This is my first MTB and trying to decide between the two bikes below.
Seems the Norco is spec’d a bit better but is older. So would it be better to get the older one or newer one with not as good specs?
Im 5’10 and the Norco is a medium, seems like itd fit a medium but on the high end any thoughts on the sizing?
The type of riding ill do is mostly trails in Utah and downhill.
2019 Norco Optic Carbon Size Medium
Specs:
2019 Norco Optic Carbon frame w/ aluminum chainstay
Size medium
Spank 350/359 Vibrocore 27.5" wheelset
Maxxis Minion DHR/DHF 27.5 X 2.3" tires w/ cushcore installed
SRAM Eagle GX 12 speed drivetrain w/ 165mm cranks
Fox Factory 34 Float 140mm front fork
Fox Factory Float DPS rear shock
PNW Loam dropper post with adjustable travel
Magura MT 4 piston front caliper
Magura MT 2 piston rear caliper
Shimano hydraulic brake levers
Magura Storm Sl2 180mm rotors
2024 Ibis Ripmo AF Size L $1800
Specs:
Frame: Aluminumwith molded chainstay, seatstay, and down tube protection.
Suspension: DW-link, with 160mm front and 150mm rear travel.
Wheels: 29"
Fork: Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil, 36mm stanchions, 44mm offset.
Shock: Marzocchi Bomber Air, 210mm length x 55mm stroke.
Brakes: Shimano Deore M6120, 4-piston, with Shimano RT66 rotors (203mm front, 180mm rear).
Drivetrain: 1×12, Shimano Deore M6100.
Tires: Front: Maxxis Assegai, 29" x 2.5", EXO+ | Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR II, 29" x 2.4", EXO+.
Dropper Post: KS Rage-I with varying drop lengths depending on frame size.
Geometry: Features progressive geometry with size-specific chainstay length and bottom bracket height.
by Boz_42
4 Comments
Forgot to say the Norco is priced at $1400
IF it was the 2020 optic it be a no brainer, but being a 27.5 and 2019 I’d rather have the Ripmo all the way. It’s a really solid build and lacking nothing. If you wanted to lighten it up you could also easily get an air fork as opposed to a coil down the road.
edit: Even with the price update, still the Ripmo
As a fellow 5’10” person I much prefer a Large over a Medium. Both good bikes. Offer $1600 for the Ripmo and call it a day
Those are very different bikes. One is a lightweight 140mm bike, one is a heavy bike with a 160mm fork. Do you want a light bike that will be fun on xc trails, or do you want something capable of taking to the bike park?
If they were more comparable I’d say the Norco for sure, but if you actually need a 160mm fork then definitely don’t get the Norco.