The Karate Monkey is all about big wheels and versatility. Build it up as a 700c mountain bike, cyclocross bike, commuter, or backcountry tourer. Create your ideal Frankenstein.
We decided to produce a 29er because we thought we could make improvements on the current designs from other manufacturers, while offering a unique, quality frameset at a Surly price. Mission accomplished.
Submitted by
rufio
a Cross Country Rider
from Occoquan, VA
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2012
Strengths: Exactly.
Weaknesses: You gotta be kidding.
Bottom Line:
I purchased this frameset second hand because the original owner wanted a taller frame. This is still a little small for me, but I love it. I had it with a few different configurations but the way I have it set up is probably how it is going to stay unless I find a good deal on some BB7s in the future. I love everything about this bike. Now that I have it built up solid I thoroughly enjoy riding this thing in any condition on any trail my legs can put that single gear. There is something so serene about riding this thing. With the Shimano hubs I'm running the bike is completely silent. It is so nice to be able to just hop on the bike and go; without a second thought on whether or not my bike will be shifting properly. They updated fork on the KM is sweet too. I think I'm going to be using this fork for quite sometime, at least for as long as my arms can handle the impact. All in all, buy it as a complete or get the frameset and throw on the leftover parts from your main 29er you upgraded and be happy.
Similar Products Used: Redline Monocog Flight 29er.
Bike Setup: Surly frame and Karate Monkey fork. Hayes Nines, Bontrager Ranger wheelset, XT cranks, Forte Carve Pedals, singlespeed.
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Submitted by
jjonas
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, NH
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2011
Strengths: Just about everything.
Weaknesses: Grips are kinda cheap feeling and I might get me fired from my job
Bottom Line:
I never write reviews. Never. In fact I really don't care for other peoples opinions. I'd rather try things out for myself and decide from there. In this case, however, I feel compelled to weigh in on this bike. It's not too often a piece of equipment will enter your life and provide so much damn joy and happiness.
Over the years I've lost my passion for mountain biking. I never really look forward to riding my Kona Dawg Deluxe. Yeah, it has some nice suspension and fancy hydraulic brakes and pretty good components. I've tried out my friends bikes with similar technology and they just didn't rock my world. Enter in my first single speed experience. I was at my brother in laws one day and noticed a big wheeled bike with no suspension or gears. It was a Red Line Monocog. I didn't quite understand. I said "what's the purpose of mountain biking without suspension and gears to get you up hill?". What an idiot I was. I can admit that now. He suggested I take it for a spin...so I did and from then on, I was hooked. It was so uncomplicated and free. You just ride and watch those big old wheels role over everything. I immediately went home and started researching the world of single speed. I eventually discovered the Karate Monkey. A local bike shop had one that I could try out, an 18" frame. I bought it and I've had a smile on my face ever since. It's made mountain biking fun again. What a climber! Thank you Surly. Sadly though, I may now lose my job because I keep calling in sick to take the Karate Monkey out.
I can't get enough of this bike. I'm selling the Kona and my old beat up GT hardtail. The KM is all I need. If you're researching Karate Monkeys, just go get one, today. It might change your life for the better.
Submitted by
krash670
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens, GA
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2011
Strengths: Bomb proof, great handling, brakes
Weaknesses: Grips, seat, 17 tooth rear
Bottom Line:
This is my first SS bike. I have been riding a 2010 Marin Nail Trail 29er (stock) for the past 1.5 years. I barrowed my buddies Haro Mary SS for a couple of weeks and was hooked on the SS lifestyle. I was a bit nervous about getting a bike without front suspension, but my fears were all for not. I was looking to get a Vassago Jabberwocky, but I would have to build it up which would cost me big $$$. Buying a complete Karate Monkey was only $1,050. The bike handles great. Very responsive. I am 6-05 and about 235 lbs. I had to go with the 20" frame as oppossed to the 22" because I have short Hobbit like legs (a 32" inseam). The downside for me in this is that the cockpit is a bit small for me. I am going to have to replace the seatpost for one that is set back, and get a new longer stem. This will stretch me out, and I think make the bike more comfortable. This is no slight against the bike it's just what I usually have to do with any bike I get.
The bike comes set up pretty nicely. Avid BB7 brakes and Truvativ 32t cranks. The downside is the 17t rear. It makes for a fast bike on the straights or flats, but when I hit those short steep switchbacks it's a real pain the ass to climb. You really work to reach the top. I will be changing to a 19 or 20 tooth rear. Also, the the grips that came on it seemed fairly generic. I put some Ergon GP-1's on it. I love these grips. I have them on Marin too. They keep my hands from going numb in the ring and pinky fingers. Finally, the seat is a WTB. I like WTB, but this seat seems like just a basic cheap WTB. I put the WTB on my Marin on the KM, and I am much happier.
