2020 Ibis Ripley VS 2020 Santa Cruz Tallboy | Who will be crowned King of the Short Travel 29er?

#santacruztallboy #ibisripley #shorttravel29er
2020 Ibis Ripley Review
• 2020 Ibis Ripley | Tes...
2020 Santa Cruz Tallboy Review
• 2020 Santa Cruz Tallbo...
2020 Santa Cruz Tallboy
www.santacruzbicycles.com/en-...
2020 Ibis Ripley
www.ibiscycles.com/bikes/ripley
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[@kastboarder]

Just got my Ripley about a week ago and it's AMAZING! Definitely climbs like a goat and inspires confidence on the downs. It's a big upgrade from my previous bike and so glad I went with it. Your individual reviews of the Tallboy and Ripley helped me pair it down. Keep em up!

[@jctrails]

Heck ya Brent congrats on the purchase. The Ripley is a rocket ship.

[@FlyFishtheMitt]

Nice review. Shopping both bikes right now and this was helpful. Thanks!

[@certainperfectratio]

I appreciate you going above and beyond and controlling for components. Sub

[@miguelp4812]

Wow. Excellent video. Very well done. The only thing I would have liked is a another minute more on the limitations of each bike. Maybe what the Ripley couldnt do downhill that the tallboy could. Also a quantitative metric like time yourself on the three sections to give us an idea of that too. I liked and subscribed. Thank you for not telling me to.

[@field.palmer]

Great video. I'm from Florida and am currently in Sedona renting a ripley Xt. I absolutely love it. I am glad to see the comparison and an curious about the ripley compared to an izzo

[@ManuelLopez-fb7or]

Another great vid thanks

[@jctrails]

Manuel Lopez thanks for watching!

[@50mtb44]

Ripley rocks. Love how light and fast it climbs. For big downhill days, swapped the tires to big grippy Assegai ... huge difference ... amazing traction and confidence. As you say James, depends on where you ride. I'm in Colorado front range. Have to pedal up ... to have fun on the down. Usually one big climb up ... for one rocking long descent. Keep up the good work.

[@jctrails]

50mtb thanks brotha! Are the trails open out your way? Love the front range.

[@50mtb44]

@@jctrails we have been able to ride on sunny days. Rode thru out the winter and early spring. Snowy now (last week). Trails are packed with walkers, hikers, and bikers. Even saw some horsetracks. Use is up 500% on local trails, but still open. How about your trails?

[@AndrewLakey]

Great as usual. Have you tried the Transition Smuggler? The Ripley is a copy of the Smuggler geometry wise but it pedals and feels more like the Tallboy on the trails. All great bikes.

[@jctrails]

Andrew Lakey I have not tried it yet but I have heard great things.

[@michaelutley7661]

That Ripley is a blast to ride! Even though it leans a touch more towards XC, The SB100 is still my favorite within this segment.

[@popoypoop]

How good of a climber is the ibis ripley compare to yeti sb100?

[@LuisReyes-tn1uj]

Thank you allways awesome content, I am lucky enough to own the Dark purple Tallboy,I went with the Tallboy we have a little bit of everything in Northern Virginia,I want it a XC bike but instead, I got 2 sets of wheels one set of strong stan Arch mk3 with maxxis minion dhf and dhr,for xc riding and competing maybe Enve M525 with Schwalbe racing Ralph and racing Ray,so far this is the best bike i ever owned, btw I was goint to buy the Yeti sb100 test it both bikes my choice Tallboy.

[@jctrails]

Luis Reyes nice! Sounds like you made the right decision two bikes in one.

[@LuisReyes-tn1uj]

@@jctrails thank you for your videos.

[@rolux4853]

I bought a purple Tallboy CC a few weeks ago and I love it so much! Before that I had a Nukeproof Mega 290 with 170/160mm of travel. I was so damn overbiked it wasn’t even funny anymore. The Tallboy can handle all the stuff I throw at it in my region and it climbs like hell! Also it jumps and pumps so much better!ä I can’t imagine riding any other bike at the moment, it’s just so much fun! It took me a while to save up for that CC frame with X01 and Reserve carbon wheels, but it was definitely worth it!

