Bike Check: Matt Lakin's Fully Rigid Stooge Cycles MK4 Enduro Race Bike
Possibly the most talked-about bike from our 18 hardtails of the Southern Enduro article, this fully rigid enduro bike had to have a bike check all of its own. Matt's Stooge MK4 is pretty special and Matt is so passionate about his bike we could have sat and chatted all day about bike setups and features of this unique bike.
I asked Matt about how the bike was to ride at Milland in the mud and he replied:
"The full 29er worked well in the slop and bogs this weekend. The sweet handling had me railing the ruts and carrying speed on through the tight trees and rough chutes - I got bucked offline once during the race. The bottom line is this thing makes me smile so much... Whether I'm looking at it, riding it, or beating my mates riding their 'beer cans' and 'fantastic plastics' with it!"
I asked Matt about how the bike was to ride at Milland in the mud and he replied:
"The full 29er worked well in the slop and bogs this weekend. The sweet handling had me railing the ruts and carrying speed on through the tight trees and rough chutes - I got bucked offline once during the race. The bottom line is this thing makes me smile so much... Whether I'm looking at it, riding it, or beating my mates riding their 'beer cans' and 'fantastic plastics' with it!"
Matt Lakin // Stooge Cycles / Steel is Real
Age: 42
Hometown: North Yorkshire lad now living in Stroud, Gloucestershire
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 67kg
Instagram: @tamarin08
Age: 42
Hometown: North Yorkshire lad now living in Stroud, Gloucestershire
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 67kg
Instagram: @tamarin08
The "Red Baron" really is a fully rigid race machine.
No carbon here just lots of steel goodness
Stooge Cycles Mk4 "The Red Baron"
Frame: Stooge Cycles Mk4
Fork: Stooge Cycles Bi-plane 80mm offset
Wheels: 29" Spank Oozy Trail 395+ non-boost
Tires: Front: WTB Vigilante 29x2.5" Tritec Light/High Grip; Rear: Maxxis Minion DHF 3C Max Terra 29x2.5"
Drivetrain: Shimano SLX 11 speed with Saint cranks. CrankBrothers Mallet-E pedals
Brakes: Shimano XT / Deore mash-up
Cockpit: Funn Crossfire 50mm / Stooge Moto Bars
Size: Mk4 is one size only
Weight: 30lbs
More info: Stooge Cycles
Frame: Stooge Cycles Mk4
Fork: Stooge Cycles Bi-plane 80mm offset
Wheels: 29" Spank Oozy Trail 395+ non-boost
Tires: Front: WTB Vigilante 29x2.5" Tritec Light/High Grip; Rear: Maxxis Minion DHF 3C Max Terra 29x2.5"
Drivetrain: Shimano SLX 11 speed with Saint cranks. CrankBrothers Mallet-E pedals
Brakes: Shimano XT / Deore mash-up
Cockpit: Funn Crossfire 50mm / Stooge Moto Bars
Size: Mk4 is one size only
Weight: 30lbs
More info: Stooge Cycles
 | It was love at first sight when I saw the MK4. Life's too short to ride bad bikes! |
Geometry:
The Mk4 is one size only and that frame comes in at:
Head Angle: 66° (Fork Offset/Rake: 80mm giving approx. effective HA: 63.5°)
Seat Tube Angle: 74°
Reach: 446mm (Effective TT: 625mm)
Chainstay Length: 445mm
BB Drop: 60mm +/-15mm depending on the EBB position which allows for both chain tensioning and geometry adjustment (Matt has his at 12 o'clock to help with hoppin' & poppin')
The Mk4 is one size only and that frame comes in at:
Head Angle: 66° (Fork Offset/Rake: 80mm giving approx. effective HA: 63.5°)
Seat Tube Angle: 74°
Reach: 446mm (Effective TT: 625mm)
Chainstay Length: 445mm
BB Drop: 60mm +/-15mm depending on the EBB position which allows for both chain tensioning and geometry adjustment (Matt has his at 12 o'clock to help with hoppin' & poppin')
So where do we start? I think really it has to be with the stunning frame and fork combo from Stooge Cycles in Shropshire. I say frame and fork combo because this is an all-or-nothing, go-big-or-go-home deal and the Stooge Cycles MK4 frame's geometry only works with these rigid forks. The frame is double-butted aircraft grade 4130 Chromoly steel, with the forks being made triple-butted 4130. The Andrew-Stevenson-designed frame really is a head turner with the twin top tube that flows seamlessly into the seat stays, which then drop to the rear axle together with the biplane raked-out rigid forks.
