You are probably considering getting an Ibis Ripmo and not sure to go with the more affordable Ripmo AF or the slightly highly-priced V2. Well, you are in the right place.
We take a look at factors like the frame, climbing ability, descending, price, etc., of both bikes to give you a clear picture of which bike is best for you.
Let’s jump straight to it.
The Ripmo V2 In Brief
The first Ripmo V2 is an overhaul of the V1. V2 is more refined than its predecessor in handling, geometry, and travel. Ripmo has been one of the most popular Ibis bikes, and the company was all about making the Ripmo even greater.
A Detailed Review Of The Ripmo V2
Specs
- Front Travel: 160 mm
- Rear Travel: 147 mm
- Wheel Size: 29″
- Frame Material: Carbon
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- MTB Type: Trail/Enduro
Frame and Geometry
The Ripmo V2 comes with a carbon frame making it lighter than the Ripmo AF. The frame also offers excellent stiffness and performance and is built from high-grade materials. The frame will withstand the most brutal falls and get you home in one piece.
Ibis also worked on the V2’s geometry to make it more forgiving on the descents. The Ripmo has a 76-degree steep seat tube angle and 64.9-degree slacker head angle. The wheelbase has been increased across all sizes, from the small to extra-large frames.
The reach length is also longer, and the standover height is lowered. The bike places the rider centrally upright over the BB for an efficient position. The rider can then ride the bike better without putting lots of weight on the back.
Climbing
Undoubtedly, Ibis bikes have been conquering the climbs more than most bikes, and I can assure you that the V2 is a great climber. The carbon fiber bike feels comfortable even when you put all your energy on the pedal to get you to the peak.
The Ripmo V2 accelerates quickly and is so lively that it encourages the rider to stand on the pedals and spin the crank with motivation. However, as said before, the V2 was redesigned for a better downhill performance than the V1. The older V1 beats the V2 when it comes to climbing.
The V1 reigns over the V2 mainly because of the short reach and steeper head tube. The V2’s front wheel becomes lighter weight when the climb becomes steeper, and the rider is forced to lean forward to give it traction. Despite all that, the V2 performs better than most bikes that I have tried.
The Ripmo comes with a DW-link suspension design that keeps incredibly balanced on a not very steep climb which you can climb while seated or off saddling. The Ripmo AF may have the same geometry as the V2, but the former doesn’t perform as well when climbing. If you have extra bucks to spare, this is one reason to choose a V2 over the AF.
Descending
Full suspension capabilities are tested on a descent. How does the Ripmo V2 perform downhill? It’s an impressive bike with a plush suspension.
The V1 was incredible in this department, and I couldn’t wait to test the V2 and the AF on the same. The results were beyond my expectations. Both bikes were faster and more flexible than the V1.
With a 65 degrees head tube, this bike is guaranteed to dance down. The Ripmo V2 offers better maneuverability to leave you screaming with excitement.
Jumps, pump tracks, rocks, roots, bunny hopping, and any other challenge on the trail, the V2 will handle well. The V2 also allows you to negotiate sharper corners than most bikes would.
The geo and suspension design updates on the V2 make the bike more playful than the V1, especially on the stability. I have tried to push the V2 to a limit I never get to reach. It’s far more capable than what an average rider can do with it. The suspension is also responsive, and what’s more, you can decide to run a coil or air shock.
Whatever option you decide to take with the shock, you still get the full sus benefit of the V2. Thanks to the Traction Tune feature, the bumps feel like they don’t exist. The rear shock of the new Ripmo compresses and rebounds quickly to keep the rear tire on the ground for better traction.
More aggressive riders now have a bike that they can mercilessly push harder in the rough terrain, and the bike will still hold up.
The Ride Impression
The new Ripmo is exceptional. Of course, no bike is 100 percent perfect, but I think the V2 gets lots of love. The V2 will surely grace the podiums if it gets talented riders.
Though you must sacrifice its anti-squat and climbing efficiency for better traction on the rear, the bike is efficient and agile. It feels like a slacked-out enduro rig on the flats, which is also ready to conquer steep terrain.
The added wheelbase length and reach allow the rider to get low with every descent. The Ripmo V2 comes in different varieties going with other drivetrains. The Deore variety is on the lower side, while the XX1 type tops the cash box.
The Ripmo AF In Brief
As you might have read somewhere in the review, the Ripmo AF is the alloy version of the Ripmo. Though it features an alloy frame, the AF is sturdy and rides almost as swiftly as the V2. The AF means “Aluminum Frame.” Ibis’ main plan of introducing an alloy Ripmo was to bring the award-winning performance bike to a broader audience.
According to the manufacturer, the AF has every feature in the V2, excluding the frame material and a few tweaks.
