The mountain biking world has a fresh contender, and it’s arriving with a focus on both performance and sustainability. Ibis Cycles has unveiled the Ripley SL, a short-travel, lightweight full-suspension bike designed for cross-country (XC) riding and trail adventures. The new model, built in Ibis’s solar-powered California factory, aims to blend speed with capability, offering riders a nimble and efficient machine for tackling varied terrain. This Ibis Ripley SL represents a significant update to a popular line, emphasizing modern geometry and quality construction.
At its core, the Ripley SL is built around Ibis’s DW-Link suspension platform, delivering 117mm of rear wheel travel. This is paired with a 130mm fork up front, creating a balanced setup geared towards XC speed while still providing enough cushion for rougher trails. The bike’s frame is crafted from carbon fiber, resulting in a remarkably light weight – Ibis claims a complete build can weigh as little as 5 pounds. This focus on weight reduction is intended to enhance climbing efficiency and overall agility.
Sungrown in California: A Commitment to Sustainable Manufacturing
What sets the Ripley SL apart isn’t just its performance characteristics, but also how it’s made. Ibis Cycles emphasizes its commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices, producing the bike entirely in its Northern California facility powered by solar energy. This “Sungrown in California” approach, as Ibis calls it, reflects a growing trend within the cycling industry towards localized and environmentally responsible production. The company highlights the control this in-house manufacturing provides, allowing for precise frame strength, stiffness, and weight targets.
Geometry and Features Designed for Modern Riders
The Ripley SL isn’t just about lightweight construction; it also incorporates modern geometry designed to enhance handling and stability. Ibis has implemented size-specific seat tube angles and suspension kinematics, aiming to provide a consistent ride feel across all frame sizes. Even chainstay length and bottom bracket height are tailored to each size, demonstrating a commitment to optimizing the bike’s fit for a wide range of riders. The bike also features Ibis’s STOW in-frame storage, providing a secure place to carry tools and essentials, and offers room for two water bottles.
Available in three sizes – with a new size added to better fit a wider range of riders – the Ripley SL is designed to appeal to those who prioritize XC speed but don’t seek to compromise on fun when the trail gets technical. The bike’s geometry and suspension are intended to inspire confidence and encourage riders to push their limits.
Pricing and Build Options
The Ibis Ripley SL is available in three color options: Gold Rush, Raw Carbon, and Tahoe Blue. Pricing varies depending on the chosen build kit, starting at $6,249 and reaching up to $11,449. A fourth build option is available for $4,499. Ibis notes that pricing and specifications are subject to change, and all prices are ex-works Santa Cruz, CA, excluding sales tax or VAT. The company builds each Ripley SL in its Northern California factory, emphasizing quality control throughout the process.
Ripley SL Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Rear Travel | 117mm |
| Front Travel | 130mm |
| Wheel Size | 29″ |
| Suspension | DW-Link |
| Frame Material | Carbon Fiber |
The release of the Ripley SL comes as the demand for high-performance mountain bikes continues to grow. Riders are increasingly seeking bikes that are both efficient and capable, and the Ripley SL appears to be positioned to meet that demand. The combination of lightweight construction, modern geometry, and sustainable manufacturing practices makes it a compelling option for XC enthusiasts and trail riders alike.
Ibis Cycles is currently accepting orders for the Ripley SL, with deliveries expected to begin shortly. Interested riders can identify more information and configure their own build on the Ibis Cycles website. The company encourages potential buyers to explore the available options and find the perfect configuration to suit their riding style and preferences.
Looking ahead, Ibis Cycles will continue to refine its manufacturing processes and explore new technologies to further enhance the performance and sustainability of its bikes. The Ripley SL represents a significant step forward for the company, and it’s likely to be a popular choice among riders seeking a high-quality, lightweight, and environmentally responsible mountain bike.
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