Transition Spur vs Ibis Ripley AF

In this video I ride the Ibis Ripley AF and Transition Spur back-to-back to talk about how they compare.
My first impressions of the Ripley AF
• Ibis Ripley AF Review:...
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[@karl1120]

I just built up a Ripley AF with normal components: 29 lbs with pedals, Wahoo mount, and Wolftooth bag mount. Enve AM30 wheels, RaceFace carbon bars, I9 stem, and SLX/XT group.

[@daved2023]

I've been riding my XO1 Spur since January and it has truly lived up the the hype!

[@martynprice87]

Great video as always Clint. I want the AF as my next bike

[@jimrutherford2773]

From what I have heard from other riders is the Ibis Ripley has great anti-squat when climbing.

[@mattdennison5377]

I really enjoy your reviews Clint, you do an excellent job. I have ridden both the Spur and the carbon Ripley. I ended up purchasing the Ripley. They are both great bikes but I think between those two, it comes down to where you ride and the type of riding you do. I live in north Florida and the Ripley seems more suited for the tight twisty trails and short punchy climbs around here. It is more nimble and quick turning than the Spur. The Spur was a little too long and slack for me and at 5' 7", the shorter size medium Ripley fits me and my riding style better. I have ridden both bikes in the mountains of north Georgia and if I lived in the mountains I would have gone with the Spur, it descends better, is more stable and I think it has better suspension even though it has less travel. The Ripley gets bounced around more on the descents and I didn't feel as confident as I did on the Spur. I don't think you can go wrong with either one just decide which one suits you better and customize to your preference. I would definitely go with shorter cranks on the Spur though, too many pedal strikes with 175's!

[@jonathanbragg4448]

Fully agree. I live in the mountains in Utah and picked the Spur for the exact reasons you said.

[@hammertime7740]

Thanks for Videos Clint! Im deciding between these two bikes right now. Leaning towards the ripley and getting lighter wheels.

[@azovandy14.88]

Did you end up choosing going through similar deliberation with Ripley and a couple others?

[@theonlyDougBlack]

Thanks for going through and posting that. It was actually really helpful.

[@derrickj925]

Just recently put a 140mm fox 36 on the ripely af. I like it a lot more and it became more of an all a-rounder. I heard nothing but good things about the spur 👍

[@robp3431]

Most of my bikes are carbon, but have an aluminum FS Stumjumper and once I get used to "the feel" it can be just as fast on certain trails, so I'm not surprised the Ripley AL does so well.

[@markneley]

Great, intelligent, sensible and informative review. Waiting for my Ripley af as we speak. Highlight was the way you handled the other riders that you met. Good manners of bike and rider.

[@scottaw]

The Ripley AF at its price point is very difficult to beat. The frame design and build kit make it a super value for the $3K mark. So the fact it compares so well to the higher price point Spur can’t be overlooked for those with a $3K budget. In the current market, prices of bikes have gone up quite a bit, and the Ripley AF stands out even more in that regard. Would be good to compare the carbon Ripley against the Spur if ever given the chance, along with bikes like the Epic Evo or Top Fuel, similar down country bikes at that higher price point. Jealous of your weather down there, it’s been a month of rain here in the NorthEast!

[@Myyst0211]

Really wish you could do a comparison between the Ibis Ripmo and the Transition Sentinel. Looking to get one or the other next year.

[@jasoncapecod]

I just picked up a new ripmo af gx build in may. I love the bike handles the nj chunk amazing Just not super crazy about the dvo fork

[@Myyst0211]

@@jasoncapecod yeah leaning more towards the Transition because of the Fox suspension

[@hevdread]

@@jasoncapecod i have the ripmo as well, what dont you like about the DVO fork?

[@jasoncapecod]

@@hevdread there is a fair amount of sticktion in the initial travel and I can’t seem to dial in the rebound and noisy. Oh one more thing. The mud guard is a papers width from the tire Stock tires from ibis

[@hevdread]

@@jasoncapecod maybe im a fattie, but i havent noticed the stiction being and issue, ill have to pay more attention. also still ahve my mud guard in the box of extra parts. thanks for the reply though always good to hear other opinion and experiences.

[@50mtb44]

Cost vs Weight? The Spur cost TWICE the price of the Ripley AF. You mentioned weight often, yet did not point out the difference in components. My guess, if you transferred the exact components from the Spur to the Ripley AF, the weight and feel difference would be minor (maybe 1.5 pounds - due to alloy frame). That said, thought it was a very fair review. Two cool bikes. Thanks for sharing.

[@ashevillescarborough]

Love that spur. Seems like the perfect compliment to an enduro rig if you live in the mountains and want something lighter but capable. Nothing wrong with a Ripley though!