[@pcarts232]

The TB looks better but I bet the ibis is better ;🤣 I always buy SC , my Nomad is Terrible at climbing but I still Bougt it cos I like the look of it 🤣🤣🤟🏾 Awesome review as always Dude 👍🏽👍🏽🤘🏿🤘🏿

[@iviefam114]

Good review

[@flyingnorseman]

IMHO, the thing to consider about Santa Cruz bikes, in general, is they take longer to get set up and the bikes dont feel great unless they are in that hard to find "Goldie locks" zone. I had a Gen 3 tallboy. I only ride 2 days a week so it literally took me 5+ months to dial it in correctly. After that, it was by far the best bike Ive ridden. I got the gen 4 and went through a similar process (I buy frames and custom build for my likes). The lower link VPP actually made this set up even more difficult but I can say its an awesome bike. Different from gen 3 in so many ways its hard to compare them. My gen 3 was an XL and 25 lbs. It was a XC rocket. The Gen 4 is roughly 29 lbs but alot of that is in beefier tires and wheels. Im about to put my XC wheels and tires on it. Should get it to 27 lbs.

[@mattdonaldson4439]

Have you ridden the 2020 Swichblade? Wondering how it compares to these? A good pedal bike but mid travel and good decender?

[@JS-xn3dq]

Thanks for the vs. video! Perfect timing as both are on my list. I am on the east coast too (NJ) and looking for a good all around bike. It almost sounds from your comments that the Tallboy may be the more versatile bike - is that accurate? Also, I would lean towards the Tallboy because of local dealers where a test ride may be more possible, although I will check for ibis dealers, just don,t know if any offhand.

[@jctrails]

J S if I owned one bike it would definitely be the Tallboy it’s a great climber, capable descender, and it has adjustable geometry.

[@milespennwright5925]

I bought my Ripley online. I wanted to test ride a medium v.s. large because I'm 5'9' and right in between the two. I waited for my local dealer to get them in on April 1. They had a Ripley and a Ripmo and both sold in a few days. They told me Ibis shut their factory down due to the virus and they couldn't get restocked until May 1. I took that as a maybe and went ahead and bought a medium from Jenson. Fits fine though I could use a bit taller dropper post but it's negligible. I'll adjust the seat a little further back.

[@jctrails]

Miles Pennwright yeah it’s hard to get some bikes right now. At least you got your hand on a sweet Ripley to ride. What size stem do you have on it?

[@JS-xn3dq]

Miles Pennwright Congrats on the new ride! Why the Ripley over Ripmo (understanding that the later is longer travel - I think). Like James said (and I agree) you can’t go wrong wrong with either bike, or a host of others for that matter.

[@rickflubadubdub4298]

JC, quick question, what bike do you prefer, the Tall Boy or the Top Fuel?

[@jessicaburns5844]

You should review the 2020 Pivot Trail 429, or the Mach 5. I just bought one (t429) from the bike zone in Hyannis, and I love it. I had an old 07 epic marathon carbon fiber, and I just loved it, and how it climbed. It was such a fast bike. I was not really interested in upgrading until I demoed one (mach 5) from the Bike Zone on a BZ group ride in 151 trails this winter. I was sold that day. I was so torn between the Mach5, and T429 too! I would love to hear your thoughts on it, and how it compares to the Ripley. I'm sure if you reach out to Tim at the Bike Zone, he would be happy to set you up with one.

[@jctrails]

Hey Jessica that’s the plan. It’s been a while since I’ve ridden the T429. My buddy just bought one. I might just have to give a rip. Congrats on the new bike!

[@ActvNva]

@@jctrails I'd like to hear your thoughts on the t429 as well. If we get any more stimulus money (in the senate now) I plan to fork it all over to a bike shop. I plan to demo a t429 this weekend, and a tallboy the weekend after. I took out a fuel ex last weekend and really liked it. I am a little torn between a mid travel bike or a shortish travel bike. Maybe a top fuel, or the new trance 29 too.

[@spiral99able]

Good review..

[@jctrails]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Stickybutton]

Hi there, may I know what the mounting hardware for your RockShox rear shocks are for the Ripley please? Thanks!

