Ibis cycles is a bike manufacturer based in Santa Cruz, California that produces high-end mountain, gravel, and road bikes. Ibis is known for their premium carbon fiber frames and innovative designs. While some Ibis models are produced overseas, select bikes are still handmade in their Santa Cruz factory.
Mountain Bikes
The following Ibis mountain bike models are made in the USA:
- Ripley – This is their most popular cross country/trail bike. The carbon fiber frames are handmade in California.
- Mojo HD5 – An enduro bike with 160mm of travel. The bikes are welded and assembled in Santa Cruz.
- Ripmo – Their flagship long travel 29er trail bike with 147mm of rear travel. USA made frames.
- Mojo 4 – A short travel 27.5″ carbon trail bike built stateside.
In addition to complete bikes, Ibis produces USA made frames for the above models that can be purchased separately and built up with your own components.
Road/Gravel Bikes
Ibis also manufactures select drop bar models in California:
- Hakka MX – Their carbon gravel race bike designed for mixed surface riding.
- Roadie – An lightweight carbon road race bike.
The road and gravel frames are made from high modulus carbon fiber and assembled by hand in their Santa Cruz factory. The bikes feature Ibis’ own carbon layup recipes and tube shaping.
Overseas Production
While the frames for the above models are made in California, some components like bars, stems, and seatposts are sourced from Asia. Complete bikes are assembled in the Santa Cruz facility using components from Shimano, SRAM, Fox, and others.
Lower-priced Ibis models such as the DV9, Tranny 29, and Altero are produced in Taiwan and China. This allows Ibis to offer quality aluminum frames at lower price points.
Ibis History
Ibis was founded in 1981 by Scot Nicol in Northern California. He began producing steel road and mountain bike frames noted for their excellent riding characteristics. Early Ibis frames were TIG welded by hand in the USA.
As carbon fiber became more popular in the 1990s, Ibis adopted the material for its higher-end offerings. Carbon provided more design flexibility and allowed them to shed weight while maintaining strength and stiffness.
Ibis frames were renowned for their ride quality and attention to detail. Their Mojo carbon trail bike won acclaim in the early 2000s as one of the first long travel 29ers.
After being acquired by Hans Heim in 2001, some Ibis production was moved overseas but select models are still made in California. Ibis is still based in Santa Cruz and many frames bear the “Handmade in Santa Cruz” decal.
Benefits of US Production
There are several advantages to Ibis producing some of their bikes stateside:
- Quality control – Ibis can closely monitor and control production in their own factory.
- Customization – Special paint colors and build kits can be accommodated.
- Agility – Design tweaks and improvements can be implemented faster.
- Brand heritage – Hand building bikes in California reinforces their image as a premium US brand.
However, US production requires higher labor costs compared to Asia. Ibis balances this by producing their less expensive models overseas while keeping flagship bikes domestic.
Are Ibis Bikes Worth the Price?
Ibis frames carry a premium price tag, especially the US-made models. Complete bikes often cost $5000 and up. So are they worth it?
For serious riders, most feel the performance justifies the price. Ibis bikes are renowned for their dialed geometries, handling, and ride feel. The attention to detail and engineering is noticeable on the trail.
The use of high quality carbon layups and proprietary tubing profiles makes their frames lightweight yet stiff and strong. This results in bikes that accelerate fast, hold speed well, and can be pushed aggressively.
Ibis also incorporates clever touches like internal cable routing, integrated chainstay protection, and useful features like SIXC carbon handlebars designed to damp vibrations.
While expensive, Ibis offers a lifetime warranty and many of their bikes achieve collector status due to timeless design. So they can represent a long-term investment for enthusiasts.
Where to Buy Ibis Bikes
There are a few options when looking to purchase an Ibis:
- Local bike shops – Many carry popular models from their lineup. You can test ride before buying.
- Ibis website – You can order bikes direct from Ibis.com and customize paint and parts.
- Online retailers – Shops like Competitive Cyclist, Backcountry, and Jenson USA stock Ibis bikes.
- Used market – Check Pinkbike Buy/Sell forum and eBay for used Ibis bikes.
For the latest model years, local shops and online retailers will have the best selection. For discontinued or older models, you may have better luck finding used bikes.
Ibis has an authorized dealer locator on their website to find local shops in the US and worldwide that carry their bikes:
https://www.ibiscycles.com/dealers
Popular Ibis Mountain Bike Models
Here is an overview of some of the most popular mountain bike models from Ibis:
Ripley
- 29er cross country/trail bike
- 120mm rear/120mm front suspension
- Carbon frame made in USA
- Available in NX Eagle or XT/XTR builds
- Fox Factory suspension
- 67.5 to 69.5 degree head angle
- Balanced and nimble for all-around trail riding
Mojo HD5
- Long travel 27.5″ carbon enduro bike
- 160mm rear/160mm front suspension
- USA made frames
- SRAM GX or X01 Eagle build kits
- Fox Float 36 fork and Float X2 shock
- Slack 64.9 degree head angle
- Stable at speed and downhill performance
Ripmo AF
- High value alloy trail bike
- 130mm rear/140mm front suspension
- Made in Taiwan
- SRAM NX Eagle or GX Eagle builds
- 130mm RockShox Pike fork
- Modern trail geometry
- Available in Deore build for under $3000
Mojo 4
- Short travel carbon 27.5″ trail bike
- 110mm rear/130mm front suspension
- Handmade in Santa Cruz
- SRAM GX Eagle component specs
- 130mm Fox 34 Performance fork
- Nimble and lively on tight trails
Popular Ibis Road/Gravel Bike Models
Here are some of the most popular drop bar models from Ibis:
Hakka MX
- Carbon gravel race bike
- Endurance geometry
- Clearance for 700x45mm or 650x47mm tires
- 12mm thru-axles
- SRAM Force eTap AXS build options
- Designed for high speed gravel racing
Roadie
- Carbon fiber road race bike
- Integrated seat mast design
- Space for 28mm tires
- Available in Shimano Ultegra or Dura-Ace builds
- Result of 3 years of development
- Lightweight at sub 15 lbs
- Stiff power transfer and speed
Bowtie
- Aluminum gravel bike
- Can fit up to 50mm tires
- Carbon fork
- Versatile for road and off-road riding
- Available complete or as frameset
- RB-1 flat mount disc brakes
- Value-priced all-around drop bar bike
Conclusion
Ibis produces a range of highly regarded mountain, gravel, and road bikes. While not inexpensive, their bikes are known for quality construction, dialed geometries, and ride performance.
Select models including the Ripley, Mojo HD5, Hakka MX, and Roadie are handmade in their Santa Cruz factory. This allows Ibis to control quality while maintaining their US production heritage.
Riders who demand the best in terms of engineering, attention to detail, and trail performance are drawn to Ibis bikes. With models covering everything from cross country to enduro riding, they offer something for every type of rider.