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Right, I think I want to go back to basics a bit and get a rigid trail bike that can still handle the steep and technical trails I like without all the wizardry.
Stooge Mk4 seems an obvious choice if I can find one, anything else I should keep an eye out for? Must take non-boost 650b wheels and am looking for frame and forks only.
Try this! Stooge MK4
Im not linked to it anyway spotted but wife said no to another bike
Cheers, have emailed the owner and it looks like it’s already on hold unfortunately...
Appreciate the heads up though!
Stooge mk5?
Due at some point soonish. They are built but waiting for the slow boat over
Most have been pre ordered but there will still be some extra to go on sale when they land
Cheers @itlab, keeping an eye out but they are going to be boost front and rear and would rather stick with standard if I can!
Was going to say Kona Unit but don't know if they're available frame and fork only
What about a Pipedream Sirius with one of their steel forks?
Good shout, but current gen Sirius are boost and looking for something a bit more aggressive.
Hoping to find something 2nd hand too in honesty!
if 2nd hand, keep eye out for Singular Swifts - might tick the boxes.
Usually run as rigid (though can be hard tail) - not sure if other factors make that work or not. Straight steerer. Mine flits between 29r and 650b+ no bother at all.
Very few rigid framesets will be specific to normal 650b, most are 29er/650b+...stanton sherpa can be frame only and you'd have to source a fork, but you can choose rear dropout width. Would also suggest a Kona Unit frameset 2nd hand, again comes with multiple dropouts only the more recent ones are boost.
Just my opinion, but you don't need to go too slack for a 'proper' trail rigid bike, as there's no need to compensate for fork compression making the HA steeper. Just get one that takes a dropper, and limitations will be down to tyres and skills!
I do like a Swift, but again I'm looking for something more aggro than the Swift/Sirius/Unit.
Wanted Ad now up: https://singletrackmag.com/classifieds/advert/wtb-stooge-mk4-or-similar-rigid-trail-am-bike/
I've recently put some Surly rigid forks on my Big Dog.
It actually rode pretty nice on the bimble I've taken it on so far. Yet to do anything you'd consider steep.
Might be worth considering if you've already got a frame.
Just had a thought...
@stwhannah, will you sell me your MK4?!
But then I wouldn’t have a bike or a car! The Stooge stays with me for now! 😘
worth keeping an eye out for stooge MK2 and MK3 as well as they are great bikes. With the incoming Mk5's and ramblers some may pop for for sale on the owners page (bikes usual sell in about 30 mins though so it's worth keeping an eye out!)
I have a blue MK4 frame & forks in mint condition that I have (just these last couple of days) been considering moving on as I fancy a Ti.
I'm working at the moment so I'll get back to you tonight (and in the meantime have a deep heart to heart with myself in case I regret responding to this post)
Bonz
Surly Krampus or Karate Monkey might be another option?
Also the Surly's will take both 142 and boost.
As an owner of both a Mk4 and a Krampus there isn't anything that I can do on one but not the other.
They're different enough to keep and enjoy both, but both very capable bikes.
Keep me in the loop @bonzodog!
Annoyingly I passed up a bargain Surly KM earlier in the year because I couldn’t justify it at the time having just bought a fixed gear gravel bike. Have owned a 1x1, Steamroller and a Pugsley over the years, I’m a big Surly fanboy, but really am fairly smitten with a MK4!
It was a combination of Hannah’s long termer a few mags ago and the Matt Lakin Pinkbike Southern Enduro Mk4 that really got me!
Boosting a non-boost wheelset is pretty simple now, I'd definitely not let that dictate your frame.
really am fairly smitten with a MK4!
It was a combination of Hannah’s long termer a few mags ago and the Matt Lakin Pinkbike Southern Enduro Mk4 that really got me!
They are quite lovely.
I'll just leave this here...
Mk4s are amazing, mines raced enduro ridden woodsy singletrack, big mountain days and bike packed all without missing a beat. It's hugely versatile and very capable for a fully rigid steel bike.
