Forme Ripley 1 (2015) Hardtail MTB - £519.94 @ Start Fitness

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Forme Ripley 1 (2015) Hardtail MTB £519.94 delivered @ StartFitness (RRP £1200)

£519.94 £1200 Start Fitness30 Jan 17

Source: HotUKDeals | Deals > All categories

Opening post

basergorkobal

28 Jan 17

All sizes available. 0% finance available (which is what swayed me).
Very capable entry-level trail focused mountain bike IMO and excellent value if you want to get into the sport on a reasonable budget.
Modern trial geometry with slack and low head tube. Top tube is also fashionably long. Internal cable routing adds a bit more premium feel.
RockShox Recon Gold RL 120mm fork is a solid, rather light and easy to service.
2x10 Deore drivetrain with XT clutch rear mech should work reliably and gear ratios are perfect for MTB beginners.
Brakes are not Deore as stated on the webpage, but one rung lower non-groupset M506 kit. Not as good, but with large discs performance will be adequate.
Wheels are very basic as can be expected in the entry level price bracket. Rims are tubeless ready laced around Deore hubs.
Contrary to what it says on the webpage, pedals are included.
==========================================
The Ripley 1 is a very capable out of the box trail hunter. Slack head angle (66.6°) with wide handlebars gives you real confidence with descents and a nice tidy short chainstay allows you to have real feel for the terrain below.

Frame: Forme 6061 27.5"" Tapered Headtube, alloy with internal routed cables and smooth welds
Fork: Rock Shox Recon Gold 120mm with Tapered Alloy steerer and 15mm Thru axle
Shifters: 20 Speed Shimano Deore
Derailleur (Front): Shimano Deore
Derailleur (Rear): Shimano XT Shadow + (Clutch)
Brakes: Shimano Deore
Crankset: Shimano Deore 2x with external BB
Cassette: 10 Speed Deore Shimano
Chain: 10 Speed
Bottom Bracket: Shimano Deore External
Hub Front: Shimano Deore 32 hole
Hub Rear: Shimano Deore 32 hole
Rims: One23 TR
Tyres: Kenda Nevegal X 27.5 x 2.35
Handlebar: Crank Brothers Cobolt 2 780mm +5mm rise
Stem: Crank Brothers Cobolt 1 Alloy 31.8 80mm
Headset: FSA No 57e-1
Saddle: Forme All Mountain
Seatpost: Crank Brothers Cobolt 1 400mm 30.10
Pedal: None incl.
Wheel Size: 27.5inch
Number of Gears: 20

Latest comments (75)

basergorkobal

8 Apr 17 #74

Thanks for commenting Darksleuth.
My experience is very similar (bar for the crash). Hope you're not too badly bruised.
The bike handles and corners like a proper all mountain machine. Gives you more confidence and encourages to go faster, brake later and so on. And as my skills and stamina improve I find it even more fun to ride.
But I have to remind myself its only a short travel hardtail and be careful not to get carried away.

One complaint I have is the seat clamp. It doesn't clamp the seat tube sufficiently well to hold the seatpost in place. And I'm on the extreme light end of the weight spectrum myself. I suspect the seat tube's diameter is left too large. This is going to force me into a purchase of a dropper post sooner or later.
Does anyone else have this problem?

darksleuth to basergorkobal

11 May 17 #75

I have the same problem, the seat rotates regardless of tightness.

Hopefully a dropper will fix the issue :smiley:

darksleuth

8 Apr 17 #73

Just thought I'd give a quick comment - the bike is a beast, it really inspires confidence and because of that I'm enjoying the ride more with a great big smile on my face. Though I did crash into a tree today, thankfully the bike is fine :smiley:

NewMTB

18 Feb 17 1 #72

For the moment I've got 2.4" Chunky Monkies front and back so there's plenty of room for big tyres. I've ordered a Specialized Purgatory for the rear which should roll a bit faster.

Chunky Monkey

Specialized Purgatory

NewMTB

18 Feb 17 #70

Took mine out for a short ride yesterday a proper ride today. Still haven't fitted the shorter stem, but I did put some chunkier tyres on. I really like it.

basergorkobal to NewMTB

18 Feb 17 #71

What tyres did you manage to fit. The frame looks like there's space for a fair bit more. Not sure about the fork.