Despite its classic look and steel construction, the bike is imbued with very modern geometry and I think that just adds to the beauty of this bike. It is a bit of a sleeper, an unexpected giant killer of a bike, something that Matt has backed up with his race results. For example at Round 3 of the Southern Enduro series Matt was only 17 seconds behind a World Cup downhill racer after the five mud infested stages. Still think you need a 10K carbon 180mm full suspension bike to go fast?
Despite its classic look and steel construction, the bike is imbued with very modern geometry and I think that just adds to the beauty of this bike. It is a bit of a sleeper, an unexpected giant killer of a bike, something that Matt has backed up with his race results. For example at Round 3 of the Southern Enduro series Matt was only 17 seconds behind a World Cup downhill racer after the five mud infested stages. Still think you need a 10K carbon 180mm full suspension bike to go fast?
The Stooge MK4's slack and low geometry is designed around an 80mm offset, non-boost, rigid fork. This bi-plane fork gives a classic, retro vibe but it's far from style over substance. Manufactured from triple-butted aircraft grade 4130 Chromoly steel, the fork puts the 29" wheel way out in front for confidence and stability. For all you bottle cage addicts out there, it also has triple cage mounts on the fork legs for all of your hydration needs.
Matt has added a much needed front fender to his MK4 as well as the all-important "NO SHOX" decals. Just one of the many personal touches made to this truly one of a kind bike.
Matt has added a much needed front fender to his MK4 as well as the all-important "NO SHOX" decals. Just one of the many personal touches made to this truly one of a kind bike.
It's worth saying this bike has some of the neatest cable routings I have seen, along with some colour coordinated red frame protectors in the places the cables come in to contact with the Stooge MK4 red powder coat paintwork.
Carrying on the unique Stooge theme of this bike, Matt runs the Stooge Moto Bars, which are made from heat-treated 7050 aluminium. These come stock at 800mm wide with a 38mm rise and a 17-degree sweep but Matt has cut his downs to 780mm. The large back sweep of this bar helps with a more comfortable wrist position and aids handling. It also in Matt's words "the Moto bars help the bike ooze menace. Like it's bristling for a scrap with the nearest singletrack. Such a badass bike to look at." I have to agree with him on that.
Matt runs Shimano XT brakes front and rear with 180mm discs. Although after an unscheduled trip to the dirt on a ride recently the rear lever is now a Shimano Deore lever. One of the most useful things about the Shimano brake line up is the ability to use any lever with any calliper making repairs a little cheaper and quicker.
29er Spank Oozy Trail 395+ non-boost wheelset is a perfect fit for this bike like so many of the other components Matt has selected for this build. He calls them a no-nonsense part and likes that they just work with minimal fuss.
On an otherwise tidy build, here is the moment the pedants may want to look away. Matt runs two different tyre brands on this build: the front is a WTB Vigilante 29x2.5"Tritec Light/High Grip. This was chosen because it was just so much more lively and considerably lighter than they 3" Double Down tyre that Matt originally ran. At the rear, there is a Maxxis Minion DHF 3C Max Terra 29x2.5". Matt runs tubeless front and rear but with no inserts. Matt also runs a Lezyne bottle cage with tool and pump fitted, after all this is an enduro race bike.
Drivetrain wise we find the workhorse Shimano SLX 11 speed groupset with a KMC chain. Along with the SLX mech, cassette, threaded bottom bracket and shifter, there is a set of 165mm Saint cranks.
Matt also runs clips with his pedal of choice being the CrankBrothers Mallet-E pedals. For added insurance on a bike with no suspension at all, there is the classic Oneup chainguide, giving the poor Shimano clutch a helping hand in keeping the KMC chain where it should be when Matt is charging down Enduro stages.
Matt's Stooge MK4 is finished off with a KS dropper, which is internally routed. On top of the dropper is a Fabric saddle described by Matt as the "sit up and beg model". I'm not sure there is anything sit up and beg about this bike.
I can't thank Matt enough for his time and the detail he gave me on his bike. It's always amazing to speak to people who are so passionate about their bikes. If you fancy something a little different why not check out Stooge Cycles.
MENTIONS: @Man_Down_Media / Stooge Cycles / Steel is Real
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You ride a rigid bike, congratulations, do you expect a f*cking medal or something?!
I'll admit I have two rigid bikes myself haha...
- Yes
I just wondered about the offset.
I call bullsh!t. I would guess that Matt is the giant killer. I wouldnt be 17 seconds behind a WC Downhiller on my Slash let alone on a hard tail, let alone on a fully rigid.
