Ibis Cycles stole the show with this amazing Ibis Maximus, created by Nick Taylor. Note the height requirements outlined on the sign at right.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Even the chain stays are asymmetrical just like on the real Ibis Mojo.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The single reinforcement bar mimics that of the real Ibis Mojo SL.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The stem and steerer tube actually rotate on real bearings in the head tube.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The saddle sports actual rails and even has a central depression in the shell.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The rear triangle is made of the same raw materials as the main frame: 4"-diameter steel pipe with 1/4"-thick walls, all bent, cut, welded, and ground as necessary.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The lockout lever on the Ibis Maximus actually moves.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Going along with the Ibis Maximus was this oversized Hand Job bottle opener, also made by Nick Taylor.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The steel suspension links looked to be accurately placed and there's even a recess on the lower link like on the real Ibis Mojo SL frame. Dave Weagle may want to verify the pivot locations to guarantee proper kinematics, though.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The Ibis Maximus was hooked up to Ibis's trademark Airstream trailer.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The grips are made of 4"-diameter rubber hose.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The down tube was high enough off the ground that you could easily walk right underneath it.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Yes, we know Ibis Cycles doesn't actually spec a Manitou or DT Swiss fork on its bikes. Hey, cut the guy some slack.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The fork is crafted like the real thing with a box crown and separate steerer that actually rotates in the head tube.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The bars on the Ibis Maximus are 64" wide. Needless to say, there should be plenty of leverage available here.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Ibis didn't release the new Ripley 29er to the world, instead showing off this wild Ibis Maximus 59er. As compared to the standard Ibis Mojo at left, we certainly expect the bigger wheels to offer more grip.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Ibis Cycles' new Ripley 29er didn't make its official production debut at this year's Sea Otter Classic but the company stole the show with someone entirely different that no one expected to see. It was big, heavy, fit no one, and had a highly questionable suspension quality – and yet it was all we heard about walking the aisles of the Laguna Seca raceway.
In fact, the "Ibis Maximus" wasn't even built by Ibis. Intended as a sign for the Mendocino Coast Fat Tire Festival, creator Nick Taylor fabricated the giant steel replica with heavily manipulated 4"-diameter steel pipe and flat plate, which all rotates on humongous 59"-diameter tractor wheels. The bars are 64" wide, the tires are 12" across, and there's roughly 13" of travel front and rear. Weighing in at roughly 1,000lb, the Ibis Maximus made its way to Sea Otter by way of two forklifts and a generously sized flatbed truck.
For added effect, the Ibis Maximus was put on display at Sea Otter with a matching hitch to tow the company's trademark Airstream trailer.
Perhaps even more impressive than the sheer scale of the project is the accuracy of the build. The frame isn't just a cursory scale reproduction of an Ibis Mojo SL; it could almost pass as a scale model. The suspension links and their mounting points are accurately placed, the rear triangle includes the single non-driveside reinforcement strut and asymmetrical chain stays, the fork lowers have bulged tops where the bushings and seals would normally go, and some parts like the Propedal lever on the FOX rear shock, the headset, and the wheels actually move appropriately.
Sorry, Ibis fans, you still don't have your 29er but in the meantime, this 59er will have to do. Oh, and according to the bike's accompanying sign, "You must be at least 10' tall to ride this bike."
Oh, and who exactly is this Nick Taylor guy? Perhaps you haven't heard of him or his Performance Structures, Inc. company but you may have seen some of his other handiwork. In fact, we're quite sure of it.
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