I was getting real close to settling for a Ripley (press fit bb, creaking) when the Mojo3 was released (now own) so there's my bias right there. I love how the Mojo3 climbs, it points exactly where I want it almost every time (the other times I know it's my fault, usually low speed problems).

There's new bike love and then there's actually less fatigue in good geo bikes. Climbs don't feel like slogs even when they really are. I climb more because I'm not as tired/beat up as I get with my other (older) bikes.

A) techy rocky/square edge
There are about 4-5 rocks where I usually ride so no idea here. I'll give preference to the 9er.

B) techy rooty sloppy
- Wider tires, better traction wins. Probably the M3.

C) singletrack switchback grinders
- Damn, I gave this one to the M3 first but now I'm rethinking it. Tight, root/rock switchbacks to the M3, wider smooth (going up a flow style trail) to Ripley.

D) multi-K fire road death marches
- Ripley

E) loose hare scramblers
- I would put the winner with the wider / low pressure tires, maybe whichever had lower gear ratios not so much Ripley v M3...but again this is rocks.

--- edit for OP:
The Mojo 3 is going to handle much more like a 26" Mojo HD (stalked your profile) than the Ripley.

 

Disclaimer, I haven't ridden a Ripley (good thing, otherwise I'm sure I'd be shopping for one), but the ability of the M3 to scramble up techy climbs has been one of the big compliments I've paid this bike. It's worth noting that my M3 has 2.35 tires. There were times in Moab, the first big trip I took with the bike, that I was surprised I made it through sections...one of those "f**k yea!" moments. There is also a gnarly, steep, loose climb where I usually ride (but don't usually ride this climb) that I try and tackle a few times a year and it was always a crap shoot if I'd make it up. I have felt pretty confident on the M3 that I'll make it up (and have). If I was in an area where I had to do fire road climbs a lot I'd probably focus on efficient pedaling tires, regardless of bike.

 

What trails do you like to ride? If you live in SF, you and demo both and see for yourself.
Bottom bracket on Ripley (at least the LS) is lower and has more pedal strikes.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone: keep 'em coming!

@LegionX: yes, I've demo'd both in the bay area and honestly loved them both, would be happy with either, having a hell of a time choosing, etc. I'm thinking the clincher will be climbing ability in Tahoe (eg: Armstrong-->Toad's, DVille XC & Lakes Basin). I haven't been able to test ride in that terrain, hence the question. I don't do that much shuttling -- earn my turns -- so climbing strength is a big priority for me. Anyhoo, I hadn't seen a comparison that focused on climbing which is why I'm throwing this out there... as opposed to yet another "tell me what bike to buy b/c I can't make up my damn mind."

 

Thanks for the replies everyone: keep 'em coming!

@LegionX: yes, I've demo'd both in the bay area and honestly loved them both, would be happy with either, having a hell of a time choosing, etc. I'm thinking the clincher will be climbing ability in Tahoe (eg: Armstrong-->Toad's, DVille XC & Lakes Basin). I haven't been able to test ride in that terrain, hence the question. I don't do that much shuttling -- earn my turns -- so climbing strength is a big priority for me. Anyhoo, I hadn't seen a comparison that focused on climbing which is why I'm throwing this out there... as opposed to yet another "tell me what bike to buy b/c I can't make up my damn mind."

Instead of helping I might add to the complication: don't discount the HD3.

The comparison I can offer is my 24 pounds and change HD3, with Nobby Nic 2.25 and Fox 150 vs Mojo 3 Nobby Nic 2.8 and Pike 140, probably around 28 pounds. I thought my HD3 climbed better than the M3, in your conditions A) to C) (with no mud at all).

I recently installed a Dual 160/130 Pike 160 and as expected the HD3 climbs a bit worse at 160, it is just the asset that turns out to be slacker but I was surprised what a noticeable difference it made. At 130 climbing is of course much more comfortable.

