Best Mountain Bikes · #2
Ripmo V2
Ibis
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The benchmark long-travel trail bike. DW-link suspension that pedals like a shorter bike and descends like an enduro rig.
Pros
- Superb pedaling platform
- Roomy front triangle for bottles
- Forgiving on chunky terrain
Cons
- Heavier than pure trail bikes
- Loud chainslap on some builds
Best uses
- Aggressive trail riding
- All-mountain adventures
- Enduro racing
- Technical climbs and descents
Specifications
- Maker
- Ibis
- Model
- Ripmo V2
- Frame Material
- Carbon Fiber
- Rear Travel
- 147mm
- Suspension Design
- DW-link
- Wheel Size
- 29-inch
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Aggressive trail riding, All-mountain adventures, Enduro racing, Technical climbs and descents
Where to buy the Ripmo V2
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The Ibis Ripmo V2 isn't just a bike; it's a statement about what a modern long-travel trail machine can be. Sitting comfortably at the intersection of enduro capability and everyday trail rideability, it redefines the 'one bike' concept for many. Our testers consistently praised its uncanny ability to climb with an efficiency that belies its 147mm of rear travel, thanks in large part to the meticulously refined DW-link suspension platform. Yet, point it downhill, and it transforms, devouring technical terrain and high-speed descents with confidence-inspiring stability. This isn't a bike for the casual rider looking for an easy spin; it's built for those who push boundaries, tackle challenging trails, and demand a machine that performs equally well on grueling climbs and exhilarating descents. It’s a workhorse of a bike, engineered for serious trail duty. From its carbon fiber frame construction to its thoughtfully designed geometry, every aspect of the Ripmo V2 speaks to Ibis's commitment to performance and durability. It features a slack head tube angle for high-speed stability, a steep seat tube angle for efficient pedaling, and a comfortable reach that keeps the rider centered and in control. We've seen it excel in everything from rocky, root-strewn singletrack to bike park laps, proving its versatility across a wide spectrum of mountain biking. While it commands a premium price, the V2 offers a level of refinement and real-world performance that justifies the investment for riders seeking a high-performing, all-around trail shredder.
Construction & Design
Ibis crafts the Ripmo V2 from high-quality carbon fiber, a choice that balances stiffness, strength, and a respectable weight. The frame's robust construction feels solid underfoot, inspiring confidence when pushing hard. The aesthetic is clean, with internal cable routing contributing to a tidy appearance and protecting housing from trail debris. Crucially, Ibis has engineered ample tire clearance, allowing riders to run wider rubber for increased traction and comfort without fuss. The attention to detail extends to protection around critical areas like the downtube and chainstays, mitigating impact damage and chain slap noise, which is a welcome touch for a bike built to be ridden hard.
On The Trail Performance
Where the Ripmo V2 truly shines is in its dual personality. The DW-link suspension platform is the star here, delivering exceptional pedaling efficiency that makes it feel like a shorter-travel bike on climbs. There's minimal energy wasted, allowing you to save your legs for the descents. Once pointed downhill, the progressive suspension ramps up effectively, soaking up big hits and maintaining composure through rough sections. Its geometry, featuring a slack head angle and relatively long wheelbase, provides stability at speed and in steep terrain, while the steep seat tube positions you perfectly for climbing. It’s a balanced ride that excels on diverse trails.
Weight & Packability
For a long-travel 29er, the Ripmo V2 hits a competitive weight, especially when considering its burly build quality. It's not the lightest bike on the market, nor is it intended to be a featherweight cross-country machine. Instead, its weight reflects its strength and capability. While mountain bikes aren't 'packable' in the traditional sense, its manageable weight makes it easier to load onto vehicle racks or maneuver in tight spaces, which is always a practical consideration. The focus here is on robust performance over shaving every last gram, which aligns with its intended use as a hard-hitting trail bike.
Durability & Longevity
Ibis has a strong reputation for building durable frames, and the Ripmo V2 continues that tradition. The carbon layup is designed to withstand the rigors of aggressive trail riding, and the frame comes with a solid warranty, offering peace of mind. Components specified on most complete builds are generally chosen for their reliability and performance, rather than just being lightweight. Pivot bearings are robust and designed for serviceability, an important factor for long-term ownership. This is a bike built to endure season after season of hard riding, an expectation for any high-end trail bike of its caliber.
Alternatives & Value
At its price point, the Ripmo V2 competes directly with other top-tier carbon trail bikes like the Santa Cruz Hightower or Specialized Stumpjumper EVO. What sets the Ripmo apart is its particular blend of DW-link climbing efficiency and downhill composure; it arguably offers one of the most balanced ride characteristics in its class. While the initial investment is significant, the bike’s performance, durability, and a strong resale market help maintain its value over time. It's an investment in a highly capable, versatile machine that minimizes compromises across varying trail conditions, justifying its premium position.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best mountain bikes that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
Ripmo V2 — frequently asked questions
- Is the Ripmo V2 worth it?
- We rank it #2 in Best Mountain Bikes. The benchmark long-travel trail bike. DW-link suspension that pedals like a shorter bike and descends like an enduro rig.
- What is the Ripmo V2 best for?
- Best for aggressive trail riding, all-mountain adventures, enduro racing and technical climbs and descents. Standouts: superb pedaling platform and roomy front triangle for bottles.
- What are the downsides of the Ripmo V2?
- Heavier than pure trail bikes and Loud chainslap on some builds.
- What are the key specs of the Ripmo V2?
- Maker: Ibis · Model: Ripmo V2 · Frame Material: Carbon Fiber · Rear Travel: 147mm · Suspension Design: DW-link
- Construction & Design — what should I know about the Ripmo V2?
- Ibis crafts the Ripmo V2 from high-quality carbon fiber, a choice that balances stiffness, strength, and a respectable weight. The frame's robust construction feels solid underfoot, inspiring confidence when pushing hard.
- On The Trail Performance — what should I know about the Ripmo V2?
- Where the Ripmo V2 truly shines is in its dual personality. The DW-link suspension platform is the star here, delivering exceptional pedaling efficiency that makes it feel like a shorter-travel bike on climbs.
Compare side by side
Put the Ripmo V2 against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.