I bought my wife the Ripley AF when it was first released. I took it for a ride one morning and I was hooked. Bought myself one in size M 😂 this bike is so good for my local trail.
Got a Ripley AF for my 13 yo son and now he rides faster than me. The AF is an amazing bike for $3000. There is not a single bit of spec on this bike that needs to be changed and the geometry is about perfect. However, I did switch the stock tires for a set of 2.4 Maxxis Rekons which reduced wheel weight and rolling resistance. In my opinion, this is probably the best $3000 short-travel Trailbike that you could buy.
Spur vs Ripley, that is the question I've been having since the beginning of the shortage. At this point I'd get whatever comes in first. Look forward to the comparison.
Very nice initial review Clint. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the AF vs. your Spur. Love your style of edits with your voice over the trail footage!
Great video man. Got my carbon Ripley a couple months ago. Waited 9 months for it, but so worth it. Felasco is my home network too and the Ripley feels so good out there.
Probably worth mentioning that the AF has a slightly more aggressive geo than the carbon version. I love the DW link suspension. It climbs crazy good. I have the Ripmo and, though it’s heavier and has more travel than my Giant Trance, I am crushing my PRs, including my hill climbs.
It’s amazing that it looks so close to my Rimpo AF, mines a XL with 2.6 trail tires and on the bike shop scale it weighs just under 34 lbs, with pedals and a 160 bomber z1. I’d rather have the travel for about the same weight. Climbs well and beats my PRs from my hardtail in every way. Thanks for the review
I love Ibis! I rode a V1 Ripley for a long time, and most recently switched to a V1 Ripmo. I actually bought my Ripmo at the start of the Pandemic! Since I had my Ripmo, I been riding on the stock tires which are Maxis DHF Minion 2.5 up front and Aggressor 2.5 in the back. I just switched to a Trailboss 2.4 in the rear and was blown away by the difference! It rolls snappier! I wonder if the difference is with that 0.1" or is it the light casing? I'm guessing the light casing. FYI, the Ripley AF has been compared to the Spur on other channels. It would be more interesting if you could compare the Carbon Ripley to the Spur.
I bought mine a few months into the pandemic. Soooo worth the wait. Getting the exact components I wanted was a nightmare ,some parts took 5 months to arrive. Have fun out there mate 🤘🔥
I rented a carbon Ripley recently and I agree 2.4 tires are the way to go. If you can find a carbon version it would be a great comparison vs the AF version.
Hi Clint, it's too bad they didn't send you the carbon version so you can do a direct comparison of that with the spur. Both were on my radar end of last summer, and due to availability i demo'd the ripley, loved it and went with it. But always curious about the spur. I would have liked to hear your opinion on both bikes. The AF is way too heavy and imo not in the same category as spur.
I've only paid a cursory glance at the Ripley. It's a good thing I didn't go the bike shop asking about it, because my dumbass thought it was the Ibis Ripley As Fuck and not Aluminum Frame.
Can you put some 2.4’s on it for future testing, tubeless, and get the weight down? I bet the alloy frame is darn close to the carbon frame weight, and the 33 lbs is coming from components like the tires, tubes, wider rims, etc. The other thing to point out is the $3K price for the Ridley AF, just a really good value. The Ripley, Spur, and Epic Evo are at the top of my list for next bike to purchase, once bikes are actually back in stock.
That's the thing - the aluminum frame is only like 1.5 pounds heavier, so if you spent the same amount of money on the aluminum bike as what the carbon frame version costs you'd probably have a bike that's just as light.
I've had the AF for 6 months. I've tried multiple wheel/tire combos. With 2.35 rear and 2.4 front on Carbon wheels and GX alloy cranks(165mm) it weighs 29.5lbs. Size Large no pedals.
@@bradyhall8086 Just another comparison, I built a size Large ripley AF with carbon i9/hydra wheels, disector recon 2.4s, carbon one up bars, XO1 drivetrain. 28.0 lbs
Just curious that you refer to a prototype version, hasn't the AF been in production and selling for close to 6 months now? Do you have the new Jet 9 RDO on the way for testing?
I imagine their demo bikes are built with whatever spares lying around at the time of build hence why the mix and match Shimano componentry. That fork has probably been on a number of bikes. Parts are so rare at the moment that anything that comes in, goes straight out sales.
@@ClintGibbs Ibis dealers local to me have been selling Ripley AF's since late January. They are coming in with a mix of parts due to availability. I'm curious who told you the demo bike was a prototype?
@@navsnipe Ibis told me that. Prototype meaning the components and specs on this bike aren't necessarily what they're going to be on the final production bikes
I was wondering the same thing. For the price the Ripley seems to be a better deal unless you dislike Shimano drivetrain and brakes. Hard not to like the Fox 34 fork on the Ripley vs. the Rockshox Recon on the Tallboy.