So ... M3 or Ripley? No idea about the Ripley but the HD3 with 160/130 or 150/120 might be a contender instead of M3! :thumbsup:

 

I was in the same boat a few months ago. Had 2 bikes stolen, and was looking for a trail bike and an enduro bike. I had a XC bike (Scalpel) but wanted something I could race on occasion (2016 was my first year racing), but a good Bay Area bike. Looked at Tallboy, Intense Spider, Mojo 3, and Ripley LS. Rode all four, eliminated Tallboy, then had a real hard time between Spider, Ripley, and Mojo 3.

Came down to the Ripley LS due to:
1. Ripley was perfect for Downiville XC fire road Climb, and the descent with all the baby heads. 29 really smoothes it out.
2. I don't ride a lot of super tight trails. Annadel is my favorite, and riding and climbing over rocky terrain is just easier on the Ripley. If you ride more tight stuff either Ripley or Mojo 3 are better climbing switchbacks than the LS. Mojo accelerates out of turns better.
3. If your interested in racing at all, even an odd Sea Otter or Downieville race, Ripley LS fits the bill.
4. I would say Ripley climbs flowy uphills better generally, however, except tight technical trails, which I give a slight edge to the Mojo.

The bigger difference is how they descend. Ripley rides flowy downhill better, but the Mojo 3 Rides tech downhill much better.

10 Perfect , 1 Garbage
Flowy Climbing
Ripley LS 9, Mojo 3 8.5
Tech Climbing
Ripley LS 8.5 Mojo 3 9

Flowy Descending
Ripley LS 9.5, Mojo 3 8.5
Technical Descending
Ripley LS 8, Mojo 3 9.5.

Best thing is you'll love either bike. If I wasn't racing, I probably have gotten the Mojo 3. I like more BMX bikes, but with low bottom bracket, and a wheel upgrade, LS was too fun to pass up.

Is this your only bike?

 

To be honest, I think it comes down to whether you are a 29er guy/girl or not. I've had both the v1 Ripley and now have the LS. I also had a v2 Santa Cruz 5010. All with LB carbon rims. I sold the 5010 mostly due to how it climbed for me. I know Mojo isn't the 5010 (I'm convinced DW is better than VPP) but I definitely think for my riding terrain and skill set the Ripley OG or LS is a better overall climber due in part to the 29" wheel. The OG Ripley climbed a tad (like 3%) better but I'm so happy with the LS. The slightest longer wheelbase doesn't seem to affect me on twisty ups or downs. Going DH with the LS is so much better, however, going down.

 

Curious on a couple things since I'm in a deciding mode between getting a 5010 or original Ripley from a ride buddy:

What was the climbing issue on the 5010, and what's with the notorious creaky pf bb on the Ripleys? The second can probly be answerd by some of the others on here, can a specific brand or higher end bb cure it or is it inherent to the frames shell itself? I've also seen some issues with their frames as well and wondering if it was just limited to the Ripley or certain era frames in general.

Thanks in advance.

 

All other things being equal I've found 29ers climb better, especially tech.

XC races are won on the climbs, usually. 29ers have that wrapped up.

 

This.

Unless the suspension is set up differently or you can't get the same hip angle on the bike, it's not even a contest.

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Both are incredibly bikes. I have demoed both. Mojo with plus tires was faster then I thought it would be. Soaked up rocks and roots while still feeling poppy. It has a couple advantages. Threaded bb, stiffer frame. Can run a longer dropper post.
Ripley was a rocket and very composed downhill. 29er`s roll over is great. It's a very stiff bike too and goes where you point it. Ripley is a slightly better climber, but both are in the great category. I'm 6"4` and unfortunately the XL was to small for me.
I ended up with a xxl tallboy with a 2.6 tire on the front. Plus size tires are amazing.
Fyi I loved the ibis 942 wheels and put them on my tallboy. I would pick them over Enve witch I have on my other bike.

 

Both are incredibly bikes. I have demoed both. Mojo with plus tires was faster then I thought it would be. Soaked up rocks and roots while still feeling poppy. It has a couple advantages. Threaded bb...

Let's set the record straight. The current Ripley has a threaded bottom bracket as well.
Ripley 29 | Bikes

Carry-on...

