[Closed] Stooge Cycles - who's interested? (slack 29er content)

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Exciting news, and good to hear from folk who have actually spent time on them, albeit short

What a great web site

Looking forward to a ride, which maybe very soon as Andy the owner thinks delivery of new frames is any day now

Can't help thinking a Ti one would also be very nice.

The only thing I'm not really convinced about is the one size fits all.

Yeah, little disappointed the ETT is 23.5" (thought I had read it was going to be 24"), also the stays appear to have grown a smidge.
Still, don't think much come close to it for the price.

That's the point of this bike I think. If it works like it says, and it looks as if it should, then all's good 🙂

re the toptube length, it shrank a little in the wash! But in all seriousness, i', 5' 11 and i'm using a 50mm stem for it to fit nicely, turned out that the 24 was just a little too long. re the chainstay length, the frame had to be redesigned to fit the ebb, the option is still there for 16.5 stays providing you run gears.

Regarding the one size fits all - that's not really my ethos, but at this stage it's economy of scale coming into play. The frame really does build up big (100mm stem etc, builds up huge, in fact), BUT, if it proves succesfull and there's enough genuine demand then i will certainly build both larger and smaller frames as required. As it stands, the frame handles sooo well on tight, technical trails. It's been tested by riders from 5'6 to 6'2 and neither had a problem with fit.

If anyone fancies checking it out and getting sized up correctly you'll be more than welcome to come on over when i have the demo bike(s) built up. Includes free coffee!

if it proves succesfull and there's enough genuine demand then i will certainly build both larger and smaller frames

I certainly hope it does, I really like the idea, a bike that has taken on all the improvements in mountain bikes over the years barring those that require more maintenance. I'ts as simple as the first bike I bought 28 years.

The frames are (finally) arriving next wednesday (21st May). Looking forward to getting them dispatched to my first customers and seeing the results of their builds. Planning an open day in the near(ish) future with a couple of test bikes, should be fun, i'll keep you posted on here.

Thanks Andy. Could you update on FB too as there's notifications there. Ta

Looks like Stooge frames arriving (at last) Tuesday (27th)

I don't mind the delay. Gives me a chance to buy all the bits.

I like the look of this, interested in opinions once the frames are out there, built up and used in anger.
Recently reduced the bike cave complement to 3 so it may be possible to get it past the investment committee.........

I received an email from Andy..

Just to let you know the frames are arriving this afternoon. I'll need a day or so to organise them, but you should have yours by the weekend.

Ordered a Sky Blue one 🙂

It'll be too small for you mate. 😆

He can sell it to me 😀

Seems like ages since you got a new bike Bonesetter. I think you'll find it heavy and stiff.

( just kidding Mr Stooge)

So, who's gonna be first posting a picture of theirs built up?

Not me.. Haven't ordered everything yet 😥

Was finding myself quite tempted here - has a set of crest 29er wheels on my Roadrat, thinking of getting a more mountain-y frame and transferring bits.

Really put off by the single size though - at 6'1" I'd be pushed towards a 90/100mm stem and a layback post, neither of which I'd want to use.

Think I turn my attention back to Singular at this point.

singlespeedstu - Member
It'll be too small for you mate.

POSTED 16 HOURS AGO # REPORT-POST

Thing is Stu, I've got the flexibility of Hoodini so can make any size shine 🙂

Yeah Martin. My Raijin has been serving just fine and dandy for the past two years. Thing is the suspension fork usually stays on lock out which is why the Stooge appeals with its high & light front, combined with a fairly balooned tyre.

Clink - faster than a robber's dog 🙂

Re Sizing:

I think the Stooge's geo will make the cockpit fairly adaptable for riders of differing sizes. It's not ideal having to use lay back posts, but I've been using a Kent Ericson on the Raijin with no issues

BTW - My Raijin's ETT is 23.5" and the Stooge's is 23 and I'm 6'2"

Could we have the reach and stack figures please.

Brian

Just to update everyone, the ETT on the Stooge is 23.5, not 23. I think it was actually me who quoted it as 23, getting too relaxed with my own measurements 🙂 re the 90mm/100mm stem size, i wouldn't see that as a problem. i know it's de riguer to run 50mm stems right now, but i guess same goes for running 150mm of travel.

When i originaly built the bike up i ran a 90mm stem and it certainly didn't detract from the handling. i now bounce between a 50 and 70 and i'm 5'11, think i'm settling on the 70. But i have no doubts the bike will fit Bonesetter fine.

Reach and stack figures - i'll decipher my drawings and put them up ASAP.

Thing is Stu, I've got the flexibility of Hoodini so can make any size shine

I was thinking about 'layback' posts too, more specifically the Thomson. Most straight posts on most bikes have slightly offset saddle cradles, because the Thomson is an inline design, the layback is designed to mimic this. Its not like the old BMX laybacks, more a subtle shift i suppose. I've always used Thomson laybacks since i got in the bad habit of Brooks saddles.

Any plans to offer other sizes? (understand that numbers are small to start so one size makes sense)

Si used to short stems now that I find long (70+) really unpleasant to use.

The Thomson layback I particularly dialike because you can't lower it fully - suppose other brands don't have that issue, but still feels like something of a bodge to make a frame that's too small fit.

Surely a bike as nice looking as this warrants an Eriksen sweetpost anyway? You know it makes sense....

Mines arrived

Waiting on a minor part for tomorrow's inaugural ride

Lookin good

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I like these - very pretty.

Can you fit in a 29+ back wheel?

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Frame arrived at my sisters, hence the poor photos. When I'm back in the country I can start the build! Agonising two weeks.

They look lovely.

I'm keen to hear some ride reports, and comparisons with other bikes. I'm torn between one of these and a diamond/unicrown Jones, plus a few others such as Singular Swift and Salsa El Mariachi...

Nige.
When you find out it's "a bit small for you" I'll have it off you for Amanda.

singlespeedstu - Member
Nige.
When you find out it's "a bit small for you" I'll have it off you for Amanda.

It's the same size as the Raijin I've been using for the past two years, which I love

My Mate has an El Mar - that is a steeper geo and so more twitchy up front

Stil a nice ride

Anyway - Clink's had first dibbs 🙂

I'm torn between one of these and a diamond/unicrown Jones, plus a few others such as Singular Swift and Salsa El Mariachi...

The swift and the el m are very similar but very very different to the jones.
I can't comment on the stooge as i've not tried on but it appears on paper as if it would give a jonesish type ride.

Nige you also thought your xxxxxxxl niner was the right size for you. 😯

Nige you also thought your xxxxxxxl niner was the right size for you.

Fackin ell Stu, that was 10 years ago

Have you shrunk in the last ten years?

I know you're old but you're not that old. 😉

I went across to see Andy at Llandegla this weekend to get a test ride on his prototype. I rode a lap on my Salsa El Mariachi singlespeed and then half a lap (I was knackered) on the Stooge.

How was it? Suffice to say, I came away with a new frame!

Despite the comparisons above, they ride very differently. The tighter back-end and higher front-end of the Stooge make for a really fun ride. The ElMar is probably quicker, but the Stooge is much more fun.
The production version of the frame is slightly different to the prototype shown below with additional bracing on the top-tubes and the addition of an EBB, but the finish is exceptional.

The toughest decision wasn't whether or not to buy one, but what the colour to get !

Bring on the gratuitous photos...

[url= https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2930/14321676082_329f7775fd_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2930/14321676082_329f7775fd_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/nPykkG ]Stooge Cycles[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/78164632@N00/ ]placid casual[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5586/14300323576_0a73ecf363_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5586/14300323576_0a73ecf363_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/nMETZ3 ]Stooge Cycles[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/78164632@N00/ ]placid casual[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5590/14136850340_15eb680f99_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5590/14136850340_15eb680f99_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/nxe45Y ]Stooge Cycles[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/78164632@N00/ ]placid casual[/url], on Flickr

We're presuming you went Sky Blue

Nice pics btw

You know what? I didn't.

I went for '[url= https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=plum+crazy&safe=off&espv=2&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=a5eLU9WvMcfeOcyegcgD&ved=0CDEQsAQ&biw=1920&bih=1079 ]Plum Crazy[/url]'. I'm a sucker for a back-story and loved Andy's explaination of how he came to order his bikes in purple.

It cries out for gold components...

Do post up some pics, I'm sure it doesn't look like those cars

And now i'm thinking about.... Hemi-Orange

but seriously, thanks for putting the photos up, Guys, hope you're all very happy with your new bikes 🙂

What bars in the pics?

Salsa Bend 2 bars, 23 degree. I've tried lots on this bike (regular flats, Jones Bend bars) and these, for me, seem to offer the best combination f comfort and flickability. Recommend them a lot. Charlie the Bikemonger has stock at the moment.

That's a pretty piece of kit that.

You haven't tried those Kodex bars though 😉

re. rear clearance....

I tried a KH 47mm rim,with a WTB Weirwolf 2.55 (the old ones) in,fitted a treat 😉

Just added the finishing parts to complete the build and have just got back from few minute ride over the woods to walk the dog...

This now gives me enough pedal time to give a Stooge pro review 🙂

It rides just how I imagined it would

I like it

It fits fine

For those folks that have been waiting to see the purple frame, lock up your credit cards and
[url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/placid_casual/sets/72157644970654521/ ]click here[/url].

