Ibis Ripmo AF GX Review
- Price: $4,557
- Travel: 160mm front, 147mm rear
- Wheels: 29″ x 2.5″
- Components: SRAM GX Eagle, Truvativ Descendant
What we like about it: A full-suspension trail bike capable of subtly defusing the toughest mountain shocks.
What we don’t like about it: Adventure-oriented geometry that’s not necessarily for everyone.
Rating (4.8/5)
The Ibis Ripmo AF GX, designed to tackle the toughest mountain terrain, is an endurance and all-mountain bike. With an incredibly lightweight and sturdy aluminum frame, modern geometry combined with a positively active 160mm fork, and 147mm rear suspension, it easily wins the hearts of trail riders.
Furthermore, the choice of drivetrain for the Ibis Ripmo AF GX is also impressive. With the reliable GX Eagle, Truvativ Descendant 12-speed drivetrain, and durable Maxxis Assegai wheels, the design of the Ripmo AF provides an impressive riding experience. It’s safe to say that this bike is the perfect choice for riders who want to tackle the most challenging mountain trails.
So let’s take a closer look at the Ibis Ripmo AF GX. I will evaluate it in terms of riding experience, specifications, and other versions.
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Off-Road Riding
To test the Ibis Ripmo AF GX, we specifically chose a special off-road track – Mountain Creek Bike Park, New Jersey, USA. The terrain here is complex and diverse, meeting different needs such as climbing, jumping, and sprinting. The Ibis Ripmo AF GX lived up to expectations and delivered satisfactory performance. Before setting off, I also booked accommodation through IHG Hotels & Resorts to give myself ample space to rest and prepare.
Riding Experience
I believe all users who love or understand off-road riding will “understand” the seemingly radical geometry of the Ibis Ripmo AF GX because this is an issue that all adventure mountain bikes cannot avoid.
Although I had to bend down to complete the pedaling, the soft and comfortable WTB Silverado 142 saddle did not make me feel uncomfortable. This lightweight and thin saddle, with its long, flat nose, is perfect for mountain riding, allowing my body weight to be evenly distributed. My legs also gained more support to achieve maximum pedaling efficiency.
I like the slim Ibis 800mm Carbon handlebar, which is lightweight and reliable. The wide flat bar supports me and allows me to control my arms as much as possible, not only making my hands less likely to accumulate lactic acid but also smoothing my breathing rhythm.
Of course, the parts that directly contact the body also impressed me. Take the Lizard Skin Charger grip for example, with its soft rubber compound handle, it not only provides a comfortable grip suitable for endurance riding but also has strong traction. Even when my palms sweat in the summer, I can still grip it perfectly.
Climbing
The biggest appeal of full-suspension mountain bikes lies in their adaptability to climbing and descending. For the Ibis Ripmo AF GX with a medium travel suspension, it is best suited for technical terrain with relatively low difficulty, including rough and steep ascents and fast descents.
With the SRAM Truvativ Descendant crankset, the chain and gears work together perfectly. As I pedal with my feet and shift gears with my fingers using the SRAM GX Eagle shifter, the wheels follow the slope and climb up smoothly. The chain moves quickly, making pedaling more efficient.
When encountering tree roots or rocks, I try to slow down, but most of the time the Maxxis Assegai 29″ x 2.5″ tires have good traction and can easily pass over these surfaces. However, I also like to show off occasionally and try to lift the front wheel over obstacles. It takes some effort, but it looks cool.
Descending
During exhilarating downhill sections, I focus even more to enjoy the rush of each sprint. As the front wheel begins to lean, the bike quickly rushes down the trail. As the tunnel gets longer, I naturally press the switch of the Bike Yoke Revive Dropper. Then, with a slight crouch, the seatpost retracts, and my body weight shifts backward.
Sometimes, when I encounter a small slope, I get even more excited because I can jump with the bike in the air. At that moment, I can feel my body slightly warm up, and I am extremely happy.
With the reliable DVO Onyx D1 fork and 147mm DVO Topaz T3 Air rear suspension, my hands feel perfectly fine, not to mention the hip protection provided by the saddle.
Of course, for safety reasons, I occasionally use the brake lever in rough terrain. The 4-piston SRAM Code RSC Hydraulic Disc is very reliable, controlling the bike’s progress smoothly with varying degrees of pressure.
Specifications
As an outstanding cross-country and endurance race equipment, the Ibis Ripmo AF GX’s specifications fully follow the design of the most professional full-suspension mountain bikes. It uses a modern geometry aluminum frame, perfectly matched with the Maxxis Assegai 29″ x 2.5″ tires suitable for climbing, making tree roots or rocky terrain the focus.
