Based by suspension designer Chris Canfield, Vampire Bikes debuted its first mannequin, the Fastarossa DH bike, final 12 months. Right now, Vampire is launching the Ripperatti, a brand new, limited-production downhill bike with a titanium body and a Pinion Sensible.Shift gearbox drivetrain. Just like the Fastarossa, the Ripperatti’s CF3 suspension is convertible between mid-and high-pivot in simply minutes, nevertheless it’s the transfer to the gearbox that’s apparently a game-changer.
“I’ve wished to construct a Pinion model of the Fastarossa for years. The Ripperatti grew to become far more than that. As soon as I skilled the centered weight, immediate digital shifting, and the power to vary the suspension structure in minutes, I noticed we’d created one thing completely totally different.“
-Chris Canfield
Vampire Bike Ripperatti Particulars
The brand new Ripperatti DH bike combines a titanium entrance triangle with a 7005 aluminum rear triangle and a CNC-machined 7075 aluminum higher hyperlink. The body has been designed across the Pinion Sensible.Shift gearbox, which occupies a little bit of house across the backside bracket.
It makes use of the CF3 suspension platform, which is convertible between the 193mm mid-pivot and 223mm high-pivot modes. The Ripperatti rolls on combined wheel sizes, 29” entrance and 27.5” rear. It’s reportedly appropriate with each air and coil shocks. Body weight is claimed at 9.1 lbs with out a shock, with a whole bike weight of 41.5 lbs.
Pinion Sensible.Shift
Gearbox drivetrains have been rising in reputation in recent times, significantly on downhill bikes. That is due in no small half to the Gates Belted Purse, providing €100K to the primary rider to win a DH World Cup on a Gates belt-drive drivetrain. Together with that, Pinion has been bettering its gearboxes, most not too long ago with its Sensible.Shift digital techniques. This has made gearbox shifting faster, extra intuitive, and customarily extra interesting.
In keeping with Vampire Bikes, the Pinion Sensible.Shift gearbox is the guts of the brand new Ripperatti. Not solely does it get rid of the necessity to design a motorcycle with a standard derailleur in thoughts, nevertheless it shifts drivetrain mass to a place low and centered on the bike. This lightens the rear wheel and is alleged to enhance suspension efficiency, dealing with, stability, and traction. Not like many gearbox drivetrains, Vampire’s doesn’t seem to make use of a belt, however is chain-driven (at the very least in these pictures).
Moreover, the Sensible.Shift gearbox doesn’t require pedaling to shift, so riders can change gears whereas coasting and even when airborne. “For me, the largest shock wasn’t simply the gearbox — it was how pure it grew to become,” Canfield mentioned. “I discovered myself shifting whereas airborne earlier than coming into the subsequent part. Going again to a standard derailleur felt limiting as a result of I needed to maintain spinning the cranks simply to get into the proper gear. With Sensible.Shift, I merely concentrate on my line.”
Convertible Suspension
Vampire Bikes debuted the convertible CF3 suspension platform on the Fastarossa, so head to that article for a extra detailed rationalization. Lengthy story quick, CF3 permits riders to decide on between mid- and high-pivot modes, with a conversion that’s claimed to require lower than two minutes.
Mid-Pivot
“In Mid-Pivot Mode, riders get 193mm of rear journey with a vigorous, responsive character that excels on bounce traces, bike parks, and technical tracks the place pumping terrain and sustaining velocity are priorities.”
Excessive-Pivot
“Switching to Excessive-Pivot Mode unlocks 223mm of journey, delivering distinctive bump absorption, elevated stability, and confidence for the roughest downhill programs.”
The CF3 suspension platform additionally incorporates Chris Canfield’s personal CBF (Canfield Steadiness Method) and the patented I-Monitor system. In keeping with Vampire Bikes, “collectively, these applied sciences are designed to maximise traction, keep predictable dealing with underneath braking, and ship environment friendly energy switch whereas preserving the suspension lively by way of tough terrain.”
Geometry
Tech Specs
Body
Titanium entrance triangle
7005 aluminum rear triangle
7075 aluminum higher hyperlink
Suspension
CF3 Suspension Platform
CBF + I-Monitor kinematics
193mm Mid-Pivot mode
223mm Excessive-Pivot mode
Configuration change in underneath two minutes
Drivetrain
Pinion gearbox
Sensible.Shift digital shifting
No derailleur
No cassette
Compatibility
MX wheel setup (29″/27.5″)
148mm Increase rear spacing
225 x 75mm Trunnion rear shock (air or coil)
170–200mm fork compatibility
Dropper publish appropriate
Pricing and Availability
The Ripperatti is obtainable now in a restricted manufacturing run. It’s out there in 4 sizes, S – XL. The price to get your arms on considered one of these distinctive titanium, gearbox, convertible suspension DH bikes is $4,500 for the frame-only (with out shock or Pinion gearbox). When buying, patrons can add a shock and/or Pinion Sensible.Shift gearbox for a further price.
Head to the model’s web site or Instagram web page (@vampire_bikes) for more information.
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