You know how it all started? I simply wanted to create the perfect downhill frame for myself. I would say I kinda succeeded. It was a hard and stony way – but in the end, a product was born that can keep up with the big brands and global players, and some other riders had the chance to get the same or a similar custom made frame I am riding.
Matthias Reichmann, Founder of Reichmann Engineering
The story of the RIP frame is a very special one in my opinion. Mostly, developments of bikes are a consequence of market analyses and business evaluations. Not in this case: The RIP was born exclusively from the desire to build the perfect bike for oneself. And the result as well as the ten-year history are probably unique. Over more than ten years, a bike was developed that has hardly changed its face over several evolutionary stages, but has taken along the trends and standards of the years as well as the input of numerous team riders.
The story of RIP begins in 2011 with the Double Dragon Destructor
The downhill club G-Force e.V. decides to build its own club bike. The club member Matthias Reichmann sits down at the computer and constructs the first version, the DESTRUCTOR. 10 frames of the DESTRUCTOR are built. The bike shop Double Dragon takes over the marketing of the bike.
2012 Double Dragon RIP I
In 2011, the kinematics of the frame are completely redeveloped. In contrast to the old version, the shock is only activated from one side, the frame is lighter overall and the rear triangle ratio is lower.
Across Europe, 30 of the frame will be sold this year.
After Double Dragon Bikes went out of business at the end of 2012, Matthias decides to continue RIP himself under the Reichmann Engineering brand.
2013 Reichmann Engineering RIP II
In 2013, further changes take place with the second evolution stage of the frame: The bearings are optimized, stops are added to the downtube, a chainstay protector is constructed on the rear triangle and a third size is added. The bike is now available in three lengths: 400, 420 and 435 mm.
The Reichmann Engineering Factory Racing Team started with Matthias Reichmann, Jens Schlegel, Per Tautorat and Tobias Schafferhans among others.
Matthias Reichmann achieves an 8th place in the Masters category at the Downhill World Championship in South Africa and the first place at the Baden-Württemberg Downhill Championship.
In 2013, 20 units of the RIP II were manufactured.
The key data of the frame were very advanced for that time.
| travel | 203 mm and 219 mm adjustable via flip chip |
| nottom bracket width | 83 mm |
| shock dimensions | 240 mm |
| head tube | 1.5″ x 12 cm, zero-stack possible |
| rear wheel installation dimension | 150 mm x 12 mm |
| chain guide standard | ISCG 03 |
| weight | 3.85 kg anodized, without shock |
| available sizes | M, L and XL (new) and custom |
The geometry corresponded to the idea of a 26″ DH bike at the time. The entire geometry concept with a head angle of 63°, long rear triangle and central and low center of gravity was radical and caused discussions even back then.
move to RIP I
| sizes | M | L | XL |
| head angle | 63° | ||
| chainstay length | 448 mm | ||
| wheelbase | 1197 mm | 1219 mm | 1234 mm |
| Reach | 398 mm | 420 mm | 435 mm |
| BB height | + 0 mm / + 12 mm | ||
| head tube length | 120 mm | ||
| top tube length | 579 mm | 601 mm | 616 mm |
| seat tube length | 385 mm | ||
| seat angle | 57.5° |
2018 RIP III
In 2018, the bike is enjoying a renaissance after a few years of development standstill.
The bike is consistently adapted for the use of 27.5 inch wheels. In addition, a new component, the Ratio Control Link, is developed with which it is now possible to adjust the progression.
2020 RIP IV
The bike now rolls on 29″ wheels and the reach grows up to 500 mm on customer request. In addition, a specia lrocker is available for a 27.5″ rear wheel. Detailed info on the RIP IV can be found here: