Noble is still possible without carbon. Ibis Cycles from Santa Cruz prove this with their latest addition, the Ripmo AF with an aluminum main frame and rear triangle. It has the same shape as its carbon brother. However, the otherwise fine curves are only slightly more angular thanks to the welded seams and reinforcements. And the orange paintwork also conceals some manufacturing roughness.

Fans of light metal will be pleased to know that there is also a variant with a raw aluminum look, where the characteristic features such as weld seams and milled parts are more visible.

The frame in detail

The AF version of the Ripmo is almost identical to the carbon version. Made for all kinds of fun on and off the trails, it has 147 millimetres of travel on the DW-Link rear triangle with a progressive spring characteristic that also works with steel shocks.
The frame is designed for 160 millimeter suspension forks.

The geometry has been adjusted slightly: at 64.9 degrees, the steering angle has become one degree slacker, as has the seat angle at 76 degrees. The reach and wheelbase have also become slightly longer. However, the top tube and chainstay lengths have remained the same.

The frames are available in sizes S to XL - from heights of a good 150 to a good 200 centimetres. From size M upwards, variable seatposts with 170 millimetres of travel plus can also be fitted. Below that, 125 to 150 millimeter posts can be fitted.
Practical for tall riders or braking power fetishists: 203 millimeter brake discs can also be fitted to the rear wheel.

The rear triangle is designed for metric shocks and rotates on IGUS plain bearings in the lower rocker arm and on industrial bearings in the upper rocker arms.
Furthermore, the frame is compatible with ISCG-05 chain guides, is designed for 1x drivetrains and the 29-inch wheels can be fitted with tires up to 2.6 inches wide.

Cost-effective models

The Ripmo AF is available in two color variants - Metal and Red Savina, as well as with air or steel suspension. Ibis sells the aluminum model as an inexpensive version of the Ripmo. The three versions with Sram NX, Shimano SLX and Sram GX are available for just 2,999.00, 3,999.00 and 4,299.00 US dollars respectively. This is currently roughly equivalent to the Swiss franc.

For all those who want a classy aluminum bike, Ibis also offers the Ripmo AF as frame kits. These are available for 1,799.00 and 1,899.00 US dollars respectively with DVO air or steel spring shocks.

Ibis also offers a seven-year warranty on the frames and a lifetime warranty on the bushings.

www.ibisbikes.ch
www.ibiscycles.com