{"id":252254,"date":"2026-07-09T18:01:17","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T18:01:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/09\/titanium-frame-gearbox-mid-or-high-pivot-the-vampire-bikes-ripperatti-is-built-different\/"},"modified":"2026-07-09T18:01:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T18:01:17","slug":"titanium-frame-gearbox-mid-or-high-pivot-the-vampire-bikes-ripperatti-is-built-different","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/09\/titanium-frame-gearbox-mid-or-high-pivot-the-vampire-bikes-ripperatti-is-built-different\/","title":{"rendered":"Titanium Frame, Gearbox, Mid- Or High-Pivot, the Vampire Bikes Ripperatti is Built Different"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Founded by suspension designer Chris Canfield, Vampire Bikes debuted its first model, the Fastarossa DH bike, last year<\/a>. 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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“I’ve wanted to build a Pinion version of the Fastarossa for years.<\/em> 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.<\/em>“<\/p>\n

-Chris Canfield<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Vampire Bike Ripperatti Details<\/h2>\n
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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. <\/p>\n

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\u201d front and 27.5\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

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Pinion Smart.Shift<\/h3>\n

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 \u20ac100K<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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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\u2019s does not appear to use a belt, but is chain-driven (at least in these photos).<\/p>\n

Additionally, the Smart.Shift gearbox doesn\u2019t 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 \u2014 it was how natural it became<\/em>,” Canfield said. “I found myself shifting while airborne before entering the next section. Going back to a traditional derailleur felt limiting because I had<\/em> to keep spinning the cranks just to get into the right gear. With Smart.Shift, I simply focus on my line<\/em>.”<\/p>\n

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Mid-pivot, 193mm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Convertible Suspension<\/h3>\n

Vampire Bikes debuted the convertible CF3 suspension platform on the Fastarossa, so head to that article for a more detailed explanation<\/a>. 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. <\/p>\n

Mid-Pivot<\/h4>\n

\u201cIn Mid-Pivot Mode, riders get 193mm of rear travel with a lively, responsive character that<\/em> excels on jump lines, bike parks, and technical tracks where pumping terrain and<\/em> maintaining speed are priorities<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

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High-pivot, 223mm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

High-Pivot<\/h4>\n

\u201cSwitching to High-Pivot Mode unlocks 223mm of travel, delivering exceptional bump<\/em> absorption, increased stability, and confidence for the roughest downhill courses<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The CF3 suspension platform also incorporates Chris Canfield\u2019s own CBF (Canfield Balance Formula) and the patented I-Track system. According to Vampire Bikes, \u201ctogether, 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.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

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Geometry<\/h3>\n
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Tech Specs<\/h3>\n

Frame<\/h4>\n