I've been out on mine on Thursday for a proper test around our local trials. Nothing too extreme but a good test given I know those trials quite well. The bike rips. Really builds confidence in a beginner such as myself. Handling is really good on twisty singletrack. And it grips brilliantly compared to my old bike (which is partly attributed to larger wheels and wider tyres). The frame felt quite forgiving compared to steel. But that was on 20PSI
I rode it on the original stem and bars. I have replaced the stem with a cheapo 60mm one. I think I'll fit a low riser bar as well. When replacing the stem I noticed the front hub developed some major play. So I didn't manage to take out for a ride today. That's just typical shimano.

basergorkobal

14 Feb 17 #69

Looks like the bike has sold out bar for size 16". It's funny because last time I checked they only had 18" and 20"!?

basergorkobal

14 Feb 17 #68

I have mine set up at 700mm. Only moved the grips for now to try it out. If I go for a shorter stem, 720mm might work better. But with 780mm I was struggling to get pass the garden gate. So will need to take a hacksaw to it sooner or later.

darksleuth

14 Feb 17 #65

Got mine yesterday....It's so pretty....I know that sounds a bit wmhyyk...But it is.

Got the small and I'm glad I did....very tight with 31" legs.

That stem looks great, the bars are definitely 31.8mm?

NewMTB to darksleuth

14 Feb 17 #66

The stem is listed as 80mm 31.8mm on the Start Fitness site. Just noticed on the 2017 model that they've changed the stem to 50mm.

basergorkobal to darksleuth

14 Feb 17 #67

I'm glad you like it. The simple colour scheme anf minimalist graphics work really well IMO.
The bars are 31.8mm. So say the markings hidden underneath the stem's front plate.

NewMTB

13 Feb 17 #64

I've ordered a 50mm one of these: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/easton-havoc-stem/rp-prod130736
The stock 80mm one is going to one of my other bikes which currently has a 110mm stem. I may also trim the bars by 30-40mm, but only because my local woods have some trails with tightly packed trees.

jjBlinky

13 Feb 17 #63

That's good to know. I'm looking at a fork attached front mudguard, Powa Dfender is expensive and I cannot find the RockShox version in stock, its unclear to me that it will fit and there's no matching rear mudguard either. Might go with the SKS MTB Blade Mudguard Set. Just wondering what else other people are going with.

jjBlinky

13 Feb 17 #60

I got mine last week. Really impressed with it - thanks OP. Can anyone recommend any specific mudguards for it?

basergorkobal to jjBlinky

13 Feb 17 #62

Currently I have a 26" SKS x-board & blade set. Seems to be working well for the rear. Front not so much. Thinking of getting a 'mudhugger' under brace mudguard for the front. But it's going to be a tight fit with the 2.35" tyre. And they're £25 a pop so quite a bit of risk there.

NewMTB

13 Feb 17 #59

My 20" Ripley 1 turned up today. It looks very nice. Just waiting for the stem and pedals I ordered to turn up. Hope to get a chance to take it out for a spin on Wednesday.

basergorkobal to NewMTB

13 Feb 17 #61

What stem are you going for? I thought in size 20" the 80mm fitted might actually be ok. I haven't decided whether to replace the stem/bars yet. Taking it for a proper off-road ride tomorrow and will decide then and there.

surfstak

10 Feb 17 #57

Why change the stem?
Sorry I'm not up to speed.

NewMTB to surfstak

10 Feb 17 1 #58

The trend is to have shorter (35-60mm) stems with wide (750mm+) handlebars. This bike has both a long stem and a wide bar, which is a bit odd. It also has quite slack geometry, which coupled with the long stem may make it feel less controlled than it would otherwise. Worth popping along to your local bike shop with it and having a chat with them. A new stem should be about £25-£50.

NewMTB

9 Feb 17 #55

Just ordered one of these. It was reviewed in What Mountain Bike in October 2015. They gave it 3/5 but that was with the price listed as £1,300. They like pretty much everything apart from the 80mm stem, which they suggest changing to a 50mm one.

basergorkobal to NewMTB

9 Feb 17 #56

That's interesting. I guess the rating they've given must be relative to other bikes they tested in that price range.
If the RRP was £500 the bike would make a best buy award in more than one price segment.
I recall MBR also picked up on the length of the stem. And I will be changing mine. But I think to more moderate 60mm.