With a 160mm travel DVO Onyx D1 fork and 147mm DVO Topaz T3 Air rear suspension, this bike ensures the rider’s absolute safety and comfort during rolling jumps.
Equipped with the SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 speed drivetrain, the rear freewheel uses a 10-50T gear ratio to handle rocky terrain, making climbing and riding on rough terrain easier. The 4-piston SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc brake provides excellent braking power, helping users safely descend.
Of course, the soft long handlebar and reliable Bike Yoke Revive dropper seatpost are also reliable details.
Other versions of the Ibis Ripmo AF NGX
If you like the Ibis Ripmo AF model but are hesitant about the price of the Ibis Ripmo AF GX, you can consider the cheaper versions of the Ibis Ripmo AF.
For example, this Ibis Ripmo AF NGX is nearly $1000 cheaper than the Ibis Ripmo AF GX, so it saves budget on the suspension system and component configuration.
However, the AF NGX, which uses the Marzocchi Bomber suspension system and SRAM GX Eagle and NX Eagle mixed kit, has almost the same off-road performance as the AF GX but is lacking in comfort.
Of course, for those riders who are attracted by its lightweight (3.7kg) and durable frame, there is also the option of just buying its Ibis Ripmo AF Frameset frame and then assembling the components to their liking.
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What do we like about it?
- Durable lightweight aluminum alloy frame, ready for endurance mountain biking.
- Powerful DVO Onyx D1 front fork with equally impressive DVO Topaz T3 Air rear shock absorber, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and fun jumping experience for riders.
- SRAM GX Eagle, Truvativ Descendant 12-speed drivetrain designed for off-road riding, ensuring effortless climbing or descending.
- Professional SRAM Code RSC hydraulic disc brakes, allowing riders to brake with ease and flexibility.
- Maxxis Assegai tires with excellent traction and large clearance, easily rolling over any obstacles.
- Bike Yoke Revive dropper seat post, allowing riders to safely lower their center of gravity during high-speed descents.
What don’t we like about it?
- The geometry may be too aggressive for novice riders.
FAQs
- Is the Ibis Ripmo AF GX an enduro bike?
Yes, the Ibis Ripmo series is designed for endurance riding, and the AF GX model is a top-level full-suspension enduro bike with 147mm of rear travel.
- What size tires are suitable for the Ibis Ripmo AF GX?
This bike comes equipped with 29”×2.5” Maxxis Assegai tires, but the Ripmo model can accommodate tires up to 29”×2.6”.
- What size Ibis Ripmo AF GX should I get?
Regarding sizing, you can refer to the size chart below, but it’s best to test-ride the bike to ensure the best fit.
| size | Rider height |
| S | 5’0″ – 5’4″ |
| M | 5’3″ – 5’8″ |
| L | 5’7″ – 6’1″ |
| XL | 6’0″ – 6’5″ |
Ibis Ripmo AF GX Specs
Build
| Frame | AluminumBB Standard: BSA, 73mm, ThreadedColors: Metal; Red Savina |
| Fork | DVO Onyx D1 | 15QRx110 – 160 (29″) |
| Rear Shock | DVO Topaz T3 Air, 210 x 55 |
| Bottom Bracket | Threaded (73mm English threaded) |
| Headset | ZS44 upper / ZS56 lower |
| Stem | Ibis 31.8mm (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90mm) |
| Handlebar | Ibis 800mm Carbon; Lo-Fi (S–M), Hi Fi Bar (L–XL) |
| Saddle | WTB Silverado 142 |
| Seatpost | Bike Yoke Revive Dropper S: 125mm, M: 160mm, L/XL: 185mm. Note there is a 250lb rider weight limit on this post. |
| Grips | Lizard Skin Charger |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Crank | SRAM Descendant Alloy 175, DUB spindle, 32t Alloy Ring (170mm for S/M, 175mm for L/XL) |
| Shifters | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Cassette | SRAM XG 1275 10-50 12 speed |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Brakes | SRAM Code RSC, 4 piston |
Wheels
| Rims | Ibis S35 Aluminum / 29″ / Ibis Hubs |
| Tires | Maxxis Assegai 29” x 2.5” WT, EXO+ casing, 120tpi |
| Disk Rotors | SRAM Centerline 200mm Front/180mm Rear |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycle | Price | Travel | Brake | Tire | Click View |
| Trek Top Fuel 9.7 | $4,499 | 120mm rear, 120mm front | Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc | 29.x2.40” | Click View |
| BMC Fourstroke LT TWO | $4,999 | 120mm rear, 120mm front | SHIMANO BR-MT520/SM-RT30 Rotors | 29.x2.40” | Click View |
| Santa Cruz 5010 R / Carbon C / 27.5 | $5,149 | 130mm rear, 140mm front | SRAM Guide T Hydraulic Disc | 27.5″x2.4″ | Click View |
| Marin Rift Zone 29″ Carbon 2 | $4,379 | 125mm rear, 130mm front | Shimano SLX Hydraulic | 29×2.5” | Click View |
Ibis Ripmo AF GX VS Trek Top Fuel 9.7
Although the Ibis Ripmo AF GX is unusual in that it features an aluminum frame, its high-quality componentry still makes it an attractive option among a sea of carbon full-suspension mountain bikes.