Damn, makes me wonder, I don't really need a complicated suspension design. Sure, high pivot may help but on the trails there's nothing better for a slightly cheaper bike.
Clint, Do you have any suggestions for setting up a DW link rear shock? I've noticed Fox specs vs IBIS ripley AF's (seems more stiff) VS Pivot tuning guide (softer) are all different. I am 180lbs and used 200psi in rear shock. Sag was where it was supposed to be but it felt kinda rough and had some pedal kick back. Not sure if thats a dw-link trait or if I am too stiff or not stiff enough etc.
Do you use chest mount? And what settings do you use? I just bought a gopro 9 and ive been recording my rides with superview and wide, but i see my arms in the film. I just want to see my hands and the handlebar like your video. Do you "zoom" the video while editing it?
I shoot in super view but I have the camera rotated up a fair amount.. Yes, I use a chest mount. I do not zoom when editing. Getting good GoPro footage takes a lot of trial and error. I shoot 4K 30 in flat color and color grade in post.
hi ; need help to find the right size for me :: i will ride almost same type of terreain like in the video , im experience rider having some years on the bike forest and some trail 's like big bear snow summit like more flow trails ... my size is 174,5 ( 5,9 ) long ...will ypu go for large or medium ????
You should try to test a carbon with lighter parts, tires, etc. If you did I bet you'd get rid of all your Giants and Niners. My carbon Ripley V4 is 27 pounds and climbs AND descends like a mofo.
I feel like the cable ports on the top are way too far down the tube. That makes the cables scratch the steerer tube much more than inlets closer to the front. Otherwise it looks nice. Especially the welds are pretty smooth.
Put a deposit on one in January, canceled the order two weeks ago after being sick of waiting. Due in part to your old vid’s, I think I’m gonna snag a redline cruiser instead.
@@ClintGibbs I emailed IBIS asking about sizing because im 5' 9.5" and they want me on a large with a shorter stem. Im 160lbs and 30" inseam. Do you think large would be better or medium? Great review btw!
Need to switch between both bikes for a while to give a good comparison. That will come in a future video. But the Spur is 7 lb lighter so it will outclimb the Ripley AF.
@@ClintGibbs i saw the video of you riding stone mountain to rocky ridge in dupont and i gotta say i like it better than ridgeline.. awesome downhill 🤙🤙
Is there a trail bike out there that has a head tube angle of 69-70 degree that isn’t more than 5 years old? The newer the trail bike the slacker the angle…sad!
![[DRIP] ‘Love, Maybe’ PREVIEW](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U7hwHp95m1k/mqdefault.jpg)
I bought my wife the Ripley AF when it was first released. I took it for a ride one morning and I was hooked. Bought myself one in size M 😂 this bike is so good for my local trail.
Got a Ripley AF for my 13 yo son and now he rides faster than me. The AF is an amazing bike for $3000. There is not a single bit of spec on this bike that needs to be changed and the geometry is about perfect. However, I did switch the stock tires for a set of 2.4 Maxxis Rekons which reduced wheel weight and rolling resistance. In my opinion, this is probably the best $3000 short-travel Trailbike that you could buy.
Most of us are more interested in the Ripley AF than the carbon.
Not when the AF is around 34lbs
Have to disagree here. They have sold a TON of carbon ones. One of them to me...
I have the carbon. Erosion but interested in an AF as a backup/loaner bike for when buddies visit.
I'm holding out for the Steel Frame version.
Spur vs Ripley, that is the question I've been having since the beginning of the shortage. At this point I'd get whatever comes in first. Look forward to the comparison.
And you'll be happy with either. I have the Ripley, and my friend has a Spur. You're not going to go wrong with either. Good luck on the hunt!
Very nice initial review Clint. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the AF vs. your Spur. Love your style of edits with your voice over the trail footage!
Great video man. Got my carbon Ripley a couple months ago. Waited 9 months for it, but so worth it. Felasco is my home network too and the Ripley feels so good out there.
Looking forward for the comparison video between the Ripley and the Spur 🤘😎
Nice to see you back on a bike Clint
Probably worth mentioning that the AF has a slightly more aggressive geo than the carbon version. I love the DW link suspension. It climbs crazy good. I have the Ripmo and, though it’s heavier and has more travel than my Giant Trance, I am crushing my PRs, including my hill climbs.
Yep agree, came from a trance to the ripmo af. Night and day faster up and down. Mine has the fox 36 and the x2 shock. Love the ibis 👍
I remember when the cool kid had the alloy frame. We were so amazed how light they were LOL and now carbon.
