Compare Ibis Ripley Kits

From down-country, trail and into light enduro staple the Ibis Ripley is a confident 29er that’s a blast on your after work rip or a bigger adventure ride. The Ripley is a 120mm travel frame that is paired with 130 or 140mm forks. Compare Ibis Ripley Kits here. We’ll go over the GX, SLX, XT, GX Transmission to XX Transmission builds. Keep reading to investigate common upgrades or part swaps across the Ripley lineup.

Ibis Ripley in Bad Apple Red or Drywall

So what are the differences in the Ibis Ripley Kits?

Various builds are available across a range of price points while maintaining the performance riders expect from an Ibis bike. Scroll down to compare the builds as well as learn about common upgrades and part swaps to dial in your Ripley’s personality.

Find links to kit specific pages with additional details. Read about common swaps and upgrades. Compare Ripley geometry between sizes as well as other class leading bikes from Ibis, Mondraker, Nukeproof and Yeti.

Shop and Compare Ibis Ripley Kits at BikeCo.com

Let’s dive into the Ripley GX, SLX, XT, GX Transmission and XX Transmission builds from Ibis.

Ibis Top Tier Carbon & FOX Factory Suspension

Each Ripley kit begins with the same details. Ibis’ top tier carbon frame as well as FOX Factory suspension.

Unlike some brands Ibis feature top tier carbon fiber layup across all price level kits. This is advantageous as riders benefit from lighter weight, a more vibrant feel as well as a longer service life.

Both fork and shock on the Ripley are FOX Factory offerings. FOX Factory suspension features the Kashima coating as well as the most advanced dampers on the market.

On the fork riders find the GRIP2 damper. This damper provides controls for high and low sped compression as well as rebound.

The DPS shock provides riders with rebound, climb switch as well as 3 positions of low speed compression adjustment to the Open mode.

