Just caught this on the innerweb…From the Ibis website.

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ABOUT THE NEW RIPLEY

In June of 2015 we introduced a fairly major update to the Ripley. We say fairly major because it involved cutting all new molds for the main triangle and heavily modifying the swingarm molds. We also added a second geometry option with a longer top tube and slacker head tube, that’s called the Ripley LS.

The new Ripley update incorporates changes Ripley owners have been asking for?. People were using the bike for much more aggressive riding than its original intention. Because of the phenomenal dw-link suspension and 29er traction, enduro racers found they were faster than on more traditional enduro bikes on just about any terrain short of a ski slope. Then there’s the confidence-inspiring Ibis 941 wheels that we introduced in 2014, a game changer as far as traction and control go. That combined with huge improvements to mid travel forks and shocks that allowed people to go much faster required some addressing.  So here’s what we’ve done:

NEW! LONGER AND SLACKER GEOMETRY OPTION

The Ripley is now available in two geometry configurations. The Ripley LS features a 15mm longer top tube and is available in Medium, Large and XL sizes, and the LS also features a slack 67.5 degree head angle. This allows for shorter stems and adds stability at speed.  The second geometry iteration is identical to the original Ripley. So the original nimble handling geometry that redefined how a 29er could corner is still available (in medium and large and large sizes).

geo chart

 

WHAT’S NEW IN THE NEW RIPLEY

  • Two geometry options: The nimble geometry of the original or a new school long and slack version called the Ripley LS
  • Internal cable routing using our flexible and easy to setup port system
  • Increased tire clearance
  • Threaded bottom bracket
  • Seat mast lowered by 1/2” to accommodate today’s longer droppers
  • Choice of Boost 148 (staring in November ’15) or 142mm x 12mm Shimano through axle (now)
  • Stiffer eccentric cores
  • New rubber molded chainstay and seatstay protection
  • Two new colors (let’s call them “Tang” and “Black”)

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FEATURES

  • 120mm rear wheel dw-link travel
  • Carbon fiber monocoque frame and swingarm
  • 5.5 Pound frame* with Fox FLOAT DPS EVOL
  • Approved for 120-140mm forks, 51mm rake is STRONGLY recommended
  • Tapered head tube (suitable for various Cane Creeks & Chris King InSet 3)
  • Shock Specs: Fox Factory FLOAT DPS 3pos w/Adj and EVOL Sleeve with Kashima Coat 184mm x 44mm
  • Provision for internal cable-actuated or hydraulic adjustable seat posts
  • Post mount rear brake mounts
  • Shimano side swing front derailleur compatible.
  • * Frame weight is for a medium black with shock but without seat collar, rear axle, or water bottle bolts

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Initial thoughts and wild speculation (well..not too wild):

Interesting update on a great bike.  My time on the Ripley was a great experience except I did not fit on it…way too short.  It was a LG, and I often can fit a LG size bike such as the RIP9, the Scott Genius, and the 2016 Stumpjumper FSR.  The XL would have been better for me and is what I would have purchased, if ever, as it was sized like most LG bikes are from other builders.  But now I find myself either choosing a LG LS, which is just a bit less in reach than the old or ‘classic’ XL sized Ripley, or a new XL which ONLY comes in the LS version and the LS versions are slacker than I would typically like in a do-all bike.  Meh!  Sometimes the riding transcends the geo chart, but we have never pierced the corporate veil at Ibis so the chances of us getting on one will be iffy at best.

It does answer the complaint that many riders had about the Ripley that it was a bit quick handling at speed, although I saw it as something other than a high speed chunk bike.  The way it pedaled and handled made it a great choice as an all day trail bike, even for an XC guy like me.

The bigger tire clearance is welcome, especially with the slacker option in geo, and the move to a threaded BB shell is telling of PF30 woes that many rides experience across most brands with that BB set-up.  Threaded BBs are seldom a bad choice for any long term bike owner.  The swingarm mounted front der for the Shimano Sideswing set-up is cool, too, assuming anyone actually uses two chainrings on this bike, something that is getting less and less likely on MTBs these days.