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Hi !
I was looking at a Ibis gen 1 Ripmo carbon frameset (dw link, bushes vs bearings) from 2019 to build as a trail bike and wondered if anyone here has any experience of this frameset? And the use of bushes instead of cartridge bearings?
TIA Paul
Yes, I had a V1 for 2 years & a V2 for 2 years. Both cracked under the downtube guard. Ripmo owners group on FB has lots of examples of cracked frames.
The bushes were always great and I would strip the frame a couple of times a year to clean & grease everything. The small bearings in the upper link didn't last long. I replaced bearings rather than buy a new link, One of the bearing bores on my V1 link was undersized & crushing the bearing
Ah wow 👌 didn't know about the cracking frame issue! I might just steer clear!
I had a V1 for 4000km and am around 800km into a V2. Not cracked either (don't do FB so no idea how widespread the issue is). Both of mine have been ridden on some pretty epic/rocky/steppy/steep trails and - as usual - any issues aren't with the bike!
They make a fantastic trail bike, light enough but strong (or maybe not) enough, great handling bikes and really good climbers (only my Revel Rascal was a better climbing FS)
Would agree with above- bushings last for ever, bearing in the link need regular attention (you can service them even tho Ibis says you need a new linkage and that's a PITA with UK Disti going bust). Also V1 didn't have the 'flap' and cover to protect the seatstay knuckle that takes damage if a stone gets caught between short linkages.
V2 is better for me. It's a bit longer, bit slacker, just feels like the bike I wanted the V1 to be. I rode my Giga as a trail bike (often instead of my rascal) last year, but this year just ridden RipMo every time.
I don't ride it much in the wet and the mud. Clearance for tyres is okay (with a 2.4) but all those close links means it's a total mud trap!
V1 when new is 2018 (was one of first UK ones available)
V2 - 2nd hand but cleaned up really nicely.
Oh I swapped the X2 on the V2 as I don't like them. Had a Float X and prefer that. It's got a 160mm buttercup/charger 3 lyrik on the front, 2.4 DHR/DHR front and back, mostly XT brakes/transmission, 210mm dropper. Nothing I want to change on it.
Love my mk1 and it hasn’t put a foot wrong, despite my 120kg sat on it
Not done anything like the mileage that Alex has but agree with his comments.
Most of the kit on mine has changed through new shiny moments but the basic frame, fork and shock have been faultless.
How's sizing for you @Alex and @twonks ?
Thinking of replacing my 8 year old Yeti SB6 - I'm 6ft1 with 33" inseam
Yeti is a large, very manoeuvrable but always felt a tad small if I'm honest.
I also ride an XL Rise, that is comfortable on long rides but I have never feel as confident on it in tech.
Interest you in a cheap ripmo AF frame in a large sir . Vgc as new front triangle one week riding on it (replaced under warranty for paint defects). I’m about to strip it as just using the eeb these days
I really really liked the bike but seduced by decreasing time to ride and less fitness
I'm 5ft11 on a large. Short legs, long body. I think you'd be better on an XL. Mine does not feel that long or 'big'. It's not a problem for all day rides, but I wouldn't want it any shorter... Having said that you're 2 inches longer in the leg so it might be okay for reach....
"I also ride an XL Rise, that is comfortable on long rides but I have never feel as confident on it in tech."
I had one on demo for a couple of days, very much trail bike geometry after my LLS Cotic, which is why I bought a Kenevo SL instead.
I was trying to find a riding pic, this is a recent one
So it doesn't look that big, but it feels perfect when I ride it.
Height and leg wise, I’m about the same as Alex and also ride a large.
It initially feels short when sat down (with a 50mm stem) but only for a few minutes then becomes natural.
Benefit of that is it feels very planted on rocky and technical trails, especially uphill, as I just sit still (ish) and spin away. Not the fasted in these conditions, just good and not a twitchy lightweight thing.
Downhill it is a different beast. Standing on the pedals, it becomes a bit more rowdy. Then it feels longer, rapid and very planted.
Bear in mind I’m not fast by any means,
I love the Ripmo for all the above.
Anything over 6 foot, I’d be looking at the XL for sure, unless you want a real poppy thing to launch off everything and not go uphill - in which case there are probably better suited bikes anyway.