Bike Review: IBIS Ripmo V2S

I am a big fan of Ibis bikes, which are well-mannered, efficient pedalers no matter the model. In a decade of testing them, I never found one I didn’t enjoy. And I was so smitten with the original Ripmo, launched in 2018, that I purchased it.

I’m not normally an all-mountain bike guy, but the DW Link suspension is somewhat magical in its ability to always feel spritely and easygoing on climbs, even with big travel machines. With that in mind, my expectations for this new Ripmo, whose 147mm rear and 160mm front was just two millimeters different from the original, were extremely high.

IBIS Ripmo Details

Ibis is expert at high-value builds, and this Ripmo was no exception. The SRAM XO1 Eagle drivetrain was quick and accurate, but also lightweight. Thunder Mountain opted for the standard Fox X2 shock, as well as the Fox 38 Factory fork, both of which were as spongy and enjoyable as a trampoline and have incredible adjustability. This is the ultimate build for Sedona, but my preference would be for the lighter, more trail-oriented DPX2 shock and a Fox 36 Factory front for the weight savings.

Similarly, the Industry 9 Hydra Enduro wheels are a smart spec, but I personally would choose the Ibis S35 wheels to get closer to the starting complete build weight of 28.2 pounds.

Basically, this Ripmo was a killer build for anyone after a meaty, enduro-oriented ride—but my personal preference is toward a lighter, trail build. You can’t beat the sexy, dual-tone Bruce Banner green paint job though.

The Ride

First things first: for such a long-travel machine, the Ripmo still skips up climbs. The efficiency of the DW Link never ceases to amaze me. Climbing was night and day difference between this ballerina of a bike and the bulldozer-esque Wreckoning. And yet, I felt just as capable on the steep, downhill tech stuff aboard the Ripmo as The Wreckoning.

However, this version of the Ripmo felt burlier and stiffer than my previous one, likely courtesy of those big stanchions up front, as well as the revised rear triangle. That’s sort of a reflection of the industry, where all bikes are becoming beefier and more capable.

But I also imagine that if I had this bike for the long-term, I could easily soften it to my liking with the extensive adjustments on the X2 shock. Then again, after half a day of riding, I pretty much knew that while I liked this ride, it wasn’t for me long term.

Last Take on the Ibis Ripmo

The new Ripmo is the consummate do-everything ride—assuming you frequent places with tech trails and big steeps. It’s as capable and composed as any bike out there. If your predilections run toward big drops and all mountain, there’s maybe no better bike. For trail riding and all-day pedaling, however, best to look to shorter-travel bikes (such as the Ripley).

by Aaron Gulley Aaron has been writing about cycling, travel, and the outdoors and reviewing gear for the likes of Outside, Bicycling, Velonews, and others for over two decades.