Awesome bike - UNDOUBTEDLY - But give credit where its due
"See how amazing our bike is!!!!ZOMGWTFBBQ!!!!1!!!1H4XZ0R!"
And yet we are seeing it here as well "GIANTZ KILLLARRRRRRRR GRRRRR ARRRRGH"
www.pinkbike.com/photo/18574080
Previous comment by you - calling females “chicks” - bravo fella, bravo
Please add hypocrite to your post above about degrading women
“ enduroNZ norcobicycles's article
Sep 27, 2019
Norco Introduces New Line of Progressive Youth Mountain Bikes
Not what the chick at your local bar told me @Stanley-w”
But wait.... they are running +/- 1 10mm spacer than stock and they have +/- 1 token than what is currently trendy, so their bike is "unique"
Oh yeah, post a photo of yours! (if you don't mind)
Thanks all!
My guess is that a rider accustomed to a more conventional suspended short-offset bike would be freaked out by how fast it turns, but it's within the range of something you'd get used to if you spent enough time on it.
... buy/sell will be posting my bikes up soon, damn it
The bikes been designed as a system as a rigid bike.
Every other hardtail is designed as a system with a suspension fork (even if they slap a rigid on)
Why would you think the angles from a suspension bike would work for a rigid bike? Stooge is pushing the boundaries of rigid bikes... no one else except Jones.
@thisspock Yeah, but that's not head tube angle aka the angle of the steerer, that's just offset moving wheel forward, not really "effective" head tube angle or whatever
Would really love to try one though
Is really saying: my EGO hurts badly right now, I spend so much money on bike “insert brand” promised ill be faster on, but I still cannot even get to top 10 on my local trail I have been riding million times!
( I started DH -Racing in 1995 with mag 21, V-Brakes and Panaracer Smoke Dart, coming from this the Michelin C 16 and the Magura Gustav m were the biggest gamechangers, concerning trailriding its got to be the dropper.)
Had mine since February and I've put about 1000km on it (of the 4000km I've done on a bike this year).
Absolutely love blasting around techy, steep singletrack on it, but it's also great for long days out in the saddle. Longest ride I've done on it was about 80km.
Rigid riders rule ;-)
Bike itself looks - cool, also assuming that rider did EWS stage on it, It makes it king even more cool;
THAT IS NOT HOW IT WORKS IDIOTS
Seriously, I converted my hardtail to fully rigid and rode if for a week. Completely ruined the trail riding experience. You have to be incredibly tough to ride, much less race this. There is just no front end traction. Respect!
PS. Badass bike for sure, but the rider is the true badass! DS.
www.pinkbike.com/photo/17930440
i.imgur.com/JaPyYyx.jpg
a href="http://yojimg.net/bike/web_tools/trailcalc.php">
yojimg.net/bike/web_tools/trailcalc.php/a>;
Reality is there's a lot of variables. head angle, offset, and wheelsize (because of how far the axle is above the tyre contact patch) all contribute to how the steering and handling work. Look up the definition of "trail" with regards to bike geometry, so see how they are all interlinked.
And thats before getting into how effective stem length changes how it feels to manipulate it.
This rigid bike is a rare opportunity where the manufacturer is making both the frame and the forks, so there is a bit of an opportunity to experiment beyond the normal 1 or 2 (very similar) offsets offered by the suspension fork manufacturers.
Brits: perfect mate
Aussies: you guys suck
With proper technique, and workout routine, you can ride a hardtail or rigid without an issue... stop being a baby
I ride in a varied mix of groups from the fast local xc guys to folks who regularly race enduros and do pretty well. When folks that are newer to the sport join for the more open fun rides their first exposure to more dedicated riders is not always great. They see the average $9k sworks epic or supercaliber or Hightower cc with reserve wheels these guys are riding and either instantly rule out their ability to get more involved in the sport due to cost, or equate speed with an expensive purchases and go off the deep to be later regretted when they learn more about themselves and type of riding they like. It seems unhealthy for the sport in general. See competitive riders on bikes like this Stooge is awesome. It gives hope and a sense of belonging if you are out there doing your best on an older more affordable bike to see someone like Matt slaying it on a rigid hardtail. That bike screams for SS though
I said the same thing about ss at the start of the season. Now I ride a ss 3/4 of the time and am planning SM100 on ss next year. Its addictive!
His bike has more reach than my size large HD3.
The only thing missing from the Red Baron is a Snoopy costume picture with the rider and the bike.
P.s. The bike is rad, but the rider’s skill is radder.
www.pinkbike.com/u/jansportsi/album/32er-XXL-TRAIL-BIKE
Pleaaaaase?
www.peterverdone.com/the-devil-went-down-to-georgia