Stooge Mk4 is 29+ upfront (hence the offset), mk5 if you can wait a few weeks/months is supposed to be more 'normal' based around 29*2.6?
I have a Longshot BFe set up rigid (the first year when they still weren't boost) it's got a Jones fork and 29+ wheel in the front and it's flipping brilliant. (Although I've hardly ridden it this year as I have should surgery in June).
Just leaving this here too!
It’s very capable off road
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1atZMWgNtwpd_4YtSmLSwpHxHj7PCW_kK/view?usp=drivesdk
Kinesis sync ti frame + the carbon maxlight forks, + a 3" plus tyre on the front boost hub
Frame will take a 2.6 knobby nic at the back but is 142x12 spacing
Its my favourite bike and has been since i got it 3 years ago.
I have a daft rigid custom with rigid truss fork, big offset and a 63 degree headangle.
The only thing I've seen close to it is the later Stooges, MK4 especially.
I've had a Singular swift, Krampus, and other similar bikes, they are much, much less capable on the steep techy trails you mention in the OP.
My advice would be to get a Stooge and figure something out with the wheels, I don't think you'd regret it.
I think this is where I’m headed. The wheels are Enve/Chris King so aren’t exactly expendable but I could run some 2.8 or even 3.0 on them without too much bother.
Stooges and the like are just so much more interesting to me than 99% of modern mountain bikes so as long as I can still enjoy the tech on it I’d rather ride one of those than something more ‘normal’!
Well with a wheelset like that, I'd be inclined to get a custom frame built to suit them 😄
For really steep, low speed tech stuff, my rigid is often more capable than my enduro bike. The non moving head angle , coupled with the direct steering and 29 X 3 tyre makes it really good at this stuff.
Of course, as speed increases, the lack of suspension tips the balance.
Boosting a non-boost wheelset is pretty simple now, I’d definitely not let that dictate your frame.
Quoting as it bears repeating. It's literally a few spacers and no adjustment required.
Stooges and the like are just so much more interesting to me than 99% of modern mountain bikes so as long as I can still enjoy the tech on it I’d rather ride one of those than something more ‘normal’!
That’s why I ended up with the Dirtbomb. Years of swapping bikes and following trends and it finally dawned on me, I just like riding. Not the faffing about and owning different bikes that do things marginally better than each other. I love the fact it harks back to some of the first MTB’s, embraces some modern things that work and basically updates the rigid bike.
I’ve had it a good few months now and can honestly say it’s the best ‘1 bike’ I’ve had. Decent at everything and more importantly massive amounts of fun and that’s what riding should be 😀
Back to basics with Enve/King wheels!
Back to basics with Enve/King wheels!
Well, yes - point taken! With that being said though I bought them because I like the fact that the King hubs are completely rebuildable and have a reputation for being bulletproof and so do the rims, which sits comfortably with me as I want to 'buy well and buy once' rather than spend less on parts I'll replace several times in as many years. Hence the Stooge I suppose.
Anyway, thanks to @bonzodog the trigger has been pulled. Now, anyone want a Ragley Mmmbop (medium) frame and/or Fox 36 forks?!
Had my inaugural ride on the new Stooge Mk4 tonight. Safe to say I came away utterly astonished at just how well it went in the woods, even down some of the steep chutes. While rooty sections were a bit rattly I managed to sat a few PBs on trails I've ridden for years, firstly on a Mondraker Foxy and latterly on the Ragley hardtail.
I had a 10km road ride down to the woods to get settled on it, then I took a few warm up runs on some very familiar trails, just to get a feel for it and learn how to handle it in the tighter bits. Once I was accustomed to it, I dropped the tyres pressures (Maxxis Rekon+ both ends) and started to push it a bit more. On the smoother trails it just flew right out of the gate, I loved hustling it around tight berms and seeing how late I could leave the braking.
Down the steeper techy stuff I took my usual, more cautious, approach (as I had a little moment down there last week!) and picked my way down, but with no less control than I used to on the Ragley, but it was very sure-footed and never felt out of it's depth. The only squeeky bum moment was a steep drop into a g-out at the end of one of the tracks which caught me by surprise the first time, but got more used to the lack of front squish as I rode it.
