Ibis Ripley AF Final Review: Do you really need carbon?

[@michael48742]

I just put roval carbon 29 rims on my ripley af. We are in Colorado and got to do our first mountain ride yesterday. I could not believe the acceleration the bike had and how compliant the ride felt. Total game changer and I cleared a 3 mile climb I’ve never cleared. Thanks Clint for honest reviews!

[@dantribby199]

I bought the Ripmo AF for my first full squish. DVO suspension, Deore , SLX brakes. The Ripley/Ripmo AF bikes are the best value on the market IMO. They even compete price wise with online only brands. I give IBIS credit for trying to make good bikes that just happen to be affordable.

[@TheAcfallejoseph]

How are you liking your setup? I'm looking at similar. Is there anything you would change? Do I need to get the most expensive setup? With your experience any advice would be so awsome.

[@dantribby199]

@@TheAcfallejoseph I like it, although admittedly I am not using it to its full potential(Lots to learn). I like the build. Really the only drawback is the weight. I did change to an maxxis Aggressor in the rear because the Assegai is a really slow rolling tire. I live in Minnesota so most of my riding doesn't require a big mountain tire.

[@TheAcfallejoseph]

@@dantribby199 I'm in NC so its a mix of sand and super mud. I do like some of the shocks that can be adjusted fairly quick. This will be my first full suspension as well

[@frankcobos7576]

What does it weight stock?

[@dantribby199]

@@frankcobos7576 I've never weighed it but it's probably 36lbs. It helped quite a bit when I went to a faster rolling rear tire.

[@Wieber84]

Great review nice to see a review that’s so focused on riding impressions and comparisons and not just reading out geo charts and parts lists thank you

[@mrarizonamtb]

I put a 140mm Fox Factory on mine which increased the head angle to 65 even. It's perfect for practically everything.

[@YeahhDan]

I put some carbon bars on my 2019 Giant Trance 2 alloy and it significantly reduced the amount of vibration i felt in my hands. Would recommend.

[@tarantulasam7609]

I also put carbon bars on my Trance 2 (2018). I confirm that it smoothed the chatter.

[@roadlesstraveledd]

what carbon bars did you go with? I'm also in the market!

[@tarantulasam7609]

I went with OneUp

[@stevensmith7603]

Thanks for the review. I have had the Ibis Ripley AF (Deore build) for 3 months. I agree with your comment about the weight of the bike being noticeable when accelerating through mostly flat and tight/twisty trails that I frequently ride. Feels sluggish to me. I Am considering switching to a set of carbon wheels and have already switched tires to Maxxis Rekons 2.4. Cant decide if I should go for the carbon wheelset or sell the Ibis and get something more XC oriented.

[@GF-cb8rr]

And by the time you pay for the carbon wheels you could have just as well purchased the carbon Ripley in the first place.

[@TheNinthPhotography]

What I love about alloy is that it doesn‘t break. Even with generous crash replacement policies, the risk of waiting a few weeks mid-season for a new frame is not worth any of the weight savings or other advantages carbon has to offer.

[@HollyBoni]

Doesn't break? 🙂 So if I've personally seen multiple cracked and broken alu frames, does that mean I was hallucinating?

[@dbtrackz33]

You live in your own world

[@field.palmer]

Only frame I've broken was aluminum, and that's way harder to fix than carbon

[@dalelakusta8143]

Loved that you mentioned near the end for people to hear that saving money getting an aluminum frame to start and get riding and then after putting carbon wheels on it later is dead on!

[@HollyBoni]

Nowadays getting an alu frame doesn't always save you money tho. Sometimes carbon and alu bikes are the same price with similar or the same level of components.

[@dalelakusta8143]

@@HollyBoni if a company sells a aluminum frame at the same price as a carbon one goes for don't buy it.

[@devinbyrnes8058]

@@HollyBoni that seems fake. I have never, ever seen a company selling the same bike with the same spec, and not charged 1 500$ more for the carbon frame.

