MRP Has 2 New Forks, But 1 is Lighter & Costs Less - Interbike 2018

Sep 17, 2018

by Mike Levy

MRP's Ribbon has impressed a lot of people, but the fact that its stanchion tubes and internals are long enough to run its travel from 120mm to 160mm (on the 29er) means that it's never going to be as light as it would be if it had a fixed amount of low travel. You know, like the new, 130mm Ribbon SL that's pictured above.

Ribbon SL

Intended use: cross-country / trail
Travel: 120mm, 130mm (internally adjustable)
Wheel size: 27.5+, 29''
Spring: air
Damper: twin-tube
Stanchions: 35mm
Adjustments: low-speed compression, low-speed rebound, air volume, FullFill air spring system
Price: $899 USD
More info: www.mrpbike.com

The SL's stanchion tubes only need to be long enough to deal with 130mm of stroke (you can drop it to 120mm), which saves weight. The air rod can be shorter, which saves weight. The damper rod can be shorter, which saves weight. There's less oil in the damper, too, which saves yet more weight.

All that economy adds up to 3.95lb or about 0.25lb less than the standard Ribbon, MRP says.

With its travel adjustable only between 120mm and 130mm, the Ribbon SL can weigh 0.25lb less than the standard Ribbon, MRP says.

The lowers are the same as on the normal Ribbon, so you still get the pressure-releasing PSSST Valve buttons, but MRP ditched the Ramp Control Cartridge that adds speed-sensitive ending-stroke control to save some more weight. Instead, you add or subtract plastic thread-on tokens that are called Huck Pucks. I want to use them for their name alone.

The Ribbon SL is true to its name in that it's lighter, but at $899 USD it actually costs $90 less than the normal Ribbon because it skips the Ramp Control internals. I know, it weighs less AND costs less, which isn't something we're used to.

You can think of the new Raven as a more economical, less adjustable Ribbon. For $799 USD or $190 less than the Ribbon, you'll still get the impressive twin-tube damper that offers low-speed compression and low-speed rebound adjustments. Travel is still variable (internally) between 140mm and 170mm for 27.5'' wheels, and between 120mm to 160mm for big wheels.

Raven

Intended use: trail / all-mountain / enduro
Travel: 140-170mm (27.5''), 120-160mm (29'')
Spring: air
Damper: twin-tube
Adjustments: low-speed compression, rebound, FullFill air spring system
Internally adjustable travel in 5mm and 10mm
Stanchions: 35mm
Price: $799 USD
More info: www.mrpbike.com

For keeping that $190, you'll skip the speed-sensitive Ramp Control Cartridge to tune bottom-out and do it with the thread-on Huck Pucks instead, and you'll be passing on the PSSST Pressure Release Valve buttons that are on the Ribbon's lowers. But given that the Ribbon's twin-tube damper is the main key to its performance, and that the Raven uses it as well, I'm not going too far out on a limb to say that this one looks like it makes sense.

Want a Ribbon and okay with losing some adjustments? The Raven goes for $799 USD, or $190 less than the Ribbon.

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech MRP Interbike

Author Info:

mikelevy
Member since Oct 18, 2005
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97 Comments

54 19

WAKIdesigns (Sep 16, 2018 at 23:05)

Presenting a new fork with hub with boost adaptors installed. Smart move MRP.

11 0

stinky-d-lux (Sep 17, 2018 at 0:04)

Given that the placard just behind it says "Better Boost Adapters" they appear to make them now. Though I agree it caught my attention as well.

