You had me at Rip...
I'll provide this, only slightly-informed review: (if you're looking for a ride review, skip this post...as I haven't ridden it).
I, too, saw the Ripley at Trailhead cyclery (in San Jose)...best bike shop you'll ever have the pleasure of dealing with. I'm a long-time Ibis rider...I still have a Szazbo from Gen 1 Ibis...I don't ride it anymore, but I'm keeping it. I had one of the first new Mojo's to come out...a couple SL's, and SL-R, and currently spend most of my riding time on my all-time favorite bike to date...an HD. (and yes, I've ridden non-Ibis bikes...too many list...in the last couple years I have owned / spent a good bit of time on S-works Enduro, Nomad C, S-works Epic 29, Tallboy LTc...and the trusty oldies...Rocklobster SS, 96 Race lite, Sycip tandem). I've always been a fan of Ibis because of the way they've treated me as a customer and their ability to continuously exceed my expectations with their bikes). I'm not a 29er-or-nothing guy....nor am I 26-or-die guy. I've been riding and loving 650b since Kirk P spun some of his first tires...and I still dig 650b.
So...I've followed all the speculation on the Ripley...eagerly anticipating the bike's arrival. But wasn't 'sold' until I saw it in person. Engineering marvel? yes. Do I believe it's going to be one of those ride-for-hours-and-get-lost (emotionally and, maybe physically) in-the-big-trees-of-santa-cruz bikes? yes. the 'category' of the bike? I stopped caring about categories many moons ago. But I'm, typically, a pretty prudent guy...wait and see, hear the reviews...work out the kinks...
BUT, I walked into the shop...I saw it...large, not medium like I need...black / green, not blue like I'd want...and I committed, on the spot, to buy one. It is beautiful in person...more beautiful than in the pictures. It's better-designed in person...more so than in the diagrams. It's really emotionally compelling. At least, to me. I just sold the SL-R to help fund it...anyone looking for a lighty-used Tallboy LTc? ;-)