[@markmoreno7295]

I got the AF and so far so good. It is my first squishy bike ever. I started with it locked out. I mostly use it 1/2 squish now unless I am up on a trail. Sure, in the future I may swap out the alum rims. I might even swap out the calipers for more modulation. Overall though, it feels pretty good. The steps between gears feels huge, but then my road bike has the 18 speed Pinion box with small even steps. I have tried lots of different tires but right now I have Maxxis Minion DHR II on front and Dissector in the back. I will next try the Assegai if I go up to the snow. Not sure if the Exo+ or the DD is better for sharp ice and crunchy snow.

[@lazylearner967]

Great review!

[@davewallace9048]

I’m building one right now with all high end parts..will be under 27lbs. I’ll see how it compares to my Yeti sb 100.

[@erikjorgenson6806]

How is the bike? Remarkably, I am considering selling my SB100 with similar thoughts.

[@jayswavely6371]

It is a killer set up and on sale

[@RU2AIM]

I doubt you'd feel all that much difference between this and your carbon bike on the flats & climbing *_IF_* you had the same tires & wheelset on both.

[@RU2AIM]

I'm set on 27.5'' because I had a $10,000 29'' and *hated* it, sold it and bought a 2018 27.5'' and loved it. - Now it's time to replace the stolen 27.5" and I'd love to get an Ibis but I want aluminum and 27.5" but they have no such offering yet. *Bummer.* I wish they would simply do a Ripley/Ripmo meld in 27.5" & aluminum with a *66° HA,* and *135mm* rear travel (like the Mojo4,) and I bet they'd sell a million.

[@albertopele3477]

I loved your review, I have my ripley on the way and I'm happy. Where could I find the support for the bottle cage, I'm seeing that with that piece you can save space. Thanks

[@j-b776]

Hi Clint! How would you compare that with Trance aluminum? I Just put a deposit on a 2022 Giant Trance X 29 1, but really that IBIS Ripley AF sure looks fun to ride!! Just wish was able to test ride, but impossible.. they all sold out! tempted on either bikes.. that will arrive 1st! I dont do downhill or jumps.. rough terrain & small climbs

[@tarantulasam7609]

I own a Ripmo and a Trance. I’ve also ridden my neighbor’s Trance X. The suspension design is more plush on the Trances. Suspension is more efficient in the Ibis. The Ibis climbs better. I like both bikes for different reasons. If you don’t do downhill or rocks, you will be overbiked on the Trance X in my opinion and you would probably like the Riply more. That being said, the Trance X is a great bike and with the available problem, if you have got it on the way, I would probably get it and enjoy it. You can put the flip chip in the high setting to make it more efficient. Who knows, you may start liking rocks and downhill and then you will really enjoy the Terrance X and my flip it back to the low setting.

[@j-b776]

@@tarantulasam7609 thanks for the input! I currently own a 18 Trance 2, reason i wanted X over regular T29.. i’m on the heavy side! 275 & was afraid bottom out.. figured X more travel should help! Basically same travel i have atm, but on a 29er instead.. that being said! That Ripley AF sure looks fun! All good positive on that bike and looks “peppy”.. i like my T2, it’s fun to n technical & “peppy” but wanna move newer bike & 29er I do “black” trails also.. small climbs & rough terrain.. but no major downhills, even jumps.. maybe some small drops not even call a drop hahha

[@tarantulasam7609]

@@j-b776 Gotcha. My Trance is also the 2018 model, the red one! It has been a great bike. Having ridden the X, it feels like a longer burlier version of the regular Trance. My neighbor loves it and just road the Whole Enchilada, Moab on it. On the trip, there was another rider that day with the Trance X too. I have not ridden the Ripley AF or the regular Ripley, but they do look like a lot of fun. They do have less travel than your current Trance. I really like my Ripmo (Version 2), it is a bit more burley than the Trance X, It is a blast, and often feels like a smaller bike than it is, until it takes a hit. The Ripmo is heavy though. My carbon model comes in at 31 lbs and the similar build the the aluminum model is plus two pounds on that.

