Founded by suspension designer Chris Canfield, Vampire Bikes debuted its first model, the Fastarossa DH bike, last year. Today, Vampire is launching the Ripperatti, a new, limited-production downhill bike with a titanium frame and a Pinion Smart.Shift gearbox drivetrain. Like the Fastarossa, the Ripperatti’s CF3 suspension is convertible between mid-and high-pivot in just minutes, but it’s the move to the gearbox that is apparently a game-changer.
“I’ve wanted to build a Pinion version of the Fastarossa for years. The Ripperatti became much more than that. Once I experienced the centered weight, instant electronic shifting, and the ability to change the suspension layout in minutes, I realized we’d created something entirely different.“
-Chris Canfield
Vampire Bike Ripperatti Details
The new Ripperatti DH bike combines a titanium front triangle with a 7005 aluminum rear triangle and a CNC-machined 7075 aluminum upper link. The frame has been designed around the Pinion Smart.Shift gearbox, which occupies a bit of space around the bottom bracket.
It uses the CF3 suspension platform, which is convertible between the 193mm mid-pivot and 223mm high-pivot modes. The Ripperatti rolls on mixed wheel sizes, 29” front and 27.5” rear. It is reportedly compatible with both air and coil shocks. Frame weight is claimed at 9.1 lbs without a shock, with a complete bike weight of 41.5 lbs.
Pinion Smart.Shift
Gearbox drivetrains have been growing in popularity in recent years, particularly on downhill bikes. This is due in no small part to the Gates Belted Purse, offering €100K to the first rider to win a DH World Cup on a Gates belt-drive drivetrain. Along with that, Pinion has been improving its gearboxes, most recently with its Smart.Shift electronic systems. This has made gearbox shifting quicker, more intuitive, and generally more appealing.
According to Vampire Bikes, the Pinion Smart.Shift gearbox is the heart of the new Ripperatti. Not only does it eliminate the need to design a bike with a traditional derailleur in mind, but it shifts drivetrain mass to a position low and centered on the bike. This lightens the rear wheel and is said to improve suspension performance, handling, stability, and traction. Unlike many gearbox drivetrains, Vampire’s does not appear to use a belt, but is chain-driven (at least in these photos).
Additionally, the Smart.Shift gearbox doesn’t require pedaling to shift, so riders can change gears while coasting or even when airborne. “For me, the biggest surprise wasn’t just the gearbox — it was how natural it became,” Canfield said. “I found myself shifting while airborne before entering the next section. Going back to a traditional derailleur felt limiting because I had to keep spinning the cranks just to get into the right gear. With Smart.Shift, I simply focus on my line.”
Convertible Suspension
Vampire Bikes debuted the convertible CF3 suspension platform on the Fastarossa, so head to that article for a more detailed explanation. Long story short, CF3 allows riders to choose between mid- and high-pivot modes, with a conversion that is claimed to require less than two minutes.
Mid-Pivot
“In Mid-Pivot Mode, riders get 193mm of rear travel with a lively, responsive character that excels on jump lines, bike parks, and technical tracks where pumping terrain and maintaining speed are priorities.”
High-Pivot
“Switching to High-Pivot Mode unlocks 223mm of travel, delivering exceptional bump absorption, increased stability, and confidence for the roughest downhill courses.”
The CF3 suspension platform also incorporates Chris Canfield’s own CBF (Canfield Balance Formula) and the patented I-Track system. According to Vampire Bikes, “together, these technologies are designed to maximize traction, maintain predictable handling under braking, and deliver efficient power transfer while keeping the suspension active through rough terrain.”
Geometry
Tech Specs
Frame
- Titanium front triangle
- 7005 aluminum rear triangle
- 7075 aluminum upper link
Suspension
- CF3 Suspension Platform
- CBF + I-Track kinematics
- 193mm Mid-Pivot mode
- 223mm High-Pivot mode
- Configuration change in under two minutes
Drivetrain
- Pinion gearbox
- Smart.Shift electronic shifting
- No derailleur
- No cassette
Compatibility
- MX wheel setup (29″/27.5″)
- 148mm Boost rear spacing
- 225 x 75mm Trunnion rear shock (air or coil)
- 170–200mm fork compatibility
- Dropper post compatible
Pricing and Availability
The Ripperatti is available now in a limited production run. It is available in four sizes, S – XL. The cost to get your hands on one of these unique titanium, gearbox, convertible suspension DH bikes is $4,500 for the frame-only (without shock or Pinion gearbox). When purchasing, buyers can add a shock and/or Pinion Smart.Shift gearbox for an additional fee.
Head to the brand’s website or Instagram page (@vampire_bikes) for more info.