Ripley Build Kits

Ibis Ripley V4S Build Kit
	GX	SLX	XT	GX Transmission	XX Transmission
Fork	FOX Factory 34, 130mm	FOX Factory 34, 130mm	FOX Factory 34, 130mm	FOX Factory 34, 130mm	FOX Factory 34, 130mm
Shock	FOX Factory DPS with EVOL, 190x45mm	FOX Factory DPS with EVOL, 190x45mm	FOX Factory DPS with EVOL, 190x45mm	FOX Factory DPS with EVOL, 190x45mm	FOX Factory DPS with EVOL, 190x45mm
Rims	Blackbird Send Alloy	Blackbird Send Alloy	Blackbird Send Alloy	Blackbird Send Alloy	Ibis Carbon
Hubs	Ibis Logo	Ibis Logo	Ibis Logo	Ibis Logo	i9 Hydra Centerlock
Front Tire	Maxxis DHR2 2.4″ EXO	Maxxis DHR2 2.4″ EXO	Maxxis DHR2 2.4″ EXO	Maxxis DHR2 2.4″ EXO	Maxxis DHR2 2.4″ EXO
Rear Tire	Maxxis Dissector 2.4″ EXO	Maxxis Dissector 2.4″ EXO	Maxxis Dissector 2.4″ EXO	Maxxis Dissector 2.4″ EXO	Maxxis Dissector 2.4″ EXO
Brakes	SRAM G2 R, 4-piston	Shimano SLX M7120	Shimano XT M8120	SRAM Code RSC, 4-piston	Shimano XTR M9120 4 piston
Rotors	SRAM Centerline 180mm	Shimano SM-RT66 203/180mm	Shimano SM-RT66 203/180mm	SRAM 6-bolt 200/180mm	Shimano RT-M900 203/180mm
Cranks	SRAM NX Eagle 30t S/M 170mm, L/XL 175mm	Shimano SLX M7120 30t S/M 170mm, L/XL 175mm	Shimano XT M8100 30t S/M 170mm, L/XL 175mm	SRAM GX Eagle 30t	SRAM XX Eagle Transmission AXS 30t
Bottom Bracket	SRAM DUB	Shimano SLX BB52	Shimano XT MT800	SRAM DUB	SRAM DUB
Derailleur	SRAM GX Eagle	Shimano SLX M7100	Shimano XT M8100	SRAM GX Eagle Transmission	SRAM XX Eagle Transmission AXS
Shifter	SRAM NX Eagle	Shimano SLX M7100	Shimano XT M8100	SRAM GX Eagle Transmission	SRAM XX Eagle Pod Controller
Cassette	SRAM XG 1275, 10-52t	Shimano SLX, 10-51t	Shimano XT, 10-51t	SRAM XG 1275, 10-52t Transmission	SRAM XX Eagle Transmission, 10-52t
Chain	SRAM NX Eagle	Shimano SLX M7100	Shimano XT M8100	SRAM GX Eagle Transmission	SRAM XX Eagle Transmission Flattop
Chain Guide	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Headset	Cane Creek 40: ZS44/ZS56	Cane Creek 40: ZS44/ZS56	Cane Creek 40: ZS44/ZS56	Cane Creek 40: ZS44/ZS56	Cane Creek 40: ZS44/ZS56
Grips	Lizard Skins Charger Evo	Lizard Skins Charger Evo	Lizard Skins Charger Evo	Lizard Skins Charger Evo	Lizard Skins Charger Evo
Handlebar	Blackbird Aluminum, 780mm	Blackbird Aluminum, 780mm	Ibis HiFi, 800mm	Ibis HiFi, 800mm	Ibis HiFi, 800mm
Stem	Ibis 31.8	Ibis 31.8	Industry Nine A318	Industry Nine A318	Industry Nine A318
Seatpost	KS Rage-I, 31.6mm (125, 150, 170mm)	Bike Yoke Revive, 31.6 (125, 160, 185, 213mm)	Bike Yoke Revive, 34.9 (125, 160, 185,213 mm)	Bike Yoke Revive, 34.9 (125, 160, 185, 213mm)	SRAM Reverb AXS 34.9 (125, 150, 170mm)
Saddle	WTB Silverado, CroMo 142mm	WTB Silverado, CroMo 142mm	WTB Silverado, CroMo 142mm	WTB Silverado, CroMo 142mm	WTB Silverado, Ti 142mm
Upgrades	i9 Carbon Wheelset add $1,400	i9 Carbon Wheelset add $1,400	i9 Carbon Wheelset add $1,400	i9 Carbon Wheelset add $1,400

Ripley Kit Differences

Key Ibis Ripley Kit Differences

Ibis offers the Ripley in two Shimano kit as well as three SRAM build kits.

Shimano SLX and XT Kits

Shimano bikes are known for their crisp shifting. Both the SLX and XT bikes feature 12sp drivetains with 10-51t cassettes.

XT components are slightly lighter than their SLX counterparts. The XT bits also feature slightly more exotic materials for both weight saving and service life.

Handlebar and stem are other differences in the build. XT builds provide Ibis’ carbon handlebar and i9 stems. The SLX bikes are spec’d with Ibis aluminum components.

SRAM GX, GX Transmission and XX Transmission

Ibis offers great value with their Ripley GX bikes. The GX builds are very rideable, cost-conscious options. Here is a bike you can order and enjoy without “needing” any upgrades. Some of this is based around the top tier FOX Factory suspension and top quality carbon fiber frame.

Other manufacturers may cut corners on suspension and frame for entry level bikes. Ibis knows your GX Ripley should have the same personality as much as any other spec Ripley. Particularly in these critical components.

The GX Transmission and XX Transmission feature the latest SRAM wireless shifting and drivetrain technology.

SRAM’s T-Type design is featured on both AXS Transmission specs. T-Type drivetrains are the strongest and longest lasting on the market.

SRAM Transmission also sets a new bar for auto setup and tuning options. Chat with our team about more advantages of the Transmission spec.

Differences between the GX Transmission and XX Transmission Builds

Riders find the XX Transmission bits are slightly lighter and may feature more exotic materials. Carbon wheels and a wireless seatpost are the main upgrade factors on the Ripley XX Transmission bikes.

XX Transmission bikes have Ibis Carbon rims with i9 Hydra hubs. XX Transmission builds spec wireless SRAM Reverb AXS Seatposts.

