SE Racing Stout 29″er: First Ride Impressions
November 3rd, 2007 by Guitar Ted
After putting in some break in time on the SE Racing Stout 29″er I have taken it off road and have given it a thorough once over. Here are some of my first impressions regarding the ride and performance of this bike.
Where’s the Kick? I looked at those big, beefy aluminum tubes and thought that this bike was going to be a real kick in the rear end in terms of harshness. Well, I was very pleasantly surprised. It certainly isn’t a “steel-like” ride, but the buck in the back wasn’t there, as I expected it to be. The Landing Gear fork is very stiff; however, and it was very difficult to see any flex in the legs as I went over bumps. It would seem that the frame is made to flex instead, since I really didn’t feel any jack hammering from the front end either. Still, it’s a rigid bike, so anything beyond mild trail chatter will remind you to start using your arms and legs as shock absorbers!
Spot On Handling Another surprise was how nuetral the SE Racing Stout took turns and climbs. No real drama in either area. Turns were initiated and lines held with ease. Climbing was very good. It was easy to shift your weight and get the Maxxis Ignitors to hook up, even on loose rock climbs. Whatever offset the Landing Gear fork has, it is a great compliment to the 72 degree head angle of the Stout’s frame. I didn’t have any trouble shredding fast twisty down hill sections or crawling around tight, techy, slow turns. The only problem was as you would expect: rough, fast sections of trail where the Ignitors would quickly get overwhelmed and the bike would start bouncing around uncontrollably. Fortunately, one can swap out to a suspension fork and gain added control, if that is your cup of tea. Some of us like a little roughing up now and again though! Bigger tires might also make a difference for some here.
The Bits And Pieces The components on the Stout have held up rather nicely, considering it’s $470.00 price tag. I had to check the rear wheel for tension and true once, and the head set came loose just a bit during the first off road ride, but other than that, it has been business as usual. The linear pull brakes do not have quite the “whoa” power that disc brakes do, but perform admirably in the dry conditions I’ve ridden in so far. Finally, the saddle is one of the most comfortable ones I have ever ridden. Of course I was out of it a fair share on the climbs, but still, it’s surprisingly nice for a bike of this price.
Nits Nothing is perfect, of course, so here are my “nits” on the Stout. The nutted axles, while giving a very secure wheel attachment, require you to carry an unweidy wrench to remove them. (I know, I’m a whiner!) The rear tensioner/derailluer hangar has to be removed completely to get the chain off the cog to get the rear wheel off. A bit more futzing around than usual and would put me off for using this as a race bike. Plan on taking a long break if you flat a rear tire. The fork has an unusual set up in that it has only one small spacer under the stem. Hope you like your stem “on the deck”, because you won’t be able to raise it any higher. Usually companies leave a bit of steer tube on the fork and let the end user cut it to length. The Stout doesn’t leave you with this option. Fortunately it wasn’t a problem for me, but it might be worth noting if you are thinking about getting a Stout.
I’m going to be getting Captain Bob out on this bike sometime soon and I’ll also be putting more time on it. We’ll be back soon with another update.
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your not getting the flex out of the fork because its chromo, not aluminium.
This just in… Steel (and thusly chromoly as well [a steel blend]) flexes…. now back to your regularly scheduled program….
I’m not going into this again!, I do believe it was Cloxxki and I had this arument once (on MTBR), Cloxxki will tell you that aluminium flexes, (ie- sheet metal, Al- flexes a lot more, oh and flexon eye glass frames)
Steel and aluminum have similar elastic moduli so the amount of flex depends on geometry not material.
Cy-
you are partially correct, how ever, take some sheet metal, 1 sheet steel, 1 Aluminum, place between 2 work benches/ saw horses/shelving, and the aluminium will sag/flex more, yet will flatten out when lifted, in order to get rid of that flex to the same as steel, you would have to draw it out so thick, it would end up heavier than steel.
Well Cy and Desert9r, whatever the actual properties of the two materials are, I can say with authority that the Landing Gear fork doesn’t flex all that much. Which is great for steering precision, not so great for comfort. That’s all that matters once you’re riding the bike anyway, right?
Oh yeah! The stiffest bike I ever rode, by a country mile, just happened to be an aluminum bike with an aluminum fork, so it’s also got alot to do with how the materials are used, not just what their intrinsic properties are.
