Ripmo XT

The Ibis Ripmo V3 marks a comprehensive redesign of the brand's popular long-travel platform. Moving away from the curved tubes of its predecessors, the V3 adopts a straight-line aesthetic and introduces modern practicalities like internal downtube storage. Positioned as an aggressive trail and all-mountain bike, it pairs a 160mm fork with 150mm of DW-Link rear travel. Ibis designed this generation to be highly adaptable, incorporating a flip chip that allows riders to run either dual 29-inch wheels or a mixed setup without compromising the frame's kinematics. The platform also introduces an Extra Medium size to better accommodate riders caught between traditional medium and large frames. While it retains the pedaling efficiency the Ripmo name is known for, the V3 leans slightly more toward versatile trail riding than pure enduro racing, making it a strong candidate for riders who want a single long-travel bike for varied terrain.

$7,799MY26Gen V3
Ibis Ripmo XT
Build
Size
Stack622mm
Reach456mm
Top tube605mm
Headtube length95mm
Seat tube length400mm

Fit and geometry

Ibis takes a highly granular approach to the Ripmo V3’s geometry, implementing size-specific dimensions across the five-frame run. Beyond the standard reach adjustments—which span from 436mm on the Small to 540mm on the Extra Large—the brand scales the chainstay length, seat tube angle, and bottom bracket height for each size. The chainstays grow subtly to maintain balance, while the seat tube angles steepen on larger frames to keep taller riders centered over the pedals.

Uniquely, the bottom bracket height increases as frame size goes up. This design aims to give taller riders, who use longer cranks and have longer wheelbases, better clearance over trail obstacles to prevent pedal strikes. The head tube angle sits at a moderate 64.5 degrees across the board, balancing downhill composure with responsive steering. Out of the box, the Small and Medium frames ship with a mixed-wheel setup, while the Extra Medium, Large, and Extra Large come with dual 29-inch wheels. A larger 34.9mm seat tube diameter accommodates robust, long-travel dropper posts.

Full specs

Frameset

Fork

Fox Float 36, Factory Series, GRIP X2, 160mm, 29”, 110x15mm

Rear shock

Fox Float X, Factory Series, 2-position adj. w/ EVOL, 230x60mm

Groupset

Shift levers

Shimano XT Di2 Shift Switch

Rear derailleur

Shimano XT Di2 SGS

Cassette

Shimano XT, 12-speed, 10-51T

Chain

Shimano XT, 12-speed

Crankset

Shimano XT M8200, 30T alloy ring (S–M: 165mm; XM–XL: 170mm)

Bottom bracket

Shimano XT

Front brake

Shimano XT M8220, 4-piston hydraulic disc

Rear brake

Shimano XT M8220, 4-piston hydraulic disc

Front rotor

Shimano XT RT-86 IceTech, 203mm

Rear rotor

Shimano XT RT-86 IceTech, 203mm

Wheelset

Front wheel

Blackbird Send Alloy, 32h, Ibis logo hubs — Send I 29”

Rear wheel

Blackbird Send Alloy, 32h, Ibis logo hubs — Send II (S–M: 27.5”; XM–XL: 29”)

Front tire

Maxxis Assegai, 29x2.5, EXO+

Rear tire

Maxxis Minion DHR II, EXO+ (S–M: 27.5x2.5; XM–XL: 29x2.5)

Cockpit

Stem

BLKBRD 35 Stem (S–M: 35mm; XM–XL: 50mm)

Handlebars

BLKBRD 35 Carbon Riser Bar, 800mm

Saddle

WTB Silverado Fusion CrMo, 142mm

Seatpost

BikeYoke Revive Max, 34.9mm (S: 125mm; M: 160mm; XM: 185mm; L–XL: 213mm)

Grips

Lizard Skins Single Clamp

Builds

The Ripmo V3 lineup spans five complete builds, starting with a Shimano Deore package and topping out with a premium Shimano XTR option. The mid-range XT and SRAM GX Transmission builds sit at the same price point, offering riders a choice between high-end mechanical shifting and wireless electronic drivetrains.

Suspension is handled by Fox across the board, with most builds featuring a Float 36 fork and a Float X rear shock. Ibis equips the majority of the range with its own Blackbird Send aluminum wheels, which are well-regarded for their durability and wide profile, though the top-tier XTR build upgrades to Ibis carbon rims laced to Industry Nine hubs.

Braking is handled by four-piston calipers from either Shimano or SRAM, depending on the drivetrain family. Several reviewers noted that the stock 180mm rear rotors found on some builds can feel underpowered on long, steep descents, making a 200mm rotor a recommended upgrade for heavier or more aggressive riders. Maxxis Assegai and Minion DHR II tires in the EXO+ casing come standard, providing a reliable tread pattern for varied trail conditions.

Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the Ripmo V3 for its exceptional climbing efficiency and energetic character. The DW-Link suspension provides a firm pedaling platform that rewards rider input, with one tester noting it has a distinct "pep in its step" (Awesomemtb) on ascents. On technical climbs, the active initial stroke generates impressive traction, leading another reviewer to compare the smooth ride to a "hoverbike" (Theradavist).

When pointed downhill, the bike favors agility and pop over sheer plowability. It is frequently described as a "total fun machine" (Enduro MTB) that encourages riders to jump, pump, and flick the rear end through tight corners. The mid-stroke support makes it easy to get airborne, though this lively nature comes with a tradeoff in high-speed stability.

In rough, chaotic terrain, opinions diverge. While many testers found the bike highly capable, a few felt the suspension was overly active. One review characterized the handling on steep, chunky descents as "nervous" (PinkBike), suggesting the bike requires a more attentive riding style than a dedicated enduro sled. Additionally, while most found the frame stout, a minority of aggressive riders perceived slight torsional flex when pushing hard. Overall, the consensus points to a highly engaging, versatile trail bike that prioritizes maneuverability and pedaling performance.

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