[norbyd]

For about a year and a half I been riding a V1 Ripmo. Initially I bought a NX build ( got a great deal) and then upgraded the brakes to 4P SLX and switched to GX. Everything else I kept stock including Ibis 938 alloy wheels ( which are awesome by the way!). Previously, I had an OG Ripley with Carbon wheels and couldn't tell a significant difference between Alloy. I was very content with the performance of this setup.

Fast forward: I was on Craigslist and saw another V1 Ripmo for sale recently. This one had everything I initially wanted: XT groupset ( including XT cranks), Fox Factory suspension, S35 Carbon wheels with I9s. I figured out since I had a buyer for my Ripmo, I can sell it and for not much ( $1000) I can get this bike: That's what I did.

End Result: The differences are marginal. The "Souped Up" Ripmo does pedal better overall - this is probably due to the XT drivetrain/XT Cranks and the I9 hubs, however I notice it rolls lighter on the trail which I don't like necessarily. With the other Ripmo, it seemed to have more rolling resistance - more planted on the trail. I'm wondering if this has to do with the Wheelset or maybe coupled with the change in Suspension to Factory too?

I don't regret buying the "Souped Up" one because for not much money I got a lot of upgrades.

What I would appreciate is your input on the difference I'm feeling in terms of rolling "lighter" Vs. More "Rolling Resistance". What is contributing to this difference? Thanks.

Btw, I didn't weigh them, but judging from feel, they seem to weigh close to the same.

 

[ttengineer]

Same tires?

Because in my experience tires will do exactly what you are describing. Especially if you went from a burly cased knobby tire to a more trail oriented tire.

The hubs are most likely contributing to this as well. With higher engagement there is less of the dead pedal feel which can feel like there is less drag.


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[norbyd]

Same tires?

Because in my experience tires will do exactly what you are describing. Especially if you went from a burly cased knobby tire to a more trail oriented tire.

The hubs are most likely contributing to this as well. With higher engagement there is less of the dead pedal feel which can feel like there is less drag.


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No, same tires - DHF 2.5/DHR 2.4. I thought the hubs are contributing since I9 are known to have the highest engagement. I still wonder if Alloy Vs. Carbon wheels make a difference? I believe the 938s may be wider than the S35s?

 

[AndyG69]

Have you put the fork and shock codes into the fox website to see if the suspension tune is the same ?

Also it shouldn't be difficult to scrounge some alloy rims to plug in for a back to back test ?

 

[EJ_92606]

Suspension condition and settings?
edit: also condition of bushings. Tightness and amount of lube.

 

[woodyak]

Faster engaging hubs don't make a bike feel faster. They just ratchet better. Seems to be a preference thing. I ride a lot of tech and like the instant grab. I have buds that love the lower ratcheting for whatever reason. Same with the drivetrain. I guess if the gearing were different, like a bigger front ring, it'd make things quicker when you gave it gas. My guess would be the carbon wheels as they do feel significantly snappier than AL wheels. They may not actually be faster but they do have a snappier feel to them. My second guess would be suspension setup. Does the new Ripmo have the same shock with the same amount of spacers? Just a few PSI can make a big difference.

 

[NorCalTaz]

I have a V1 Ripmo and upgraded the wheels from S35 Alloys w/ Ibis hubs to S35 Carbon w/ Hydra hubs, which are nearly identical to the I9's. The difference to me was noticeable, the bike was much firmly planted due to the stiffness of the rims and it rolled faster. I had to put back on the alloy rear rim recently due while I waited for a couple of replacement spokes and immediately missed the carbon wheel, mainly missing the engagement which made riding the chunky terrain and technical climbs both fun and challenging. To be fair, I had also upgraded my shock from the DPX2 to a Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate tricked out by Vorsprung. Like the DPX2, it is more or less set it and forget it, meets my needs and then some. If by chance you want to get back your money and resell the Ripmo for $1000, let me know... lol

 

[EJ_92606]

Interesting feedback on aluminum vs. carbon. So you didn't notice any increased harshness over trail chatter with the carbon hoops?

 

[MTBMILES]

With big tires and low pressure and all that suspension do you really think the difference is noticeable between carbon and aluminum?


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[norbyd]

I have a V1 Ripmo and upgraded the wheels from S35 Alloys w/ Ibis hubs to S35 Carbon w/ Hydra hubs, which are nearly identical to the I9's. The difference to me was noticeable, the bike was much firmly planted due to the stiffness of the rims and it rolled faster. I had to put back on the alloy rear rim recently due while I waited for a couple of replacement spokes and immediately missed the carbon wheel, mainly missing the engagement which made riding the chunky terrain and technical climbs both fun and challenging. To be fair, I had also upgraded my shock from the DPX2 to a Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate tricked out by Vorsprung. Like the DPX2, it is more or less set it and forget it, meets my needs and then some. If by chance you want to get back your money and resell the Ripmo for $1000, let me know... lol

My old Ripmo had Fox Performance. The new one - Factory and DPX2. To me, it seemed more planted with the stock 938s. Seems more poppy with the S35s. The Suspension setup is about the same. Sell for $1000?....LOL. Actually, I'm waiting to see what they come out with next. I have a feeling they may update the DW tech. They don't need to do it, but it's been awhile.

 

[norbyd]

Faster engaging hubs don't make a bike feel faster. They just ratchet better. Seems to be a preference thing. I ride a lot of tech and like the instant grab. I have buds that love the lower ratcheting for whatever reason. Same with the drivetrain. I guess if the gearing were different, like a bigger front ring, it'd make things quicker when you gave it gas. My guess would be the carbon wheels as they do feel significantly snappier than AL wheels. They may not actually be faster but they do have a snappier feel to them. My second guess would be suspension setup. Does the new Ripmo have the same shock with the same amount of spacers? Just a few PSI can make a big difference.

I went from Fox Performance to Factory. They have about the same PSI. I'm not sure about the Spacers. I did speak to a few mechanics, one at Sports Basement ( they are an Ibis dealer) and my LBS. Both reflected what you guys are saying - Wheels/Suspension.
The drivetrain won't make much of a difference? I went from GX to XT ( which includes cranks, BB, Chainring).

 

[ttengineer]

My old Ripmo had Fox Performance. The new one - Factory and DPX2. To me, it seemed more planted with the stock 938s. Seems more poppy with the S35s. The Suspension setup is about the same. Sell for $1000?....LOL. Actually, I'm waiting to see what they come out with next. I have a feeling they may update the DW tech. They don't need to do it, but it's been awhile.

They just recently canceled the HD5, so I’m sure something new is on the horizon.

I’m hoping for a Ripmo HD.


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