Ibis Ripmo

Ripmo 100% all day. I was debating the same Picked up a Ripmo last year and it's fantastic. I don''t even think about whether I made the right call.

Ideally I would like to get an Ibis Ripmo, but they're out of my budget at the moment (in the UK).

The m-link suspension has really similar kinematics to the dw link on the Ibis and both bikes climb and descend exceptionally well.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Ripmo to death even though I paid through the nose for it, but it didn't really make a massive difference in my riding if I'm being 100% honest.

a ripmo, specialized EVO or Hightower are all going to be higher end bikes. Probably not as planted as your status, but will climb better.

look into the Marin Riftzone bikes as well as Specialized Stump Jumpers, Ibis Ripmo, are just a few to name.

Something like a stumpy evo or an ibis ripmo may fit the bill. They are on the big side of trail bikes.

I'm a guy riding a Ripmo v3 and love it.

I know 6 ladies I ride with and they LOVE their Ripmo

At your size I'd get the Ripmo. The weight difference from the Ripley is minimal and the 'mo still pedals really well. I regularly take my Ripmo on 20+ mile rides with 2-4k of climbing and it's great. Also, can push as hard as I possibly can on the descents without worrying about the bike. Great all rounder imo.