The trails were in absolutely perfect condition, so we'll see what happens once the rain comes back in and everything turns to slop but for now at least I'm completely over the moon with it.
Thanks again @bonzodog for the frame and forks!
I've ended up with a nice riding rigid bike as my N+1.
Carbon Whippet with the Selcof Carbon fork.
1x10 with a 32 chainring and 11 to 42 cassette (iirc), dropper and pro 4 wheels with EX511 rims, it weighs 10.6Kg and is great to ride.
It's direct of course but so light that it pings off things and rattles through trails although doesn't seem to annoy me or be too jarring. Can't quite work out why that is tbh, but for now the bike rides very well over gravel type paths and trails.
Really doesn't like hitting braking bumps fast at train centres though, that does rattle your fillings.
Sounds good, although there are no big braking bumps on my local trails to test it with!
To be honest, the Stooge wasn't even ping-y, which is odd (in a good way) as I was expecting a degree of 'hold on and hope' down some of the steeper bits, but it was very composed. Maybe the B+ tyres have something to do with that too.
Thanks again @bonzodog for the frame and forks!
You're very welcome Drew and glad it's working out for you.
As discussed, it was while I was stripping the frame down that it hit me that I'd been a daft cock for responding to your wanted ad. I still can't fathom my psychology behind that decision, cos it was only the best bike I've ever had 🙁
Anyhooow, it seems planets have once again aligned as I have my name down for a 'soon to be' mk5.
I dont think I want to ever not have a Stooge in my life 🙂
Massively surprised at how good the Mk4 is. I love mine, I ride it all the time. I just like riding my bike and can't be ar$ed with all the faff so the mk4 ticks all the boxes.
@Paul-B I'm still very much in the honeymoon period so I'll reserve judgement until I've had a few more wet and cold rides, but suffice it to say I'm pretty blown away off the back of yesterday's initial ride.
@Bonzodog, looking forward to seeing the MK5 when it turns up - what colour did you get?
my on off raw stooge mk4 is coming back to me, having had a stay with a mate as I had far too many stooges, this time around it will be droppy posted and has whiskey millhouse carbon braced bars and enve kit all ready for it, as well as a new wheelset with Duro Crux 3.25 for full on monster truck silliness
Andy should look at doing them in raw. Stunning!
@Bonzodog, looking forward to seeing the MK5 when it turns up – what colour did you get?
Ochre mate 🙂
Aye, that raw finish is an absolute peach - will have to get some photos of my v1 build up in due course (once I've cleaned it).
Nice choice Bonz, looking forward to seeing it - going B+ or 29er?
Nobody ever believes me when I tell them how good my Mk4 is, they just look at me funny and tell me i'm stuck in the 90s.
The only time I really miss suspension is when things get really bumpy, rock gardens, braking bumps, when you are tired it can be a struggle hanging on! Also there is no "get out of jail" 6 inches of plush so you've got to be landing things well and picking lines. It makes trail centres and the dales much more interesting because of this.
The Mk5 is very similar geo to Mk4, just shorter offset forks for b+ rather than 29+. Suspect it will be a bit more lively and less confident on steeps because of it, but maybe better for most?
Andy should look at doing them in raw. Stunning!
This was an absolute dick to do and had Andy swearing at me (well more than he usually does) so unlikely to ever be a "factory" options as it were.
@abingham I've done over 1200 miles on mine since I bolted together in Feb this year if that's any kind of guide 😛
I’m having terrible N+1 thoughts, FYI. This does not normally happen to me!
The Mk5 is very similar geo to Mk4, just shorter offset forks for b+ rather than 29+.
Basically what I run, MK4 with speedball forks to allow b+ to work better. #trendsetter 😎
I've got a set of boost 29er wheels (on Stan's flow MK4 rims), currently on 2.2 Mezcals, but can fit something more burly on there if needed, and of course I can 'boostify' the rear from the mk4. How do I boost the front wheel? Can't see a Hope kit for that.
Haven't got anything lined up for 27.5, but may want to go there as a + option.