I think the KM is a great choice for anyone looking to get into the SS life. I feel like I'm on an old BMX cruiser when I'm out in the woods. It's a real blast, and makes me feel like I'm a kid again. You won't be disappointed
Bike Setup: Factory. Changed out grips to Ergon GP-1 (large).
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Submitted by
halr
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2011
Strengths: Strong, balanced, great geometry
Weaknesses: Possibly weight, but I don't notice it.
Bottom Line:
Excellent ride. This thing climbs better than any bike I've ridden. I first rode it with a friend on his geared 26er and he struggled to keep up with me on climbs. He starting asking me where I got it and how much it cost after the second hill. I've heard it described as heavy and stiff, but I'm 200lbs, and to me it feels comfortable, much more than my old Stumpjumper. Surly's published weight for the frame & fork puts it the same as the El Mariachi, and with a lightweight build, I don't think the frame weight really comes into play at all. Highly recommended.
Similar Products Used: None, this is my first 29er
Bike Setup: KM frame and fork, Race Face Turbine Crank, Salsa Delgado Rims, Paul Hubs, White ENO freewheel, Avid SD7 brakes, Tektro levers, Salsa Woodchipper bars, WTB SST saddle, MKS Mtn Lux pedals
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Submitted by
zinco
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2011
Strengths: A very strong frame. I have ridden other hardtail 29er frames and didn't like the flex and twist in other frames compared to this Surly. I'm 6'2 185lbs and torque on this thing set up as single speed. I've learned to really trust this frame trough all the hell I put it through.
Weaknesses: First off if you buy this as a complete bike your not getting ripped off. Just don't plan on not having to upgrade or replace things with-in the first year of hard riding. I ride it ridged with the Surly fork and it's hell on the wheels. The Salsa rims suck they don't stay true and paired up with the worthless Surly hubs which would be fine on a beach cruiser but on a ss-mtb give them three months.
The bb-7s mechanical disc brakes are there but I'll tell you the best up grade was going to a 180 on the front and changing to hydraulics. On a ridged frame bombing down rockyness very nice not having to squeeze the life out of the mechanicals. So lets see that pretty much leaves you a frame set to start with and putting on new upgraded components would not be a bad way to go.
But it was also fun to get the bike in a box ready to go and slowly have no option but to replace things and upgrade when needed.
Bottom Line:
Get it complete,ride it and have fun, replace stuff when need-be, never regret buying the frame.
Submitted by
Cycle Nomad
a Cross Country Rider
from Hudson Valley NY
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2011
Strengths: Strong, great geometry for me.
Weaknesses: It's a steel frame so you have to understand there is some weight here. Do yourself a favor, lose five pounds and ride a steel frame.
Bottom Line:
Great frame for slow techy terrain as well as speed.
I love this frame and it fits well.
If your over 6' tall you should ride a 29er, it's way more natural feeling.
My friend doesn't like 29er's...he's short, he thinks they make riding easier.
He rides a 5" travel dually....
...but my hardtail with a 80mm fork is "easy."
Submitted by
riiz
a Weekend Warrior
from San Bernardino, CA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2011
Strengths: Versatility, value and a great ride I think sum up its strongest traits. I originally bought my frameset to be used as a Rigid mountain bike with full gearing. In the year plus that I have ridden it, it has morphed into a street cruiser that also doubles a trailer puller, for either children, laundry or etc.
In its first role as my first mountain bike after a decade long absence from riding, it has been one hell of a great bike. I have no issue using it for XC or trail use with the help of the 2.4 Ardents, btw. But it is a great bike that has held up despite a dozen+ crashes.
In its second use as a cruiser/commuter/trailer bike, it works very well. The steel frame and fork is very comforting on the street with or without a high volume street tire, ie. Big Apples.
Weaknesses: The paint job is fragile, if you can consider this a weakness, imo.
Bottom Line:
A great steel rigid frameset that wont let you down, the versatility in making this frameset into whatever floats your boat is outstanding.
Submitted by
smoen81
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2011
Strengths: Cheap, Versatile, steel.
Weaknesses: heavy
Bottom Line:
I recently purchased a Karate Monkey to have a versatile bike in my quiver. I find it rides as well as more expensive bikes and has so many uses. You can throw a rack/fenders on it, run it as geared or singlespeed. It's close to a do-all bike. It's no wear near as light as my other bikes but I don't really care anymore, it's just so tough and fun. I would suggest this bike to anyone looking for a 29er. It doesn't break the bank either. I've ridden Niners and more expensive steel/aluminum bikes and this is just as good as the others.
