an average of 1000 to 1100 ft of elevation gain in 10 to 13 miles. Couldnt be happier with this bike. it is truely the DO'ALL
Great comparison. The Pivot Switchblade and Ripmo were the two I was comparing when picking my next bike...ended up with a Ripmo. Felt it's climbing was far superior vs slightly better descending on the SB.
Got my Ripmo V2 a couple weeks ago in the best color (Star Destroyer Gray) - I was looking hard at the Yeti SB150 but I’m super happy with the Ripmo. It rips!
Nice!
Love my Ripmo v2. Just rode out west on the Enchilada trail then 2 days later was ripping Angel Fire bike park on it. Got a beefy wheelset and kept DH tires on it the whole time. Love the bike.
Rides my local Georgia XC trails great and can handle the tech DH decently too. The Ibis Enduro World Series team seems to like it as well! And they do pretty decent in the races!
I bet it was a blast at Angel Fire. I through the DH casings on for Snowshoe and let'er smash. So much fun.
Love my Ripmo AF, probably the best "one bike to do it all" solution out there, I've done everything from 20+ mile XC rides to bike park days to the Whole Enchilada on it. I did put a cascade link on mine and I would recommend it for any heavier or more aggressive rider on the Ripmo, especially if running a coil. Not sure how a cascade linked Ripmo would compare to the Sentinel in terms of progressivity, I still found both the RM Altitude with the ride 9 set to progressive and the Commencal Meta SX to be significantly more progressive.
Nice, that AF sounds like it's treated you really well. I was really impressed with the AF I rode for the last review.
Even with the stock link on both, I was pretty happy with the trade off overall. It's the only bike I've ridden as far back as I can remember where I didn't feel like I wanted to modify something on it right out of the gate.
So, hopefully this won't be long. First off, great work on this one. Next, so interesting that it's been over 2 years since the Ripmo v2 launched and its still a hot topic bike and seller. I sold my Hightower v2 for the Ripmo when it first came out. Thanks to Shaun at N+1, it launched in Feb and I had it in late April customized. Now on my second v2 Ripmo, after eyeing the SB150.
With that said, the Ripmo is/can be whatever you want it to be. You want more trail, run a fox DPX2. You want all mountain/enduro run a Fox X2, DVO Topaz X or go full coil shock. Some are even long shocking the Ripmo as well, I wouldn't recommend unless you know. Bike comes stock with 160 fork and you can run it with 170 as I do. Lifts the bb slightly, slackens the HTA .5 degree and no negative climbing hinderances. The bike likes the party, play, pop and get rowdy. But it's still fun on much more tame trails. The only bike I would say goes beyond it is the Pivot Firebird, more travel with DW link and climbs amazing (pricey though). Nice thing about Ibis, is that their carbon bikes are their top tier carbon. Theres no affordable heavier carbon version and then a lighter and stiffer pricer version as some bike companies do.
Man, I'm certainly LATE to the party! I considered the V1 when I was last looking, it certainly rode quite well, but I went with the HTv2 at the time. The V1 was a great bike, but I honestly never would have guessed the RV2 would be as much improved for my personal taste as it is.
The worst part is...... I long shy'd away from this bike due to it's looks. It just wasn't my bag of tea. When Shaun offered them up for review, I definitely didn't know at the time how much I'd love the revisions. The funny thing is, this bike has been so impressive, that I actually really like the looks of it now. That says a lot imo. I've ridden plenty of incredibly beautiful bikes that I would now walk right past in a heartbeat to hop onto an Ibis. There's definitely going to be more to come with this bike, and I hope to hop on the Ripley and Exie before too long as well.
As for long shocking it, I could see it playing well with 10mm more much like the HTv2 did. That said, the 65* hta is extremely capable already, and even some of the most notorious drop compressions at Snowshoe felt very comfortable on it's current travel. Road gaps to fast tech, it ate it all up.
Also, props to Ibis for their paint as well. I feel like quality paint and finish is something severely lacking with a lot of their competitors.
@@SemiSendy Interesting, because I loved the v1 Ripmo but wanted a slacker HTA so I went HT v2. Then Ripmo v2 came out with all the revisions I thought the bike needed and I called up Shaun, and no demo pulled the trigger. Same as you, what I didn't really care for is the how the rear triangle looked because I'm a guy who likes a great looking bike and paint job. I never regretted it. Same as you, the SC Hightower was a great bike but the Ripmo v2, man.