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

Totally agree with your assessment. Tallboy weighs more (even in the cc version) and descends like its 130mm of travel. Ripley is lighter, faster and more agile in so many ways. It also climbs so much better but it rides very firm in descents. Depends on what you want more of. Tallboy also has that adjustability. Tallboy works great out here in Colorado, oh wait, so does the Ripely for the climbs, ha, ha...

[@jctrails]

Travel the Narrow Trail haha it’s so hard to decide 🤯

[@dcouture79]

Demoed that Tallboy from BB last weekend. Absolutely loved it!

[@jctrails]

Derek Couture buy it!!!

[@dcouture79]

I am, going to build though:)

[@jctrails]

Derek Couture congrats man!

[@dcouture79]

JC TRAILS Thanks! Can’t wait to ride it

[@seanmccarron9061]

What size are you getting and how tall are you? I am from a XC background and have always ridden larges, but these trail bikes are taking some getting used to. There's a Tallboy in town but the large feels a bit too tight in the cockpit. I am 6ft with long arms and a 32in inseam.

[@sagecolorado]

I recently demoed the Ibis Ripley GX and was wondering if the Deore is going to be that much of a difference? This will be my first full suspension bike and the price tag of $4200 sounds much better than $5400 but if there is that much difference I will spend the extra money. Any words of wisdom?

[@skeeburton3360]

Very well done

[@jenniferdavenport9571]

Hmmm...downhill on my Ripley is fast and stable...put a 140 fork on which might add to the stability. I also have a DHF 2.5 WT up front and a 2.5 Aggressor out back. I live in Northern California and it is perfect. My only issue is dialing in the rear suspension...wish it was a 130 while in the rock gardens. I love my Rip!

[@jctrails]

Hey Jennifer downhill on the Ripley is a hoot, I can’t wait to install the 140 airspring and give it a rip. I just wish their more shock offerings in the 190x42.5 size. It’s the only thing holding it back like you said. The Tallboy out of the box feels more stable at speed especially over rougher terrain. I also love my Ripley . Thanks for watching.

[@dav31078]

Are you going to try the Ripley at 140mm in the front? Still feels snappy but I don't have to use as much brake on descents. Thanks for the info on the Deluxe shock too. Loving how mine feels!

[@jctrails]

David Campbell going to install it this week.

[@Sdm07120]

What’s the verdict with the 140 fork on the ripley?

[@jasoncapecod]

enjoyed this format!! living in the NE and only able to own one bike, I like to ride park too..which one would you lean towards?

[@jctrails]

Jason definitely Tallboy. For a 120mm bike it has the geo of a mini Enduro bike. Plus the frame feels like it can take more of a beating.

[@popoypoop]

How good u think of a climber is the ibis ripley compare to yeti sb100?

[@popoypoop]

What build is your ripley Jc? Thinking of gettn just the nx...

[@jctrails]

It’s a frame up build. Full custom. The NX build will be awesome.

[@bike_somm]

The was killer!!!! My Mega weighs quite some change over 30... Lol sooo I'm going to be building a Short Travel 29er soooon 🤞🏼🧐

[@jctrails]

Bike Somm Tallboy???

[@bike_somm]

JC TRAILS Sooo that match maker in me wants to be all cool and get a Santa Cruz Tallboy which would be sooo epic for a tasteful glass of burgundy 🍷 to compliment my mint chip Mega Dessert 🍨 Buuuuut the Tallboy is more DownCountry then Country.. so I feel like the Ripley is my winner when it comes to all out flowy pedaling and climbing which is what I want out of a second bike more then DH powers since I have the Mega.. but I’m gonna modify it a bit, 140 fox 34 (eventually I’ll throw the new grip2 in that guy) a shorter stem around 35-40mm & tougher casing tires just for funzies.. I figure this will keep me tame enough on most trails yet leave me longing more for my Mega on Steep & rowdy trails/parks. It will be slightly aggressive for Downcountry but more country still then down 🤞🏼🤠🚲💨🎉

[@johnperea7121]

Thanks for this. How would you compare your old Stumpjumper ST to these bikes?

[@jctrails]

John Perea the ST is very similar to these bikes, 120mm of travel 130 fork etc... The only thing the ST is missing is a steeper seat tube angle. The TB and Ripley put me a more comfortable climbing position, which in turn means I can ride longer.