WAKIdesigns (Sep 17, 2018 at 0:31)

@stinky-d-lux: cuts the whining volume in half

12 0

honourablegeorge (Sep 17, 2018 at 2:48)

@stinky-d-lux: They've made them for a while now. Expensive, but very neat in that it requires no re-dishing of the front wheel, and it's bright orange too.

jesse-effing-edwards (Sep 17, 2018 at 6:42)

first thing I saw, haha. I was wondering if they had proprietary spacing.

taskmgr (Sep 17, 2018 at 10:03)

All they need us a plastic clip in insert for the brake arch and we have a winner

TucsonDon (Sep 17, 2018 at 13:39)

Two for one deal on product exposure!

fabriciofracchia (Sep 17, 2018 at 19:05)

I got the adapter in my I9 wheel and is the best investment after I had to replace my fork because an accident, very well manufactured and solid, only complain is that the o-rings coming with the adapter doesn't fit my hub, so I had to replace them with the old ones.

carbonbootprint (Sep 17, 2018 at 22:23)

@makripper: Straight up. I got to ride one for a week and it's unbelievable, but goddamn that arch is truly hideous. But goddamn does it ever work good. Goddamn.

18 1

OllyR (Sep 17, 2018 at 5:11)

Looks like there's a jaunty angle on the "bushing bulge", but the angle goes the same way, rather than symmetrically. GAH!!!!

dkidd (Sep 17, 2018 at 7:27)

Well god dammit, now I can't un-see that!

dontcoast (Sep 17, 2018 at 9:28)

Holy Moley that is hideous.

Bummer because the rest of the forks looks real good.

MRP: Fix it! we like symetry!

WasatchEnduro (Sep 17, 2018 at 12:08)

Damnit, Olly!

WildBikeCompany (Sep 17, 2018 at 13:18)

I noticed that also, but it appears the angle might be slightly different between the two sides? Maybe trying to counter braking force induced bending with the non-symmetry?

Dmc383 (Sep 17, 2018 at 13:34)

Bartlett fork has it as well. I imagine it's not something you're looking at when you fly down hill. So I'd give it a passing grade. Congrats on being able to be cost competitive MRP!

Bluefire (Sep 17, 2018 at 16:42)

I guess you'd better start putting a caliper on each side of your fork, then.

Oxnard (Sep 17, 2018 at 17:42)

thats so your fork breaks to the left, most people ride right foot forward. MRP cares about your safety.

ryan83 (Sep 17, 2018 at 7:50)

Hey MRP. If figure you are hanging out on here. I recently installed a Ribbon Coil on my Capra 29er. It’s an absolute beast of a fork and does everything well. I just want it in a 170mm. Any plans for that?

NoahColorado (Sep 17, 2018 at 11:54)

Good to hear! Working on something like that, can’t commit to an ETA, but it’s on the radar. You could always get a Bartlett.

scottzg (Sep 17, 2018 at 12:16)

@NoahColorado: Good golly i want a bartlett. Coolest fork out in forever.

BT180 (Sep 16, 2018 at 23:24)

Need some Huck Pucks to go with my Huck Norris.

2socks (Sep 18, 2018 at 7:54)

@NoahColorado Is Raven coil going to be a thing, or would it end up being essentially the same fork w/out psst valves?

Love the ribbon. Got one on every bike except the roadie. #blessed

2socks (Sep 18, 2018 at 11:20)

edit: same fork (as the ribbon coil) w/out psst valves?

NoahColorado (Sep 19, 2018 at 14:49)

No Raven Coil planned. I suppose if we'd did one we'd remove Ramp Control from it (as we have with the Ribbon Air vs. Raven), which I wouldn't want to personally - it's one of the standout features of the Ribbon Coil.

PinkyScar (Sep 16, 2018 at 23:54)

But does it have a trendy fork offset, say 46.98mm?

17 0

IllestT (Sep 17, 2018 at 3:36)

46.98 is so 2018.
This season (because its 2019 now) is all about 46.99
The difference is immeasurable

richsoffar (Sep 17, 2018 at 10:30)

@IllestT: 42.069 duh

Smoke4ndmears (Sep 17, 2018 at 9:11)

Oh MRP, you tempt me so. I've been looking for a reason to setup my ribbon for 160mm and move it from my hard tail over to my AM bike...

aribr (Sep 17, 2018 at 12:32)

Seriously considering a Ribbon but this makes the choice a bit harder. You could buy a Raven and at some stage down the line drop in a Ramp Control Cartridge and it would be less than the Ribbon and perform the same (I guess).

