Ripley

The fifth-generation Ibis Ripley steps firmly out of the cross-country periphery and into dedicated trail bike territory. Moving to 130mm of rear travel paired with a 140mm fork, the V5 chassis is visibly more robust, shedding the curved tubes of its predecessor for a straight-line profile shared directly with the longer-travel Ripmo. While it retains the pedaling efficiency inherent to the DW-link suspension platform, this iteration is built for riders who want a highly capable daily driver that handles rougher descents without feeling sluggish on long climbs. Ibis introduces functional updates like the STOW internal downtube storage and a rear flip-chip for mixed-wheel compatibility, though complete bikes ship as full 29ers. It is a versatile, pragmatic machine aimed at riders who cover varied terrain and prioritize a balanced, engaging ride over absolute weight savings.

Gen V5

Build

Size

Stack	640mm
Reach	511mm
Top tube	654mm
Headtube length	125mm
Standover height	759mm
Seat tube length	457mm

Fit and geometry

Ibis heavily revised the Ripley’s geometry, centering the fit around a slacker 64.9-degree head tube angle and significantly longer reach measurements across the board. To maintain consistent handling across different rider heights, the frame utilizes size-specific chainstay lengths, seat tube angles, and bottom bracket heights. The lineup also introduces a fifth size, Extra-Medium, bridging the traditional gap between medium and large frames to offer more precise fit options.

The resulting rider posture is distinctly forward-biased. Steep seat tube angles—ranging from 76.9 to 77.9 degrees depending on size—place the rider squarely over the bottom bracket, which helps maintain front-wheel traction on steep climbs despite the slacker front end. Because the reach is notably long, some riders may find themselves sizing down compared to previous generations. The cockpit is built around short stems and wide handlebars, complementing the long front center to keep steering inputs direct. Additionally, the straight seat tube design accommodates long-travel dropper posts, ensuring ample clearance for descending.

Builds

The Ripley V5 lineup spans five builds, ranging from a pragmatic Shimano Deore package to a premium Shimano XTR tier. Ibis prioritizes suspension quality across the board, equipping every model with Fox Factory shocks and Fox Factory forks featuring the Grip X damper. This ensures that even the entry-level builds benefit from top-tier suspension performance.

Drivetrain and braking specifications dictate the primary differences as you move up the ladder. The mid-range Shimano XT and SRAM GX Transmission builds represent the sweet spot for many riders, balancing reliable shifting with powerful four-piston brakes. All builds roll on Ibis aluminum rims paired with a fast-rolling Maxxis Minion DHR II front and Rekon rear tire combination, a setup that favors pedaling efficiency over absolute downhill grip. The flagship XTR build upgrades to Ibis carbon rims laced to Industry Nine Hydra hubs for faster engagement and reduced rotational weight. Across all price points, the frame features practical touches like a threaded bottom bracket, tube-in-tube cable routing, and a 34.9mm seatpost diameter to improve dropper post durability.

Deore

$4,999

MY26

Eagle 90 Transmission

$5,499

MY25

GX Transmission

$7,249

317893

$7,249

MY26

XTR

$9,999

Reviews

Reviewers consistently note that the Ripley V5 trades some of its former featherweight acceleration for a substantial increase in descending composure. The updated DW-link suspension draws praise for its supportive mid-stroke and bottom-out resistance, with the rear end feeling "plush and progressive" (Mountain Bike Action) across a wide variety of trail conditions. While a few testers found the shock required careful volume spacer tuning to access full travel, the consensus points to a highly capable platform that absorbs square-edge hits without losing its energetic character.

Despite the heavier, stiffer frame, the bike maintains its reputation for climbing efficiency. Testers found that on smoother, hard-packed ascents, the Ripley can "climb like a bat out of hell" (YouTube), aided by a steep seat tube angle that keeps the front wheel grounded. On descents, the longer wheelbase and slacker head angle provide a stable foundation at speed. Yet, reviewers emphasize that it remains a "jibby, playful bike" (Theradavist) that encourages riders to pop off trail features. The overall impression is a highly balanced trail bike that feels "maneuverable and agile... without ever feeling twitchy or unstable when pinned" (YouTube), making it an ideal choice for riders tackling varied, undulating terrain.