Ibis Ripley AF Deore Review
- Price: $3499
- Category: Full Shock Absorbing frost-road Bicycle
- Tires: 29″ x 2.4″
- Stroke: 130mm front, 120mm rear
What we like about it: The excellent geometry design in line with aerodynamics, 130mm travel fork to bring excellent damping performance, strong braking performance to protect your riding safety
What we don’t like about it: The need to configure your pedals.
Rating (4.8/5)
For bicycle materials, aluminum and carbon fiber have been the current mainstream. So for most riders, carbon fiber may be preferred. But, do you need carbon fiber?
Maybe you’ve been riding a carbon frame bike before, and this Ibis Ripley AF Deore we’re talking about today is an aluminum bike. What I’m saying is you should give it a try.
The Ripley AF Deore comes as a more affordable version of Ibis’ full-suspension frost-road bike with an aluminum frame. It not only retains the lively characteristics of the carbon version but also offers more stability on the downhill. In addition, the excellent geometry design and the high-end components it is equipped with give it excellent performance when riding.
The only downside to this bike is that it is a bit heavier in weight compared to its carbon fiber version of the same series. There’s no way to avoid that.
But honestly, I can feel the weight difference except when mounting them. Because when riding, it doesn’t give me much difference in feeling.
Next, let us introduce you to this Ibis Ripley AF Deore in detail, we will introduce it from its climbing, descending, main features, and main components, as well as other versions.
If you want to know more about this bike, please follow us, and we will keep updating.
Learn More: Ibis Hakka MX Rival Review – Would You Choose This Bike?
Ibis Ripley AF Deore Climbing
Before setting off, I also booked accommodation through IHG Hotels & Resorts to give myself ample space to rest and prepare. As soon as I put on my riding clothes and sat on the saddle, it started to surprise me. Yes, the WTB Silverado saddle fully supported my butt and was very soft, which made me feel very comfortable while climbing.
Since it rained yesterday, the roads in the forest can be a bit muddy, which greatly increased my climbing difficulty. But thankfully, it is equipped with 29″ x 2.4″ tires, which are wide enough to provide enough grip when driving in this terrain.
At the same time, the Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain allowed me to handle different hills well, and the multiple shifting options made my climbing easier. And I could feel its fast-shifting in the field climbing, and the accurate and fast-shifting performance made me rate it a few more points.
Although it is an aluminum bike, I didn’t feel the difference in weight when riding it compared to the same series of carbon fiber Ripley Deore bikes. However, I do like the feeling this bike gives me when climbing, and the playful and lively nature makes it a pleasure to ride.
Ibis Ripley AF Deore Descending
Being a full-shock frost-road bike, I was looking forward to how it would perform on the descent. So, when I first got this bike, I couldn’t wait to ride it and start this descent test.
In a dense forest, the presence of trees makes the road very narrow. At the same time, there are some exposed roots and rocks on some roads, which will make the vibration generated in the ride more violent. But the 130mm travel front fork and 120mm travel rear shock solves this problem very well. It effectively absorbs the bumps created while riding and gives me more stable control of the body.
In addition to the shock, this bike comes with a dropper design and 150mm of travel to reduce vibration. In combination with its saddle, I can safely say that it ranks in the top three of the bikes I’ve ridden recently.
It is worth mentioning that it uses different versions of Maxxis for the front and rear tires, which allows it to cope well with different terrains.
The Shimano Deore M6100 hydraulic disc brakes are effective and very responsive. In this ride, I was relying on its strong braking performance to stabilize the body.
Overall, this Ibis Ripley AF Deore did not disappoint me on the descent and it was a very enjoyable ride.
Main Features
Frame Group
I have to say that Ibis’ exterior aesthetic has always been very much in line with modern aesthetics. Although this Ibis Ripley AF Deore only comes in two paint colors, I like each one. Maybe it’s because it’s all full-color paint, and with the internal alignment, it makes the bike look tidy overall.
As an aluminum bike, you can have complete confidence in its quality with sufficient sturdiness. If you still have concerns, don’t worry, their aluminum frames are also covered by a 7-year warranty, so you can ride with confidence.
Of course, this bike is also designed with water bottle mounting holes. So you don’t have to worry about finding drinking water when you ride in the wild.
And, it has a slightly curved top tube. This provides a more comfortable standing height, fully taking into account the ergonomic design.
