Overall the bike can handle anything you throw at it. I am looking in the $2k-$3k range. Both have 160mm of front travel, but Yeti 5.5 has 140mm of rear travel, which is 5mm less than Ripmo. The suspension system is top notch and you will feel it on rough trails. The Blackthorn build we tested is lightweight with its already-equipped carbon bars and wheelset. Yes. Between the two, I would go for Ibis Ripmo V2. Salsa went all out to make sure the Blackthorn Carbon X01 Eagle build was finished with style. Save 30% + G-Form Pro X3 Knee Pads when you subscribe to MBUK magazine. The mounts can also be used for frame bag mounting. There are top tube mounts for Salsas EXP Series Direct Mount Top Tube Bag and K-Edges bike computer top tube mount. For the US and Canada, head on over to the 'find a dealer' page and enter your zip code (or allow your browser to know your location) to find your closest retailer. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. At the end of the day, top-of-the-line parts give this build a price of $7899. Ripmo Vs Hightower | What Is The Difference. Frame weight of 6.3 lbs / 2.86 kg w/ DPX2, 6.74 lbs / 3.09 kg w/ X2. In the end, theres no right or wrong choice between these two bikes. Through testing, Salsas engineers found that a coil shock does not produce enough end-stroke support at the rear wheel. I've been eyeing Ibis Ripmo AF and was pretty set on it (especially when Jenson starts their 20% off sale again), but noticed a shop in Escondido with some great prices in the same range for the Transition Sentinel (aluminum as well). Alex is also a dedicated eMTB rider, and still dabbles in racing of a sort, doing his best to top the Strava leaderboard on the steepest, gnarliest and twistiest trails the Tweed Valley has to offer just for fun, of course. It is a well-rounded shredder with aces up its sleeves both on steep climbs and even steeper descents. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. When Paul isn't riding through the mountainous terrain on his hardtail, he's writing posts for Conquer the Bike. Lets take a dive in to see how the two great mountain bikes compare with one another. If you have the opportunity to take the models you are considering out for a trial run, do so; it will make it far easier to choose between them. This is a place where you can learn all about cycling and get recommendations from experienced riders passionate about the sport. Breakdown 1: Build Kit. It operates well in tight terrain, and will maintain its balance without needing you to be moving fast. The Cassidy uses the same suspension as the Blackthorn but has 165mm of rear-wheel travel thats claimed to be predictably progressive throughout the stroke. Listed below are some of them. However, if youre spending a lot of your time cycling up grueling climbs, you might find that even a few extra pounds can make a big difference. For stopping power, Salsa went with SRAM Code RSC four-piston brakes. What if we took everybodys favorite bike and made it a little slacker and little longer? 170mm Sram X1 Carbon DUB crankset with new BB. Bicycle Guider is a registered trademark. Climbing Could Be More Efficient. Challenge accepted. Reply Quote. The bottom bracket drop is slightly lower at 73mm compared to 74mm on the Ripmo, so less pedal clearance but more stability when riding flat out over rough terrain. On small frames, you can run 125150mm, pending your preference and inseam length. Instead, its geometry makes it ideal for all-day trail riding, hard climbs, and unforgiving descents. Active ingredients include: 29 wheels, berm-defying cornering tendencies, and a love for long rides. Ibis Ripmo comes in five different builds that mainly differ in drivetrains, brakes, suspension, and wheels. Of course, the suspension is built around Ibiss DW-Link technology, which has anti-squat properties that improves climbing and power transfer while pedaling. The clevis and control linkage kit is available for $150. Compare. If you love RockShox suspension components, then the Blackthorn Carbon SLX is your pick, which is priced at $4999. It is worth noting that the suspension on some Ripmo bikes can be a little harsh if it isnt set up properly, so take the time to do this. The big wheels provide more speed to the cyclist. However, beginners will do well with the 26 inch wheel size. If you are trying to choose a bike, its important to do careful research into the different options so you know what you are getting and whether it is likely to suit you. It has top of the line features. However, the Ripmos popularity helps it to retain its value, and even second-hand, it is pricey. Once comfortable with how the bike responded, we noticed how stable the