darksleuth

6 Feb 17 #52

Bought it anyway....even with the P&P I really like the look and spec of the bike :smiley:

basergorkobal to darksleuth

7 Feb 17 #54

Even the mainland delivery cost was quite steep at £20. £50 is plainly ridiculous.
They should really get a better contract. I guess the number of bikes they sell must be low compared to other goods.
Anyway hope you like it.

darksleuth

6 Feb 17 #53

Thanks for all the help guys!

darksleuth

5 Feb 17 #51

Was just ordering and it's £50 P&P to Northern Ireland :disappointed:

Still a great deal but it was only £65 to post a heavier box to my sis in Australia at Christmas.....Maybe I should recommend them An Póst :smiley:

hemanpaul87

3 Feb 17 #46

Received mine today. I took a gamble and ordered the 16inch size glad I did. I'm 5.7ft and 30 leg.

I've only got the saddle set quarter of the way up and that seems fine (still lots of upwards travel left)

The top bar/tube is high. When standing with feet on floor my knackers are resting on the tube.

I have not ridden it yet as only just got it out of the box. Just needed to put the handle bar on and some metal pedals on that were supplied (was surprised to receive the pedals as in the description said no pedals)

Overall it seems a decent bike

Basergorkobal did you order one?

basergorkobal to hemanpaul87

4 Feb 17 #50

I received mine before posting the deal. This is how I knew it came with pedals and could take the measurements quoted earlier:)
I just discovered I'm 29" inseam. And also find it a little tall. I'm perfectly happy with that.
Been on a couple of rides so far. Nothing too offroady yet unfortunately. Handling with the slack head and long top tube is brilliant. I had to lower and flip the stem. Also the handlebar is way too wide for my liking. I moved all the controls and grips over an inch inwards! For now I'll swap the bar and stem over for some bits I have in the garage (70mm stem and 660mm 30mm riser bar. This is a shame as the finishing kit is seriously good looking and not something one would expect on this budget. I've been looking at the Whyte 901 and 801. Both got a 45mm stem on size 16". I'm wondering if that's not going to be a little extreme.
I find the bike isn't very heavy but the wheels weigh a ton each. I like the 2.35" tyres. Will have to find something just as big but lighter. And go tubeless.
Only thing I don't like is the shifters combined with brake levers. I didn't realise Shimano did that. Makes it impossible to set everything up comfortably. So I'll have to buy a separate clamp for the rear. And probably ditch the front altogether.
Overall I think its a true bargain. Hope everyone who got one is equally pleased.

hemanpaul87

3 Feb 17 #49

Not to sure yet. will most likely raise it up a bit. Will be taking it out tomorrow for the first time.

hemanpaul87

3 Feb 17 1 #47

http://imageshack.com/a/img924/4396/oewTKf.jpg

jquach to hemanpaul87

3 Feb 17 #48

Is the seat in the height you will be riding the bike?

darksleuth

3 Feb 17 #45

I've just sent them off the message to ask about the measured height.

Looking at the reach the small seems great too. Does anyone know what the limiting factor on the small frame is for 5' 6" height is? Is it the saddle can't be raised enough?

darksleuth

2 Feb 17 #43

Yeah ... my thinking too......it's just the return policy affecting me...NI.....and tbh 80cm...tis a bit high of a measurement.

I'm kinda looking for a get in there bike...think I'll go smaller.....think it's for me :smiley:

basergorkobal to darksleuth

3 Feb 17 #44

I feel your pain. I feel I am between sizes myself. Used to ride a 14.5". And that was wayv too small but offered good standover. Moving to a 16" was a revelation.
Maybe ask them how they measured it before committing.

MHarolambus

2 Feb 17 #42

Bike

darksleuth

1 Feb 17 #40

No idea Basergorkobal, sorry. The person I emailed had one of the guys very kindly measure it in the store.

basergorkobal to darksleuth

2 Feb 17 #41

The difference in measurements seems larger than one would expect from a 2 inch size difference. Suggesting they were taken differently. That's all.
Anyway hope this helps with your decision.

darksleuth

1 Feb 17 #37

Hi basergorkobal,

The guys at Start Fitness measured the standover height at 80 cm for the 18" frame. What height is the 16", like how too tall is it?

I'm coming from a low end GT 29er and I'm sitting on the bar when I dismount, I was looking for a little more room.

basergorkobal to darksleuth

1 Feb 17 #39

Do you know how they measured it Darksleuth? What I did is drop a measure tape vertically from the middle point of the top tube.
The measurement is: 68cm.