Never been on an Exie but I've heard the amazing reports and I'm sure its legit. The Ripley is a pretty amazing bike too. Spent much time on it and its just a speed demon climbing or buffed out trails and on chunk. However, the Tallboy does handle chunk much better but its not as agile and fast feeling as the Ripley. The Exie probably feels like a jet plane.
One thing that really stands out about the Ripmo is it comes alive really quick. It even puts to shame some 140/130 or 140/120 on slow speed tech.
For us the can’t go to Windrock every weekend this is gold.
100%.
To be completely honest, I have yet to take the Ripmo to Windrock, but I'm confident I'll be faster overall on it than the Sentinel there.
I own a DH bike but I still ride the Ripmo at Windrock periodically for funsies. It's fun on the top drops... Windmill, East Ridge, etc.
I do ride with a -1 angleset. All you need are good brakes though, really.
@@sham8723 I run mine with TRP DH Evo, fantastic and affordable.
@@travelthenarrowtrail8660 I've been wanting to try those for quite some time. Will definitely get a set in the future.
@@sham8723 I usually ran XTR 4 piston. I personally don't like Sram brakes. But I would say TRP are between XTR 4 piston brakes and Sram Guide Ultimates. The lever feel is sort of shimano-ish but a bit longer. Plus they look amazing. They are priced right too. I would suggest getting the TRP metallic sintered pads too over the resin they come with.
3 years now on my bug zapper blue Ripmo V2 Shaun George is one of my good friends and actually built my bike for himself then sold it to me after 2 rides. its still a great bike. my only complaint is the fox factory fork is harsh. always has been.
I'd love to get a Ripmo. It might be the next bike on my wish list.
Great review dude. This is really helpful since my son has the Ripmo. So Northstar bike park just opened and Hunter from Spoke X was in Tahoe. Me and my son rode with Hunter and had a blast.
That is awesome! I hope to get out to Northstar one day.
@@SemiSendy 🤘🤘🤘🔥
Waiting on my Ripmo AF frame (orange) that UPS has misplaced. Most everything else has arrived! Can't wait!!
Hope it gets sorted soon. Enjoy the new Ripmo!
It only took 2 weeks but UPS finally brought it!
Took my first several rides on the new Ripmo AF today, totally hit a home run on this choice!!!!! Nothing to complain about! WOW!
@@elwoodkotil2538 I’m still riding the Ripmo v2 I have in for review. Really blown away by it more and more.
Thanks for posting the Ripmo looked like it got along fine at Snowshoe
It came through in spades...... didn't even want to ride the DH bike.
@@SemiSendy I need to get on one or the AF after a year being on the SP Enduro it’s still not a bike I love.
It sucks here in Evansville, Indiana, the only full suspension bike to test is the Trek Fuel Ex. I'm thinking about the Fezzari Delano Peak for my first full suspension bike though.
Tough when you have limited access to give things a try. I know Louisville is just under two hours away. If you can make the trip over there I think it would be well worth your time. Not sure what the trails are like in Evansville, but if it's at all like Brown County, I'd give the Ripley serious consideration.
As an owner of an Ibis Ripmo V2, the Sentinel is the only bike that I would consider owning instead. Most of the riding I do is pretty steep and rowdy so the Transition makes total sense... except for those days when the trail is more rolling and less technical and the Ibis is the bike to be on. Seeing how I can only afford one sled I'm keeping the Ripmo, but there are trails that I ride that are definitely calling for that Sentinel.
Have you tried the Pivot Switchblade?
Be interesting to see if you get your hands on the new Hightower and compare it
Have you ridden a Stumpjumper EVO? With the geo adjust it can be both of these bikes and beyond. It’d be cool to hear your opinion on it vs these. Thanks!
Yes I have, definitely a good bike. It does offer versatility, but I would say it doesn't hit the mark quite as much as these two bikes in the areas each one shines. However, that's not an uncommon trade off I've found with the geo adjustable designs I've ridden.
What do you think about the YT Jeffsy? Around 66 degrees head tube angle...
Great head to head comparison
Great review and did you really ditch the Sentinel for the Ripmo??
Well, I still have the Sentinel. I pumped the brakes on selling it so I could film a couple more videos with it. But I still plan to part ways with it. Right now I haven't purchased anything else, but the Ripmo is definitely topping my list these days. I'll be riding this Ripmo for a bit longer though!
@@SemiSendy I just test rode a Sentinel today and it's really "planted". I'm guessing the Ripmo is a bit more playful and poppy?