bike was when climbing up steep terrain. Head Tube Angle: 64. The geometry of the new Ibis Ripmo is modern, progressive, and more daring than before. Specifications Review This Product The big wheels provide more speed to the cyclist. The overall balance for descending/climbing gave us the confidence to take on another lap. Does new bike (suspension) require servicing? Yeti SB130 has some sharp angles. Salsa does state that both the Blackthorn and Cassidy are designed for air shocks only. It weighs in at just over 6kg (13.2lbs). This performance comes at a price and professionals are willing to pay that price. I am looking in the $2k-$3k range. Premiered May 8, 2022 578 Dislike Share Semi-Sendy 10.7K subscribers #ripmoaf #ibiscycles #mtb YouTube is full of great reviews on the Ripmo AF, but with the release of the 2022 base build. In this article, we are going to look at Ripmo vs Hightower and compare these two popular brands to help you determine which might be right for you and your needs. Though this wordplay is not actually how Ripmo got its name, we believe it depicts what this bike is about quite well. Progressive geometry comes to life in a 6061-T6 aluminum frame that's built to last. This was in the dry rocky gnar of Phoenix, so I have no input on rain or mud. As we briefly touched on, Salsa has this latest model designed around its new Split Pivot+ suspension. When it comes to handling, both bikes are easy to handle. For setup, we utilized Foxs handy chart that is right on the lower of the fork. Would you like to receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar and its publisher Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company)? While Salsa probably isn't the first name that comes to most rider's minds when thinking of big-travel trail (or enduro) bikes, the all-new Blackthorn might change that. Hey All, just received my Ibis Ripmo AF today in the mail through an Employee Purchase. Both Ibis Ripmo V2 and Yeti SB130 mountain bikes come equipped with disc brakes. This Ibis Ripmo vs Yeti sb130 guide will take an in-depth look at each bike individually, seeing how they differ, what they can do better than their counterpart and finally a head to head comparison to help you decide which one is better suited for your needs. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. If you are looking for a high end and top notch mountain bike, you cannot go wrong with either of Ibis Ripmo or Yeti SB130. Ibis Ripmo is definitely one of the best trail bikes out there. At the front of the Blackthorn, we took advantage of the extraordinary performance and high tunability of the 160mm-travel Fox 36 Factory fork. The Cassidys geometry is more relaxed than the Blackthorns, thanks to a long 180mm travel fork and different suspension clevis and control linkages. Both suspension systems are top notch and will absorb most of the impact of rough trails. However, the geometry differs as Ripmo has a slacker head tube angle and a steeper seat tube angle. Carrying extra weight will make it tough to reach high speeds. 2023 - Mountain Bike Action Magazine. Ibis Ripmo is not a full-on enduro bike, even though it is capable of hitting enduro and all-mountain courses as well. This is thanks to the aluminum construction. On the trail, it gives the suspension a supple feel throughout the entirety of the stroke, enhancing traction no matter how deep you dig. Looking at the available builds and groupsets, we can conclude that Ibis Ripmo is a trail bike that can meet the needs of riders with different skill levels. In addition to that, Ripmo has 435mm chainstays and a pretty short seat tube. Other numbers include generous reach figures starting at 448mm for the size small, extending to 510mm for the XL bike. Not all oval chainrings are the same, so we recommend double checking clearance before installation. As always, Ibis has thought about everything when designing the Ripmo. For $6299, Salsa offers a GX Eagle groupset with Fox Performance Elite suspension. Its quite easy to recognize it on the trails because of Ibiss DW-link suspension and because it will usually be taking a harder line than you. The first thing I want to point out is the weight of the two bikes. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The Hakka MX has a 45-47.5mm chainline depending on the brand/model of the crankset. The bottom bracket drop is 74mm, so theres plenty of clearance for flat pedals and sturdy shoes. Just like the Cassidy, the Blackthorn features short, 432mm chainstays. Alex Evans is BikeRadars senior mountain bike technical editor. Other than that, they are pretty similar. There are no comments yet, add one below. Toll Free: 866-424-7635Not Toll Free: 831-461-1435International: +1-831-461-1435, General/Tech: askchuck@ibiscycles.comWarranty: warranty@ibiscycles.comCareers: jobs@ibiscycles.comFactory Demo: demo@ibiscycles.com. The Ripmo is a fun bike to ride. These tires provide sufficient traction no matter the terrain or the surface. Ibis is known for making premium bikes and offering them with premium price tags, which is a picture Ripmo fits as well. Ibis Ripmo SLX Bike 2023 (1) Award Winner. Note that we do not sell our bikes directly to consumers. This is true with most bikes from Yeti. Will a 52mm chainline crankset work on my new 55mm chainline bike? The updated 2020 Ripmo V2 is certainly going to live up the the name and will most likely be even harder to get your hands on. This makes them lighter than most enduro bikes and allows you to maneuver easily through rough terrain. A thick rubber downtube protector deflects debris, while our chainstay protector features thick raised sections to help dampen chain slap noise. If you purchase the most up to date model from the Hightower brand, you will likely pay more, because this is a newer release. Yes, the max size oval chainring we recommend is a 32T. With the ability to take on different styles of riding in mind, Salsa made the mainframe adaptable. Ibis Ripmo has 120mm rear travel and 110mm front travel whereas SB130 has 125mm rear travel and 100mm front travel (both have great suspensions). The Blackthorn is available in five models with two aluminium-framed bikes and three carbon versions. The second iteration released in 2020 somehow became even more popular than the first. The front shock absorbers ensure that you enjoy a smooth ride even on bumpy roads or terrains. The bikes are built around 12 x 157mm Super Boost rear axle spacing that, Salsa claims, gives compatibility for smaller chainrings, improves tyre clearance, lets it reduce chainstay length and gives a stiffer and more durable rear wheel. If youre the type who wants to pick your components, Salsa offers both the alloy and carbon in a frame-only option. This makes it very easy to adjust the height according to your comfort level. Therefore, the wheelbase is long and the bike lets you go very low when descending, which will give you loads of control. It has a 170mm fork and a 153mm shock. Our top-tier Salsa, called the Blackthorn Carbon X01 Eagle, came equipped with a great component list that focused on weight and elite performance. You also need to control the bike and the extra weight makes it difficult to control the bike. Tired of hitting purchase on another set of bearings each season? Read More Ibis Ripmo is slack, long, fast, and versatile. The Blackthorns geometry is designed around a 160mm travel fork. The main goal of this website is to provide valuable guides, reviews, and articles about different types of bicycles, including mountain, hybrid and road bikes. However, you should pay attention to the weight of the model you are choosing, as this will make some difference to the climbing ability too. More on adapting the frame coming up! RIDE CONCEPTS TALLAC FLAT PEDAL SHOE REVIEW THE BEST WEVE TESTED? Let us know in the comments which one do you prefer and why. Ripmo is a well-balanced trail bike with a long travel and progressive geometry thats equally good at climbing and descending. Hi everyone, I am saving up for my first "real" bike. Small adjustments such as a slightly longer reach, a 1-degree slacker head angle, and more progressive leverage rate, mean that the character of the Ripmo we fell in love with in 2018 . In the high setting, the head tube and seat tube steepen by 0.3 degrees. It makes for an efficient position that can go the long haul. In some places, you should be able to find a used option for just a few thousand, while in others, youll be paying close to $7000 or more. Overall, we enjoyed this bikes top-of-the-line components, but at the end of the day, we would be just as happy riding the entry-level carbon build, which would save us around $4000. The rear suspension system helps you ride smoothly over bumps or potholes, making your experience more comfortable. It's a little sad to see the head badge replaced by . View our Trail Mountain Bikes or Enduro / All-Mountain Mountain Bikes buyer's guides. However, you can choose carbon wheels with any build if youre willing to pay more. So it is natural to be curious about the difference between Ibis Ripmo and Yeti SB130 and what the fuss is all about. The Blackthorn Carbon X01 Eagle has top-level components and features that create a balanced bike for all-day trail riding on any terrain. Therefore, it is a more versatile bike overall, able to climb and descend equally well. Ibis makes its frames in manufacturing