Discostu333

1 Feb 17 #38

Managed to find some geometry info for the 16" here;

https://web.archive.org/web/20160502130304/http://formebikes.co.uk/mountain-bikes/ripley-001

(page is slow to load so give it time)

Silver5urfer

1 Feb 17 #35

basergorkobal I'm thinking of buying 16". I am 5'7" tall inside leg 29". Do you think that will be too small?

basergorkobal to Silver5urfer

1 Feb 17 #36

16" should be spot on for you.
I'm a tad shorter with 28" inseam. Standover is on the tall side for me. But the frame size feels spacious and well balanced. I doubt it'll feel small. It's a very long frame.

Discostu333

1 Feb 17 #33

Really tempted by one of these for use as a winter muckabout bike so that my full sus doesn't get all hacked up.

There's some geometry available on the Forme website which suggests that the 20" size would be a good fit for me at 6ft, although I'd like to here what other people who bought one went for.

basergorkobal to Discostu333

1 Feb 17 #34

I don't think that many people on this thread have actually bought one.
I bought a 16" so that's not going to help you. But 20" sounds right for you. Why not go by the size of the bike you already own?

darksleuth

31 Jan 17 #31

On this bike would the size 18 be right for a 5' 8" guy with 31" inside leg?

I was checking on the Forme website but there is no standover height mentioned on the current model.... could be blind though.

basergorkobal to darksleuth

31 Jan 17 #32

I expect 18" should be fine. It may feel on the tall side, but it's really down to what you're used to.
Forme are quite cagey about the geometry. Measurements for the 16" size are not available at all. StartFitness were quite helpful and measured the bike for me. So you could try them.
In the case of 16" at least the geometry for Whyte 805 is almost identical (a little longer top tube and chainstay). I expect standover will be within half an inch.

fleabittenvarmint

31 Jan 17 #30

Thanks; that's most helpful. And it just so happens to be pay day today....:wink:

tranceazure

30 Jan 17 #29

good deal if you stripped the bike sold parts you would get more than 500.forks are a notch below reba but not much different about 200 gram heavier performance be nearly as good both motion control reba has better rebound damping drive train is decent.cheap shimano brakes work great just bit heavier.brilliant value for 500 good trail bike

fleabittenvarmint

30 Jan 17 #26

I've had my finger on the trigger for days since seeing the Winscar deal, but not gone for it yet. Have any fellow 5' 7" midgets bought the Winscar? What's the sizing like, lads? I'm thinking the 17" on a 29er should be okay if I used to ride an 18"/19" 26er back in the day. My road bike is a size M (Specialized) so not sure how that translates to 29er frames... :neutral_face:

callum84 to fleabittenvarmint

30 Jan 17 #28

17" should be about right.
If you have around a 31" inside leg it should be alright for standover clearance but next size up you may struggle.
Smaller frames are easy to throw around and you can always add more cockpit space with a longer stem.
Its much harder to fix a bike thats too large.

When I bought the 26" winscar I emailed forme about geometry and sizing, they were really helpfull.

missmisiowa

30 Jan 17 #21

OMG not even mudguards nor lights???!!
Tell me please which part exactly is worth £1000 in this bicycle?

Justsuperman to missmisiowa

30 Jan 17 #22

Since when do bikes come with lights

Rickardo to missmisiowa

30 Jan 17 #27

Glad you didn't mention the pedals, like most idiots do on bike threads.

Manimal

30 Jan 17 #25

I'm seriously considering either the Ripley or the Winscar, both excellent value! My Stumpjumper was stolen from the shed on Saturday (absolutely gutted as I loved that thing...) so in need of a replacement. I'm leaning towards the Winscar.

basergorkobal

30 Jan 17 #24

Stem is certainly on the long side of the spectrum for an all-mountain hardtail.
You could copy the length Whyte have fitted to the 901 (40/50mm depending on size) as the geometry is almost identical.

darksleuth

30 Jan 17 #23

Are there any reviews out there for this? Bought a bike a while ago and I'm still into the sport, though it's time to treat myself....oh and just my opinion, I like the colour....easier to find me in a crumpled mess down a gully :smiley:

Great spec!

*Some time later!