 

I have both bikes and other than the M3 having the ARC 30 rims vs. the 941 on the Ripley, I choose which one to ride based on how I feel for the day and what kind of experience I am in for. Smooth and efficient days get the Rip, energetic and lively get the M3. The M3 does take more energy but is surprisingly good even with the 2.8 tires on it. It handles square edged hits better, due to the shorter chainstays and softer tires and rims I expect. I may have the Ripley too firm but as a clyde, I need to keep it from bottoming out too.

I mostly agree with the A-E assessment above by kattrap, although I think that A is a toss-up between the M3 and Rip due to the better squared edged behavior for the M3.

At some point, I will get some carbon rims for the M3 and I will see how much of the great rear end behavior is from compliance of the tire vs. the allow rim.

 

I also have both bikes and can say Ripley LS out climbs Mojo 3 in all categories. I think the longer chain stays give the Rip a much better f/r balance feel than the M3 which puts you in a better climbing position both seated and standing. The super efficient pedaling 120mm rear seals the deal. I'm running a 140 Fox 34 fork on the Rip.

 

I too have the latest gen of both bikes and I don't see any comparison between the way they climb. I'll take the new Ripley LS every time for climbing purposes. Granted, in Socal the type of terrain doesn't vary much.

 

^ awesome. They are both great bikes. I prefer the 29 and this Ripley LS definitely is the best climbing bike I have owned.

 

I've demoed both, albeit only once. Seems like in general a 29er will win most of your climbing categories most of the time. If I were optimizing for climbing I would definitely get the Ripley. I was not optimizing for climbing and ended up with an HD3. Personally I didn't think the Mojo 3 offered much of an advantage over the HD3 in any category. I was also not in love with the 2.8 tire love, but did think all the Ibis bike offers were great.

 

I have owned both bikes, this is how I would break it down. I am using Mojo 3 w/ NN's 2.8 and Ripley LS with Hans Dampf 2.35". If I had to choose between the two for an around bike, I would go with the Ripley LS. The Mojo 3 is a great bike, but I found it a bit lacking on tough terrain, which is why I opted to swap out frame with an HD3.

. in each of the following categories:

A) techy rocky/square edge - About equal here with the edge going to Mojo 3

B) techy rooty sloppy - Mojo 3 by a slim margin, due to bigger tires

C) singletrack switchback grinders - Ripley hands down

D) multi-K fire road death marches - Again, Ripley hands down

E) loose hare scramblers - Call this even, there is a good trade off wheelsize and tire width

 

We rented a large Ripley for a friend on vacation. After swapping a bit, I couldn't wait to get back on my HD3.

He's a 29er guy and liked them both.

 

I owned both this summer. I still own the Ripley and the reason was every time I was going uphill on the Mojo or on straightaways I was wishing I was on my Ripley. To me the Ripley climbs a lot better. I own the original Ripley that I bought in the fall of 2013. However on the downhills I was always happier on the Mojo. Unfortunately here in Michigan the downhills are not very long and I spend a lot of time climbing so the Ripley is a better choice for me.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone: really appreciate it. Ripley LS seems to be emerging as a strong favorite for climbing, although not totally unanimous. That was my suspicion, but it's nice to have confirmation. I've been drinking the 27.5 KoolAid on a HD3 for the past couple of years, although a recent injury has me dialing things back a bit: I was thinking I'd add a Mojo 3 to the stable for climb-crusher/all-day stuff. But a recent EPO acquisition has made me rethink that (absolute rocket, that bike!) and instead hunting for a good complement to the Canfield. Ripley seems like the way to go.

 

Interesting you have an EPO and are considering a Ripley LS. Those are the two bikes in my stable! They compliment each very well. The EPO is a rocket. The Ripley is a missile. I feel the Ripley climbs like a scalded cat. It climbs as well as the EPO. These two bikes go together like peas and carrots.

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I did a factory demo ride on the Ripley LS out in Santa Cruz last summer. I was in the market for a new bike, but really leaning toward 27.5.

But always wanted to ride a Ripley so couldn't pass up the opportunity. All I can say is "Wow!" I thought it was fast, handled really nicely and was able to charge down some stuff with great stability. But the climbing of that bike just blew me away. I was doing stupid stuff on the climbs to see if I could upset it, but it was having none of that. Just super efficient and darn near impossible for me to break traction.