The Mk5 is very similar geo to Mk4, just shorter offset forks for b+ rather than 29+. Suspect it will be a bit more lively and less confident on steeps because of it, but maybe better for most?
Yeah, I think this will be a bit more where I want to be.
Reduced offset on b+ should keep the handling similar.
@Paul-B that's quite the running total!
Mines set up B+ at the moment, with some tasty tanwall Maxxis Rekon+ front and rear. I think I'll keep these on for the summer and change over to some 'standard' 29ers for the winter to cut through the mud a bit better.
I've never ridden 29er though so haven't got much to compare against!
“ The Mk5 is very similar geo to Mk4, just shorter offset forks for b+ rather than 29+. Suspect it will be a bit more lively and less confident on steeps because of it, but maybe better for most?”
Shorter offset on sus forks adds stability for the gnarlier stuff, especially at higher speed, but it’s only a small change, less than 10mm. Makes them more reluctant to start a turn but then better at carving an arc.
A 23mm reduction is much more drastic so I don’t know if you’d actually notice the shorter front centre on steep stuff (I don’t think you do on short offset suspension forks). It’ll certainly be calmer when you’re going fast.
I guess the 80mm offset was to stop a massive 29+ wheel and tyre being too slow steering, especially as on a rigid bike it’s not as easy to monster truck in straight lines.
Nobody ever believes me when I tell them how good my Mk4 is, they just look at me funny
Same with the Dirtbomb. It’s way more capable than I thought it would be and very fast too. Think the honeymoon period is over and I still love it. I briefly had a Speedball and the Dirtbomb, for me, is even better.
@bonzodog Just use the generic boost converters. They come with a pair of spacers for either side of the axle and a disc spacer.
However a bit annoying if you need to remove the wheels regularly.
/\ Cheers @wzzzz
I'll give that a try, cheap enough if they don't work out.
I am surprised that Hope do a dedicated kit for the rear, but haven't bothered with the front. Odd.
Ah man this thread really doesn help! I was very close to outting my name down for a MK5! As could swap my parts all over, A MK5 still be ok with 29x3" front thought wouldnt it?
Ah man this thread really doesn help! I was very close to outting my name down for a MK5! As could swap my parts all over, A MK5 still be ok with 29×3″ front thought wouldnt it?
Yes, according to the Stooge bumf...
But the official wheel/tyre sizes for this are 29×3 front/29×2.5-2.6 rear (its that old BMX thing rearing its head again), or 27.5 x 3.00 front n rear. In reality it’ll descend and rip just as well as the MK4 but the front will feel a little poppier.
Oh yeah its designed for 29x3
Enjoying the Dirtbomb - have just squeezed 29*3 in at the back!
Well, as my stupidity has rendered me Stoogeless and I fancy a day off from my single speed, I'm gonna go for a good long afternoon blast on this after I've yammed my cheese & onion sarnies.
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Used the front wheel from my (ex) Stooge 🙁 and so now on a Minion DHF.
It steam rollers along pretty well but I'm not so sure it has any place in a thread with a 'proper' trail bikes title.
@addy6402 that's absolutely gorgeous! So pretty I'd be reticent to get it muddy!
Bonz, it'll all be well in the world when your MK5 arrives! The MK4 is coming with me on the family 'holiday' up to near Cannock Chase next week so I'm looking forward to trying it there.
I do love my Dirtbomb. Swapped the bars to Scrambler, stem to a 50mm Hope and all spacers are now silver.
@boxwithawindow - they are Duroc 40 (36 internal). The wheels were from Triton.
@abingham - thanks! It has been christened with mud, cleans up well too...
Oh, and if anyone wants some 29+ boost wheels I have some Mulefut 50SL on DT DSwiss 350's in classifieds...!
OK nowhere near as boutique as above but there's a unit x actually in stock here
https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/kona_unit_x_mountain_bike_2021-ID_80768
Oh, and if anyone wants some 29+ boost wheels I have some Mulefut 50SL on DT DSwiss 350’s in classifieds…!
I can't find them??