Ibis Cycles Introduces the Ripmo 6

The love child of a Ripley and the Mojo HD4, the all-new Ripmo is a big wheeled slasher that’s always down for another lap, whether that means a big climb or a tailgate pad. With a sub six pound frame and 145mm of efficient DW-link rear wheel travel (160mm front), this is the most versatile bike we’ve ever built.

It also marks a dramatic shift in our approach to geometry. The reach is nearly an inch longer than the EWS Team winning HD4, with clearance for a 170mm dropper, and a pedal-friendly 76° seat tube angle. The end result is a bike that’s ready to rally, while still maintaining lively handling.

Ticking off the boxes, other features include 2.6” tire clearance, short chainstays, a threaded BB, trick internal cable routing and the ability to run both a piggyback reservoir shock and large water bottle.

IBIS RIPMO HIGHLIGHTS

• 29” Wheels
• 145mm dw-link rear travel
• 160mm front travel
• 2.6” tire clearance
• Carbon fiber front and rear triangle
• Available in sizes S–XL, fits riders between 5” and 6’6”
• Frame weight from
• 5 lbs / 2.26 kg without shock
• 6 lbs / 2.72 kg with FOX DPX2
• STANDARD SHOCK: FOX DPX2
• OPTIONAL SHOCK UPGRADE: FOX FLOAT X2

GEOMETRY

Is there any phrase in mountain biking that’s more overused than “longer and slacker?” Every manufacturer (Ibis included) is guilty of it. It makes bikes descend better but the question is, how far can it be pushed? We felt we were at the limits of that trend until we began experimenting with seat tube angles and fork offset.

By making the seat tube angle a steep 76°, we’ve put more weight over the front tire. This keeps the front end from wandering or washing out. Moving the seat tube forward also required pushing the front end forward to keep the top tube numbers static, resulting in the longer reach.

In addition to the steep seat tube, the Ripmo also uses a fork offset that is shorter than traditionally used. That makes a 65.9° head angle feel like 64.5° without increasing the wheelbase. You get the stability of slack head angle without giving up your ability to go around tighter corners.

The Ripmo geometry enables a new level of confidence and speed, bringing the stability of the EWS Team Championship winning HD4 to 29” wheels.

BUSHINGS WHERE YOU NEED THEM, BEARINGS WHERE YOU DON’T

If you ask an engineer, they’ll tell you that bushings are lower maintenance, stiffer, lighter, and more affordable than bearings. The key is to only use them where it makes sense. Bushings work best in applications with high loads and minimal rotation, two things ball bearings don’t like. That’s why suspension manufacturers use them for shock mounting hardware and why we’ve used them for the past five years on our Ripley, HD3, and HD4 Clevises. High loads and minimal rotation describe the Ripmo lower link pivots so we’re introducing a new link featuring IGUS bushings. The new link is 80g lighter than its ball bearing equipped equivalent, while also being torsionally stiffer. The bushings are shielded from spray and protected by airtight seals and will last a long time.

We believe so strongly in the concept, we’re offering free lifetime replacement on bushings. Have a problem? Call us. We’ll send you a new set.

WHAT’S BETTER THAN A DROPPER POST? A LONGER ONE.

That’s why our frame is designed around a 175mm post (150 mm on a size small), although riders with longer inseams can get away with a 185mm or 200mm post. That clearance also gives you the flexibility to pick frame size based on reach, not standover height.

2.6” TIRE CLEARANCE

With a platform as versatile as the Ripmo, you should be able to run whatever tires you want. We pioneered the wide rim revolution, and we’re partial to the new crop of 2.6” tires. When paired with our 35mm rims, these high volume monsters can be run at eerily low pressures, delivering mo’ traction without getting squirreley.

INTERNAL CABLE TUNNELS

While all our bikes have internally routed cables, the Ripmo is the first to feature carbon fiber tubes molded inside the frame. Just put the housing through and it pops out the other end, no need for swear words or a pickset.

For more information, hit up www.ibiscycles.com.