How tall are you and what size are you riding? I’m right between the L and XL and am leaning towards the L, but still want some input. It’s only 20mm reach and 25mm wheelbase difference so I doubt the L would be much less stable for the occasional bike park days, while being a little easier to throw around
Windrock is Spicy 🔥🔥🔥!!
It brings the sauce!
So these are long travel trail bikes? I bet they are pretty heavy and at enduro bike weight range. The categories are getting pretty blurred these days. They are basically shorter travel enduro bikes, I guess if you have one bike that really does all they are very competent at just about everything. Great review
Definitely, they are absolutely at that top limit. The Sentinel for sure feels much more like the bikes found in the "enduro" category. The Ripmo feels more well rounded and capable for general trail duty. Even with the heavy suspension bits, they are both surprisingly light. That sentinel with the heavy 11-6 and Zeb is actually just under 33lbs. Could save a considerable amount with a lighter air shock and fork, and some lighter cranks.
Would putting a Slackr headset to steepen the head angle make it ride the way you want? The 1.5 degree angle increase would put it at 65 degrees and shorten the wheelbase.
Unfortunately it also slackens the STA and raises the BB considerably. IMO anglesets are much better used to slacken an HTA. Even still, it's always better to go with the bike that's designed to fit your riding style and terrain whenever possible.
I own a V1 Ripmo, so I am a little biased.
In terms of overall efficiency I'm assuming the Ripmo wins?
How much of a difference in climbing is there? On a scale of 1 to 10 how close is the Sentinel to the Ripmo in climbing ( 10 being identical to the Ripmo) ?
Depends on how you look at it. Efficiency on a gravel road, the Sentinel is maybe a 7-8? Things change the moment you have some maneuvering to do and the Sentinel's length and slack hta start to penalize you more.
They are very different bikes.
Hi this is a great review. I'm looking for my next bike and like both of these. I live in Tahoe and do lots of climbs and sending as well. I was leaning towards the Ripmo AF but looks like will only have coil front and rear now that's horrible no interest in coil as terrible climber. I'm 5'10 so was going to upsize in the Ripmo to large but in the Sentinel I would go Medium as such a long bike? How does the Sentinel climb is it as good as the Santa Cruz High Tower V2 that you had. I'm coming from a Bronson V3 that probably climbs similar to the Hightower? Thank you!
I wouldn't rank the Sentinel as a better climber than the Ripmo with a coil, but it's on par with the Hightower.
I just got back from riding Northstar and the Downieville region on the Ripmo, and it was incredible on those trails out there,.
@@SemiSendy thanks yeah lots of diversity in Tahoe. I do the bomber trails less. The Ripmo AF is great I just didn't want the coil as I struggle climbing as it is. Did you ride with the new Z1 coil on it did you like it? I got a sale AF bike but found a shop that let me upgrade to the Fox Factory 38 as climbing was more important than sending.
@@andyhelfenstein7425 I think that was a good call. I really like the 38. It’s on the V2 version I have in for review right now and it’s been great.
@@SemiSendy thanks. Got my bike but need to dial in. I ran 20% sag in fork with 4 spacers for 210 pds. I had 25% sag in the rear but feels too harsh. Curious what spacers, sag and rebound you run? I was going to try 30/30 sag with maybe 3 spacers. Setting rebound is new to me.
Hey thanks for this video. Very good delivery as always! I was wondering did you ever ride a Transition Spire and how it compares to the Sentinel?
Thanks, Ryan! I haven't personally ridden the Spire, so I can't share any personal experiences between the two. Jim over at The Shredist recently built one up, and he swapped bikes with his buddy who has the Sentinel V2 for a video. He felt the Sentinel was notably more sporty and responsive compared to the Spire, which is what I would have guessed based on the numbers. Great channel if you haven't already checked him out. Here's the link to the video: th-cam.com/video/amIpvD7TwbE/w-d-xo.html
@@SemiSendy I saw that video from The Shredist, that was an interesting one. I've ridden the Sentinel and have an apponintment to ride the Spire next month :) I was merely curious, since I assume you were considering the Spire too.
It would be great if you gave your opinion of the specialized status 160 current gen
So, is the Ripmo your new shredder?
RIPMO is rocking a 38?!?!... That bike looks so light and agile, I think a 38 is way over-forking it. A 36 or a Lyrik make more of a match in my idea of this type of Trails bikes. Shaves some weight also to keep it agile on the climbs.
