The New Ibis Ripley AF gains in-frame storage, mixed-wheel flip chip, and is coil-compatible

The updated Ibis Ripley AF and Ripmo AF trails bikes cost more than previous versions, but feature fresh geo and all the frame features modern MTB buyers want.
By Jeff Barber
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The Ibis Ripley AF was already a wildly popular trail bike thanks to its dialed geo and budget-friendly price tag, and the latest changes announced today make it more compelling than ever. The updated Ripley AF gets more travel, a new flip chip, and the kind of smart geo refinements and frame features we’ve been seeing across the MTB industry.

More capability, still metal AF

Let’s start with the numbers: the Ripley’s travel gets a bump from 130/120mm front and rear to 140/130mm, slotting the Ripley AF solidly in the middle of trail bike territory. Ibis is introducing a new “extra medium” size for the Ripley AF, which sits between medium and large. According to our own research, nearly 70% of mountain bikers ride a medium or large bike, so this tweener size should be welcome news for those who fall in between sizes.

Mountain bike positioned on grass in a natural setting, featuring a blue frame, sturdy tires, and a suspension system, with trees softly blurred in the background.

Looking at the geometry, every frame size gets a notable reach bump. For example, size large frames now stretch to 511mm (up from 475mm). While Ripley AF reaches were previously middle-of-the-road, the new reach numbers are possibly the longest we’ve seen on a medium-travel trail bike. In a 2024 survey, 44% of Singletracks readers said current generation mountain bike reaches were too long. Just two years ago, the average size large trail bike had a 476mm reach according to our research, and none had a reach even close to 500mm (the Rocky Mountain Instinct was the longest at 487mm).

A technical diagram and specifications for the Ripley AF mountain bike, featuring a side view illustration of the bike frame with labeled dimensions, and a photograph of the bike against a natural background. The specifications include measurements for various frame sizes, geometry details, and recommended tire sizes.

The head tube angle gets slacker at 64.9°, and the seat tube angle gets steeper—and size-specific—for improved climbing comfort. Stack heights are higher across the board, which we’ve consistently seen as a positive trend for improving descending posture and cockpit comfort.

Following moves by other manufacturers like Pivot and Devinci, the Ibis Ripley AF chainstay lengths now vary by size, ranging from 436mm on the small frames up to 442mm. Crank lengths on the builds scale appropriately too—smaller sizes are now specced with 165mm cranks instead of the 170s, and even the larger bikes come with 170mm cranks instead of the previous 175s. It’s the kind of size-specific design we’ve been praising in recent years as brands dial in geometry beyond the one-size-fits-all era.

Close-up view of a mountain bike frame showcasing a metallic red color, with a focus on the bottom bracket area and a black protective cover. The image highlights details like the frame's construction and pedal crank assembly, set against a blurred natural background.

Storage, flip chips, and coil compatibility

One of the biggest frame additions to the Ibis Ripley AF is in-frame storage, something we’ve seen trickle down from high-end carbon builds to more affordable platforms over the past few seasons. The system includes two Ibis Stow bags, giving riders a slick way to carry tools or snacks without a pack.

Close-up view of a mountain bike suspension linkage and components, featuring a shiny red frame with a black shock absorber. The image highlights the intricate details of the bike's design, including adjustment markings and the connection points of the suspension system against a blurred natural background.

The Ripley also gains a flip chip at the rear axle, enabling mixed-wheel setups. However, complete builds only ship with 29″ wheels front and rear, so if you want to mix wheels, you’ll need to pick up a 27.5 wheel and tire on your own.

Coil compatibility is another welcome addition, expanding tuning options for heavier or more aggressive riders. Previously, Ibis did not recommend coil shocks for the Ripley AF. The Ripley AF features the patented DW-Link suspension system, beloved by riders for its descending performance and climbing efficiency.

The latest Ripley AF is UDH-compatible just like the last one, and buyers can choose either a Shimano Deore or SRAM Eagle 90 build, both with mechanical drivetrains. Ibis has not provided weights for the various builds.

Price bump, but still a great value

All these updates do come at a cost: the base model now starts at $3,499, up from $2,999. Considering the modern geometry, suspension upgrades, and added tech, it’s hard to argue the Ripley AF isn’t still a solid value—especially with a lifetime warranty on the frame, bushings, and rims.

Close-up of a purple Ibis Ripmo AF mountain bike, showcasing the handlebars, stem, and top tube with branding details. The bike is displayed in a studio setting with a blurred background.

What about the Ripmo AF?

While the Ripley AF sees more changes this time around, the longer-travel Ripmo AF also gets the in-frame storage and flip chip treatment for 2025. Rear travel increases slightly to 150mm, and smaller sizes now ship in mixed-wheel configurations. Previously, the Ripmo AF was designed for matching 29″ wheels only. Like the Ripley, geometry gets a size-specific refresh as well.

Pricing starts at $3,749 for the Ibis Ripmo AF Deore build, up from $3,299 for the previous generation Ripmo AF.

It’s clear Ibis is making the most of its aluminum platform, bringing in smart updates that mirror what we’ve seen from their carbon models—and what modern trail riders are asking for. The price tags may be a bit higher than before, but the AF bikes are still a great value and feel anything but entry-level.

 
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