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#103 · (Edited)
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I found the limits of my riding on the Dirt Tracker yesterday. I ride this trail usually on a rigid 29+ RSD Sergeant, which just bulldozes over everything. I expected the Dirt Tracker to do the same with some similar(ish) geometry numbers and tire size, but instead the low bottom bracket caused reliable pedal strikes. The front fork offset in slow chunk bucked me twice when the front wheel turned rather than rolling over the obstacle. I wanted to blame the big touring handlebar, but it's been on the Sergeant more than the Dirt Tracker, and it was never an issue. Maybe a straighter bar, shorter cranks, and smaller saddle would help, but for now, I think I'll just ride the Serg in chunk.

Frame bag materials are in the mail!

Edit: after watching JKW's Sedona video, I'm pretty convinced I just don't know how to mountain bike.
 
#106 ·
She&I said:
This one hasn't been ridden on dirt yet, but I too was thinking a straighter bar would get it feeling sportier. (And add reach in the case of this Tumbleweed Persuader Bar.)
Which seamster did you enlist for the bag? I was wondering what shops would have the pattern. TIA.
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Hot dang, that is one great looking Dirt Tracker. Nice build! Love the color too. How do you like the DHF/XR4 combo?

Can't help with the frame bag, I was going to do the DYI route.
 
#107 ·
nowhereyonder said:
Hot dang, that is one great looking Dirt Tracker. Nice build! Love the color too. How do you like the DHF/XR4 combo?

Can't help with the frame bag, I was going to do the DYI route.
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Glad you dig! The colors offered are all classy to my eye but the blue grabbed me.

I made changes based on my suspicions and your input – 155 mm crank and sportier bar. I'll get it in the dirt this weekend.

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I've run the DHF/XR4 combo on a regular FS; the XR4 rolls a little better than a DHR II and doesn't give up a lot of traction when newish. At 160 lbs the XR4 casing is just enough but I'd be thinking SE series if I had more rocks locally.

DIY bag – good on you, man. Have fun making and using!
 
#109 · (Edited)
nowhereyonder said:
Looks great! How'd it do in the dirt this weekend?
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Glad you approve! The shakedown was short and not pedal-y but included ratty and rocky singletrack. It’s checking out as expected: More sporty and slightly more compliant than the Krampus. Comfortable, fun, confident. A trail/bikepacker if you will. Seems ripe for singlespeed. Berd spokes do so much for any hardtail. I regretted letting go of my first Krampus, but this bike is everything and more than a Krampus can be.

The BB socket cap bolts seem like they could be replaced with round heads to make more clearance. OTOH, I’ve never had an issue with routing under the BB. But it’s weird seeing an udder under your bike.

It easily passes the custom-frame-bag test, so Rockgeist will have something new to do. Super happy with the purchase.
 
#110 ·
She&I said:
I regretted letting go of my first Krampus, but this bike is everything and more than a Krampus can be.
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The Dirt Tracker is a replacement for my Tumbleweed Prospector, which was pretty similar to the OG Krampus. A wonderful bike, but not best suited to the trails I've been riding lately. The Tracker has proven so much more competent and confidence inspiring.

Interested to see what Rockgeist comes up with for a frame bag. I have all the materials but it won't be until mid-May before I have time to put it all together. Lace-up top and back, bolt on downtube with a stretch panel above a 20" molded tooth zipper on each side. It's going to be BIG!
 
#112 ·
vikb said:
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My Speedbomb is setup as my shred sled for trail ripping.

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My Dirt Tracker is setup for hauling and exploring.
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Hey Vik,

I've seen you post a lot about your Krampus and now this Stooge. Do you exclusively ride 29+ rigid?
 
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Discussion starter · #113 ·
mk.ultra said:
Hey Vik,

I've seen you post a lot about your Krampus and now this Stooge. Do you exclusively ride 29+ rigid?
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Hey there. My Krampus is now 10+ years and is probably my most ridden bike. It's my urban commuter bike/gravel bike. Until last year I was riding 29 x 2.6" FS and hardtails a lot for mountain biking. I got the Stooge Speedbomb last Fall and it's become my main trail mountain bike. I just love riding it. I still pull out my 29 x 2.6" hardtail when I want gears and/or I am riding with faster people on aggressive FS bikes. It helps me keep up.

The Dirt Tracker is new and really is an experiment to see how I like it for bikepacking. It may or may not be a keeper.

So I'm not exclusively riding 29+ rigid, but I'd say that's about 80% of my riding right now.
 
#114 ·
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A quick but proper test on the Dirt Tracker. I never considered taking a rigid (or hardtail) down this horrid gully, so the Tracker's confidence was a surprising delight. The short cranks felt so right - good call, @nowhereyonder. LaceMine29 house blend wheels put it in the dream build column for me.

I'm glad there's a few wingnuts like Stooge Andrew building bikes decidedly not for the masses. Can't wait to put a rack on it and do some advanced picnicking. Anyone need a large olive Krampus?
 
Discussion starter · #119 ·
nowhereyonder said:
My sewing machine decided it didn't want to make another frame bag, so I went with this hobo setup on a 70-mile overnighter. I bought the Dirt Tracker entirely for ambling desert touring, and it did everything I wanted it to do and more.
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Right on. Looking good even in "hobo" mode. I'd love to get a Stooge down to the desert for some riding. 🤘
 
#120 ·
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I couldn't resist the full klunker experience – really fun as a one-speeder.

155 mm crank arms felt strangely comfortable, but I might go up a tooth in the back. Sliding dropouts work better than an eccentric BB shell for SS if you ask me. Still glad to have gotten the bike. It's fun as f in a trail setup, with Berd spokes adding to the magic ride. ~30# including the heavy Canfield crank and steel chainring.
 
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