£349.99 (frame) The 2023 Mmmbop is no one-hit wonder
This latest version of Ragley’s 650b-wheeled Mmmbop hardtail is more a case of evolution than revolution. It’s undergone the ‘longer, lower, slacker’ treatment and received a few tweaks, but otherwise Ragley haven’t messed with the successful formula.
THE FRAME
The reach on the medium size we tested has grown from 440mm to 455mm, the head angle is 0.75 degrees slacker, at 63 degrees, and the standover height has dropped from 750mm to 665mm. Ragley have steepened the seat tube angle by a whole degree, too, to 75 degrees. The chainstays are 425mm long.
A flattened vertical plate where the driveside stay connects to the threaded BB allows clearance for both the chainring and a 2.6in rear tyre. The tapered head tube is fitted with a zero-stack headset (where the bearing cups are housed within the frame). Both the gear cable and the rear brake hose are externally routed, while the dropper post cable enters the down tube at the top and exits at the bottom before heading inside the seat tube. One bottle mount sits atop the down tube. ISCG-05 mounts allow you to fit a chain guide, if required.
THE KIT
While the Mmmbop is only available to buy as a frame, our test bike was supplied with a build kit comprising a 150mm-travel RockShox Yari fork, Race Face cranks, a Shimano SLX shifter and mech, and SRAM G2 RS brakes. A Nukeproof headset and Neutron alloy wheels (shod with Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II tyres) were fitted, along with a Ragley-branded alloy bar, stem and saddle, plus a Brand-X dropper seatpost.
THE RIDE
The Mmmbop feels neutral when you’re pedalling around a car park, and behaves rather well when climbing, too, thanks to its steepish seat tube angle and relatively short chainstays, which keep the rear axle tucked sensibly close under the seat for optimum traction while ascending in the saddle. The flattened chainstay yolk and supplem
