Mtbcow

Definitely like the small motor and the moderate 44 lb weight. Thought I’d like the moto look of the mixer but I don’t. The seat post looks too slack. The BB is 2mm higher, and the suspension is 15mm less on the average, which will result in less sag/set-in going into corners compared to the regular 27.5 and therefore less of a railing experience. While Mixers are known for that “carving” feeling, this MX would actually be riding higher than the regular 27.5 So I remain thinking that a purpose-built bike is best. I do see how real SCB factory people tried to make it all work out together as best as possible. But I can’t help but think the upper management took shortcuts on the MX. The regular 27.5 Bronson/Heckler is another story and totally dialed. Pink Bike really must do a Shootout of the MX against the Heckler.

Definitely like the small motor and the moderate 44 lb weight. Thought I’d like the moto look of the mixer but I don’t. The seat post looks too slack. The BB is 2mm higher, and the suspension is 15mm less on the average, which will result in less sag/set-in going into corners compared to the regular 27.5 and therefore less of a railing experience. So I remain thinking that a purpose-built bike is best. I do see how SCB tried to make it all work out together as best as possible. But I can’t help but think the management took shortcuts on the MX. The regular 27.5 Bronson/Heckler is another story and totally dialed.

So, years back I was missing tech articles in MBA by RC when I come across RC at Teds. I ask him what is happening and he tells me he’s working at Pink Bike on-line now. I immediately started consuming Pink Bike on a daily basis. Later, I see RC in a test ride photo, I think it was a Pivot Mach 4, cranking up a hairy technical rock on a trail called Candygram. I had always chickened out coming to that rock, but the next time, I thought if RC can do it, I can do it. So I went for the scary climb over the boulder with the oh-crap drop on the left side and made it. Yeah, the pic of RC gave me the courage to crank up and over. ... Later, only to hear from RC that he broke his arm doing the test ride over that tricky rock. Had I known, I would have punted out again. Never the less, RC, you are my Mtn hero! Thanks for authoring the countless enjoyable articles.

This Test area being one of my favorite places to ride, I’ll tell you hitting your pedals has little to do with riding skill. RC picked a place that will run any bike thru the gauntlet of attracting rock hits or not. A great test selection for sorting out the bikes for us. For me, my Santa Cruz TBLTc had constant pedal strikes there, but my new Ibis Ripmo (with custom 170mm cranks) is vertualy free of pedal striking.

With so many excellent bikes out there now, just how blown away can you be? I went from THE 2014 trail bike of the year to the 2018 Ripmo and the Ripmo is actually better all around. Almost over buyers regret. In walking away from 20 years of Santa Cruze brand. But the Ripmo does it all better than my old TBLT and without the suspension hammock hang up of the VPP. But then riding my buddy's SC Hightower, they are a near toss up. You just can't be too "blown away" when comparing a Ripmo to a Hightower. But the Ripmo does have the modern technology (metric shock and reduced offset).

@bubba31147: I'm 6'0" with a 32" inseam and the Large Ripmo with a 40mm stem is perfect. Only 10mm spacers though puts me in a tad (good) aggressive riding position. Really good position for ripping corners but super relaxed for an epic ride day.

Have a few rides on my new Ripmo. Aside from just better overall components, compared to my Santa Cruz TBLTc there is always more flow. Bought from Fanatik Bikes with all my top choices for $7,500. Magura Trail brakes 4 pot front 2 pot rear are progressive, strong and silent. More power and less grab than Shimano XT/XTR. Yes the 3mm bolts on Thompson headsets (like on my TBLT) are insufficient. Ordered a 35mm x 40mm reach Renthal with 4mm bolts for my Ripmo. MRP Ribbon coil fork has noticeably better small bump compliance than previous Pike. Have a Bike Yoke dropper Seatpost that is unbelievably terrific and much better that the old Reverb- light, quick and accurate action. Since the Ripmo can handle 2.6 tires I had it equipped with 2.6" Schwalbe Nobby Nicks. This put my Ripmo on the verge of being a Plus bike with all the benefits in rocky and baby head trails. Equipped with 170mm cranks which pedal good with clip less pedals and have less pedal strikes. This issue of crank length needs more coverage by PB editors. Really good traction on twisty SoCal flat dusty trails. Biggest gripe? Wish I had the fork stem cut for 40mm spacers instead of only 20mm. Regarding Fanatic Bike - what a way to go! Why pay more a settle for components that you are not totally stoked to have on your expensive new bike?

Given Mike thinks the Easton carbon bars are too stiff, what are the best bars for good compliance?

I' ve been plateau'd on increasing speed and this article really helped. Went out today and while instinctively wanting to scrub off speed when hauling into corners, I kept off the front break and used just the rear break. That helped to modulate without slowing nearly so much. Also, kept in mind that I can scrub off speed by leaning and drifting instead of breaking. This is of course all very obvious, but it does help to read it as Pink Bike advice. Thanks for the good tips RC.