Dude, I thought the same thing! That's the stock configuration. I was happy to have the 38 and X2 for the days I spent at the bike park, but I was weary of the definite difference in weight for trail riding. Surprisingly, I never really felt a notable penalty on the climbs. Still feels way more efficient than all of the other bikes in it's class I've ridden so far, all of which had much lighter setups for fork and shock.
I'm real curious to ride one with something like a float x and 36.
@@SemiSendy Oh yesss! A Float X and a 36 would seem perfect for Trail riding in that bike! Would've been my stock config preference. And then offer an LT or "LunchRide" version with the 38 for those gnarley yiiiuuu dudes. Hahah! Cheers!!!
greaat masterpiece!
🤘😊
It is interesting how different bikes with the same travel can feel, even with geo that is similar. I recently picked up a 2022 Canyon Spectral 29 and was surprised how snappy, poppy and fast it felt everywhere (I'm sure the near 30lb weight helps) for being a 150/160 machine, yet It's still feels very resistant to harsh bottom outs. But the slacker 64 degree head angle had me needing to adjust my riding a little to get slightly more weight forward in order to keep traction than on my previous steed. In my mind it would likely be more similar to the RIPMO than the Sentinel, but the Spectrals 64 degree head angle, 437mm chainstay, 481mm reach and 1251mm wheelbase and progressive suspension (in a Large), maybe it'd be closer to the later. Maybe you should find out Semi-Sendy? = )
If someone wants to get one in my hands for testing, you know I'm all in!
Would love to see you compare the Evil Offering to the ripmo...I know you wont have the Transition to compare it to haha. I was torn between the Rascal,Offering and Ripmo and I found the Offering kinda split the difference on travel and that mid travel trail bike spot.
Ripmo is a more lively bike. Both are great. That’s my experience from Outerbike.
Glad you're enjoying the new rig. Any races coming up for you to run it on?
Well, the Ripmo is just in for review. Not sure what my next trail bike will be but it's certainly a contender.
@@SemiSendy oh, very cool. Yeah, was between this, the SB130, and the stumpy Evo. Landed in the Evo. SB130 infinity link worries me in Georgia mud and Ripmo is solid, but can't find one to demo.
I know older video but great quick review. How tall are you? Im 5'9" looking at the ripmo. In between M and L. Whatcha think?
I’m on a large at 6’ tall. The reach is spot on for what I like and I’m at the upper end for that size. My wife is 5’8” on a medium.
Id be inclined to say a medium would be best, but its hard to make that call for someone else.
I’d suggest asking Shaun George at N+1. He’s personally put more folks on Ripmo’s than probably anyone else out there, and would have the best feel on what works out best for most people. I know I mentioned him in the video and description for sales, but he’s genuinely just a very informative and helpful guy. You can tell him that you were asking me about sizing.
And for what it’s worth, I ended up buying a ripmo for myself. I’ve spent a full year riding this bike all over. Still absolutely in love with it.
Thank you!
I keep hanging my nose over a ripmo af with coil shock. I currently ride a mondraker foxy r which I purchased a year ago. The problem is its sooooo bloody long (495 reach on size large) and to not get wash out on the corners you have to stay centralised on the bike rather than move around like on other bikes. This is great for flat out speed but takes some of the fun out of other types of riding. Most of my riding is steep tech and fast decents with big boulders. Has anyone rode a mondraker foxy then a ripmo for comparison?
I have a Norco Sight A1, the Ripmo is a little better but the price is out of my budget.
The Sight is an excellent bike too though! Cheers, John.
The Ripmo is such a dad bike.
Yeah, I always thought the same. I was surprised by how sporty and playful it actually is.
lmao😂
0:48 why does the leading bike Bob the front suspension so much?
Fork? Pedaling technique? Poor geometry? Seat tube angle?
Hi Jane, the forks movement in that shot is mostly related to the terrain and fork set-up. Also, after 8 days straight of riding, filming and riding DH casing tires on challenging XC that morning, perhaps some sloppy pedaling technique too! Haha.
The low on the ground angle of the shot doesn't show the consistent rooty nature of that section. If you've ever had a chance to ride "the fingers" backcountry of Snowshoe, you'll know what I mean.
@@SemiSendy I'm just saying only the leading bike did it. Both are in view, same terrain
Eeyyyyyy sugar mountain represent
Any one else think he looks like he could be Marty Stouffer's son? WILD AMERICA!
Save some cash and buy a marin alpine
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