Geometry
The bike also continues to be designed with rider comfort in mind when it comes to geometry. The first is the 76° seat tube angle, which is relatively steep for a full-suspension bike. But accordingly, it allows me to maintain a comfortable position and make my pedaling more efficient.
Also, the slight slacker head tube angle (65.5°) makes the bike easier to descend. This, coupled with the 703mm standover height, allows for greater comfort when stopping.
Everyone has their own opinion as far as the geometry of the bike is concerned. But I would say that the only way to understand the excellence of its design is to try it for yourself.
Components and
Shimano Deore M6100 Brakes
In terms of brake choice, the Ibis Ripley AF Deore uses Shimano Deore M6100 brakes, which offer great braking power in terms of performance. Undoubtedly, the combination of faster brakes with shorter free travel provides reliable braking and allows you to focus on the front while riding.
In addition, it has a fast response. You just need to apply a little pressure and this brake will give you feedback immediately.
Fox Float 34 Front Fork
This fork can be said to be specially designed for off-road. Equipped with EVOL air springs, plus 130mm of travel to effectively absorb the vibration generated while riding.
At the same time, it has a lightweight and sturdy chassis. The delicate arch design maximizes the stiffness-to-weight ratio and matches perfectly with the frost-road bike.
Maxxis Tires
The front and rear tires on this bike are both Maxxis series, but the models are different. The front tire is a Maxxis DHR2 and the rear tire is a Maxxis Dissector, and the 29×2.4 size gives it a smoother ride when off-road.
At the same time, the different tire designs make it able to handle more different terrains. The raised tread pattern on the surface of the tire provides a good grip for a longer ride.
And the 29-inch size makes it have a better passing rate when riding.
Other versions of Ibis Ripley
In this test, we also tested other versions of the Canyon Grizl series, so hopefully, you will have a more comprehensive understanding of the Ibis Ripley AF Deore.
Ibis Ripley Deore
This bike is a carbon version of the Ibis Ripley AF Deore, and its excellent performance made it a hit with many people upon its release. Ibis then launched an aluminum version for the market, the Ibis Ripley AF Deore that we have introduced.
As the same series of bikes, both are geometrically unchanged, and their configurations are the same. The only difference lies in the choice of materials.
It is undeniable that the carbon fiber frame is indeed lighter in weight than the aluminum frame. However, it is more expensive than the Ibis Ripley AF Deore by more than a thousand dollars. If your budget is not very high, then you can try this Ibis Ripley AF Deore. to be honest, I didn’t feel too much when I rode it.
What we like about it
- Beautiful bike paint colors.
- Different types of tires can cope with more terrain.
- Dropper design for a comfortable ride.
- Excellent geometric design makes for an easy ride.
- Powerful braking performance.
What we don’t like about it
- Need to configure your pedals.
FAQs
- What is the fork of the Ibis Ripley AF Deore?
The Ibis Ripley AF Deore has a Fox Float 34 fork.
- What are the tires on the Ibis Ripley AF Deore?
The Ibis Ripley AF Deore has Maxxis DHR2 front and Maxxis Dissector rear tires.
- What are the brakes on the Ibis Ripley AF Deore?
The brakes on the Ibis Ripley AF Deore are Shimano Deore M6100 brakes.