[@letour32rr]

Love this review. Your Florida trails look to be very similar to the trails in the Atlanta Metro area so you’re reviews are much more applicable than something from Pinkbike, GMBN, or really any other reviewer. I appreciate your insight. That said, I’ve been looking for a “quiver killer” for awhile now and had pretty much narrowed it down to these two. My 2011 Specialized Epic Comp 29er is great for pure racing, but sketchy on fast downhills in the mountains with XC Race tires. I got a Polygon Siskiu D6 (120/120mm) trail bike in late 2020 while waiting for an Ibis Ripley AF to become available, but it really is sluggish even after upgrading everything but the headset and getting it under 30lbs. Glad I didn’t end up with the Ibis though as it sounds like the Spur will be a better choice. Thanks again!

[@hongziyang]

Yikes, I missed the Ripley carbon going up to 5k for a deore build. That makes the AF closer to $2k cheaper. That’s a lot of cheddar.

[@Drogos79]

Would love to see Ibis Ripley AF stacked up against aluminum top fuel. I think these are one of the two most capable trail bikes out there.

[@edlorenz1552]

So essentially the Ripley AF is the bike most people should ride for most of the trails out there. Sans racing or Enduro/ Downhill events. Sounds like the perfect bike. Take those heavy tires off and enjoy a day out on the trails.

[@built2last409]

The Transition Spur rear suspension arrangement is much more simple. Utilizing the flex stays to eliminate extra pivots and all. What I keep wondering is, is the complexity and weight of the DW link set-up on the Ripley creating a kinematic advantage worth the weight and complexity? Could the planted feeling your perceiving on the Ripley possibly be to some degree a result of the extra sensitivity of the suspension? Other than tire choice and weight the suspension kinematics would be the other major factor it would seem.

[@patrickmckellips5960]

Another great piece!!

[@stevenchristiansen289]

Im wondering how the 2022 SC Blur (TR build and also around 26 lb) with 120 F/115 R, would compare to the Spur?

[@MrBig617]

Along with the current Kona Hei Hei

[@kylebecker9787]

this!! im between these two bikes

[@JinPheh]

By some stroke of luck would the shock and fork on the Spur happen to be compatible with the Ripley? I'm really curious how much weight you could save and what the feel would be like if you traded suspension parts. Similarly, if you ever get your hands on a carbon Ripley and make the same trade I wonder how low you could get the weight.

[@nicks8026]

Thanks for the reviews and comparison. After riding my all mountain focused HT for a couple of years and borrowing long travel bikes from friends, I’ve decided that I don’t want to be overbiked. I’d prefer something lighter, more maneuverable and less gravity focused. Thinking about buying my first full suspension bike and considering these two, along with the YT Izzo and Norco Fluid. Trying to keep the spend at around $4k so the Spur would be a reach. Funny hearing you talk about bike shortages. Oh, how things have changed over the last year - from scarcity, we’re now seeing surpluses. Cheers!

[@ClintGibbs]

I agree. I would rather be under-biked. Regarding the surplus, there are still mini bikes back ordered. It’s a weird time. I was just talking to a buddy at work a few minutes ago and he has had a bike on order for a year and a half. I think things like chains and cassettes and other consumables are still hard to get, preventing bikes from being assembled and shipped out.

[@thomaskuhn6541]

Thanks for the comparison, I think more companies should offer aluminum alternatives, I actually prefer the feel over carbon. Wish Niner would reintroduce an alloy frame Jet.

[@hongziyang]

Totally agree. I miss the alloy jet 9 option.

[@edge2991]

i am five'9 but have been riding a stump comp alloy large and feel like i am not gonna fly off the bike when going downhill in comparison to my medium marlin six

[@heyg7819]

I've been futzing around with these numbers for a Ripley build when components (SLX) get back to normal. Ripley CF without shock is 5lbs and Ripley AF with shock (~8oz) is 7.45 so it's roughly 2lbs difference in frame weight and $1300 difference in price. If spec'ing the build with the same components a $1300 savings is nothing to ignore or do you dump the savings into carbon/hydra wheels or go the SRAM AXS route? I'll get to ride the Ripley CF later this summer in Colorado, something I've been putting off so I don't make an irrational decision, not that you can find one to purchase anyway:)

[@GerardoGarcia-kj9qf]

Are you going to review the new transition spire?

[@ClintGibbs]

If I can get my hands on a demo in the future.

[@benc.8103]

Great work Clint. I’m 6’3 and weigh 230. I ride the transition smuggler and love the feel of that bike. I worry about my size on. Carbon bike. I enjoy the climbing and love the fast downhill. I always seem to punish my suspension but my smuggler handles the abuse quite well. Any recommendations on my next setup? Leaning towards the AF but love my Transition.