I ended up buying a Yeti SB5c (because I preferred going 27.5) but I still rave about the Ripley LS to my friends.


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For Rocky Mountain west and braking bump ridden descents.....Ripley LS or Mojo 3?

My Niner EMD punished the crap out of me yesterday....

 

For Rocky Mountain west and braking bump ridden descents.....Ripley LS or Mojo 3?

My Niner EMD punished the crap out of me yesterday....

If you already like 9ers then I'd point you to the Ripley LS. Maybe the M3 with 2.8's. There are probably good sales on the HD3 (vs HD4 just released) that can be built up similar to the M3 with just a little more front/rear suspension. So I would say a Ripley LS or lightweight build wider tire HD3 (boosted version).

 

I've demoed the 2016 Ripley LS and my wife owns a 2017 Mojo 3 (running 2.8 tires) which I've ridden. The Mojo climbs pretty darn well, but in my limited time on both bikes I'd give the edge to the Ripley for climbing. I'd also give my 2016 Yeti SB5 an edge for climbing over the Mojo as well. Maybe not over the Ripley tho. I'm still extremely impressed over how well the Ripley climbs! If I'd wanted to go with a 29er over a 650b, then pretty sure I would've bought a Ripley. Climbs like a beast but was pretty fun going down some chunder as well.

 

@JMac47

I've had good luck with wheels mfg bottom brackets with the aluminum shell and teflon based grease to keep BB creak to a minimum for reasonably long service intervals on a pair of press fit Mojos - I haven't tried this on a Ripley but conceptually it should be the same.

As to any 5010 climbing issue - I'm not sure about cgnreno, but for a bigger rider (seems to happen to any of my friends that are #190+ and definitely happens to me at #220+) - the VPP can have a lot of bob (even more so when out of the saddle) - I'm no guru, but it feels like I have to push harder to get through the kickback and then my uneven pedal stroke causes the whole bike to lurch up and down. YMMV and some swear the VPP pedals more smoothly than the DWL.

 

I own a Mojo 3 and have demoed a Ripley LS for a weekend. In fact, just rode the Mojo 3 at Downieville and Mr. Toads. The Mojo did a great job climbing and descending, but I do feel that the Ripley has the edge on all aspects of climbing.

 

I was smart enough to marry a women my same height and I have both. Ripley when I'm riding longer flowy singletrack and I need a bike to get me there fastest and easiest. Mojo 3 on tight and twisty trails. Popping in and out of tight turns is easier and more fun on the mojo 3!! Both bikes handle the chunk we'll , are stable, and climb great. Just depends on flow of the trail to determine which one would work the best. If i had to chose one it would be the ripley ls only because of my area. I have more trails suited to its strengths and I tend to prefer the types of trails the ripley ls excels at. Glad I have both though 😁

 

I was smart enough to marry a women my same height and I have both. Ripley when I'm riding longer flowy singletrack and I need a bike to get me there fastest and easiest. Mojo 3 on tight and twisty trails. Popping in and out of tight turns is easier and more fun on the mojo 3!! Both bikes handle the chunk we'll , are stable, and climb great. Just depends on flow of the trail to determine which one would work the best. If i had to chose one it would be the ripley ls only because of my area. I have more trails suited to its strengths and I tend to prefer the types of trails the ripley ls excels at. Glad I have both though ?

^^^nearly this! I own a Yeti SB5, but my wife owns a 2017 Mojo 3 (running 2.8 tires). Only have one ride on the Mojo though (and she gave me grief for taking it out that one time). I told her it needed a "new bike shakedown" ride to check the brakes and drivetrain. I'd only had about 10 minutes on a plus bike prior to that so wanted to see what those 2.8 tires felt like on one of my favorite area trails. She's running Rekon+ up front and Ikon+ in back. Felt like traction for days on that trail. I run 2.4 Conti MK2s on my Yeti and while I've never felt hurting for traction on the 2.4 tires, I did notice a difference with the 2.8 tires on her Mojo. Probably that had an effect on my overall opinion of its climbing abilities. Haven't ridden one with narrower tires so not sure about that.