Take, for instance, the more expensive Trek Top Fuel 9.7, which features a lightweight carbon fiber frame and commands a higher price point. However, the weight of the two bikes is comparable.
Perhaps the Trek Top Fuel 9.7’s more well-known Fox Rhythm 34 front fork and Fox Performance Float DPS rear shock have helped to boost its appeal.
But in terms of travel length, its 120mm rear and 120mm front specs pale in comparison to the Ibis Ripmo AF GX’s 147mm rear and 160mm front, which are more suitable for the most demanding off-road terrain. With a longer-travel suspension system, riders can enjoy greater comfort and safety, giving them the confidence to tackle more challenging features and jumps.
Ibis Ripmo AF GX VS BMC Fourstroke LT TWO
After test-riding the BMC Fourstroke LT TWO, we believe that all the riders who were previously concerned about the aggressive geometry of the Ibis Ripmo AF GX will have a different opinion about it.
The 1.32 stack/reach ratio (LG) of the Ibis Ripmo AF GX, in any case, provides more comfort to the rider’s waist and shoulders compared to the 1.26 stack/reach ratio (LG) of the BMC Fourstroke LT TWO. This makes the BMC Fourstroke LT TWO less suitable for riders who are not accustomed to riding with a bent posture.
However, we cannot deny that the BMC Fourstroke LT TWO has an excellent price-to-performance ratio. Its RockShox SID RL front fork, RockShox SIDLuxe Select+ rear shock absorber, and Shimano SLX, Deore 12-speed drivetrain are all of reliable quality.
Therefore, the BMC Fourstroke LT TWO is friendly enough for riders who love adventure and expect high-quality handling details. But for riders who seek comfort, the Ibis Ripmo AF GX is a better choice.
Ibis Ripmo AF GX VS Santa Cruz 5010 R / Carbon C / 27.5
Compared to the carbon frame of the Santa Cruz 5010 R / Carbon C / 27.5, its geometry is more attractive to riders who are just entering the world of trail riding.
The looser geometry (1.36 Stack/Reach Ratio) provides more breathing room for intermediate riders’ backs. Plus, the 140mm travel RockShox Pike Select front fork and 130mm FOX Float Performance DPS rear shock are both excellent at dampening vibrations, giving Santa Cruz 5010 R users more comfort.
However, the bike’s 27.5″×2.4″ Maxxis Minion DHR II tires don’t have the same level of grip and shock absorption as the Ibis Ripmo AF GX’s 29”×2.5” Maxxis Assegai tires, making it better suited for smoother terrain.
On extremely rough terrain, riders may lack confidence and feel unsafe, which can lead to slower speeds for the Santa Cruz 5010 R compared to the Ibis Ripmo AF GX.
Learn More: Is Santa Cruz 5010 X01 A Good Bike? [Santa Cruz 5010 X01 Review]
Ibis Ripmo AF GX VS Marin Rift Zone 29″ Carbon 2
The Marin Rift Zone 29″ Carbon 2, which is priced similarly to the Ibis Ripmo AF GX, is also a highly cost-effective full-suspension off-road bike. This mountain bike features a 130mm travel Fox Performance 34 Float front fork with a Float Float w/Reservoir suspension, as well as Shimano XT and SLX drivetrain and braking systems. It pursues speed as its highest goal and can achieve all-round control at high speeds with its more aggressive geometry and reliable components.
However, the carbon frame of the Marin Rift Zone 29″ Carbon 2, which is more suitable for adventure riding, is not as practical as the aluminum frame of the Ibis Ripmo AF GX in terms of durability and impact resistance. For less experienced riders, the carbon frame of the Marin Rift Zone 29″ Carbon 2 often means more maintenance and repair costs.
Learn More: Is Marin Rift Zone 27.5 1 Worth Buying? [Marin Rift Zone 1 Review]
Summary
If you are looking for a reliable, durable, and lightweight full-suspension off-road bike, consider the Ibis Ripmo AF GX. It eschews the easily damaged and more expensive-to-maintain carbon fiber frame in favor of a lightweight and durable aluminum frame combined with a longer shock travel, providing riders with more comfort and confidence to tackle high terrain. In addition, the high-quality and reliable components contribute to its impressive performance.
Overall, this high-performance full-suspension off-road bike is worth it.
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