Jackson M

Andrew MacNeil

Top 3 Mountain Bikes of 2023

The Ibis Ripmo V2 XT is a highly respected trail/enduro mountain bike in the MTB community. Let's break down its features, performance, and general perception:

Geometry: The Ripmo V2 features modern mountain bike geometry, with a slack head angle for stability on descents, a steep seat tube angle for efficient pedaling, and longer reach for a roomier cockpit. This makes it well-suited for both climbing and descending.

Suspension: It utilizes the dw-link suspension design, which is known for a combination of efficient pedaling and good small bump compliance. The V2 has 147mm of rear travel paired with a 160mm fork up front.

Carbon & Alloy Options: The Ripmo V2 is available in both carbon fiber and aluminum frame options, giving riders a choice based on their budget and material preference.

The XT build means that most of the bike's components, particularly the drivetrain and brakes, are from Shimano's XT lineup. Shimano XT is known for its reliability, performance, and being a mid-to-high-end groupset that offers much of the performance of the top-tier XTR line but at a more affordable price point.

Climbing: Thanks to its efficient suspension design and geometry, the Ripmo V2 climbs effectively. The steep seat tube angle puts the rider in a good position for both steep and prolonged ascents.

Descending: With its slack head angle and progressive suspension, the Ripmo V2 offers confident descending capabilities. It's able to handle rough trails, jumps, and drops while maintaining good maneuverability.

The Ripmo V2 is often lauded for its versatility. It's capable enough for aggressive trail riding and enduro racing, yet it doesn't feel too cumbersome or heavy for regular trail rides.

The bike offers good tire clearance, allowing riders to use wider tires for better traction and stability. There's also internal cable routing, which keeps the bike looking clean and protects the cables.

Most riders and reviewers have positive feedback about the Ripmo V2, particularly about its balanced feel on both climbs and descents. Some might find it a bit overkill for less technical trails or for regions without a lot of elevation change, but for those in mountainous areas or who frequent bike parks, it's a great choice.

Conclusion
The Ibis Ripmo V2 XT strikes a balance between uphill efficiency and downhill capability, making it a go-to choice for riders who want a do-it-all mountain bike. It offers a compelling blend of modern geometry, reliable componentry, and top-notch suspension design. Potential buyers should consider their local terrain and riding style to ensure it aligns with the Ripmo's strengths.

The Trek Fuel EX 9.8 GX AXS you're referring to seems to be a blend of different specifications or might be from a new release post-2021. However, I can provide a review based on the known elements you mentioned, namely the Trek Fuel EX 9.8 and SRAM's GX AXS groupset:

Geometry: The Fuel EX series by Trek is designed as a versatile trail bike. It features a geometry that strikes a balance between aggressive descents and efficient climbing.

OCLV Carbon: The 9.8 versions typically use Trek's OCLV Mountain Carbon for the frame, which offers a good strength-to-weight ratio.

Suspension: The Fuel EX employs the ABP (Active Braking Pivot) and Full Floater suspension designs, which work together to provide smooth suspension action and keep the rear wheel tracking the ground well, even during braking.

Electronic Shifting: The GX AXS is SRAM's more budget-friendly approach to electronic shifting. The main advantage of electronic shifting is the precision and consistent shifting experience, regardless of conditions.

No Cables: The wireless design means there's no cable stretch or contamination to worry about. This can lead to longer periods of perfect shifting and less maintenance.

Battery Life: The battery life on the GX AXS is impressive, and the system will typically alert you well in advance if the battery is running low.

Climbing: The Fuel EX series, with its efficient suspension system and geometry, offers a competent climbing experience. The steeper seat tube angle aids in getting power down on steep sections.

Descending: Trek's Fuel EX line is known for its playful and confident descending characteristics. It can handle rougher trails but remains nimble for twisty and flowy sections.

Storage: Some versions of the Fuel EX have come with internal frame storage, allowing riders to stow away tools, a tube, or snacks.

Knock Block: This is Trek's solution to prevent the handlebars from spinning around and damaging the frame during a crash. Some riders love it for the protection, while others feel it limits the bike's turning radius a bit.

While the Trek Fuel EX 9.8 is generally lauded for its versatility and performance, the integration of the GX AXS would likely push its appeal even further. Electronic shifting is becoming more popular due to its precision, reliability, and ease of use.

Conclusion
The Trek Fuel EX 9.8, based on past versions, is a top-tier trail bike that balances climbing efficiency with downhill prowess. Adding the SRAM GX AXS wireless electronic groupset enhances the bike's usability and rider experience. As with all bikes, potential buyers should test ride if possible and ensure that the specific features and characteristics align with their riding style and local terrain.

The Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp is part of Specialized's Stumpjumper lineup, known for its trail riding capabilities. The "EVO" denotes a more aggressive design suited for riders seeking a bike that leans more toward the enduro spectrum while retaining some of the playful characteristics of a trail bike. Here's a general review based on information up to September 2021:

Progressive Geometry: The EVO version comes with more aggressive geometry compared to the standard Stumpjumper. This includes a slacker head angle, longer reach, and often a lower bottom bracket. These adjustments aim to provide increased stability at high speeds and on steep descents.

Adjustable Geometry: Many Stumpjumper EVO models feature a flip chip, allowing riders to adjust the geometry slightly. This means you can tweak the bike's handling to better match your riding style or the terrain you're tackling.

Material: The "Comp" typically indicates an aluminum frame, which offers a more budget-friendly entry point compared to the carbon versions. It's a bit heavier but still offers excellent performance.

F.O.R.K. Design: Specialized employs a unique suspension design for the Stumpjumper EVO, with the aim of achieving a balanced feel during both climbing and descending. The bike's suspension is designed to be supple at the beginning of the stroke, supportive in the mid-stroke, and progressive toward the end.

Travel: Depending on the exact model year, the Stumpjumper EVO usually has around 140-160mm of rear travel, paired with a similar or slightly greater amount up front.

Climbing: While the EVO is more descent-oriented, it's no slouch on climbs. The efficient suspension design and the bike's geometry ensure it remains manageable on uphill sections, especially considering its aggressive leanings.

Descending: This is where the EVO shines. The aggressive geometry and capable suspension allow it to handle technical descents, drops, and rock gardens with confidence.

The "Comp" tier usually comes equipped with mid-range components. While they might not be the lightest or most premium options, they are generally reliable and perform well for their price point.

The Stumpjumper EVO Comp is often praised for its versatility. While it leans toward aggressive trail and enduro riding, it's not so specialized (pun intended) that it feels out of place on more mellow trails. Some riders might find it overbuilt for flatter or less technical regions, but for mountainous areas or those who favor descents, it's an excellent option.

Conclusion
The Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp offers a blend of aggressive geometry and performance-oriented features at a more accessible price point, thanks to its aluminum construction. It's well-suited for riders looking for a bike that can handle both challenging descents and general trail riding. As always, potential buyers should consider a test ride and think about how the bike aligns with their local terrain and riding style.

Welcome to my profile, I'm Brandon and I'm from Denver, Colorado. I love to get outdoors and experience new things in nature. 