The colour is actually 'Plum Crazy' and was liberated from a [url= ]1970 Plymouth Roadrunner[/url]. Raises the question though of what colour components to fit...

[url= https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2897/14145036750_9ffa799270_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2897/14145036750_9ffa799270_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/nxX1BY ]Stooge in Plum Crazy[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people// ]placid casual[/url], on Flickr

Both colours look fantastic - I bet there's a few who can't decide!

Both colours look fantastic - I bet there's a few who can't decide!

On Sunday I had one of each in either hand for quite a while...

The more I look at it the more that I think that purple is really superb.

The Purple is a limited edition of 20, just so you know 😉

Any built up pictures yet? Come on folks, your audience is waiting...

Now with forks and a bit of Hope purple...

[url= https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3900/14182561007_f3ebb62214_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3900/14182561007_f3ebb62214_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/nBgkgV ]Stooge[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people// ]placid casual[/url], on Flickr

Awesome colour!

Please, please, please stop posting photos of the Stooge, I may not be able to resist much longer 😯

I've bought some brakes 'just in case' I can't resist 🙂

Placid, that looks awesome but you have your tyres the wrong way round!

Post some more, please, just as soon as you're ready.

What's the timescale for ones with a normal BB?

The first 100 frames all have EBB. If they sell and there's a second run, i'll probably do 50/50.

Clink, your new brakes need a home. 🙂

Clink, your new brakes need a home.

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Very nice! Any ride reports...?

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3 decent rides in now and am getting a very nice flow with it

The front is incredibly light... yet well planted

The bike is responsive for sure and quickly forms a how far you going to go type of relationship. Very nearly came unstuck having too much fun today 🙂

It does everything you need it to. Climbs, mashing is great of course, and honks it down rollercoaster stylee

Gush end

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Fat front Stooge looking hot

^ proper looking machine 🙂

What's the tyre clearance with this framset; i.e. can you fit 29+ rims and 3" tyres front and back as well?

Looks great by the way 🙂

All looking great. 😀

The BIG question (at least for me!) is has anybody yet ridden a Stooge and a Jones to compare?

The shorter fork on the Jones, IMO, is what makes it so brilliant over rough ground, so precise. Although a different beast the Ragley TD1 was also great due to the shorter axle to crown on the fork - much more stiff, less flutter. On the other hand I couldn't get on with the Jones climbing out of the saddle ss on Jones bars - bars always felt too close to my body.

Why do you need to compare?

The Jones geo does give a short cockpit, especially when standing climbing

Martin has both now, though i'm not sure he's on here.

Re the 29+ rear end, no it won't, but it will take a wide rim with a 2.4 or 2.5 rear tyre with plenty of room to spare. There's a reason behind this, and that's short stays. I wanted the Stooge to have a light front end that can be placed anywhere at any time, 29+ doesn't really lend itself to this due to the need for longer stays.

Also, The Knard is a brilliant front tyre for absorbing trail chatter. I don't think this is anywhere near as important on the back and prefer a lighter, tighter tyre to aid acceleration.

I guess this is just my take on it. I designed the bike having ridden loads of rigid bikes over the years, all of which felt wrong in some way, shape or form. For me, the Stooge feels absolutely perfect. i can ride down anything i want and at any speed and it inspires nothing but confidence. I've not ridden a Jones so couldn't compare, but the Stooge is longer and slacker, albeit slightly.

All i really wanted to do was bring a fast and fun rigid bike into existence at a price that isn't prohibitive, that allows people to discover that a simple bike with great geometry is a genuine option.

Old trails become new trails, your skill levels go through the roof, and no more wasting hundreds of pounds on new Fox sliders because you forgot to service them every 30 hours 🙂

Best ride yet yesterday. What can I say except the bike and rider are getting more synergised

The riding is getting more comfortably quick, easier to get round/over stuff etc etc...

The bike is doing exactly what I was hoping for, and more. It is a lot more fun than I had imagined it would be. While it does the bump absorption stuff admirably while still being a rigid, has a beautifully weighted front and overall benign balance.

It is as comfortable as any other bike inc dare I say a full suss (for my woods riding, hilly terrain), but what is continuing to make my smile grow wider each ride is the fun factor.

It really is staggering what a rigid bike can do

All as the above and more

Re the fork length, i designed them this height because i wanted the front end to be tall. If i'd used a regular fork the headtube would have appreared too long, i think.

I'm interested to know peoples views on rigid forks. My take is that a bit of flex is a benefit for comfort and ride qaulity. The whole idea behind a 'fork' is that it provides a little spring to the ride, isn't it?

In other words why 'design out' the inherent spring benefit of steel?