Just curious about handling. Had my buddies at an SE dealer order the bike thinking it had non-suspension corrected geometry (long story) as in the catalog picture, but didn’t get it once I saw it. Before they sold it my buddies rode it around the shop and stuff and said it was one of the weirdest steering bikes they’d been on. Maybe a corrected fork on a non-corrected frame. Sounds like it was pretty dialed for you though, right?
Gino: I double checked the head angle and found it to be right at 72 degrees as the specs said. I have not done any measurements on the fork, so That will have to wait. I really did think the bike was a good handling bike. Captain Bob has ridden it around the shop briefly and thought the steering felt fine, even though it has a longish stem in his eyes.
I’m not sure if SE had something different in ‘06, but this ‘07 feels spot on and the ‘08 is very similar with the exception of a different steel fork with disc tabs. (The ‘07 is canti only)
It would be interesting to hear their thoughts on it.
I might ask them sometime. I can’t count on them to be the most reliable authorities on 29er handling due to their level of mtn biking experience or experience on 29ers. I’m not the best either as I’ve only been on 29ers 1.5 years, an Explosif with inbred fork and a Lynskey with a pace, but it definitely felt strange in my lap or two around the shop. Maybe the bikes were different though. It was an ‘07 and not an ‘05/’06, but it did have a little different spec than the one you’re riding so maybe some other things were different too. I measured the HA at the shop that day and it came in at 72 too, but that finder is not very accurate and didn’t jive with my eyeball’s measurements.
I’m not disagreeing with your take on the handling or anything. Just trying to get a more experienced riders take on the bike. I have some plans in my head that will play with HA numbers on some bikes I’ve got and am trying to add this experience to my minds database. Heck I can’t get on a 26″ wheel bike nowadays without it feeling really wierd either. I’ve definitely trained my body to one type of ride feel.
no frills, great gearing, cheap unflashy paint, BOLT ON AXLES!!!!!!!!!!!! This thing would be awesome for a secondary bike that doubles as a commuter. Toss on some 700 by 32c hybrid slicks and you got yourself a kickin commuter, for the weekend toss the fat rubber back on and hit the trails. How can one go wrong with this one?
Im diggin this bike.
Guitar Ted - Concerning the bolt on wheels, I keep 2 stubby wrenches (can buy at Home store or Sears) in my camel back. They are about half the length as regular wrenches, so they are not as bad. My only gripe is that you have to carry 2 because of the tensioner. A friend of mine turned me on to using these wrenches when I got my singlespeed cross bike.
I agree with you on the handling - it handles very well. Since this is my first 29er, I always wondered if it is was the wheel size or the design of the bike.
Sheet steel and aluminum behave WAY differently than their tube-like bretheren……
This much I know is true……
And I don’t know much, but what I do know I know, you know?
I also know you know what I know plus some of what that guy knows and we all know about him…. that jerk….
Thanks for the review.
I’m going to have to give an aluminum framed, steel forked bike a try.
The lightweight frame and versatility of this bike is outstanding.
Glad to hear it doesn’t ride like a rock.
Matty: Commuter, urban rig, weekend warrior bike….yeah, it’s got all that going on. I like that you don’t have to lock it up a special way at the coffee shop because of the bolt on pieces.
bergjm: Yeah, stubbies. I used to use ‘em when I worked in the automotive field. I could also go with a Jethro Tool too. Whatever I choose, I’ve got to remember to put it in my pack, because I haven’t put anything in there to use on those axle nuts yet!
Dirt: What would I do without my daily dosage?
Geo: You’re welcome. Thanks for the comments!
Cry and pee yer dang pants, that’s whut you’d doo! Tell you what!
I am not replying to the mindless debate going on about the materials of the bike. I have owned an ‘07 Stout since this April, and i have been very happy. The shop I have bought all my mountain bikes form has recommended this one. It was actually hiding in the back of the showroom floor, and I have loved it since. It rides stiff because it is unsuspended and the tubing is massive and has multiple gussets. Most importantly, we are all pampered with suspension these days. I am not some Felix Unger because I have ordered a fork for this bike myself. I plan to race it, so I will change out the wheels. Yes it would have been cheaper to have bought a Fisher Rig or something, but I did not have that kind of money at the time. I pln to add a disc brake to the front. No rear disc mounts on the frame, but oh well. I recommend this bike to anyone looking for an inexpensive singlespeed…and has some bmx tools and knowledge (wheels). You can easily upgrade it as you go along. Bontrager wheels are light strong and inexpensive. If you have the $1200 or so to buy the Fisher Rig up front then do it…otherwise the Stout is where it is at…plus it looks really cool with a couple of Guinness stickers right in front of the stout sticker on the top tube. Love that brewery in Dublin.
