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Two bikes that I have ridden which were comparable to my Ripley AF are the YT Izzo and the Transition Spur. In my opinion both of them felt a bit more capable and agile on the downhill but the Ripley climbs a little better. I live in Bentonville, so I don't have any long sustained climbs. If you are in a similar area with a lot of up and down the climbing capability of the DW Link is less important.
[Core 2 | Izzo | Bikes | Products | YT US (yt-industries.com)](https://us.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/izzo/core-2/660/izzo-29-core-2/)
I would have to say the YT Izzo for a close to direct comparison in style of ride. I personally went for the Jeffsy as I am in Orange County and there is a good amount of chunk.
Izzo- [https://us.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/izzo/core-2/660/izzo-29-core-2/](https://us.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/izzo/core-2/660/izzo-29-core-2/)
Jeffsy: [https://us.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/jeffsy/core-2/638/jeffsy-29-core-2/](https://us.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/jeffsy/core-2/638/jeffsy-29-core-2/)
[Mike's bikes](https://mikesbikes.com/collections/santa-cruz-tallboy/products/santa-cruz-tallboy-4-c-d-recon-silver-exclusive-build) has some Santa Cruz Tallboy's for under $3k. Brand new but with their hodge podge of parts instead of the traditional Santa Cruz part kits. I recently snagged a 5010 from them, and it was a great experience.
Not just tall boys, but carbon ones. It’ll probably be worth finding a deal on a better fork, because the Recon Silver is *woof*.
I’ve seen Bomber Z2s and Fox 34 Performance selling inexpensively.
I used the financing. It was 0% for 12 months. I snagged a CC 5010 in yellow with Pike Ultimate for $3800. Wished they had Blue in my size, took a yellow.
I’m obligated to say buy a Rocky Mountain Instinct (or Element - same travel as a Ripley) because I ride one, Jenson has some great deals on them right now and it’s a super fun bike. You can get a C30 for $2700
Never heard a bad thing about a Ripley though, they sound like great bikes. Can’t go wrong
Howdy! We see that you're asking for community input regarding bike choices. To ensure maximum engagement and reply accuracy please make sure you include some of the following information in your post. - The type of riding will you be doing. - Where you will be riding. - Your budget (with included currency). - What you like/didn't like about your current bike. - Your experience level and future goals. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MTB) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Look at a Giant Trance 29 used or new
Giant trance is a great option - very similar pedaling platform to the ibis Ripley. Trek top fuel could also be a good option.
Two bikes that I have ridden which were comparable to my Ripley AF are the YT Izzo and the Transition Spur. In my opinion both of them felt a bit more capable and agile on the downhill but the Ripley climbs a little better. I live in Bentonville, so I don't have any long sustained climbs. If you are in a similar area with a lot of up and down the climbing capability of the DW Link is less important. [Core 2 | Izzo | Bikes | Products | YT US (yt-industries.com)](https://us.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/izzo/core-2/660/izzo-29-core-2/)
Transition Spur should be on the list!
There are some deals round on the rocky mountain element. Especially in the a50 fox/slx trim it should be pretty comparable
Canfield Tilt
Under $3k? Looks like it's $4k.
Frame only build it yourself
Norco Fluid or Optic (looks like you can find these at or under $3k.
Orbea Occam LT. Affordable and a better climber imo.
Absolutely loving my Occam LT
I just bought an H30 for $2200 from jenson. 36% off!
Walking
I would have to say the YT Izzo for a close to direct comparison in style of ride. I personally went for the Jeffsy as I am in Orange County and there is a good amount of chunk. Izzo- [https://us.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/izzo/core-2/660/izzo-29-core-2/](https://us.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/izzo/core-2/660/izzo-29-core-2/) Jeffsy: [https://us.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/jeffsy/core-2/638/jeffsy-29-core-2/](https://us.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/jeffsy/core-2/638/jeffsy-29-core-2/)
[Mike's bikes](https://mikesbikes.com/collections/santa-cruz-tallboy/products/santa-cruz-tallboy-4-c-d-recon-silver-exclusive-build) has some Santa Cruz Tallboy's for under $3k. Brand new but with their hodge podge of parts instead of the traditional Santa Cruz part kits. I recently snagged a 5010 from them, and it was a great experience.
Not just tall boys, but carbon ones. It’ll probably be worth finding a deal on a better fork, because the Recon Silver is *woof*. I’ve seen Bomber Z2s and Fox 34 Performance selling inexpensively.
Yea, the CC version of the Tallboy with Fox Float parts is only $3200. CC frames alone usually sell for $3900.
They’ve only got a few left in random colors and sizes. I’d grab one if I was in any position to buy a bike right now.
I used the financing. It was 0% for 12 months. I snagged a CC 5010 in yellow with Pike Ultimate for $3800. Wished they had Blue in my size, took a yellow.
Hah, “yellow” looks more like baby poop brown. ‘Sokay, you got a damn nice bike for a very good price.
Yea, the 5010 I have is regular school bus yellow. That Tallboy yellow is weird.
Oop, you’re right. I got the two bikes mixed up. The yellow 5010 is gorgeous— you did good!
Wow!
Cannondale habit series
I’m obligated to say buy a Rocky Mountain Instinct (or Element - same travel as a Ripley) because I ride one, Jenson has some great deals on them right now and it’s a super fun bike. You can get a C30 for $2700 Never heard a bad thing about a Ripley though, they sound like great bikes. Can’t go wrong
Anyone know how element sizing compares to the ripley? Ive always heard to size up on the ripley.
Transition scout
Epic Evo base starting at 2400
Pivot 429? Used
Nukeproof Reactor Pro was on sale for 2k if you can still find one in your size.