The Ibis Ripley goes metal AF

Ibis Ripley AF 29
(Image credit: Ibis)

Ibis has launched a metal version of its Ripley, offering excellent value for downcountry riders.

The Californian bike brand has taken its Ripley trail 29er and reshaped the bike’s front and rear triangles in aluminum.

Although the metal Ripley AF is heavier than its carbon-fiber sibling, everything else about it remains true to the Ibis design philosophy.

Classifying somewhere between a downcountry and trail bike, the Ripley AF pairs a 130mm front fork with 120mm of rear suspension travel. Short links connect the two triangles via a proven Dave Weagle patented suspension system.

Ripley AF 29

The Ripley AF 29 might be a short travel bike but the 65.5 degree head angle should mean it rips through trails (Image credit: Ibis)

Short travel, but slacker 

It might not have a great deal of travel, but the Ripley AF is not short on progressive geometry numbers. With the 130mm fork in place, it sits at a 65.5-degree head angle, whilst reach on a size L frame is 475mm.

Compared to the carbon-fiber Ripley, this new AF version is an entire degree slacker in the head angle and should be even more stable when descending steep terrain.

Aware that more riders are desiring to run extra-long dropper seat posts, the Ripley AF can accommodate up to 150mm of stroke on a size S, while sizes M-XL are compatible with 170mm+ droppers.

Rear triangle tire clearance is good for casings up to 2.6 inches in width and integrated chainstay protectors prevent terrain debris from chewing up your frame.

Ripley metal

Ripley suspension is taken care of by Fox at the front and rear (Image credit: Ibis)

Ibis is offering two build options with the new Ripley AF. At $2,999 you get the Shimano configuration, which runs a Deore M6100 component specification, including two-piston brakes. For $3,299 you can upgrade the Ripley AF component specification to a blend of SRAM GX/NX.

Suspension, dropper seatposts, tires and wheels are identical on both build options. That means you roll along on Maxxis Aggressor 2.5in dual compound EXO casing tires, mounted on Ibis S35 wheels.

Fox supplies a Performance series Float 34 fork and matching Float DPS Evol shock, whilst the dropper seatposts are Rage-I components from KS.

Ibis is offering a frame-only purchase option, at $1,799. Weight ratings are 7.45lb for the frame and shock, whilst Ibis says that its Ripley AF build kits come to about 30.5lb. Colors? Well if Pond Scum green doesn't appeal, Ibis also does the Ripley AF in Monolith silver.

Full details and build specs are available on Ibiscycles.com.

Lance Branquinho
Freelance writer

Lance Branquinho is a Namibian-born journalist who graduated to mountain biking after injuries curtailed his trail running. He has a weakness for British steel hardtails, especially those which only run a single gear. As well as Bike Perfect, Lance has written for MBR.com, Off-Road.cc and Cycling News.

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