[@johnperea7121]

@@jctrails Thanks for the feedback man.

[@ryrummler8143]

The st has the same seat tube angle at 76 degrees

[@jctrails]

The Rumdog the large ST has a 75.1 seat tube angle I believe

[@ikharl328]

How would the pivot 429 stack up with these bikes??

[@wonderwatch2239]

Ripley would be perfect for my riding, but but my fav lbs has SC, and ibis dealers in Scandinavia are shit, so went with the tallboy.... just waiting for the last parts, for the build🤘

[@jctrails]

Jesper Lund the Tallboy still gets up and goes especially with some light weight tires. Enjoy that Tallboy

[@flow2tech]

@@jctrails personally , the tall boy just looks more aesthetically pleasing to the eye...

[@jctrails]

Trevor Bohnsack I agree with you the lower link design makes for a good looking bike.

[@Eramirez209]

Thank you! Its a coin flip for me. I bought the Tallboy based on looks although Ibis is a better buy. Thank you!

[@dirtbike9003]

Megatowaaa??? Good review JC. How does the forks compare? Pike vs F34...

[@jctrails]

Dirt Bike I prefer the Pike. I’ve ridden the more expensive Fox 34 Factory fork and it is nice but the Pike just feels stiffer. Plus the damper provides better small bump sensitivity.

[@chumpmtb2554]

Cliffhanger! I wanted to know what the Megatower weighs 😑 btw, Is that the replacement for the flatduro?

[@jctrails]

Chump MTB haha no it’s for a future video.

[@iopusor]

I like the video! But the coffe was weak. :D

[@joshuas.8239]

Lmao shit probably would knock you on your butt

[@iopusor]

@@joshuas.8239 coffee is supposed to be black. Not look like tea.

[@milespennwright5925]

Just went for my first on my new Ripley. It rides like a dream. And it really can climb which is the main reason I went with the Ripley. The tires seem a bit big and heavy. What did you switch yours to for the video? They look cool too, I always liked tanwalls.

[@jctrails]

Miles Pennwright I have the specialized fast track tires on there right now. Probably going to switch up to some Maxxis Rekons once this wear out. I do like the light weight feeling of these tires but man not much traction.

[@Joe2Jock]

Miles, I've gone to a Bontrager XR4 / XR3 combo on my Ripley and love it. 2.6 in the front, 2.4 in back. You could go 2.4 in front as well and lose even more weight.

[@phill1491]

Man I’m so torn. I’m looking at both of these as well as the new YT IZZO. But I also can’t decide if I should go medium or large. Also 5’10. Currently on a medium that feels great sitting and pedaling uphill, but needs more reach standing on the down hill. Do I go with a new medium that has more reach with a slightly longer stem, or do I go with a large and a super short stem and slide the seat forward?

[@marklee3570]

I'm 5'10 and medium is the way to go. The PF BB on the YT Izzo is a bummer! I was about to pull the trigger on the YT but stopped short when I check the specs and it said PF BB. I think I'll go with Ibis. DW-link have less pedal-bob compared to VPP going uphill.

[@TheCureThatKillz]

Thanks for showing us you making coffee. Haha

[@mountainlessbiking3268]

Any thoughts on how the new YT Izzo would stack up?

[@jctrails]

Mountainless Biking That new Izzo looks sick. 🤔

[@PredatorDK]

I would be very interested in a review of the Izzo too. Looks like a killer bike with numbers that suggest it would fit in between the Tallboy and the Ripley, despite having 10 mm more travel at the rear.

[@jctrails]

PredatorDK it sure would. Anyone want to send one my way.