With GX Transmission bikes riders find Ibis Aluminum Blackbird Send rims laced to Ibis hubs. (A popular option is upgrading to the Ibis Carbon rims and i9 hubs at times of purchase) Ibis’ GX Transmission builds also feature the Bike Yoke Revive Seatpost.

Ripley Common Upgrades & Swaps

Ibis Ripley Upgrades and Swaps

Whether you’re shopping for a full custom Ibis Ripley or just need a couple tweaks to the Ripley build BikeCo.com is your resource.

The Ibis Ripley is available in 5 kits, all of which are great “out of the box”. Really you won’t find any “no-go” components on the GX, SLX, XT, GX Transmission or XX Transmission Ripley builds. But, riders develop component preferences. BikeCo will get you that perfect part, in the right color to personalize the Ripley’s performance or look.

Common Ripley Upgrades

What are common Ripley swaps and upgrades at time of purchase? Let’s take a look. Some spec changes are personal preference. Others are budget or performance choices. Read on to see see where client’s often find upgrades to their new Ripley build. Already have questions? Chat, email or call our expert sales staff and we will help you buy the perfect Ibis Ripley.

Suspension

A lot of riders gravitate to the longer 140mm fork option on the Ripley. Increasing the fork travel will slacken the headtube and slightly raise the bottom bracket. This gives the Ripley a bit more of an Enduro feel. Riders looking for a bit more punch in the Ripley will love that 140mm fork. Those looking for quicker handling or more of a down-country or XC feel will stay with the 130mm fork although some will prefer a FIT4 damper over the GRIP2 stock offering.

Rider Contact Points

Many riders have a go-to grip and pedal preference.

We can provide a range of grips with variable patterns, technology and shape to improve your riding. There might even be a grip in a color to set off your Drywall or Bad Apple Red Ripley.

New build – new pedals? We have the best clipless and flat options for a wide range of riding styles.

Tires

Another preference riders develop is “must-have” tire spec. This is one of the most common swaps on builds from any manufacturer. With notable performance differences between tread pattern, compound and sidewall lets make sure we get you on the perfect tire setup.

Many Ripley riders are looking for faster tires than the spec’d DHR II front and Dissector rear. What are popular specs? DHF front, DHR II rear or DHF front and Aggressor rear. Depending on your weight, terrain and level of aggression you might consider more robust sidewalls as well. EXO Plus and Double Down tires are popular options for riders looking for more robust protection or additional damping.

Looking for rim protection? We have that covered too.

Cockpit

A common swap or upgrade to Ibis Factory Spec bikes are the handlebars and stem. Many riders swap to a 35mm diameter combo over the stock 31.8mm options.

Getting the fit correct is important to your Ripley’s performance. Handlebar rise and overall stiffness also improve the personalization and performance of your bike. Looking for suggestions? We have the best in the market from OneUp, Tag, Renthal and Raceface.

Chat with our team about hand positioning, carbon versus aluminum as well as advantages of the right handlebar rise on your new rig.

Brakes

This is one of the most common swaps or upgrades on any bike. Brakes that compliment your riding style and preference make a huge difference on trail. We offer class leading options in a variety of price points from Hope, Magura, Shimano and TRP.

Shimano brakes are very popular and are spec’d on several of the build options. Shimano brakes have good overall power with quick lever throw. This produces a brake with a strong feel.

TRP brakes are similar to the Shimano lineup. The TRP brakes provide a touch more overall power and extra modulation compared to Shimano offerings.

Riders who prefer a bit more modulation or “feel” to their brakes gravitate towards Hope and Magura.

The latest Hope Tech 4 updates have improved their power. This puts the Hope Tech 4 in the Shimano and Magura range for overall power while retaining the excellent modulation Hope has been known for.

Magura brakes are the most frequent swap or upgrade across all Ibis builds. Riders who appreciate modulation and power will find Magura excellent in both aspects. Magura offers models with across a wide price range allowing budget friendly swaps or upgrades. Riders looking for the most adjustability or tuning for their brakes will shop the MT7 with HC3 levers.