Guitar Ted - Is that a wireless computer sensor I see on the fork? If it is, have you tried riding at night with a HID light and the computer? The reason I ask is I tried one of the Cateye wireless computers and it would work until I turned on my Niterider HID light, then it would stop registering.
bergjm: Yes, that is a wireless computer on there that I’m using to track the overall mileage on the Stout. I have not ever mountain biked at night with a set up as you describe, so I can not comment on that one.
Who knew that a sub 500 dollar bike would stir up more debate than a 500 dollar plus fork? Crazy stuff. I love this little bike. Bought it for my wife. Would have bought myself one but they’re out of 19’s until December. Merry Christmas to me. In any case, a friend of mine is building up a Salsa El Mariachi, and by Golly, that frame sure soaks up the bumps better than my Stout. So what? Again, 900 dollar FRAME going to be ridden every day. 450 dollar BIKE, going to be ridden on weekends. Let this bike occupy its niche. Besides, the inspiration for all the SE single-speeds is based on some old farts in the company grabbing beer at a tavern next to a campus and noticing how many old bikes there were out front…with no gears! This bike is what it claims to be. Its skinny little sisters have names like Lager, Draft and Premium Brew, get it? Worst case scenario, I have a nuke-proof commuter, as some have said. Brrrrilliant!
I saw this review and immediately knew I had to check this bike out, after all, it is made by a BMX company that has been producing quality for years. Flashes of bmx in a primer grey 29er…I found it at a LBS and priced at $330.00 of which I thought was a mistake. The owner of the shop assured me not. There is no way to pass it up!
I’ve had a Stout for about 8 mos. It is really versitale for commuting and off road. Like any bike without a fork, the ride is a little rough but I doubt that if fork was alum instead of steel it would make a difference. Have ridden Redline monocog (all chromemoly) and ride is about the same. IMO what it comes down to is geometry. The frame really fits my body better than the Redline, Raleigh or KHS and was much lighter. I really like the gear ratio. Redline seemed to be so low you were spinning your wheels on the road. If you pedal hard you can make it up most hills w/ the Stout and can get further on flat land than alot of other SS. For the money (I paid $450) it was a great deal. Kudos to Captzen for his $330 steal. I showed post to my LBS and they couldn’t believe it.
I have posted on this one previously. I had a Reba and an Avid mechanical disc put on. This made this an even better ride, especially for long rides and racing. I have done one race with it, and it is like butter compared to before the upgrades. I have spent $400 on the bike, $350 on the Reba and $65 on the brake. I am still less out of pocket than with the Fisher Rig I was considering. Granted the wheels and cranks aren’t as snazzy, but they are not much heavier. I still plan on upgrading later on either way. You know, as stuff breaks. Have a great holiday everyone.
My LBS just got the ’08s in, every time look at it I kick myself, especially because I changed on my XXIX woulda been 10x easier, and Hella cheaper.
I picked up mine this afternoon from a beach cruiser shop for $250. Somebody had swapped out the seat, but other than that it seems to be totally new. So far I love it! I can still go up all the little jumps and hills and shortcuts on my normal route to school. I can’t go as fast on flats, but that’s ok, because I’m having so much fun jumping twice as high (my old bike must’ve been like 35-40lbs, this one feels so light at 25lbs). I can feel safe about jumping up curbs when I’m running full speed head into them. I definitely did not do that on my old bike! I was thinking about getting a rear derailer but I think I’ll stick with the single gear for now because it’s really a lot of fun! The grips are great and very grippy. The handlebars are very far apart, more than I’m used to, but I think it gives me a little more control so I think I won’t hacksaw them off, but rather just get used to it. I don’t like how the handlebars are so low. It makes holding the handlebars a bit uncomfortable when riding on roads. But that’s ok, because I rarely hold them anyway on easy parts (fun to practice balancing and turning with no hands). This bike is great! I love it!