In-Depth Review Of The Ibis Ripmo AF
Specs:
- Front Travel: 160 mm
- Rear Travel: 147 mm
- Wheel Size: 29″
- Frame Material: Alloy
- Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
- MTB Type: Trail/Enduro
Frame & Geometry
Bike frames have evolved for years. Aluminum was once the most popular material for building bike frames before carbon fiber hit the market. It doesn’t mean that alloy frames are weaker, but carbon frames are lighter, firmer, and more expensive. The AF is the more affordable Ripmo with a durable alloy frame.
The Ripmo AF also features borrowed looks from the Ripmo V1 and V2 and interesting modern geometry. Featuring a 76-degree seat tube angle and a 64.9-degree headtube angle, the AF is one of the slackest alloy enduro bikes on the market. It places the rider upright on the bottom bracket to reduce weight on the slack.
The bike also has a more spacious cockpit to better handle steep descents. Many mountain bikers suggest that the Ripmo AF is an enduro bike, but it can also perform like a trail bike. It’s pretty much like the V2 when it comes to components.
Climbing
The AF can rip the trails, but can it climb? Being a heavier bike than the AF, weighing about 8 pounds, you expect it to be slower on the climbs. It can’t be any slower than a bike of it is size. Nevertheless, the Ripmo AF is still a great climber amongst its peers.
I noticed that this bike is not one of those sit-and-spin-up bikes. INSTEAD, the AF motivates you to offsaddle and pump it up at the pedal. What might hold you back is your choice of tires. The Maxxis Assegai, for example, is said to be heavier and slower than the Minions.
The size medium AF is said to climb better as it puts the body weight and position towards the front. It feels so efficient on the climbs despite not being a lightweight bike.
I’ve seen several bikes on the market to opt for with the same climbing efficiency of the AF but costing more. You might want to make that financial choice.
Descending
The Ripmo AF might cruise downhill at the same speed as the V2, but you probably know where carbon rules over alloy. Carbon frames absorb more vibrations than alloy frames. Therefore, your comfort level while riding the AF will not be the same as that of V2.
That doesn’t suggest that the AF is a terrible bike to ride downhill. On the contrary, it’s one of the most comfortable alloy bikes, and the DVO suspension makes it even better. If you prefer coil shocks on your bike, you can install one on your AF.
The coil shock makes riding on high-frequency bums smoother than the stock air shock. The latter is still the quietest option and makes the AF a playing mantis on the descents. The AF is an impressive downhiller that’s worth trying.
It eats up a difficult terrain with incredible stability. The suspension is responsive, and the AF will thrill you, negotiate sharp corners at ease, perform jumps, roll over rocks and roots, and dominate the bike park.
Another thing I noticed about the Ripmo AF is its mid-stroke fork support, something most bikes don’t have. It is such a terrific bike and has excellent features, yet it’s very affordable.
The Ride Impression
The Ripmo AF performs well on the flats and other sections of the trail. Everyone rider wants a mountain bike that won’t hold them back. The AF is not harsh, even when you forget to change the rear suspension settings.
The faster you ride it, the more the AF seems to smooth a technical terrain, and you are motivated to increase speeds. However, for a better riding experience, you should read the DVO’s manual, a setup guide that helps you understand how OTT works.
Ripmo Types
The first Ripmo was the Ripmo V1. It was an instant hit in the MTB scene. The Ibis Ripmo V1 had some great features that made it a wonder on the trails.
The large-wheeled slasher, as Ibis described it was the cross between Ripley’s balance and speed and Mojo HD4 capabilities. The model was discontinued in 2020.
The next Ripmo was the Ripmo V2 and the Ripmo AF. The main difference between these two bikes that can be seen from far is the frame material.
The AF has precise aluminum welds. Apart from the frame material, the AF and the V2 are much like the same bikes. We are going to review them individually.
FAQs
Is Ibis Ripmo a boost?
Yes, the Ripmo is a boost, just like other Ibis bikes. This means that it has a spacing of 435 mm chainstays. Boost is a new technology that some bike frame manufacturers like Ibis have adopted and allows a wider axle to increase spacing between the hub flanges.
Is the Ripmo an enduro or trail bike?
The suspension of the Ripmo tends to suggest that it’s an all-mountain/endure bike. The bike comes with 160mm front and 145mm rear. Being an all-mountain, it can handle most types of riding, including trail.
How does Ripmo Compare to Ripley?
The Ibis Ripley is lighter in weight than the Ripmo. While the Ripmo weighs 6.2 pounds, the Ripley weighs 5.9 pounds. However, the weight difference is due to the travel of every bike. The Ripmo has a longer travel than the Ripley. The frames are of the same weight.
Wrapping Up
The Ripmo is not an ordinary bike. Ripmo V2 captured my heart and soul. The AF, on the other hand, surprised me with its progressive suspension design similar to V2. It’s a budget bike competing with expensive brands.
The V2 looks flawless, unlike the alloy AF with its open welds. It’s up to you to choose between the V2 and the AF while considering your budget.
Engage us if you have any questions.
