Description

2017 Ibis Ripley LS Carbon Mountain Bike Frame

We’re accustomed to seeing the SL acronym splashed across myriad bits of bike-related components to indicate that they are indeed “Super Light” and by extension super amazing. Ibis flips the story a bit with its Ripley LS Carbon Mountain Bike Frame. Not to say this frame isn’t light (it is), but the swapped order designates this Ripley as Longer and Slacker than its standard kin. The LS’ wheelbase expands from the standard 1,125mm to 1,167mm with a head tube angle that drops from 69.2 to 67.5 degrees for a size large frame paired with a 140mm fork. That bigger, slacker footprint empowers those of us who have already been pushing the original Ripley to its limit, taking the bike in Ibis’ words from “sporty” to “gnarly”.

Other than those geometry changes, this is still the classic Ripley that we’ve been throwing around in all manner of terrain. The construction process remains the same, beginning with an internal bladder that’s wrapped in a monocoque carbon layup that keeps the carbon fabric intact through joints. The precision of this method means that no additional molds or fillers are needed to keep the frame light and strong. The Ripley LS’s swingarm and clevis are still filled with foam glass microsphere cores to ensure their structural integrity while keeping weight down, and it has the same expanded dropper capacity as the regular version.

The Ripley includes the latest Fox Float DPS shock, which is tuned for the DW-Link suspension’s firm, consistent pedaling platform. Expect it to handle with nimble speed while accelerating out of turns and taking advantage of the suspension’s strong anti-squat tendencies. The 120mm rear travel, combined with the Ripley LS’s 67.5-degree head tube, makes for a surprisingly eager trail platform that combines the best qualities of XC and trail bikes.

Increasing rear stiffness was the key to this versatility. To this end, Ibis engineers added a Boost rear axle and revisited the internals of the dual eccentrics used in the DW-Link suspension, modifying the cores and adding extra carbon to the frame for more responsive power transfer. In addition to adding tire clearance, the redesigned right-side upright and inclusion of a swingarm-mount for the front derailleur contribute to an overall stiffer rear triangle. The chainstays also contribute to stiffness by remaining impressively stubby, and the CNC-machined threads of the 73mm bottom bracket grant peace of mind with less creaking than a PressFit model.

Ibis’ versatile trail machine gets even hungrier

4.7in of responsive DW-Link suspension

Tackle big lines with longer, slacker LS geometry

Light and stiff carbon construction

Threaded bottom bracket shell reduces creaking

Boost rear axle increases stiffness

2017 Ibis Ripley LS Carbon Mountain Bike Frame

Frame Material:

carbon fiber

Suspension:

DW-Link

Wheel Size:

29in

Rear Shock:

Fox Factory Float DPS 3pos w/Adj and EVOL Sleeve with Kashima Coat

Rear Travel:

120mm

Head Tube Diameter:

1-1/2 to 1-1/8in tapered

Headset Included:

no

Bottom Bracket Type:

73mm BSA threaded

ISCG Tabs:

no

Cable Routing:

internal

Front Derailleur Mount:

high direct mount

Derailleur Pull:

side swing

Brake Type:

post mount disc

Seatpost Diameter:

31.6mm

Rear Axle:

12 x 148mm Boost thru-axle

Claimed Weight:

[frame, medium, with shock, without seat collar, rear axle, or water bottle bolts] 5.5 lb, 8oz

Recommended Use:

trail

Manufacturer Warranty:

7 years

2017 Ibis Ripley LS Carbon Mountain Bike Frame

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