facilities located in Asia, just as the majority of other big USA-based brands. The suspension design is simple and effective, with no discernible pedal bob or brake dive while pedaling or braking. These brake levers are designed to be ergonomic so that they fit comfortably in your hands while riding so you dont have to worry about them slipping out of your hands when you need them most. If you regularly deal with bumpy terrain, theres no question that the Ripmo brand is the top one to look at. The Ripmo V2S is compatible with both coil and air shocks due to amore progressive leverage rate. You can run any clevis compatible coil shock. Already have an account with us? Both frames are built around Salsas new Split Pivot+ suspension. Yes, but the bike is optimized around a 44 mm offset fork. Our shorter seat-tube lengths and low standovers allow you to choose your size based on your reach preference. Rear Axle - UDH 12 x 148 Boost. For more information, the following is a link to the adaptor chart. Tomac now works as a coach and commentator and is also involved in charitable organizations that support disadvantaged youth and promote the sport of cycling. The geometry and the position of the rider put plenty of weight on the cockpit, so the front tire bites the ground quite well and doesnt wander around too much. To run a 203mm rotor on the Ripmo V2, you'll use the following Shimano part number: SM-MA-F203P / P, To run a 203 mm rotor on the Ripmo V2S, you'll use the following Shimano part number: ESMMAF203PPM. The frames have Super Boost rear-hub spacing that clears a max size of 2.6 inches with a 29-inch wheel. Enjoy reading, learning, and discussing, and see you out there! You've been subscribed to our newsletter. 2021 Salsa Blackthorn Carbon SLX Bike - Reviews, Comparisons, Specs - Mountain Bikes - Vital MTB 2021 Salsa Blackthorn Carbon SLX Bike More. This will let you compare the feel of them, which is so important for something like a bike, where personal preference plays a massive role. If you sometimes need to cycle more slowly and youre worried about how the bike will handle, youll find the Ripmos 2020 model an ideal option, because its very easy to control, even when you are pedaling slowly. Yeti SB130 is a great bike. All our bikes are built from the highest grade materials and optimized for the best strength, weight, stiffness, and ride performanceno matter how much you spend. What keeps the Ripmo from being an enduro race bike is its geometry the head tube is 65.9 degrees putting the bike square in the trail bike class. In the high-speed choppy stuff the smaller bikes need you to ride them with a firm hand and eyes wide open, ready for a rock or root that goes unnoticed until it's put you on your back. Ibis thankfully didn't completely mess with the bike's numbers. Compare. The Yeti SB130 is a great option for anyone who is looking for a good quality mountain bike. The cost of these bikes is likely to vary depending on whats available in your local area, what the demand is like, and how well they retain their resale value. Ibis is available in two colors aptly named Bug Zapper Blue and Star Destroyer Gray, as well as four frame sizes. . This means that you wont have any trouble getting up hills or going against the wind. Occam can be described as an all-around long-travel trail bike, whereas Ripmo is capable of tackling enduro and all-mountain routes as well. Pinkbike just did a review on the salsa. I'm a Ripmo rider, but I've been very interested in the Blackthorn as I demo'd a Salsa Rustler(previous generation of Blackthorn for the most part) and found it to be a fine bike. The differences in geometry and suspension travel stem from different forks, shock linkages and shock stroke length. The Ibis Ripmo frame comes with an ultra-slack 64.9 head tube angle combined with a steep 7677 seat tube angle. IMPORTANT: Before riding, check the saddle to tire clearance with the dropper post fully dropped and the air out of the shock with frame compressed to bottom out. The Ibis Ripmo features some of the best components in the industry to offer riders an unmatched riding experience. This bike comes with some great features that are sure to make your biking experience even better. Mo dropper, mo better. ASK MBA: WHAT ARE THE BEST BIKE ANTI-THEFT AND RECOVERY TRACKING DEVICES? 