- Size Chart for Ibis Ripley AF Deore
| size | Rider height |
| SM | 152 CM – 165 CM |
| MD | 163 CM – 175 CM |
| LG | 173 CM – 185 CM |
| XL | 183 CM-198 CM |
Ibis Ripley AF Deore Specs
Build
| Frame | Aluminum BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Colors: Mustard Stain; Protein Shake |
| Fork | Fox Performance Series, Float 34, 130mm, 44mm offset, 29″, 110x15mm |
| Rear Shock | Fox Performance Series Float DPS with EVOL, 190mm x 45mmS/M: Light Tune, L/XL: Standard Tune |
| Bottom Bracket | Threaded BB (73mm BSA) |
| Headset | zs44 upper / zs56 lower |
| Stem | Ibis 31.8mmS/M: 40mm, L: 50mm, XL: 60mm |
| Handlebar | Ibis 780mm Alloy |
| Saddle | WTB Silverado 142 |
| Seatpost | KS Rage-i DropperS: 125mm, M: 150mm, L/XL: 170mm |
| Grips | Lizard Skin Charger |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore M6100 Shadow Plus |
| Crank | Shimano Deore M6100 24mm spindle, 30t Alloy RingS/M: 170mm, L/XL: 175mm |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore M6100 10-51 |
| Chain | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Brakes | Shimano Deore M6100, 2 Piston |
Wheels
| Rims | Ibis Send Alloy (Send I front, Send II rear) / 29″ / Ibis Hubs |
| Tires | Maxxis DHR2 29″ x 2.4″ Exo TR (front), Maxxis Dissector 29″ x 2.4″ Exo TR (rear) |
| Disk Rotors | Shimano SM-RT66, 180mm |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Drivetrain | Brakes | Tires | Click view |
| Trek Top Fuel 7 | $3529 | 1×12 | Shimano hydraulic disc | 29×2.40″ | Click View |
| Marin Rift Zone 29 Carbon 1 | $3799 | 1×12 | Shimano MT4100 Hydraulic Disc | 29×2.5″ | Click View |
| Canyon Spectral 6 WMN | $3099 | 1×12 | Shimano MT420 hydraulic disc | 27.5×2.4″ | Click View |
| Cannondale Habit Carbon 3 | $4200 | 1×12 | SRAM Guide R hydraulic disc | Front 29 x 2.5″ Rear 29 x 2.3″ | Click View |
Ibis Ripley AF Deore VS Trek Top Fuel 7
The Trek Top Fuel 7 is really similar to the Ibis Ripley AF Deore. Both are made with aluminum frames and both have 29″ wheels, the difference is in the choice of the fork.
The Trek Top Fuel 7 uses the RockShox 35 Gold RL, a fork with DebonAir springs, but it only has 120mm of travel, while on my actual ride, the Ibis Ripley AF Deore with a little more than 130mm of fork travel provided much better damping.
So if you want to experience a more comfortable ride, then you might want to try this Ibis Ripley AF Deore.
Learn More: Trek Top Fuel 8 Review – How Will It Perform In The Face Of Tough Terrain?
Ibis Ripley AF Deore VS Marin Rift Zone 29 Carbon 1
Honestly, when I choose a bike, I look at it more for its performance than for its looks. This Marin Rift Zone 29 Carbon 1 is not my cup of tea when it comes to painting colors. I prefer the understated look of the Ibis Ripley AF Deore.
Of course, apart from the color, the two differ in other aspects as well. The main difference is that the Marin Rift Zone 29 Carbon 1 uses a carbon fiber frame, which makes it lighter in weight. But as I said earlier, you don’t feel the difference between the two on a real ride.
learn more : Is Marin Rift Zone 27.5 1 Worth Buying? [Marin Rift Zone 1 Review]
Ibis Ripley AF Deore vs Canyon Spectral 6 WMN
As a full-suspension bike, the Canyon Spectral 6 WMN does an excellent job of damping. Because of the 150mm of front travel paired with 140mm of rear travel, this gives it excellent damping performance. Coupled with the dropper design, it allows it to absorb the bumps generated while riding very well.
However, the Ibis Ripley AF Deore is no less impressive. It also comes with a dropper design, and although it is a bit smaller in terms of front and rear fork travel, both are equally good in terms of damping in actual riding.
And compared to the 27.5-inch tires, the Ibis Ripley AF Deore’s 29-inch is more passable and more comfortable to ride.
Learn more : Is Canyon Spectral 29 CF 7 Worth Buying? [Canyon Spectral 29 CF 7 Review]
Ibis Ripley AF Deore vs Cannondale Habit Carbon 3
This Cannondale Habit Carbon 3 uses a carbon fiber frame in its choice of materials. The progressive geometry is used to reduce the weight of the body while making it easy to get on and off. This, coupled with the 140mm fork travel and 130mm rear travel, makes it possible to absorb a lot of bumps while riding and can make your ride more comfortable.
Of course, the higher specs also mean it costs more. The Ibis Ripley AF Deore, on the other hand, has about the same performance at a cheaper price. It also gives you a comfortable experience when you are riding.
If your current budget is not very high, then this Ibis Ripley AF Deore might be a good choice.
Learn More: Cannondale Habit Carbon 3 Review -Get On It And Ride Down The Hill
