Figured I'd post this for the folks that are looking to grab a closeout or might be in the market to pick up a used RIP.
Picked up a closeout 2012 RIP 9 and took it out for the maiden voyage today. We've had a ton of rain lately so the local trails are hurting. Had to hit a local greenway trail (basically fire roads) that has some short sections of singletrack. Just enough to get a feel for the handling and to start to dial in the setup.
Why did I wait so long to pick one up??!!
I've had a ton of bikes over the years (just ask my wife) including several FS 29ers (TNT Sultan, DW Sultan, 3 Stumpjumper FSR 29ers, GF HiFi 29er, Epic 29er) and currently also have a Spearfish. Still early and need to spend some time riding it on different trails, but so far the RIP is impressive. Pedals very well but suspension stays active over the rough stuff.
The best comparison is probably the DW Sultan, which was a great trail bike, but the suspension was a little too soft for my taste. I like to play on the trail jumping little rollers, hopping roots and logs, and what not, and the Sultan was so plush that it soaked up my energy when I tried to pre-load to bunny hop. Was concerned that the RIP would have a similar feel, but so far it seems to bunny hop easier since it doesn't soak up that energy when pre-loading the suspension.
So far so good. I'll follow up with some more feedback after I've had a chance to do a proper shakedown.
Picked up a closeout 2012 RIP 9 and took it out for the maiden voyage today. We've had a ton of rain lately so the local trails are hurting. Had to hit a local greenway trail (basically fire roads) that has some short sections of singletrack. Just enough to get a feel for the handling and to start to dial in the setup.
Why did I wait so long to pick one up??!!
I've had a ton of bikes over the years (just ask my wife) including several FS 29ers (TNT Sultan, DW Sultan, 3 Stumpjumper FSR 29ers, GF HiFi 29er, Epic 29er) and currently also have a Spearfish. Still early and need to spend some time riding it on different trails, but so far the RIP is impressive. Pedals very well but suspension stays active over the rough stuff.
The best comparison is probably the DW Sultan, which was a great trail bike, but the suspension was a little too soft for my taste. I like to play on the trail jumping little rollers, hopping roots and logs, and what not, and the Sultan was so plush that it soaked up my energy when I tried to pre-load to bunny hop. Was concerned that the RIP would have a similar feel, but so far it seems to bunny hop easier since it doesn't soak up that energy when pre-loading the suspension.
So far so good. I'll follow up with some more feedback after I've had a chance to do a proper shakedown.
