[norbyd]

Hi,

For about 4 years now I been riding a V1 Ibis Ripley. As much as I love it I'd like to get rid of it and buy a new bike that is on the same level in terms of being very nimble and a great climber.

While I'm tempted to get the new Ripley, I can't justify spending over $5K.
Hence, this thread!

I'm aware there are many great bikes/brands these days that fall in my category/style of bike. I'd like something with a burly/light feel to it that has the same traits of a Ripley but cheaper.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks!:thumbsup:

 

[Ryder1]

"a burly/light feel" - we could all use more of that.

Fezzari Signal Peak, Trance. Yeti 4.5 frame is on sale.

 

[Cotharyus]

Trance 29er. I think it's a little shorter travel in the rear, but it's very good.

 

[bitflogger]

Most bikes are good these days. It's probably safe to say all if you are looking at the popular long-running bikes. Go to some demos and rental. You might be surprised. You'll also probably learn how you get diminishing returns as you spend.

Trek's entry level bikes with the 'Reaktiv" shocks are super climbers that don't break the bank and good all around rides. Make sure you have the shock set for your weight when you test those. It takes a test ride to know way they are both supple and firm instantly.

For the comment on the Giant (and Trek) it was quite revealing to spend a week at a resort with my family riding and renting all sorts of bikes and price ranges. Especially going between a less than $3000 Giant and $9000 nothing spared Yeti with my own bike in between. It was great proof of how important your bike engine is compared to the bike.

 

[*OneSpeed*]

Devinci Django- available in aluminum or carbon at a variety of price points. DEVINCI

 

[endo_alley]

Put your parts on a new frame.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/27-5-carbo...hash=item1cc1660572:m:mzoeq-axMoQ2SIykQyOFhyw

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ICAN-Carbo...hash=item4d7ee199a3:m:mkjUvxN4gntqk3qiHdkeyig

 

[norbyd]

Thanks people for your input!

There are a few brands I'm curious about:
1. Norco
2. Whyte
3. Devinci - I have extensively demo'd the Devinci about a year ago. I wasn't sold on it since it didn't climb as well as the Ripley. However, the new one seems promising.

 

[norbyd]

"a burly/light feel" - we could all use more of that.

It seems to be the trend these days. At my local LBS I just picked up the Yeti SB130 and could notice just by picking the bike up that it is light and burly. Sounds like it would be ideal for me but way too $$$$$.

 

[norbyd]

Devinci Django- available in aluminum or carbon at a variety of price points. DEVINCI

I'm sold on Carbon ever since switching from Aluminum. However, these days is Aluminum getting closer to the advantages of Carbon?

 

[*OneSpeed*]

Closer to what advantages? Depends on how you look at it, and what you're looking to get out of it.

It's great for impact durability, often stiffer on a FS bike (good thing), and will generally save you ~$1k. It's also better for the environment and much easier to recycle. Aluminum will be heavier though and it's harder to repair (in most cases).

They're different materials and have different pros and cons. When in doubt, go with a steel frame.

 

[SpartyinWI]

Thanks people for your input!

There are a few brands I'm curious about:
1. Norco
2. Whyte
3. Devinci - I have extensively demo'd the Devinci about a year ago. I wasn't sold on it since it didn't climb as well as the Ripley. However, the new one seems promising.

This Whyte seems like a very good value. I can say I bought a Whyte gravel bike from their distribution center in California. No issues at all. My only question about this bike - is it too long?

https://www.whyteusa.bike/collections/trail-29er-27-120mm/products/s-120-carbon-rs-19

 

[cowdog]

Another nod for the Giant Trance 29er. Really nice bike. I didn't want to like it, and I liked it. FYI, I bought one of the new Ripleys.

 

[CCSS]

Funny - I thought I had the v1 Ibis Ripley about 18 yrs ago .

 

[Ryder1]

I wasn't sold on it since it didn't climb as well as the Ripley.

Yeah, well...the climbing chops of that Ripley are practically legendary.