Hey Reddit!
I’m looking at getting back into mountain biking and need some advice. I’m torn between the Ibis Ripmo AF and the 2025 Rift Zone 2 (https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2025-rift-zone-2). I live in the front range of CO and will be doing mostly trail riding with the occasional downhill day at Keystone or Trestle bike parks. My concern with the Ripmo is being overbiked for the majority of trails, but I have heard it pedals really well for the amount of travel. On the other hand, the new Rift Zone 2 looks like a decent spec with deore parts, and a more mid travel set up on suspension (140MM front, 130MM rear). I really want a well rounded bike. Which would you pick any why? Ideally, I’d like to keep the cost as low as possible while still getting the best value, really taking a buy once cry once mentality to this purchase. Ibis bikes get tons of praise, but for the cost is the rift zone 2 (currently 2250) a good buy? Are there other bikes I should consider in the 2500 price range? Is there a significant maintenance cost associated with either brand (thinking bearings, proprietary designs / parts)? I saw some posts about Ibis doing a 25% off around this time last year so wondering if I hold out that will come around again and bring the Ripmo AF into the same price range as the Marin.
by ClintArtic
2 Comments
Front range? Ripmo and don’t look back. Even a Ripley would be great if you don’t see heavy downhill in your future.
Here’s a general overview of your likely options: https://99spokes.com/compare?bikes=ibis-ripmo-af-gx-2024,ibis-ripley-af-gx-2024,marin-rift-zone-2-2025,yt-jeffsy-core-1-29-2024,polygon-siskiu-t8-2024,yt-izzo-core-2-29-2024,giant-trance-29-2-2022,giant-trance-x-3-2022,norco-fluid-fs-a2-2024,ari-cascade-peak-elite-2024
Ripmo will definitely allow you to have a longer travel bike while feeling sportier on the traversal pedals, but I wouldn’t worry TOO much about like travel length. More so outright weight if possible.
Also, depending on your ‘future’ budget, I’d try to get something with Deore or SLX or maybe even GX. NX is still okay, but not ideal. And SX is like a hard no unless its heavily discounted to where you are knowingly changing the drivetrain day one.
I’d also prefer a bike with that Fox Float shock with 3 position lever for front range. Not the base Rockshox or whatever. So Ripley, Polygon, Izzo, and Trances. (actually unaware of the DVO shock settings/features of the Ari, sorry)
and then, builds with both superior drivetrain and suspension are then Ripley, Polygon, and the Trances (maybe the Ari if the shock has comp settings)
Also, that also means the Ripmo has… Both features as well, I think. But the comp adjust on that shock is a bit awkward I think? It’s a ‘clickless’ adjustment that can go to full ‘closed’ as a lock out. I believe you can ‘achieve’ a medium setting of compression similar to a Fox shock by finding the middle but you’d have to get used to guessing the middle each time. I just prefer the Fox lever, not the Marz knob.
I have a Marin Hawk Hill, and a Ripmo AF. Not the exact comparison you’re looking for, but figured I’d give my 2 cents anyway. The Marin will likely be more playful, even the latest 29 version has 430mm chainstays. The Ripmo will pedal more efficiently, even with the increased travel. That’s the DW magic. The ibis to me does not feel like a big gushy enduro bike that will numb trails, but it will likely feel more planted than the Marin. Personally I’d go for the Ibis and put some lighter tires on it to make it more fun on trails. I think they spec assegai/dhrii which is a draggy combo for pedaling. I think the Marin could be a bit limiting in the bike park, also. It’ll work, but the longer travel will help with comfort and confidence.