A nice, simple hardtail: Stooge’s “progressive” 29er

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Get Stooge, ride Stooge, Fly.

Dirty shop, clean mind?
Dirty shop, clean mind?

Conceived in Shropshire and born in Taiwan, the accurately-if-unimaginatively-named 29er from Stooge Cycles is intended to be “the sweetest handling, best looking steel 29er on the UK market.”  Go big or go home, right?

Stooge 29er rear 3-4
If one top tube is good…

Founded last year by North Wales native Andy Stevenson, Stooge Cycles draws on its founder’s time racing on BMX and mountain bikes as well as over a decade spent working at bike shops and trail centres.  A step back from much of the technology that currently dominates the market, the 4130 CrMo 29er is designed to be built rigid and can be set up with or without gears.  The 29er is hand-built by what Stooge call one of Taiwan’s best builders – allowing for unique details and complex bends without breaking the bank.

Plus-sized front tyre
Plus-sized front tyre

Offered in only one size, the Stooge is said (with appropriate cockpit/stem choices) to fit riders between 5’6 and 6’0.  The top tube comes in at just shy of 600mm (23.5in) and the 69° head angle is paired with a 55mm offset fork to balance stability with maneuverability.  The rearward position, 27.2 seatpost, low seat tube junction, and bent seatstays are said to make for a comfy ride.  A high front end and 29+ front tyre are suggested to keep weight off of the front wheel and save the rider’s wrists.

Classy details
Classy details

If the bike fits, the Stooge looks like a lot of Jones-style fun for £450 (+£15 p&p).  Colours include the minty “sky blue” shown here as well as “plum crazy” purple.

stoogecycles.co.uk

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