Strengths: Great "steel is real" feel for small money
Weaknesses: maybe too versatile
Bottom Line:
I've mostly used the Karate Monkey as a rigid singlespeed, and I've found it shines on the the twisty singletrack of New England. With the many rack mounts and eyelets it has it is quite versatile, which is contrary to how worthy a xc racing frame it has proven to be. I've set it up with fenders, and drop bars to use on the road in the Winter, but it really is best as a mountain bike.
Bike Setup: Usually rigid mtb singlespeed, but 1x8 HT, fendered road warrior, monstercross
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Submitted by
esundell90
a Cross Country Rider
from Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2011
Strengths: All purpose frame. Can be used for nearly anything. Strong, not too heavy for steel, imo, F'ing FUN to ride!
Weaknesses: Not quite as nimble as my 26in Single speed, but I'm really not complaining much.
Bottom Line:
Built this bike from the frame up as a present to myself for graduating college. Sure it cost me a pretty penny (to me, hey I'm broke and in college) but its well worth it. My 1st 29 experience, and I'm in love with the snappy handling (for a 29) and FAST ride. I almost feel weird going back to my SS 26in bike!
Bottom line, if you like building your own bikes, and want a fun bike to ride, PLEASE BUY THIS FRAME AND BUILD IT! It rocks!
Bike Setup: 1x9, Bontrager cranks, full SRAM x9 driveline, Ritchy comp bars, stem headset, Thompson post, WTB saddle, Custom wheels, Geax Sagaurd 2.2's, ergon grips, XT hydro brakes
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Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Mankato, MN USA
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2010
Strengths: Color, versatility
Weaknesses: steel is heavy
Bottom Line:
The funnest bike I have ever owned. I use it for commuting with some 2.35" Schwalbe Big Apples and it rocks for the urban jungle. The WTB Exiwolf's that come with the complete SS build are competent for any off-roading I've found.
Bike Setup: Single speed, Stock complete bike w/XT crank, Ergon Grips, White 17T freewheel
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Submitted by
John S
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2010
Strengths: Frame
Weaknesses: Weight, component level.
Bottom Line:
I picked this complete bike up used but in brand-new condition. For the $800 I paid I would still call it slightly overpriced. What you get here is a frameset. Every other part is stupid heavy and entry level Taiwan product. Other than brakes and stem I don't see a single part on the bike that will stay stock. I actually thought I'd save some money by buying a complete bike instead of doing a build and I was very wrong. These things sell for $1400 new!? Save your money and build one, for $1400 you could come in about 3 pounds lighter... you live and learn... my fault for not researching better. Learn from my mistake grasshopper.
Weaknesses: weight...it's not light. Where did you thing the strength came from?
Ever hear of the saying "Strong, Light and affordable...pick two." see above.
soft/weak paint.
Bottom Line:
Just about everyone has said what needs to be said about this frame. I jsut wanted to be included. The bike is a swiss army knife. That can be a blessing or a curse depending on your outlook and need for a bike. In my case it is a blessing. In town there are a group of riders on Karate Monkeys with myself being the latest to "join," everyone of them is built differently. I am not talking about parts selection in terms of shimano vs sram, light weight or affordable.
I am talking about Mine is 3 X9, another is 1 x 9, two are single speeds, 1 is rigid and all are mountain bikes. Then you have the options of fenders and/or racks a set of fat apples and you have commuter..or add some drop bars and make a winter trainer or a cross bike.
All from one frame and a mix of parts.
In the end I have mine set up for Mountain biking and it is a very enjoyable ride...there is something to this 29er thing and I don't see myself going back to little wheels. The riding position is great,the bike climbs really well and is stable on the downhills. Is Steel Real? sure I guess it is. It is a hardtail there is not getting around it and I am not sure if it is better then an alum hardtail... but it is.
Really 5 chillis for frame and fork and price.
Overall 4 chillis because it is not the greatest frame ever made...but it is damn good and you should do your self a favour and find out.
Bike Setup: Geared 3 x 9. sram and reba bits where it matter and some conti rubber to stay on the ground.
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Submitted by
GrampBredo
a Cross Country Rider
from CT, USA
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2010
Strengths: Cheep, solid, reliable, simple, handling, big wheels.
Weaknesses: A bit heavy, but that's nit-picking.
Bottom Line:
This bike is FUN to ride. That's all there is too it. The geometry is spot-on, super maneuverable in tight trails. The steel frame provides just the right amount of flex for a comfy ride, plus it's cheap and reliable- if/when it cracks I'll just weld it up again. Since it's a singlespeed, there's really nothing to go wrong with it. No derailleurs to rip off or adjust, no extra chain to flop around, no shift lines to gum up, and no shifters to jam up. It just works. Hop on and go- that's what I like about this bike.
