Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
Our Reader’s Rig of the week comes from Tyler Burke in Richmond, Virginia, who shares a look at his Stooge MK6. Learn how cycling saved Tyler’s life, read about his career change from banjo building to micro-mobility, find details on his decked-out MK6, and see more photos here…
Words and photos by Tyler Burke
Hi folks, Tyler Burke (he/him) here. I live and work in Richmond, Virginia. Cycling has saved my life. Since August, I’ve been working as the Operations Manager at Kul Wheels Electric Bike shop. This little shop found me at the right time. It’s a small women-owned business that has positioned itself as one of the few e-bike dealers and service centers in the Central Virginia area. We are primed to take on the future of micro-mobility and technology.
For the last eight years, I was running a one-man banjo building business, Renan Banjos. It saw a bit of boom during COVID, but ultimately, I mentally hit the wall and burned out this last spring. Banjo building was the ultimate expression of “me” creatively. It was an avenue in life worth exploring, and I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to take it on.
Cycling has saved my life, given me purpose, and has me planning a greater future. Last year, I hit year 40 and instead of “20 more of the same,” I’ve been on a mission to alter my ways and my outlook on the future. January 2024 marks one year and counting of sobriety. My plan is to keep it up as I’m seeing great results: stronger mentally, physically, and spiritually. Instead of fearing what I do not know, I relish in the unknown. At 41, I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been, by sticking to a mostly plant-based diet, daily exercise, and abstaining from alcohol. I am becoming my best self. It takes time, commitment, and courage. We are all on a journey.
I sold a perfectly good Surly Karate Monkey frame in order to purchase the Stooge MK6. No regrets! This build was what I had on hand—a “use what you got” ethos. The majority of the parts/hardware were leftovers from the Karate Monkey and a few used parts from Pinkbike. The only new parts I purchased were the DHF tire, White Industries headset/spacers, 203mm brake adaptor, new cabling/housing, and the custom GCB frame bag. At the end of the day, I wanted a bruiser bike with long, low, and slack geo that could ride singletrack and bikepack all day. This bike fits more of my riding style; my other shred sled is a Cotic BFeMax, and my daily a Raleigh Willard 2 CX turned commuter that doubles as a bikepacker. Each pony in the stable has a unique flavor that holds its own. Richmond offers up urban, suburban, and bike park trails for every rider. The best rides are the ones you string together.
- Frame/Fork: 2023 Stooge MK6, yellow
- Rims: FSA Afterburner 27.5 WID’R 30mm
- Hubs: FSA Afterburner Boost
- Tires: 27.5 x 2.6” Maxxis DHF Maxx Terra Exo / 27.5 x 2.6” Rekon Exo, tubeless
- Handlebars: Mone OddMone steel 3” rise, cut to 780mm width
- Headset: White Industries EC34, polished silver
- Crankset: SRAM Eagle GX, 32T x 165mm
- Pedals: Spank Spoon 100, silver
- Cassette: SRAM Eagle GX, 10/52T
- Derailleur(s): SRAM Eagle Gx
- Brakes: SRAM Code R, 203mm F/ 180mm R
- Shifter(s): SRAM Eagle Gx x 12spd
- Saddle: WTB Volt
- Seatpost: SDG Tellis Dropper
- Stem: Paul Components Boxcar, 50mm polished silver
- Frame Bag(s): Custom Puddy Frame bag by Ghost Cat Bags
- Accessory Bag(s): Matching gas tank bag by GCB
- Other Accessories: crane bell
The Stooge will take on just about anything. I’ve ridden techier sections of local black diamonds, and other than my personal inability to clear 12” ledges, this pony really impresses. Biggest take-aways have been feeling the flex in the frame while charging and laying it over in berms. The MK6 is poppy, playful, and pushes you to charge it hard, plow through downhills, and tractor up the climbs. I find myself tacking on extra miles to rides when I’d usually have quit miles ago. The Stooge is fast becoming my do-all bike. It’s comfortable standing, charging, and sitting while tackling trail. Miles of smiles.
I’ve felt that Stooge Bikes embody “looks fast standing still.” Turns out they are total speed freaks in motion. The MK6 really rips. Shout out to Josh at Ghost Cat Bags for taking my concept and turning it into a reality. He nailed the checkerboard motif in the Stooge logo on the custom Puddy frame bag. Totally inspiring execution of detail, care, and craftsmanship. Excellent work. I am in awe!
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