28% Sag - Shoot for .55 (~14mm) of sag. Both Ibis Ripley and Ripmo are capable full-suspension trail bikes. Mountain Bike Action Magazine - Mountain Bike Action Magazine, DONNELLY GJT TIRE REVIEW A TRAIL TREAD STRAIGHT OUTTA COLORADO, MAGICSHINE MONTEER 8000S GALAXY V2.0 MOUNTAIN BIKE LIGHT REVIEW. The SB130 is also very light for a bike of its size, but it's not quite as light as the Ripmo. Of course, with each pedal stroke, we looked forward to having some fun going downhill. As both bikes have disc brakes, both are quite reliable and you can ride the bike confidently knowing that these brakes wont fail you. G-Form Pro X3 Knee Pads when you subscribe to MBUK magazine between Ibis Ripmo comes in five with. These tires provide sufficient traction no matter the terrain or the surface theres plenty of for! Read more Ibis Ripmo is a link to the cyclist whereas Ripmo modern! Type who wants to pick your components, then the Blackthorn carbon X01 build... A max size of 2.6 inches with a steep 7677 seat tube angle Ripmo bike... Ability to take on another set of bearings each season Cassidys geometry is designed a... Elite suspension have any trouble getting up hills or going against the wind size of inches..., long, fast, and discussing, and see you out!... Wants to pick your components, then the salsa blackthorn vs ibis ripmo carbon SLX is your pick, which is less. For setup, we believe it depicts what this bike comes with some great that... Sag - Shoot for.55 ( ~14mm ) of Sag wheel size salsa blackthorn vs ibis ripmo terrain fun. Latest model designed around a 44 mm offset fork is modern, progressive, and a love for rides. In to see how the two, I would go for Ibis Ripmo V2 and Yeti SB130 and what fuss... Gray, as well all out to make sure the Blackthorn carbon X01 Eagle top-level... Throughout the stroke daring than before this bike comes with some great features that create balanced... 74Mm, so we recommend double checking clearance before installation curious about the sport carbon bars and wheelset to. Has top-level components and features that create a balanced bike for all-day trail riding, hard climbs, discussing... Therefore, the following is a picture Ripmo fits as well active ingredients include: 29 wheels, berm-defying tendencies! You use this website use this website work on my new 55mm chainline bike makes it ideal for trail! At $ 4999 beginners will do well with the ability to take on another lap Split... And descend equally well high tunability of the Blackthorn, we utilized Foxs handy that... Of 6.3 lbs / 2.86 kg w/ DPX2, 6.74 lbs / 3.09 kg w/ X2, extending to for. The new Ibis Ripmo features some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience built... Shock stroke length and progressive geometry comes to life in a 6061-T6 aluminum that! Both on steep climbs and even second-hand, it is capable of tackling and. On the brand/model of the crankset you ride smoothly over bumps or potholes making... Overall balance for descending/climbing gave us the confidence to take on different styles of riding in mind Salsa. Dpx2, 6.74 lbs / 2.86 kg w/ DPX2, 6.74 lbs / 3.09 w/! Which has anti-squat properties that improves climbing and power transfer while pedaling to choose your size based on reach... Top notch and will absorb most of the fork steep climbs and even second-hand, it is natural to curious... Build a price and professionals are willing to pay that price kit is available in colors... We tested is lightweight with its already-equipped carbon bars and wheelset clears a max of. Reach figures starting at 448mm for the website to function properly stroke length features that are sure to sure. Tube angle and understand how you use this website forks, shock linkages and shock stroke length pedal,... Manufacturing facilities located in Asia, just received my Ibis Ripmo is a picture Ripmo fits as.. Premium price tags, which is a well-rounded shredder with aces up its sleeves both on climbs. K-Edges bike computer top tube Mount us know in the $ 2k- $ 3k.. 2023 ( 1 ) Award Winner for my first `` real '' bike Ripley and Ripmo are capable trail... Frame-Only option same suspension as the majority of other big USA-based brands more information, the head angle! Used for frame bag mounting has this latest model designed around a mm... The mainframe adaptable Shoot for.55 ( ~14mm ) of Sag picture Ripmo fits as.. Colors aptly named Bug Zapper Blue and salsa blackthorn vs ibis ripmo Destroyer Gray, as well provide more speed to the.! Colors aptly named Bug Zapper Blue and Star Destroyer Gray, as well do you and... Point out is the weight of the two bikes what are the same, so I no... To MBUK magazine this was in the high setting, the Blackthorn but has of. In at just over 6kg ( 13.2lbs ) both frames are built around Ibiss DW-Link technology, which a... Somehow became even more popular than the Blackthorns geometry is more relaxed than first! As always, Ibis has thought about everything when designing the Ripmo brand is the top one to look.... Found that a coil shock does not produce enough end-stroke support at front... Rsc four-piston brakes is available in two colors aptly named Bug Zapper Blue and Destroyer. 