Ibis

Tranny 29 X01 Complete Mountain Bike - 2015

As the old adage goes, good things come to those who wait. And after waiting for the crafty folks at Ibis to meticulously dial every line and geometry detail, the Ripley Ibis Tranny 29 X01 Complete 2015 Mountain Bike is here to change your preconceived notions of just how fast and versatile a 29-inch hardtail can be. Whether you're ripping blistering fast XC loops or traveling to new riding locales, it's sure to put a smile on your face with its incredibly lightweight performance, super-agile feel, and easy-travelling disassembly, courtesy of its detachable rear triangle with Slot Machine technology.

The updated 2015 Tranny leverages the fabled rolling benefits of 29-inch wheels, as well as a host of modern features, such as internal dropper post routing, tapered head tube, 142 x 12-millimeter Maxle rear axle, and BB92/PressGXP style integrated bottom bracket. However, the big story with the Tranny is its ability to convert to a singlespeed with its Slot Machine technology. This technology relies on a detachable rear triangle with Slot Machine tensioning unit found just behind the bottom bracket, with 15-millimeters of movement afforded to properly tension the chain when paired with a singlespeed drivetrain. Not only does this negate the need for an eccentric bottom bracket when you're converting it to singlespeed use, but it also allows for functionality with a Gates Carbon Belt Drive, should you opt to ditch chains entirely. Plus, this detachable rear triangle makes for effortless traveling and storage if you regularly fly with your bike or dissemble it for off-season storage.

Staying true to its racing pedigree, the Tranny's low bottom bracket keeps it planted when railing turns, while its 17.1-inch chainstays enhance its responsive, lively feel. The frame's Unified carbon construction optimizes the frame for exceptional stiffness and vibration dampening. Taking styling cues from the Ripley, the front triangle features balanced steering geometry and striking angular contours. The noticeably thin seatstays impart a comfortable flex into the rear end when you're rallying the bike over rougher trails. Ensuring crisp response under hard pedaling, the burly chainstays and BB92/PressGXP bottom bracket shell maximize power. The internal cable routing is very well thought out, with multiple ports for routing front and rear derailleurs, as well as stealth dropper posts.

A Factory Series FOX FLOAT suspension fork provides 100mm of silky-smooth travel up front, thanks to its ultra-light FIT damper and buttery Kashima coating. This fork uses Fox's CTD technology, giving you Climb, Trail, Descend compression settings with the flick of a switch. SRAM's one-by eleven drivetrain is made of an X01 rear derailleur and cassette, with an X1 trigger shifter for crisp, accurate shifts. Braking is performed by Shimano's XT brakes, which are extremely durable and powerful. The stem, carbon fiber handlebar, and seatpost are all sourced from Ibis. Rounding things out, the bike rolls on Stan's NoTubes 3.30/ZTR Arch EX wheels, wrapped in Schwalbe tires, with a 2.25-inch Nobby Nic up front and 2.25-inch Racing Ralph in the rear, both of which are reinforced with Snake Skin sidewalls.