Surly Karate Monkey 29er Hardtail

4.48/5 (62 Reviews)


Product Description

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.

Tubing:
100% Surly 4130 cro-moly steel. Main triangle double-butted. TIG welded


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Reviews 1 - 15 (62 Reviews Total) | Next 15

User Reviews

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by isaac a All Mountain Rider

Date Reviewed: May 18, 2012

Strengths:    super sturdy, fast, awesome handling, light for a steel frame, climes well, and just fun to ride!

Weaknesses:    the only one I can think of is that it has trouble on long semi steep to steep climbs with the stock gear ratio.

Bottom Line:   
it is an awesome bike and is fun to ride. get it you will not be disappointed!

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   devils backbone

Price Paid:    $1050.00

Purchased At:   full cycle

Similar Products Used:   kona unit

Bike Setup:   stock

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
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.

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   3 months

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.

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
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.

It makes me wonder why everyone doesn't have one.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Bear Brook, FOMBA, Fort Rock

Duration Product Used:   3 months

Price Paid:    $1050.00

Similar Products Used:   Redline Monocog

Bike Setup:   Stock

Overall Rating:4
Value Rating:4
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

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Chicopee Woods

Duration Product Used:   Less than 1 month

Price Paid:    $1050.00

Purchased At:   The Bicycle Doctor (

Similar Products Used:   Haro Mary SS

Bike Setup:   Factory. Changed out grips to Ergon GP-1 (large).

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:4
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.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Fox Run

Duration Product Used:   6 months

Price Paid:    $1000.00

Purchased At:   The Hub Bike Shop (C

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

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:4
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.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   anywhere east MT

Duration Product Used:   1 Year

Price Paid:    $950.00

Purchased At:   speedgoat

Similar Products Used:   Salsa Fargo, ridged

Bike Setup:   SS- 33x18, Avid elixir, carbon bars.

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
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."

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   1 Year

Price Paid:    $225.00

Purchased At:   Ebay used frame

Similar Products Used:   Surly instigator

Bike Setup:   29er, 80mm air fork

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
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.

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   1 Year

Price Paid:    $450.00

Purchased At:   JensonUSA

Similar Products Used:   Motobecane Fantom Trail 29er, Trek 6000, GF Cobia, Giant XTc.

Bike Setup:   Karate Monkey Frameset(reviewed), 1x9 Drivetrain(Sram x9 rear Der, PC-980 Cassette 11/34, x9 Shifter), Avid BB7s discs and Easton EA-70 cockpit (stem,handlbar,seatposts).

Overall Rating:4
Value Rating:5
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.

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   3 months

Price Paid:    $300.00

Purchased At:   ebay

Similar Products Used:   Vassago Bandersnatch, Gary Fisher Rig, Vassago Jabberwocky, Ventana El Comandante

Bike Setup:   

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by CB2 a Racer from West Hartford

Date Reviewed: May 14, 2011

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.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   TdT

Duration Product Used:   More than 3 years

Price Paid:    $420.00

Purchased At:   Cycle Therapy

Similar Products Used:   Soma Juice, Singular Swift

Bike Setup:   Usually rigid mtb singlespeed, but 1x8 HT, fendered road warrior, monstercross

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
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!

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Flow, Marquette, MI

Duration Product Used:   Less than 1 month

Purchased At:   Built it myself

Similar Products Used:   XTC, Talon 29,

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

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
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.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   any

Duration Product Used:   2 Years

Price Paid:    $997.00

Purchased At:   Milltown Cycles

Similar Products Used:   Salsa Fargo, GF Paragon

Bike Setup:   Single speed, Stock complete bike w/XT crank, Ergon Grips, White 17T freewheel

Overall Rating:1
Value Rating:1
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.

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   Less than 1 month

Price Paid:    $800.00

Purchased At:   LBS

Similar Products Used:   Soul Cycles Dillinger SS

Bike Setup:   100% STOCK

Overall Rating:4
Value Rating:5
Submitted by stinkyto a Weekend Warrior from B.C, Canada

Date Reviewed: April 29, 2010

Strengths:    Solid, Strong...not cheap...affordable.
Steel


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.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Sproat Lake

Duration Product Used:   3 months

Price Paid:    $500.00

Purchased At:   Ozzies

Similar Products Used:   Blizzard, stumpjumper

Bike Setup:   Geared 3 x 9. sram and reba bits where it matter and some conti rubber to stay on the ground.

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
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.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Otis Air Force Base, Cape Cod, MA

Duration Product Used:   6 months

Price Paid:    $450.00

Purchased At:   Bike swap meet

Similar Products Used:   Nothing really, just a bunch of 26" bikes with gears.

Bike Setup:   Rigid, singlespeed. Surly hubs, White Industries Freewheel, Avid BB7 brakes, Race Face DH cranks.

Reviews 1 - 15 (62 Reviews Total) | Next 15

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