Ibis Cycles Announces New Australian Distributor

Ibis Cycles, a Santa Cruz, California based manufacturer of industry leading bicycles, in cooperation with Defcon Cycles, announced a new dealer direct distribution strategy for Australia today. Founded in 1981 by Mountain Bike Hall of Fame inductee, Scot Nicol, Ibis has been a pioneer in the development of carbon fibre full suspension mountain bikes. Ibis believes that supporting independent bicycle dealers through a direct sales model will improve order fulfilment and customer service, both to the dealer and the end consumer.

In country support will be provided by Defcon Cycles of Geebung Queensland, who have been engaged as Ibis’s agents for the Australian market.  Defcon will handle all sales and customer service inquiries as the first point of contact for dealers and consumers in Australia. Ibis believes that this new business model is the best way to get bikes in the hands of Australian consumers at a competitive price that still provides the knowledge and customer service of an independent bicycle dealer.  “Stuart [of Defcon] has been an enthusiastic supporter of Ibis for several years now. We’re confident that with his knowledge and experience that Australian dealers and consumers will receive the same support they’d expect if they contacted our US office directly” – Tom Morgan, Ibis Cycles president.

Ibis also released two new bikes this week, the “New Ripley” and the Ripley LS. Both are based on the immensely popular Ripley 29er. The “New Ripley” is an update to the original Ripley, with the following changes:

• Internal cable routing using the port system that is found on the Mojo HD3
• Increased tyre clearance
• Threaded bottom bracket
• Seat mast lowered by 1/2” to accommodate today’s longer droppers
• Choice of Boost 148 (starting in November ’15) or 142mm x 12mm Shimano through axle (now)
• Stiffer eccentric cores
• New rubber moulded chain stay and seat stay protection (this retrofits to the original Ripley)
• New colours (let’s call them “Tang” and “Black”)

Even though Ibis cut new moulds for the bike, geometry and suspension remain the same as the original.  The proven, much-loved geometry and suspension of the Ripley has been a favourite of everyone at Ibis and Ripley owners everywhere. The Ripley LS is a new-school long and slack version which shares all the features of the New Ripley with a 15mm longer top tube and slacker 67.5º head angle.

For a detailed look at the twin Ripleys, visit the Ripley web page.

Interested dealers are encouraged to contact Stuart Bushell of Defcon Cycles about becoming a stocking dealer. info@defconcycles.com.au Tel: 0413 724 484