It’s amazing that it looks so close to my Rimpo AF, mines a XL with 2.6 trail tires and on the bike shop scale it weighs just under 34 lbs, with pedals and a 160 bomber z1. I’d rather have the travel for about the same weight. Climbs well and beats my PRs from my hardtail in every way. Thanks for the review
Great info, looking forward to the next videos Clint! 👍🏼
Yes! Been waiting for you to get on an Ibis.
I think aluminum frames are going to make a comeback.
I love Ibis!
I rode a V1 Ripley for a long time, and most recently switched to a V1 Ripmo.
I actually bought my Ripmo at the start of the Pandemic!
Since I had my Ripmo, I been riding on the stock tires which are Maxis DHF Minion 2.5 up front and Aggressor 2.5 in the back. I just switched to a Trailboss 2.4 in the rear and was blown away by the difference! It rolls snappier! I wonder if the difference is with that 0.1" or is it the light casing? I'm guessing the light casing.
FYI, the Ripley AF has been compared to the Spur on other channels. It would be more interesting if you could compare the Carbon Ripley to the Spur.
I bought mine a few months into the pandemic.
Soooo worth the wait.
Getting the exact components I wanted was a nightmare ,some parts took 5 months to arrive.
Have fun out there mate 🤘🔥
DW Link bikes are where it’s at.
fo real tho
DW is where I'm moving towards in frames.
Don’t count out VPP...
65 is the perfect head tube angle for trail and some light enduro & stability .. 💯🤙🏻🕺
FYI, the Ripley AF has been out for a few months now. I have the GNX build, and what you have is the SLX build. Incredible bike!
It's a mix, he has deore too. I have full slx build
@@jimjigga is the Slx build worth the extra money?
I rented a carbon Ripley recently and I agree 2.4 tires are the way to go. If you can find a carbon version it would be a great comparison vs the AF version.
Still riding a 2005 Iron Horse with dw-link. According to Strava Im going as fast as anybody else😂Proven design with longevity!
I think the Ripley AF will be my next bike. 🙂
Hi Clint, it's too bad they didn't send you the carbon version so you can do a direct comparison of that with the spur. Both were on my radar end of last summer, and due to availability i demo'd the ripley, loved it and went with it. But always curious about the spur. I would have liked to hear your opinion on both bikes. The AF is way too heavy and imo not in the same category as spur.
Hey Clint, I enjoy your videos. Any plans for further review of the Ibis Ripley AF?
One coming out this Sunday and another one next Sunday.
I've only paid a cursory glance at the Ripley. It's a good thing I didn't go the bike shop asking about it, because my dumbass thought it was the Ibis Ripley As Fuck and not Aluminum Frame.
Lmao my dumbass thought the same thing when I first heard about it.
I'm pretty sure it is meant to have a double meaning.
Can you put some 2.4’s on it for future testing, tubeless, and get the weight down? I bet the alloy frame is darn close to the carbon frame weight, and the 33 lbs is coming from components like the tires, tubes, wider rims, etc. The other thing to point out is the $3K price for the Ridley AF, just a really good value. The Ripley, Spur, and Epic Evo are at the top of my list for next bike to purchase, once bikes are actually back in stock.
That's the thing - the aluminum frame is only like 1.5 pounds heavier, so if you spent the same amount of money on the aluminum bike as what the carbon frame version costs you'd probably have a bike that's just as light.
@@baddriversofcolga I bet it’s less than 1.5 lbs.
@@scottaw blisterreview.com/gear-reviews/2021-ibis-ripley-af This article claims about 2 pounds difference.
I've had the AF for 6 months. I've tried multiple wheel/tire combos. With 2.35 rear and 2.4 front on Carbon wheels and GX alloy cranks(165mm) it weighs 29.5lbs. Size Large no pedals.
@@bradyhall8086 Just another comparison, I built a size Large ripley AF with carbon i9/hydra wheels, disector recon 2.4s, carbon one up bars, XO1 drivetrain. 28.0 lbs
Just curious that you refer to a prototype version, hasn't the AF been in production and selling for close to 6 months now?
Do you have the new Jet 9 RDO on the way for testing?
Yes, but their demos aren't the final builds.
I imagine their demo bikes are built with whatever spares lying around at the time of build hence why the mix and match Shimano componentry. That fork has probably been on a number of bikes. Parts are so rare at the moment that anything that comes in, goes straight out sales.
@@ClintGibbs Ibis dealers local to me have been selling Ripley AF's since late January. They are coming in with a mix of parts due to availability. I'm curious who told you the demo bike was a prototype?
@@navsnipe Ibis told me that. Prototype meaning the components and specs on this bike aren't necessarily what they're going to be on the final production bikes
I have Specialized 2.6 that I love.
