One key difference is that the Exie retains DW link for excellent pedaling kinematics. SC ditched VPP for the current Blur so its now just a flex stay 4 bar and the anti squat suffers as a result (but its not terrible). It could potentially be a better descender but SC likely spec'd a very stiff and progressive damper to compensate for the inferior pedaling so there goes all your small bump compliance. Ostensibly the Blur suspension is simpler and lighter but Ibis did such a good job saving weight on the Exie while retaining DWLink, its not really at a deficiency there. The Blus is just not a remarkable bike anymore so the nod goes to the Exie there.

 

The Blus is just not a remarkable bike anymore so the nod goes to the Exie there.

I will disagree here in regards to the Blur. It is an awesome bike that is race ready and really comes alive with speed. It handles sharp, climbs great and pushes you to keep going faster. Rolls downhill quick and absorbs the chatter. The Blur descends like a Tallboy and climbs like the Epic. If you are looking to race XC it should be on the top of everyone's list.

Can't speak to the Exie but have heard great things about that as well. I would suggest riding both if you can and see which is a better fit.

 

I've heard good things about the Exie but since you're not a racer have you considered the Ripley? Same DW link with a tad bit more travel.

I have a Ripley so obviously I'm a little bias but it's a very fast and sporty feeling bike. Anything over 20mph on rocky/rooty sections and it gets a little sketchy though. Just thought I'd throw that out there as an option.

 

I mean if you can go get a Exie right now I would say just do it and don't look back, reasons already covered above.

But;

Another vote to at least consider the Ripley but build it up a lighter. I have mine built as pedal all day, endurance race, stage race bike and am super happy with it. I also have a Supercal but doesn't get ridden a ton because the Ripley fills the need.

Choice Might depend on if have other bikes or if you ride varying type of terrain. Ripley make a good do it all bike but if already something burlier and want this new bike to be all about speed Exie.

 

I’m interested in hearing more feedback on this too.

I‘ve been looking at the Blur TR, but have been an Ibis fan (Mojo SL, then Mojo 3), so would maybe consider the Exie. This would be a replacement for my 2017 Kona Hei Hei Race DL.

I don’t race, except every now and then I like to challenge myself with a 50 miler.

I like DW Link, but the reviews I’ve read on the Blur suspension seemed to have some positives: less anti-squat and more traction pedaling through tech without losing too much efficiency on non-technical climbs.

I also agree the Ripley may be a good option for the OP, but for me, it would overlap more than I’d like with my new trail bike, a Canfield Tilt. I’m looking for a bit more separation.

 

...This would be a replacement for my 2017 Kona Hei Hei Race DL...

Not asked for here, but why not a new HeiHei? I have the newer version and I LOVE it. Fast, light, capable (up and down)...it's my favorite bike ever!

 

Thanks for the input, all. As a couple of you alluded to, I do have a more trail oriented, 27.5" bike that I don't want to overlap too much, so I'm looking for something 29-wheeled with shorter travel and sportier handling-there's a lot of cross country style trails around here that such bikes are just perfect for. So the Ripley though a cool bike, isn't really what I'm looking for. I had the Blur TR in mind figuring if anyone knows how to make an effective single pivot design it has to be Santa Cruz-they've been building them since forever. The Exie just kinda popped into my head when I saw that a nearby Ibis dealer had a couple in stock (probably gone by now anyway) and they weren't that much more than the Blur TR I had in mind. I'll probably still go with the Blur 'cause it is a good bit less money, but I'd like to read a review comparing the two, see if the Exie might be worth the extra cost. (between the U.S. made thing and a bike shootout victory I might deside it's worth spending the extra $$)

 

Do you have any other bikes in your garage? I only have anecdotal experience and ibis fanboi aspirations (had the older 2010 era blur with vpp and a ripley converted as my xc bike. Im planning on replacing the ripley with an exie when I get the opportunity however I also have an ibis hd3 as my other bike). My thoughts are...

If you have another trail bike then lean towards the exie
If you're looking for a single quiver bike then blur tr or consider a ripley

I personally love the dw suspension that ibis does to the point that i'm realistically only considering them for future bikes, so my perspective is biased a bit .... 🙃

 

Both fast as shite, by all accounts.

But the Exie is way cooler!

 

The Exie looks good. But $8k for a XT build.
Costco has the Intense 951 XC back in stock for now for $3500. (Sniper)
INTENSE 951 XC Bike | Costco
Lota room for any upgrades.