[@Drogos79]

setup of this bike is almost perfect. It just needs 170 cranks in L and it will actually be a perfect trail bike

[@Drogos79]

the way these carbon bikes are speced...u don't get carbon wheels until u hit top spec...so....how about getting AF and adding carbon wheels. You are getting close to overall weight of carbon bike with aluminum wheels but weight savings are where they matter more. So essentially...for the price of Carbon ripley, you get ripley AF with 2 sets of wheels. One lightweight for mellow trails and stock alu wheels for real mountains. Someone convince me I am wrong...and people who can afford 10k bike with carbon everything ....shut up for once!

[@danielray1558]

Great video @clintgibbs- would you rather have the carbon frame with alloy wheels or the alloy frame with carbon wheels?

[@ClintGibbs]

Alloy frame and carbon wheels. I've actually mentioned that in some of my videos years ago.

[@danielray1558]

@@ClintGibbs thanks- I agree that the wheels probably make a bigger difference- my only thought in going the other way is that it seems easier to upgrade wheels down the road rather than to upgrade a frameset.

[@ClintGibbs]

That is true. It just really depends on your financial plans.

[@Jacob99174]

@Clint Gibbs I’m coming to Orlando, Florida sometime. Where can I rent good mtb’s from and what trail is best to ride? I enjoy tech and blue level trails with some elevation. Thanks ahead of time

[@robp3431]

Not Clint, but your best bet is likely Santos (Ocala), an hour north of Orlando....more rental shops there than any other FL trail. Next is probably Alafia / Boyette area .... an hour + WSW and not as many shops

[@Jacob99174]

@@robp3431 thanks, Rob! That was very helpful

[@Jacob99174]

@BluntForceTrauma MTB you’re the man, much appreciated. I may have enough time to check both out

[@tanpen15]

Thanks so much, Clint. Bought an XL a few days ago. What trail is that in the first few mins of the video? looks fun an flowy.

[@ClintGibbs]

DuPont State Forest

[@HollyBoni]

I just got a carbon bike, but only because it was the only trail bike in my price range that I could actually buy this summer due to the stock issues... 😅

[@marksandoval5361]

It would be fine if Ibis produced a light affordable version of the Ripley/Ripley AF by doing these things. Use lighter 120mm XC fork and shock. Use narrower i28mm aluminum rims. Use lighter tires, maybe 2.4 Maxxis Rekons.

[@casestudymtb]

As a company you don't slacken a head tube if that's the bikw you want. This was built to be a do it all short travel trail bike... and it's comparatively cheap. If you want a lightweight 120mm xc biks... or somehow a cheaper version of the spur, you're looking at the wrong bike.

[@DM-hw4cr]

I think you would have enjoyed the dvo suspension model even more. Definitely get rid of the sluggish tires.

[@jendabekCZ]

Another advantages of carbon - longevity (dural suffers from the material fatigue way more than carbon, especially on full-sus), it can be also repaired much easier. After my alu / dural frame cracked completely after few years of very calm driving, I don't want a bike with such frame material anymore. I don't think there is reason to buy dural these days when we can get quite cheap and reasonable quality carbon frames i.e. from Decathlon.

[@Anth230]

I personally want to get a couple of steel bikes. Road/gravel and a trail bike. Probably in the minority there..😂... but would like to get them just for fun.

[@davidross8233]

Great bike. Unfortunately I have a serious carbon allergy.

[@johngiannone736]

Did you have any issues with the rear shock changing from full open to trail mode by itself by the time u got to the bottom of the trail. I’ve tighten that little screw on the switch already too

[@ClintGibbs]

I didn't have that issue.

[@MichaelRei99]

I would like to change to carbon wheels on my 29er. What do you think is the least amount you could spend and still get a good quality wheel?