[@TheStabbyCyclist]

The Izzo's geometry numbers are nearly identical to the Ripley. While the Izzo has 10mm of travel on the Ripley, it seems like YT was trying to tap into the more XC-style end of the trail market, where the Ripley seems to land as well. The narrow bars and remote shock spec'd by YT suggest they're trying to remain in the XC domain rather than nudging into the more all-mountain territory and the PinkBike review definitely confirms that. Unfortunately the 165lb PinkBike reviewer mentioned hearing the 2.35 Forekaster tire buzzing on the chainstays which makes me hesitant about the stiffness of the bike. I've never heard any qualms about the stiffness of the Ripley and honestly I'd trust the Ripley with a burlier build as well, especially when considering the tried-and-true manufacturer warranty and local bike shop support (both things that seem to be absent from YT bikes). I'd been looking into purchasing a Ripley and actually placed an order for one of the Izzo Pro Launch Editions after seeing the nearly identical geo numbers. Based on the additional 10mm of travel and the reputation of the YT brand, I thought the Izzo might be like a burlier Ripley but after more research it doesn't seem like that's really the case. As someone who rides undulating, root-ridden XC-ish trails during the week and gnarly enduro trails on the weekends I really want a short-travel trail bike that pedals well but can also handle drops, jumps, big roots, and rock gardens. Unfortunately, I don't think the Izzo really fits that bill. I ended up cancelling my order.

[@PredatorDK]

@@TheStabbyCyclist The Izzo just seems a bit confusing when you add up the numbers. More travel than both the Ripley and Tallboy, slacker head angle than the Ripley (in low setting) and almost as slack as the Tallboy - but also 20-25 mm less reach and steeper seat tube angle than the other two. The numbers point in both directions. I don't know how much to put into the handlebar width though as that comes down to personal preference. The Tallboy comes with 760 mm bars as well despite being the most descent-orientated of the bunch. But I actually didn't notice the part about rear tire buzz in the PB review. That could indeed indicate a flexy rear triangle..

[@AOL0321]

How about the Pivot Trail 429 vs. the Ripley? Two DW Link platforms!

[@jctrails]

Gregory Ceconi you read my mind. That will be coming later.

[@paradox963]

You can compare which has more rocks stuck in the DW link at the end of the ride.

[@jctrails]

paradox963 haha so true!

[@frankc720]

@@jctrails but i want to know now. hahaha. great reviews.

[@TheJofrica]

Another bike in this category would be the Scott Spark (like the 930, not the RC version). Any thoughts on the Scott Spark?

[@jaydogg1911]

When you are ready to sell your Ripley, can I buy it from you?

[@raivkka4313]

For New England I went from a 120 bike to a 135, better for rolling roots and rocks.

[@jctrails]

Raivkka What bike did you go with? A 135 bike is a good do it all bike for sure.

[@cosmicheretic8129]

I did the same...twice. OG Hightower and Pivot Switchblade. Both rip.

[@raivkka4313]

@@jctrails Went from an Evil Following MB to a Knolly Fugitive LT. At 56 years of age, I wanted something a bit more comfortable. The Following is a faster pedaling bike (and lighter) but that is not my main requirement at my age.

[@blombardo83]

@@raivkka4313 I'm from NH and have an MB. Thinking of a140 bike for a do it all. Don't know which one to go for 🤷

[@Dabnell12]

Would you say the SC blur trail is as capable as the tallboy? Trying to decide which one to buy...

[@jctrails]

The Blur TR is still a XC bike. The TB is way more capable and still pedals pretty well. If your going to race XC and ride your local trails with your buds but the Blur. If you are going to ride 90% trail and do an occasional XC race get a the TB

[@Dabnell12]

@@jctrails Thanks for the reply! What if I swapped the fork with a 120mm? Would I be able to ride most trails? I'm looking for a light bike that can climb well and do well on the downhill.

[@JonTaSpeCk]

@@Dabnell12 thats not Blur, I went from tb3 to tb4 and its night & day for the descending. Blur TR is almost pure xc bike, while new tb should be named "mini/small tower"

[@justinwbohner]

These bikes are so well designed but then spec'd with a weenie shock. I'd swap that thing out riki tic.

[@gregkosinski2303]

One thing worth pointing out is that the rear shock positioning on the Santa Cruz is not the most convenient for cleaning. I love my Bronson long time, but it is a minor gripe.

[@vincey70]

Do you know how a trance 29 would compare to these?

[@leejohnh22]

Take a look at vital mtb comparison here : www.vitalmtb.com/features/Vital-MTB-Test-Sessions-Five-Slack-Short-Travel-29er-Mountain-Bikes-Reviewed,2835

[@ikharl328]

Adding 429 would b confusing

[@terrymtbnurse4760]

Love the channel bro, but man you must be bored, lol Ride fast, be safe.