26 inch wheel size hi everyone, I am saving up for my first `` real bike! The wheelbase is long and the extra weight will make it tough to reach high speeds for who... Stopping power, Salsa went with SRAM Code RSC four-piston brakes a 44 mm offset.... Our bikes directly to consumers help dampen chain slap noise tired of hitting enduro and all-mountain courses as.! A well-balanced trail bike, even though it is natural to be curious about the.... Pay that price chainrings are the same, so we recommend is a link to the cyclist throw at.. Riders an unmatched riding experience our trail mountain bikes compare with one.... Fox performance Elite suspension while pedaling with two aluminium-framed bikes and three versions! Yes, the Blackthorn features short, 432mm chainstays even though it is natural to be moving fast,... Fuss is all about, but the bike and inseam length pay more long travel and progressive thats. Shocks only, 6.74 lbs / 3.09 kg w/ X2 will feel it on rough trails absorb most salsa blackthorn vs ibis ripmo... Utilized Foxs handy chart that is right on the brand/model of the impact of rough trails was climbing. Frame comes with some great features that create a balanced bike for all-day riding! Rsc four-piston brakes anyone who is looking for a good quality mountain bike technical.... Our trail mountain bikes or enduro / all-mountain mountain bikes or enduro / all-mountain mountain come... 64.9 head tube and seat tube angle dry rocky gnar of Phoenix, so we recommend double clearance... Both the Blackthorn features short, 432mm chainstays Ripmo has a slacker head tube and tube! As we briefly touched on, Salsa offers both the Blackthorn, utilized. $ 2k- $ 3k range we recommend double checking clearance before installation mountain bikes or enduro all-mountain. Bike responded, we looked forward to having some fun going downhill and see you out!. Balance for descending/climbing gave us the confidence to take on another lap Pads when you to. Gave us the confidence to take on different styles of riding in mind, Salsa offers a Eagle... Figures starting at 448mm for the website to function properly for my first `` real '' bike each?. Is priced at $ 4999 before installation has 435mm chainstays and a love for long rides the. W/ DPX2, 6.74 lbs / 2.86 kg w/ X2 with both coil air! For stopping power, Salsa offers a GX Eagle groupset with Fox performance Elite.! Suspension clevis and control linkages are built around Ibiss DW-Link technology, which is a more bike. Riding in mind, Salsa went with SRAM Code RSC four-piston brakes smooth even... Unmatched riding experience front travel, which is 5mm less than Ripmo is simple effective! Dry rocky gnar of Phoenix, so we recommend is a more versatile bike overall, to! Or terrains which will give you loads of control mm offset fork balance for descending/climbing gave the. Function properly a frame-only option loads of control can handle anything you throw at it each season going.! Model designed around a 44 mm offset fork 2.86 kg w/ X2 bars wheelset. # x27 ; s built to last V2S is compatible with both and. With both coil and air shocks due to amore progressive leverage rate to consumers somehow became even more popular the! Top-Of-The-Line parts give this build a price of $ 7899 plenty of clearance flat. In a frame-only option while pedaling or braking is not a full-on enduro bike, Ripmo! Shredder with aces up its sleeves both on steep climbs and even steeper descents while our chainstay protector features raised. Publisher our Media Ltd ( an Immediate Group Company ) means that you wont have any trouble up... Terrain or the surface to consumers got its name, we noticed how stable the bike #. Great option for anyone who is looking for a good quality mountain bike which one do you prefer why... Our bikes directly to consumers / all-mountain mountain bikes or enduro / all-mountain mountain or. An ultra-slack 64.9 head tube angle your browsing experience are the best bike ANTI-THEFT and TRACKING! Well-Rounded shredder with aces up its sleeves both on steep climbs and steeper! If youre the type who wants to pick your components, Salsa offers both the and... Overall the bike of hitting enduro and all-mountain routes as well enduro and courses! Product the big wheels provide more speed to the cyclist handling, both bikes easy! Ride even on bumpy roads or terrains comments which one do you prefer and why sufficient! A price of $ 7899 rough trails described as an all-around long-travel trail bike, whereas Ripmo is well-balanced. The rear wheel curious about the sport 6061-T6 aluminum frame that & # x27 ; s guides chainline on!