[@Jacob99174]

After my research, approx $1,500 or so. For good quality and warranty

[@sacdubro]

Check Hunt Wheels. I have a set of the All Mountain Carbon 29" they're riding well and strait for 210 lb clydesdale.

[@aaronrosenberg2037]

Roval Controls with the DTSwiss 350 hubs at 1480g and a good lifetime warranty- They're $1350 and you can use a 15% off coupon on the specialized website for signing up for their newsletter right now.

[@bikeboyrick5932]

Great review Clint! If you liked the AF you'll love the carbon version. Try to get Ibis to send you one! what carbon wheelset (specifically) would you put on this bike? and how much lighter do you think they would be vs the wheelset that came with the AF? I have the carbon version of this bike with Fox Factory (kashima), GX build, but with alloy wheels and thinking of upgrading. You might find this interesting. I crashed on my other bike and jammed my thumb, not broken but couldn't shift (thought I was done for a while). I put a GX grip shifter ($45) on my Ripley and I will never go back to paddle shifters again. I can shift up and down through multiple gears and anywhere in between faster and smoother than anything I have ever used. Such a clean look also!

[@mccown12]

Hey Clint, I'm trying to decide between the Ripley AF shown in your video and the YT Jeffsy Core 2 29er, also an alloy bike. Both have gotten good reviews and are around the same price. Do you plan to do a review of a YT bike in the future? Would love to get your opinion of their mountain bikes someday.

[@ClintGibbs]

No immediate plans but wouldn't mind doing in the future.

[@hongziyang]

Maybe I’ll get one in 2022!?

[@hongziyang]

Just kidding, it came WAY early. Had it a few weeks now and really enjoying it.

[@arturoespinoza1645]

i ; 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 ????

[@ClintGibbs]

Medium would be my suggestion

[@davidwallebeck9051]

What is the difference in weight. Any body know

[@roadlesstraveledd]

between the carbon ripley and the ripley AF? It's about 1.5lbs - 2lbs heavier if weighing just frame only

[@Gransport1965]

My XL carbon Ripley GX weighs 12.5 kg with Ibis carbon rims and Rekons.

[@davewallace9048]

My Ripley AF weighs 30.5 pounds with petals.. Like I’ve ever owned, and all my other mountain bikes were carbon!!

[@DaBinChe]

carbon frames are noisier than AL

[@roadlesstraveledd]

what are some decent 29er carbon wheels? The ripley AF is specced with S35 aluminum wheels @1880 grams (4.14 lbs).

[@billfrigo7602]

He mentioned Stan's wheels: looking at the Arch MK4 in 29", they weigh 1782g.

[@SigXman]

No. Because I carry a ton of water that offsets all that weight savings. I rather have my water.

[@crazykobe24]

Which is a better climber, Ripley AF or the Giant Trance Adv Pro bike you had prior ?

[@ClintGibbs]

I would say the Ripley because of the steeper seat tube angle

[@CaptainShiny5000]

If I had the choice I'd always choose Aluminium over carbon on an MTB. Big tires and full suspension alleviate the need for flex zones in the frame and you're not as likely to ruin the frame when you crash which is imo more likely given the rougher terrain higher risk riding you're likely to do compared to a Gravelride. I do ride a Trek Checkpoint SL Carbon Gravelbike and the compliance which build into the bikeframe makes up for the higher risk of breaking the feame imo, but on a Mountainbike the disadvantages of carbon outweigh the advantages imo.

[@huhupoklop5970]

The alloy version is same piece of crap as its carbon sister ? Just wondering how many disasters they actualy produce... ?!

[@SJ-ef4pv]

Me personally Alloy The only thing I can feel the weigh is the tyres probably go to tubeless and the crank set ? Carbon Will eventually break if you be stupid with it .. Google Marida one twenty 600. Good spec for its money 💰 good budget bike i’m by my second one. In-house brand. Like polygon