[@jctrails]

Yup more videos coming your way!

[@terrymtbnurse4760]

@@jctrails glad to hear it man. we will be back out shredding in no time. Until then I ride gravel. Peace!

[@jcmymtb1258]

Im 200 pounds geared up, its the ibis still good for me?

[@jctrails]

Flex LCS heck ya. The Ripley can take it.

[@jcmymtb1258]

JC TRAILS thanks JC

[@zxtenn]

What about them compared to an SB 115? I am looking at a 2021 T-2 version, that's BARELY used for 6100.00 and you know the list price

[@tennissir1986]

Wow - he doesn’t mention which build of the Ripley he’s reviewing - there are 5 models about $6000 apart ! ! !

[@paul_hd1875]

Strange to me how there's even a 120-130mm segment in the industry... why limit yourself and not just go 140-150mm, and get a bike with geometry that suits you, and your trails. Lot's of DH... get a Bronson... Lot's of climbing... get a Hightower... Little bit of both... get a Stumpy. If you don't have the need for 140-150... then you probably don't have the need for a full suspension MTB... so get a 110mm XC bike. I'd hate to have a ST29er that bottoms out, forcing me to consider ANOTHER $5K+ bike purchase. Stumpy or bust for me...

[@jctrails]

Paul 90% of my local riding only requires a 120 bike. I don’t know if you have ridden the Ripley or Tallboy but they are pretty capable. They almost feel like a mid travel trail bike but pedal really well (especially the Ripley). For the times when I go out west or to bike parks I’ll rent a DH bike or bring my Enduro. If I only had one bike it would be for sure a Stumpjumper, HT, or the new Switch Blade. As for riding a pure XC race bike my frail body can’t take the beating, I need that little squish to make it past 10 miles.

[@superdacoolman]

JC TRAILS people don’t really realize 120-130 capability and application. 150 + is only needed for heavy dh enduro. Any trail riding with appropriate feature selection the Ripley will do. A 140 fork and a DPX2 and you have a Ripmo killer. 90% of ppl can not tap Ripmo capability zone.

[@GOTCHAPARK]

Dude for the price point the tall boy is the winner …….. Ibis is not a cheap bike .

[@jmard24]

The pivot trail 429 reigns supreme. Fight me

[@frohrers281]

Sb100 vs ripley

[@jctrails]

Fred Rohrer that would be a great comparison!

[@AOL0321]

Two different bikes no? Competing bikes for the SB 100 would be the SC Blur and say the Pivot Mach 4 SL. I test rode the Pivot Mach 4 SL this past Fall and loved it! Laser sharp and fairly quick handling, climbs like a tractor, and definitely felt more like 120mm in the rear suspension. Felt very light too!

[@flow2tech]

@@AOL0321 sb 130 would be closer to the ripley ...130 is like a mini enduro rig tho that climbs impeccably despite the weight penalty.

[@mtbsavant5414]

SELL ME EITHER ONE. Btw these are old news, it's all about the YT Izzo right? lol

[@jctrails]

Haha! I have an Enduro for sale😬

[@mtbsavant5414]

@@jctrails ouch. Too soon?

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

@@jctrails Selling the Enduro already? You were just getting started.

[@jctrails]

Travel the Narrow Trail no way. Savant and I are just messing around.

[@LCNismo]

Pedal bob on the tallboy?? What?? The Ibis is worse than most bike I've ridden.

[@Projectnortheast]

Pssst... subliminal message... your shirt reveals the true winner!

[@jctrails]

Projectnortheast MTB haha! Stumpjumper!!!

[@yegmtb8377]

You need a french press my dude

[@jctrails]

Yeg Mtb never tried one. Maybe with all this time off I will go get one.

[@yegmtb8377]

@@jctrails it makes ground coffee taste so good . i love the brand kicking horse they have tons to choose from check them out sometime

[@nickmanser8661]

Pivot trail 429

[@hotrizzle15]

the Santa Cruz is an Audi, the Ibis Ripley is a Ferrari

[@jmard24]

laughs in pivot trail 429

[@furion..]

Either I can't hear you or your music blows me out of the room. 😒

[@jesselee4405]

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!