Description
The MK7 is on its way and by crikes, its gonna be a bit of a rocker. Here’s some deets – 3 sizes: 16″ (S/M) with 610 ETT, 18″ (M/L) with 625 ETT and 20″ (XL) with 645mm ETT . Boost axles front and rear, rack mounts on the rear triangle and fork. Triple cage mounts on the fork and downtube. Designed around 29×2.6 or 27.5×3.00. For best results in 29er mode run a 3.00 front tyre and a 2.6 on the rear.
The big change this time around is the sizing. For the first time we have 3 sizes. The 16″ Is basically the same size as the old 18 but with a shorter seat tube to allow longer droppers and will be great for shorter riders and those wanting a smaller, flickable ride. If you’re less than 5’10 it’ll be a good size. The 18″ is now 15mm longer than the old frame, with a 625mm ETT. This size will still suit the majority of riders from 5’9 up to 6’1. There’s also a new XL size which has a 645mm ETT, taller head tube and a 20″ seat tube. I’d only recommend this for riders 6’2 and over.
In addition to the updated sizing, the MK7 will also run with a beefed up biplane fork with 65mm offset, so heading back towards the MK4 vibe. The Dirt Tracker was the first of my frames to use the 65 offset with a 66 degree head angle and it really is something else when it comes to light yet stable steering, so it made sense to let the MK7 reap the rewards.
In short, the mission remains the same, to keep producing framesets that transcend the humble status of the rigid bike, and turn us mere mortals into the golden gods of the hills, or something like that. The MK7 will make a great rigid trail bike and shreddy bikepacking steed. In fact, its so good it’s predecessor won the 2023 bike of the year award over at Bikepacking.com. Here’s what Logan had to say about it….
‘As I see it, Andy’s obsession with building the perfect rigid mountain bike paid off in spades. Like the band it’s named after, the MK6 is punchy, lively, raw, and is simultaneously ahead of and behind the times. If someone asked me to pick just one bike to spend the rest of my life with today, it would definitely be this one.’
Framesets include – frame, forks, EBB insert, bolt on dropouts, allen key thru axles, all mounting bolts, seatclamp.
Here are some numbers that might be useful if you’re looking to collect some parts:
Seatpost size – 31.6 mm. Minimum insertion required of 150mm.
Hub sizes – Rear 12×148, Front 15 x 110
Headset – 1 1/8th” AKA EC34
BB standard is 73mm threaded.
Brake mounts are IS, so choose the IS to Post adapter that goes with whatever size rotors you’re planning on running. Talking of which, max rotor for the fromt is 203mm, max for the rear is 180/185mm.
Chainsets – if you’re running gears then a Boost spaced chainset is the way forward, we’re talking a 51 – 55mm chainline. I’d go for the 51. For single speed or keeping it hardy with 8/9 speed then any non boost size will also work fine.
Max chainring size – 36t
Running square taper cranks? – 73×121 with gears, 73 x 118 will also work fine.
NB: all steel Stooge framesets have a 2 year warranty for the original owner, this is valid from the day you take delivery of the frameset.