[@ClintGibbs]

The transition sentinel would be a good option as well. That thing is built like a tank but still fairly light. Carbon is actually extremely durable if built right. The spur in my opinion would be a bit flexy for you at your weight. The Ripley AF of course would be a great choice.

[@benc.8103]

@@ClintGibbs thank you 🙏

[@mkassal]

I got the Ripley AF, very similar dimensions to you (1 inch taller). Would recommend the XL AF, but cut fork steerer tube long and leave lots of headset spacers, and get longer headset to accommodate the longer legs with the tighter cockpit. Very happy with bike so far, I do rides similar to ones in video. Agree with Clint assessment on flex probably bigger issue. At our weight, couple of pounds in frame weight, doesn't make a big difference (though I haven't tried Spur TBH)

[@mikefish4561]

Awesome riding, Sir! Slow tech wizard.

[@harvey3220]

Clint, I have been looking for what might be my last bike to buy, I am 68 and hope to ride technical and flow trails for as long as I can before limiting my self to easy trails. So I loved this review, been considering the Ripley AF or a Fezzari Cascade. What do you think, any chance to test the Cascade? Thanks mucho, love your channel.

[@snat6299]

Price seems to be a big difference also with these two bikes, so budget would come into play for me. Thanks for the review I’ve got a ripmo af and its a really good bike up here in the Carolinas. I’d like to ride the spur in Pisgah just to see how it does in comparison.

[@ClintGibbs]

I'll be in Pisgah next weekend and bringing the spur and Sentinel.

[@TheNationalTrails]

Wondering if xr1700 wheels are a bit too narrow for "serious" off-camber trail?

[@TheNationalTrails]

Just remembered you changed wheels. But, the Ripley likely has about 10mm more internal width.

[@danielphythian76]

Keep the videos coming Clint

[@Outdawrzman]

You need to test the new Trek Top Fuel vs Spur

[@davidhodgson7764]

Great vid, superb scenery and informative content. Are you no longer going to be riding Giant bikes?

[@ClintGibbs]

My local giant dealer closed down.

[@Garred34]

Good review. What's the difference in the weight between the two bikes?

[@ClintGibbs]

About 7 pounds

[@Garred34]

@@ClintGibbs - Thanks Clint. Unfortunately that's a lot when you're going uphill. Appreciate the good reviews 👍

[@maxbas6674]

Great comparison Clint! How was the 34 GRIP fork. Does it hold the bike back? Would you upgrade to a FIT4 oder GRIP2 fork? Thanks!

[@ClintGibbs]

I've had several bikes with the Fox GRIP damper and have absolutely no issues. Personally, for my type of riding, the performance is spot on.

[@jimrutherford2773]

Do you think the carbon Ripley would be good for XC riding being a lighter platform than the Ripley AF?

[@ClintGibbs]

Yes, it would make a good XC bike. Unless you're a very casual racer, I don't think it would make a great race bike. I mean, you could do it with some race wheels but it wouldn't be the fastest bike. But for all around cross-country and trail riding it would be fine. Similar, in my opinion to the Niner jet nine that I really like.

[@jernest3321]

I guess a fair comparison would be a Ripley carbon 120mm front travel with same components drivetrain as the Spur nonetheless the review was interesting. Thanks

[@hylandfisher3744]

How tall are you and what is your inseam? How is the Spur for manualing and popping the front wheel quickly ?

[@ClintGibbs]

I'm 5 ft 8 in and have about a 31 inch inseam. The spur does not manual as easily as bikes with shorter wheelbases. The best manualing 29er I rode was the Niner jet nine RDO.

[@terrymtbnurse4760]

Hey Clint, great video as always. Long time sub here. I'm going to be taking a travel nursing job where I'll be traveling all over the US. I've asked a couple KZbinrs that I respect you being one of them on thoughts of a bike that can handle a multitude of different trails throughout the US. I currently own a Surly Karate Monkey steel hardtail, good for MI but my knees are starting to feel it. One KZbinr recommended the Rocky Mountain Element. I would love to hear your thoughts on a bike that could handle most trails without being to sluggish on the more XC trails. I'm 53 y/o and can ride very well, no big jumps though. Transition and Ripley look amazing just don't know what there capabilities are. Thanks.

[@ClintGibbs]

Either of these bikes would really fit the bill. I would also add the Niner jet 9 and the yeti SB130

[@terrymtbnurse4760]

@@ClintGibbs Thank you

[@mitchelllawver6097]

Pivot trail 429 enduro build

[@terrymtbnurse4760]

@@mitchelllawver6097 thanks for the reply. That Pivot is nice, but man is it expensive.