NoahColorado (Sep 19, 2018 at 14:46)

Not a cartridge, in our Ribbon forks the Ramp Control is integrated into the fork to save weight and maximize volume. But you could get those parts down the line (and PSST valve parts if you wanted). There is also a slight difference in the damper architecture of the Ribbon vs. Raven. They're the same in terms of compression, but the rebound circuit is a bit more elaborate on the Ribbon.

5poundplumbbob (Dec 13, 2021 at 5:45)

Leaving my long term review on their forks. I haven't got more than 900 miles YET out of their stanchions on either the Ribbon, the Ribbon SL, or the Ribbon Coil. They do have good customer service, the stanchions just don't last.

phastlikedatnascar FL (Sep 17, 2018 at 7:18)

These were MADE for my down country rig

mm732 (Sep 17, 2018 at 10:23)

where's the air shock we know is coming??

NoahColorado (Sep 19, 2018 at 14:42)

I dunno what you're talking about. None.

mfmediocremtb (Sep 17, 2018 at 12:04)

Just ordered an MRP Ribbon for my Evil Calling. I love the Stage, can't wait to try out the Ribbon!

HerrDoctorSloth (Sep 17, 2018 at 13:44)

The Ribbon SL is the fork I have been waiting for! Stiffer, smoother, and even a little lighter than my Reba 120

tcd (Sep 17, 2018 at 0:05)

With MRP charging the way forward to a world without volume spacers, I wonder why they're suddenly embracing the idea with their "Huck pucks". ESPECIALLY when the weight of the ramp control is negligible when compared to a top cap and some volume spacers.... ???? Does it save THAT much more weight?
I would like to see a Ribbon SL with the ramp control remaining intact, and saving weight with the shorter stanchions and internals for 120-130mm...
I think I'll stick with my regular Ribbon for now ????

19 0

Daver27 (Sep 17, 2018 at 0:21)

sounds like its a cost saving approach rather than anything else. don't read too much into it.

goss-gustav (Sep 17, 2018 at 4:41)

My thought on this: is it possible to aftermarket fit the Ramp Control cartridge to this SL fork ?
@NoaSears and what is THE weight saving here: Ramp Control vs. Huck Puck (max amount) ?

11 1

NoahColorado (Sep 17, 2018 at 7:24)

Yeah, probably not worth ditching a "standard" Ribbon for SL unless you're really chasing grams - which was the whole point of this fork. As for weight savings of a standard top cap vs. Ramp, it's not much. But neither is the bolt-on vs. QR. Nor the shortened stanchions, damper, or air -spring taken independently. But, it's all these things that got us under 4lbs. And if you're planning to use the fork on a bike at this travel, may as well go lighter, right?

I'll be happy to parse out all the particular weight savings when I get back to the office, don't have those details on hand. Cheers!

thustlewhumber FL (Sep 17, 2018 at 8:03)

@NoahColorado: Looks like its meant to compete with the Fox 34 SC, but at more stiffness and cheaper cost. Win win.

hamncheez (Sep 17, 2018 at 11:29)

I have a 120mm fox 34, and I think that shorter travel forks don't really need the ramp control.

bishopsmike (Sep 17, 2018 at 14:25)

@hamncheez: I would the the shorter the travel, the more important it is to separate a plush off the start but with the right progression before bottoming? More travel gives more room for error to hide a crappy spring curve. Maybe I'm wrong.

brycebee (Sep 18, 2018 at 9:41)

I like companies that post replies. The comment section can be such a minefield.

beeboo (Sep 17, 2018 at 6:21)

The Raven looks pretty good. I’ve always wanted to try a twin tube fork

swagner2 (Sep 17, 2018 at 7:01)

Do these came in the “new” offset 44mm?

NoahColorado (Sep 17, 2018 at 7:27)

46 or 51. We have a "cooler than Miles Davis" 41mm offset too. But that would push the SL over 4 lbs. as it's a littler heavier. It's an option though.

sdurant12 (Sep 17, 2018 at 11:23)

@NoahColorado:

When and where can I buy a 130mm 41mm offset Ribbon SL? I’m not seeing this stuff on your website yet...