What’s your opinion between a Santa Cruz tallboy vs Ripley AF?
I was wondering the same thing. For the price the Ripley seems to be a better deal unless you dislike Shimano drivetrain and brakes. Hard not to like the Fox 34 fork on the Ripley vs. the Rockshox Recon on the Tallboy.
Hi clint what size did you ride of the Ripley and how did it fit?
Damn, makes me wonder, I don't really need a complicated suspension design. Sure, high pivot may help but on the trails there's nothing better for a slightly cheaper bike.
Clint, Do you have any suggestions for setting up a DW link rear shock? I've noticed Fox specs vs IBIS ripley AF's (seems more stiff) VS Pivot tuning guide (softer) are all different. I am 180lbs and used 200psi in rear shock. Sag was where it was supposed to be but it felt kinda rough and had some pedal kick back. Not sure if thats a dw-link trait or if I am too stiff or not stiff enough etc.
Yo Clint, where you do live in Florida? I'm down near Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch. Alafia and Balm are 35 minutes north of me.
Gainesville
Do you use chest mount? And what settings do you use? I just bought a gopro 9 and ive been recording my rides with superview and wide, but i see my arms in the film. I just want to see my hands and the handlebar like your video. Do you "zoom" the video while editing it?
I shoot in super view but I have the camera rotated up a fair amount.. Yes, I use a chest mount. I do not zoom when editing. Getting good GoPro footage takes a lot of trial and error. I shoot 4K 30 in flat color and color grade in post.
Ibis power 👑💪
Lets do a Ripley vs the new Jet 9 RDO please!!
hi ; need help to find the right size for me :: i will ride almost same type of terreain like in the video , im experience rider having some years on the bike forest and some trail 's like big bear snow summit like more flow trails ... my size is 174,5 ( 5,9 ) long ...will ypu go for large or medium ????
You should try to test a carbon with lighter parts, tires, etc. If you did I bet you'd get rid of all your Giants and Niners. My carbon Ripley V4 is 27 pounds and climbs AND descends like a mofo.
Clint, Ripley af vs trance 29???
I feel like the cable ports on the top are way too far down the tube. That makes the cables scratch the steerer tube much more than inlets closer to the front.
Otherwise it looks nice. Especially the welds are pretty smooth.
Put a deposit on one in January, canceled the order two weeks ago after being sick of waiting. Due in part to your old vid’s, I think I’m gonna snag a redline cruiser instead.
Does this bike feel small at all? I’m right on the edge of a medium and large at 5’8” according to ibis.
I’m the same height and the medium felt great
@@ClintGibbs I emailed IBIS asking about sizing because im 5' 9.5" and they want me on a large with a shorter stem. Im 160lbs and 30" inseam. Do you think large would be better or medium? Great review btw!
@@2Tsmoke yes, large an short stem is best
What you think of this Ripley vs your Transition ?
Need to switch between both bikes for a while to give a good comparison. That will come in a future video. But the Spur is 7 lb lighter so it will outclimb the Ripley AF.
@@ClintGibbs i saw the video of you riding stone mountain to rocky ridge in dupont and i gotta say i like it better than ridgeline.. awesome downhill 🤙🤙
@@ClintGibbs id love to see data comparisons to back it all up.
@@jinavl agree
How about the Revel Ranger?
Ripley Af vs Spur vs Specialized Stumpjumper 🤔 vs scott spark / genius 😁.... Hard decision
Prototype? How old is this review? The Ripley AF is 5 or 6 months old. It seems that this first look is a little late.
Prototype meaning the demo models they have did not come with the final production components. Not meaning the bike is not out yet.
That seems like a great bike. But to heavy for a short travel trail bike. Better getting the carbon version.
How does it compare to the Giant trance 29?
Slacker and therefore a bit more capable on rougher and faster trails. Also a better climbing position with a steeper seat tube angle
Doesn't look like a water bottle cage will fit in that frame?? Cables in the way..
There are mounts for one lower in the frame. I'll show in the next review.
New subs idol your channel is awsome
Is there a trail bike out there that has a head tube angle of 69-70 degree that isn’t more than 5 years old? The newer the trail bike the slacker the angle…sad!
Im used to riding steep headtubes too! My flip chip bike is set in high. Felt too slack and more pedal strikes in low.
Get a CX, modern geometry went slacker
Evil following is 68 or 69.
The proper German pronunciation for Schwalbe will be: Shvall-beh Hope that will help.
Zank you
yeah, that's on the heavy side. My trail bike is 28 lbs. and I think it's too heavy on some trails.
this or ripmo af ?
no place for water bottle cage? deal killer for me
There is...it's low on the frame. I'll show it in my next review.
i have a water bottle cage on mine.