[@jeremykillingbeck5701]

Clint, did you feel like the spur was a little more difficult to navigate on the tight sections of the trail? It's hard to tell, but in the video it appears that the Ripley was easier to get around the turns and keep on a straight line up the climbs. Also, if you had to pick would you buy a Ripley or Spur?

[@ClintGibbs]

I would say the Ripley is ever so slightly more manageable on tight trails. But if I rode tight trails all the time I probably ride a scout or mojo. If I picked up a Ripley it would be the carbon version. I could honestly go with either that or the spur a's my primary trail bike. To me would really come down to the relationship you have with your local bike shop and/or or the deal you can get on one.

[@hammertime7740]

The scout is a trail bike. I miss mine.

[@davewallace9048]

Great review!!

[@EpicEvolution]

Hey Clint, what's your heigh? Any thoughts about M or L size for Spur if you're in between of Transition recommendations?

[@ClintGibbs]

5'8". The medium transitions fit me really well

[@EpicEvolution]

@@ClintGibbs thanks!

[@MountainFutures]

How tall are you, Clint? Just curious about the M vs. L Spur--the Spur seems to come in bigger measurements relative to frame sizes versus other bikes I've been on.

[@ClintGibbs]

5'8"

[@davewallace9048]

I’m doing a custom build on the AF gonna build up around 27 pounds should be killer!!

[@ClintGibbs]

Nice. Such a great riding bike

[@BoxCarBoy12]

Can you give any details on your build? 27lbs is very light for a 7.5lb frame, most carbon Ripleys would be heavier than that

[@denbo74]

Did I miss something or did the Ridley price increase $1000 all the sudden?

[@bg8826]

Hi Clint have you ever considered reviewing The Cube Stereo 150 C:68 TM? I’d really appreciate your thoughts about the bike. Cheers from Scotland.

[@sanabibimtb]

Great video dude! Very informative and entertaining! Thank You all from me and my Channel! ❤️❤️❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@christhee68]

Is it lame that the deciding factor for me is the extra water bottle storage?

[@ClintGibbs]

Most full suspension mountain bikes today only hold one water bottle. Hydration packs!

[@brandydog47]

The 6 lbs difference isn’t the frame being aluminum. Even Ibis has to stretch the truth to exaggerate the difference - Ripley 5 lbs w/o shock vs AF 7.45 lbs w/ shock. See what they did there. That weight difference is real, but not driven by the frame material.

[@roadlesstraveledd]

Totally agree. If both bikes had the same components, the difference should be about 2lbs. The Ripley AF is a hell of a bike!

[@mancello]

Have an XC Canyon Exceed 29er with carbon frame and wheels. Would never go back to aluminum. Once you get used to a more nimble lighter bike it would be hard to give that up. Good review.

[@edlorenz1552]

Depends on the build. My Orange Stage Evo weighs 23 pounds. Also depends on the trails you ride. You're not going to rip downhill on a steep HA bike like you can on a slacker bike.

[@norcal-ce7yk]

I have carbon and aluminum MTBs, there are benefits to each depending on rider weight and esp depending on what type of riding you're doing. My Canyon Lux Team Race is great at XC trails, light, nimble, ect...but I would never use a carbon fiber bike and def not carbon wheels when riding fast chunky DH style trails. For heavier riders 200lb+ an aluminum frame and wheels can be much more forgiving on the body and the wallet when riding Enduro / DH type trails.

[@jonwitty1]

Clint, I put a 165 on my large Spur. With long, low and slack, I wonder why bikes are still spec’d with 175s?

[@ClintGibbs]

Lately I've noticed that more XC focused bikes come with 175s, and more trail and enduro focused bikes come with 170s.

[@REB4444]

Geometry has gotten to the point where there is a sweet spot already and no need to keep buying newer models. Just replace the components as they wear out with lighter upgraded parts and eventually you get to the bike you love without breaking the bank to start with.

[@L4J20]

12months out on a bike…this is ridiculous

[@oliver5911]

That's what the Pinkbike classifieds are for. Plenty of great options on there in the $3000 to $6000 range -- just be sure to have the bikes shipped from shop-to-shop using BikeFlights. Doing so allows you to have a shop at both ends of the transaction inspect the bike for issues.

[@cliffordrichardc]

Ripley AF better

[@cypriano8763]

I want a spur but it needs to have 150mm travel, 2.5 tires and weigh 20lbs

[@TheJeof1000]

Wow comparing aluminum vs carbon… pricing is different…. Should compare apple vs apple…

[@stevecrump1375]

Im not buying it...