NoahColorado (Sep 17, 2018 at 13:23)

@sdurant12: The Ribbon SL and Raven just debuted here at Interbike, so they're not on the web yet. They'll both start shipping in late October.

swagner2 (Sep 18, 2018 at 9:30)

@NoahColorado: Thanks for the update.

succulentsausage FL (Sep 27, 2018 at 10:53)

The slants at the bottom of the crown and the backwards arch always make me cringe at these awesome forks!

wheeliedad (Jan 3, 2019 at 14:35)

Why does the raven weigh so much more than the ribbon? the site list the raven at almost a half a pound more

imkreisdreher (Sep 18, 2018 at 8:05)

How much saving is that in gram?

mhgg1981 (Sep 17, 2018 at 6:06)

I think super boost is the new 20mm axle that we had in the 1990's!

Br4inm4n (Sep 17, 2018 at 1:44)

Who the hell would put a raven below a f***ing ribbon?

mackster23 FL (Sep 17, 2018 at 4:59)

I think you're thinking of a robin... a ribbon is something else entirely

mrti (Sep 17, 2018 at 7:43)

The Raven... like the Focus CC Hardtail Raven...

mtnfox37 (Sep 17, 2018 at 7:48)

Cleaning those arches looks daunting

jrocksdh (Sep 17, 2018 at 8:11)

Compressed air

22 1

WilleKn (Sep 17, 2018 at 8:21)

They don't get much mud facing to the front... If you ride forward...

PHeller (Sep 17, 2018 at 9:32)

It'd be sweet if MRP released some sort of cover that made the arches sexy. I can't say I really dig the reverse casted arch. The new F535, even the Pike and of course the new Marzocchi Z1 have sexy arches, but they arent manufactured in the USA.

mtnfox37 (Sep 17, 2018 at 11:31)

@WilleKn: Don't judge me

WasatchEnduro (Sep 17, 2018 at 12:20)

@PHeller:

I think it's sexy AF! In an industrial batman-esque sorta way. Badass. Maybe get Slik graphics to do some custom bat decals?!

WasatchEnduro (Sep 17, 2018 at 12:21)

@PHeller:

eesh... my bad. blame it on monday. RAVEN not bat decals.

poah (Sep 17, 2018 at 9:30)

"if it had a fixed amount of low travel. You know, like the new, 130mm Ribbon S"

Travel: 120mm, 130mm (internally adjustable)

Cob4lt FL (Sep 17, 2018 at 0:09)

Are we really chasing a 0.25lb weight reduction in an All Mountain fork?

21 2

Hand-of-Midas (Sep 17, 2018 at 1:34)

Fine by me. Do that 4 times, and you can forget to take a shit before a ride.

UtahBrent (Sep 17, 2018 at 6:25)

What they did here was make a Down Country fork!

PHeller (Sep 17, 2018 at 9:48)

The benefits to this are that if you ride aggressively on a 130mm travel bike, you can shed weight but maintain the rigidity of a 35mm fork (like the Pike). I think this actually makes the Ribbon SL and Fox 34 29 about even in terms of weight, but the MRP should be stiffer (in theory).

NoahColorado (Sep 17, 2018 at 13:25)

A quarter pound is quite a bit on a fork. It's quite a bit on a frame even.

pinnityafairy (Sep 18, 2018 at 14:48)

@NoahColorado: it's even more on the street

Below threshold threads are hidden

1 10

scjeremy (Sep 17, 2018 at 0:01)

Out of context: “this one looks like it makes sense.” Backwards arch directly benith this.

