With its snappy handling and ultra-capable ride feel, the Ibis Ripley solidly maintains its spot in our lineup of favorite short-travel 29ers, and this version got some upgrades that have us pretty stoked. 120mm of DW-Link rear travel supported by Fox Factory suspension lets us crank uphill with ease while maintaining an unrivaled grip on the descent. The Ripley V4S boasts the same progressive geometry as the Ripley V4 striking the perfect balance of cross-country speed and trail capability. The short offset 130mm fork and 66. 5-degree head-tube angle maintain the BMX-like handling of the Ripley while a revised swingarm allows for a futureproof 55mm chainline and a stiffer chainstay to support us when things get rowdy. These features paired with 29in wheels and a generous reach make it easy to maneuver the bike and ourselves to cruise through technical climbs and flowy descents. The Ibis Ripley SLX kit utilizes the 12-speed Shimano SLX drivetrain for reliably smooth shifting that won't break the bank regarding replacement parts and maintenance. 2-piston Shimano brakes offer exceptional braking power to bring the bike to a stop quickly, and the 180mm rotors dissipate heat so that we don't lose any braking capability when the descent gets techy. Ibis specs their new Blackbird Send 29er wheelset on the Ripley SLX for lightweight, durable performance specifically designed to minimize pinch flats so that we can choose gnarlier lines without worrying about flats. The short standover height allowed Ibis to spec a longer Bike Yoke Revive dropper too so that we can get the saddle fully out of the way on the way down. The Ibis Ripley SLX is revised and ready to rip for our next sunset session, all-day epic, and everything in between.*Due to a high demand in the global supply chain and bike industry since the start of the pandemic, material weight and exact components are subject to change. We are working diligently to keep tech specs updated, and any adjustments will be of...