It's in the best mtb under £1500 - if the only thing I have to do is put on a slightly shorter stem, I think I'm in!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeiBVOptYj0

rodman

30 Jan 17 #20

http://media.startfitness.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/6/image/800x600/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/f/o/forme-ripley-1-8.jpg

ToneC

29 Jan 17 #19

Just paid for a Saracen Mantra 2nd hand as a present for my sons birthday. Had I seen this a week ago I would have been tempted..Heat added, good deal.

Kingaz

29 Jan 17 #16

Is this the best MTB for around the £500-£600 mark? Not many reviews and everything I've read suggests the Bizango is unbeatable at this price range. BTW I'm 6ft 2 and 18 st so need something that can cope with my size! What do you reckon?

whatyadoinsucka to Kingaz

29 Jan 17 #17

It's definitely a good spec on the bike for the price, the fork has a 15mm thru axle that cheaper bikes rarely have (usually have a 9mm QR quickrelease) the wheels tyres are also wide 2.35 which is becoming the fashion so again they can take far more offroad than a skinnier tyre such as a 2.1".
The bizango is a 29er and likely to be weaker than a smaller wheel of the 27.5.
All in my humble opinion

basergorkobal to Kingaz

29 Jan 17 1 #18

If you want a bike-park focused hardtail MTB rather than a more traditional XC hardtail, this is the best deal I could find at the moment.
Bizango is well reviewed at its RRP of £599 or thereabouts. The spec on the Forme is a couple of notches above what Bizango offers. They are two rather different bikes. Bizango is a 29-er and this is 650b. And as a result the geometry is very different, so they will feel and handle differently. Out of the two my money would be (and is) on the Forme. But if you want a universal do-it-all bike for gravel, towpaths etc rather than a MTB, go for Bizango.
20" should be a good fit for you.

fit finlay

29 Jan 17 #15

not clued up on this , i'll look into it & get back to you though

callum84

28 Jan 17 #14

Out of curiousity is the Reba fork a dual or solo air?
Dual has an air valve on bottom of fork leg as well as one under cap on top.
Solo only has one valve.

Dont worry both are excellent tunable forks either way.

Oh and did it come with a remote lockout for fork, fits on bars.

fit finlay

28 Jan 17 #13

yip, its a belter mate, so glad I never went for the bizango (no offence to that bike though)

craigaherring

28 Jan 17 1 #2

Not personally a fan of the colour but you've got my vote. Great deal for those wanting to get into mountain biking.

basergorkobal to craigaherring

28 Jan 17 1 #12

Agreed, the colour is a dividing factor. Looks great in the flesh though. I like solid colour frames, and the fact that the fork is just a standard black. Subtle decals is another nice touch.

fit finlay

28 Jan 17 #6

Heat, I got the Forme Winscar from this deal
http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/2013-forme-winscar-29-xt-was-1399-now-699-99-start-fitness-2602950

callum84 to fit finlay

28 Jan 17 #7

Has it arrived?

basergorkobal to fit finlay

28 Jan 17 #11

Saw that one. That's a very good deal. Different beast though. I don't get on well with 29ers personally. But hope you enjoy yours.
Most likely your front mech's range needs adjusting. It is very easy to do yourself. All you need is a screwdriver. Just google a video on yt.

callum84

28 Jan 17 #10

Yeah probably just needs adjusted mate.
Plenty of videos on you tube if you fancy doing it yourself or bike shop will do it for few quid.

What you think of frame? absolute cracker aint it.

whatyadoinsucka

28 Jan 17 #9

Great price, good spec, the fork alone is usually £275 plus (although wiggle got a deal at £216 surprisingly) and a crank brothers finishing kit that is rare for a £520 bike.
Ignore rrps, unless its whyte as they can sell out well before the sales start

fit finlay

28 Jan 17 #8

Yea Mate, was out on it for the 1st time today, love it but the chain isn't staying on the larger front derailleur. I'll take it to a local bike shop tomorrow as I take it its just needing adjusted unless you've any other ideas?

checkcanopy

28 Jan 17 1 #3

Good solid spec for the price not sure I'd ever pay over £1k for it but it's a bargain at £519

basergorkobal to checkcanopy

28 Jan 17 #5

The RRP is insane. Even StartFitness don't quote the original RRP, which I have taken from other etailers. I suspect Forme have lowered the RRP. I can't see it selling well for the same price as Whyte 901, which this bike is clearly aspiring to compete with.

darksideby182

28 Jan 17 #4

Nice spec just not sure about the colour. Heat though.

GazmoX

28 Jan 17 #1

Me like. Hot.