2 11

zyoungson (Sep 17, 2018 at 0:15)

The anodizing on the stanchions looks like old school manitou that used to start rubbing off after one season.

bishopsmike (Sep 17, 2018 at 5:24)

Going 4 years on my MRP Stage and sanctions are perfect. Not sure what you're going on about.

mattsavage (Sep 17, 2018 at 7:00)

I've never had anodizing come off of any Manitou I've owned the last 17 years. Maybe you didn't service it often enough

3 16

YoKev (Sep 17, 2018 at 0:14)

Way to go MRP. You come out with a new 160mm 29" fork right after all the new 170mm 29ers are released.
Sometimes it pays to be in contact with the manufacturers of the bikes you build parts for

12 0

Rabbuit (Sep 17, 2018 at 0:39)

Its not a new fork, all these forks are based off the Ribbon which only goes to 160mm in the 29er.

Rucker10 (Sep 17, 2018 at 6:37)

You're so woke. You should work in the industry as a consultant.

4 16

deadmeat25 (Sep 17, 2018 at 0:27)

Someone needs to tell them they've got their brake arch on inside out before they make a fool of themselves...

22 1

jclnv (Sep 17, 2018 at 0:37)

So the casting can fill with shit?

I'd say they have it right.

Hand-of-Midas (Sep 17, 2018 at 1:32)

@jclnv:

Specialized says #Aeroiseverything

I also swapped my Maxxis DHFs for Hookworms.

18 0

iqbal-achieve (Sep 17, 2018 at 2:17)

Function over form. We need more of this.

deadmeat25 (Sep 17, 2018 at 2:32) (Below Threshold)

@iqbal-achieve: Nah, that's why they'll say they did it, but really it's their way of standing out from the crowd aesthetically, and it looks f*cking pants

vtracer FL (Sep 17, 2018 at 5:08)

If only they reversed the arch like how manitou does it, then everyone who has one would get too many people telling them their fork is on backwards

Abacall (Sep 17, 2018 at 5:52)

@vtracer: That's the thing right? Manitou's at least makes sense when it comes to stiffness. At least ship 'em with some kind of plastic plate that can go over it. Lots of us transport bikes on the roof, facing forward.

onemind123 (Sep 17, 2018 at 6:21)

@Abacall: a piece of packing tape covers those holes nicely.

Or for a slight weight penalty hockey tape works and is available in many colors / patterns.

1 13

Kramz (Sep 17, 2018 at 1:48)

Damn, I try to like, and support these brands because I like what they're doing, then they turn around, and blow it.

1 12

jamieSaunders (Sep 17, 2018 at 8:13)

Those arches look like real nice mud collectors

11 1

islandforlife (Sep 17, 2018 at 8:40)

For all that backwards riding you do?

Weens (Sep 17, 2018 at 8:58)

you've never actually ridden a bike, have you? Think about what direction the wheel spins.

I'm sure you'll come up with another stupid thing to complain about soon.

jamieSaunders (Sep 17, 2018 at 10:12) (Below Threshold)

@Weens: Alright Mr.PB comment police. Just putting my opinion out there , nice priced forks but those arches are gross. And as for actually riding a bike Yeah I have once or twice ya friggen twit

scottzg (Sep 17, 2018 at 12:19)

@Weens: Now he's complaining about 'gross arches.' You're a pb commenter savant.

hamncheez (Sep 17, 2018 at 14:54)

@jamieSaunders: nearly all other forks out there have have the same issue but worse

1 16

bunjiman82 (Sep 17, 2018 at 3:36)

I think I would probably pack mud into the arch casting and then re-weigh the forks, as this will be their actual weight most of the time... As if there weren't enough difficult places to clean on a bike already!

10 0

blackjack88 (Sep 17, 2018 at 3:50)

i see your point. But the casting is reversed, mud comes in off the rolling tyre from the back while riding so this might actually save you from getting as much packedd mud in there.

Robo88 (Sep 17, 2018 at 3:59)

The point of this is to reduce the amount of mud that gets caught here - check the back of your lyriks, 36 etc and you'll find plenty of mud packed in there...

bunjiman82 (Sep 17, 2018 at 5:37)

@Robo88: Riding in the UK during the winter you'll get mud on front and back. I ride an old pair of carbon DT Swiss and the arch is one smooth piece of carbon with no mud holes at all.