Custom Wheels

Handbuilt or custom wheels are another popular upgrade no matter what brand you’re shopping. Custom wheels allow riders to spec a rim, spoke and hub combination as well as build specifics for the ultimate performance.

Custom wheels for Ibis builds usually feature slightly narrower rim options. This will decrease the volume slightly as well as shifting the tire’s shape to provide more grip in high lean cornering. We see many riders work with NOX carbon or WTB, Factor and RideFast alloy options.

Riders also will find traction from using the right spokes and build techniques. Our team will help you define this at time of purchase to ensure you maximize performance and longevity.

Popular hubs from Chris King, Industry Nine, Onyx and Factor are spec’d on Ibis Ripley builds. All of these hubs are available in a range of colors to highlight your build.

Wireless Shifting

While the XX AXS and GX AXS kit feature the new SRAM Transmission the GX and even the SLX and XT are popular options for the standard AXS upgrade. Equally popular are the GX or X01 AXS kits for this purpose.

Chat with our team about mating the GX AXS with Shimano Drivetrains.

Pro Tune Suspension

Take your bike’s performance to the next level with our proprietary Pro Tune Suspension. Our team will custom tune your FOX fork and rear shock and narrow the performance from the FOX Factory range to a more precise setup designed for your riding style, aggression, ground speed, size and terrain.

This is one of the biggest upgrades to any bike – having the suspension dialed in as well as having a resource like BikeCo to help you fine tune the bike at time of delivery and as your riding speeds increase!

BikeCo Pro Tune Suspension – because Every Click Counts.

Dialing in the perfect Ripley Build

If you’re here to compare Ibis Ripley kits we’d expect you to develop questions! Our team is here to help you define what you need to take your bike build from “this is good” to “man, this is DIALED.” Email, call or chat on the website today.

Ibis Ripley Geometry

The Ripley is offered in Small, Medium, Large and X-Large. This gives riders from 5’0″ to 6’6″ options on the Ripley.

The 130mm fork creates a 66.5 degree headtube angle on the Ripley. A slightly slacker headtube is available with the 140mm fork.

Ibis’ shows the Ripley sizing crossover as fairly minimal. For instance the taller end of the medium is listed at 5’8″ while the lower end of the large is listed at 5’7″.

Ibis bikes like the Ripley are sized based rider height as well as leg and arm length. Riders who find their height in the cross-over of sizes will determine the better size based typically on inseam, flexibility and riding style.

Those with longer legs tend to upsize to improve riding position. This will increase the wheelbase and produce a bike with a bit more overall speed capacity that isn’t quite as snappy as a smaller option would be.

Riders with longer torsos or looking for a more “poppy” trail feel will tend to downsize. Although, with modern MTB frames designed to accommodate increased dropper post lengths riders who prefer the added wheelbase may upsize – so long as the reach doesn’t compromise stem size availability or put a rider “too far” over the front wheel.

The Ripley provides very similar jumps between sizes for the Stack, Reach and Top Tube. Standover height between Medium and Large has a notable difference for riders in that size range.

Wondering which bike provides you the best fit? Our expert team is here to help you define how your size, riding style, terrain and aspirations will effect your ideal sizing.

Ripley Geo Chart
Ripley Geo Comparison

Ripley Geo Chart

Ibis Ripley Geometry Chart
	Small	Medium	Large	X-Large
Reach	425mm	450mm	475mm	500mm
Stack	599mm	613mm	622mm	631mm
Head Tube Angle	66.5 deg	66.5 deg	66.5 deg	66.5 deg
Wheelbase	1147mm	1178mm	1207mm	1236mm
Effective Top Tube	574mm	603mm	630mm	658mm
Seat Tube Length	14.5 in	15 in	16.5 in	19 in
Effective Seat Tube Angle	76 deg	76 deg	76 deg	76 deg
Saddle Height at Saddle Offset	600mm	700mm	750mm	807mm
Head Tube Length	90mm	105mm	115mm	125mm
Bottom Bracket Height	335mm	335mm	335mm	335mm
Stand Over Height	708mm	712mm	742mm	755mm
Fork Travel	130mm	130mm	130mm	130mm
Trail	114mm	114mm	114mm	114mm