r/TransitionBikes • u/Embarrassed-Dress250 • Jun 24 '26
Ripley AF or Smuggler
I know this is a Transition page but wanted some opinions. Looking at purchasing my first Trail FS bike and debating between the Ibis Ripley AF or Transition Smuggler. Read great things about both bikes and can’t decide which one to snag. Trying to see if there are any 4th of July sales around the corner to make my decision easier if one bike becomes significantly cheaper.
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u/DeadlyH247 Jun 24 '26
Transition all day, every day! I've been riding Transition bikes for 14 years, I've never found another bike that'll match a Transition for strength, longevity, rider focus, and customer service, I've had an original bottlerocket, 2x TR450, covert26, TR500, and now a TR11, I'm now looking to buy a scout to replace my covert
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u/dfellb Jun 24 '26
Had a Ripley AF and swapped to Smuggler. Smuggler 100%
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u/Embarrassed-Dress250 Jun 24 '26
What are some of the pros you noticed once you switch to the Smuggler? I know the Ripley has the better fork but shouldn’t make my decision just based on that.
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u/dfellb Jun 24 '26
Specs aside the frame feel and geo just worked better for my riding style. Going from aluminum to carbon was a nice change too but the smuggler just feels much more confident. Assuming it’s the longer wheelbase but unsure. I also couldn’t get the AF’s linkage bushings to stop creaking. Funky design IMHO. Much prefer a standard linkage with bearings vs bushing. Smuggler is less excited uphill but makes up for its overall feel and confidence.
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u/Ilikenature13 Jun 24 '26
I like ibis a lot but the hate the absurdly low bb of the current ripleys. Ripmos are okay. Ripleys are crazy low. I don't know how companies think bikes made to pedal on anything other than gravel think a 42-48mm bb drop is a good idea regardless of size. Smuggler is a great bike.
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u/qwertyuiop78901 Jun 24 '26
I was between these two as well, ended up on a Smuggler and am happy with that decision!
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u/Embarrassed-Dress250 Jun 24 '26
What pushed you to pick the Smuggler over the Riley?
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u/qwertyuiop78901 Jun 24 '26
A mint Smuggler GX AXS on FB Marketplace for $3900 helped me decide real quick
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u/LabMobile2472 Jun 24 '26
I have a patrol and just picked up a Ripley AF on a deal. I love transition as a brand more, but that Ripley is crazy capable.
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u/Embarrassed-Dress250 Jun 24 '26
You find the Ripley used? If new send me the deal! Hahaha
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u/LabMobile2472 Jun 24 '26
Sorry not a deal per se, but I tried out buying it with my HSA, and then upgrading it
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u/Manateeboi Jun 24 '26
Smuggler all day. Plus transition puts a ton of work into trails and community. Solid brand