Is the all new 2025 Ibis Ripmo the perfect bike?
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Published 2024-07-16
I also did a video about the new Ibis Ripley V5! Check out the new Ripley at Jenson USA here: jenson.sjv.io/IbisRipleyJKW And YES, the new Ripmo and Ripley are the SAME carbon bits, just a different shock and rear clevis. However, the ride feel is very different.
Ibis loaned me a complete, Shimano XT equipped Ripmo bike to make this video- yes, I’ll have to return it, and hopefully no time soon! And it’s worth mentioning that Shimano is a proud sponsor of my channel, so thanks to them.
To start the test, I rode the bike 100% stock for a couple rides. Then, it was time to dial it in! The first thing I did was to swap it over from mullet (all size medium and small ship only as mullet) to dual 29. With the stock Ibis Blackbird Send wheels, I upgraded to a set of MaxxGrip, Double Down casing tires from Maxxis. jenson.sjv.io/MaxxisAssegaiDDjkw and jenson.sjv.io/MaxxisDHRIIjkw
The Ripmo still felt overall small: a little short, and a lot low. To improve this, I swapped on a longer stem, and went a little higher on the bars. I’ll get a much taller set of bars installed soon- likely the Renthal FatBar I bought a while ago: jenson.sjv.io/OneUpStemJKW in a 42 (wish I had a 50!)
I went to a deeper drop seatpost, as the bike came with a 160mm post, which I found intrusive when sessioning bigger jumps and steeper trails. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the BikeYoke remote, so I also used a OneUp remote. I did have to slide my saddle forward a bit with the longer seatpost, worsening the feeling of the bike being a little smaller than the prior generation. I used a OneUP dropper jenson.sjv.io/OneUpDropperJKW
With these changes done to the bike, it was time to log our first day filming. This bike was riding well! But the 35mm Blackbird wheels from Ibis tend to be a little challenging to adapt to when it comes to cornering. I had plans to change wheels, but first, noticed a bit of excessive flex in the rear end. I reached out to Ibis, who verified something was actually wrong with my swingarm, and we swapped it for a replacement. We found a small manufacturing defect, and the replacement has been much better. The Ripley I was riding has not developed any issues.
With a new swingarm, I swapped on a set of my beloved Industry Nine Enduro 305 wheels. This improved ride feel, cornering, and hub engagement.
The rear suspension was good, but I was looking for a bit more support. Going up to .7 volume reduction was the first move- this was a big improvement! I still wanted more support, so it was time to head to an aftermarket rear shock. With the new Ibis platform being coil compatible, I reduced a 230mm DHX2 coil shock to a 60mm stroke. jenson.sjv.io/FoxDHX2CoilJKW I look forward to riding this shock a bunch- and it’s currently using a 450# spring.
Next I’m going to put miles in on these Santa Cruz Reserve 30HD wheels, as I do prefer the 30mm inner width rims, and believe it or not, those Reserve wheels are even stiffer than the Industry Nine alloy units. jenson.sjv.io/Reserve30HDi9JKW
I’m rocking a splendid summertime kit from my supporters at Endura! Check the full kit here at Jenson USA: jenson.sjv.io/EnduraSingletrackLiteShortJKW
jenson.sjv.io/EnduraSingletrackJerseyJKW
jenson.sjv.io/EnduraCloudTeeJKW
Head to www.DrinkLMNT.com/Jeff to get your free sample pack with any drink mix purchase.
BIG thanks to Shimano for sponsoring my channel: jenson.sjv.io/ShimanoMTBjkw
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All Comments (21)
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one this I want to say is that bike looks so much better because I didn't like the cruveed top tub and this one looks amazing.
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The riding in this review is absolutely STUNNING! 🙌🏽
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Not just a Solid Rider...or a True Test Pilot...but an honest person! I'd vote for Jeff
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Literally on the day I finished working on my V2S and got i dialed, they drop a new generation... Still love it!
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I prefer the look of my "Bug Zapper" blue V2. I've got many compliments on what a beautiful bike it is . I also like the old frame on what I call that horseshoe component on the upper rear triangle. Makes it so distinct out there on the trail from everything else. I think the new version Ripmo looks like the Yeti SB140, especially the purple.
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As a shorter guy who likes to be able to stand over the bike without hitting the giblets, I love the new frame design. Well done Ibis. The Ripmo is now on my shortlist for next bike.
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I like how you compare all the bikes at the end, really helps understand how everything fits together from earlier in the review
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My dude got his summer bod goin on. Nice review. That one foot landing on the Pivot was wild
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The video quality is insanely good.
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Looks like a combination of a Yeti, Transition, Santa Cruz, and Guerrilla Gravity. In other words, indistinct. Thanks for the honest review!
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I got to get that bike. I looks awesome. I will hit up Jenson when they have a bunch in stock. Jenson is now my go to mountain bike shop thanks to Jeff. Jenson really is a great company run by good people.
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Great and very honest review Jeff, thank you!
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2 Ibis vids in one day. Coolness.
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“Gone are the swoopy curves your dad pedaled to the trailhead” cracks me up 😂. Seems like even Jeff knows who’s buying…
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Great video Jeff. Glad you pointed out this bike is the same as the Ripley as far as the frame goes. Ibis will sell the clevis separately and you can have 2 bikes. I don't know how they did that but its cool.
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Jeff: Incredible reviews of both the Ripley and Ripmo .... superb narrative, filming, editing, etc. Not sure how you did both so fast with such excellent quality, but Kudos to you and your team! I also appreciated your comments at the end on the Ripley vs. Ripmo choice you'd make. Given the type riding you do (aggressive, playful, high speed) I was pleasantly surprised you chose the Ripley. At age 77, my choice for sure would be the Ripley. Oh wait, I have the v4 and love it! 😊More than meets my limited skills and makes me smile each time I ride it. Rule #1 is FUN!!
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Love the kitten cameo :) Also appreciate the comparison to similar bikes. I wish you had ridden the new Stumpy 15 for a comparison. The Stumpy and this Ripmo are the final two on my shopping list. I may not be able to demo the Ripmo due to limited availability. If I want that one, I may be ordering without a test ride first. I did really enjoy the new Stumpy though, more than the Hightower for my desires. I also really liked the Ripmo V2S.
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The got rid of the wavy top tube and now it looks so clean 👍
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Excelent review! Very much informative.
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The storage compartment is a great spot for a little first aid kit.
