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
Miker J
a Cross Country Rider
from PA Date Reviewed: September 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Love'm all
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
000
Strengths:
Great handling.
Good geometry.
Versatile.
Inexpensive.
Good customer service.
Love the rear horizontal drops.
Weaknesses:
Heavy frame. But since I'm carrying around an extra 10 pounds myself theses days, the extra pound on the frame is nothing.
Similar Products Used:
Many.
Bike Setup:
SS and geared. Rigid.
Bottom Line:
I've been riding mountain bikes for 15 years and this is my favorite frame.
I'm about to purchase my second KM frame and will have two in the stable. Too many spare parts have accumulated in my cellar to let stand gathering dust. I'm going to build up a second frame with spare parts and have both a geared and SS KM. I even have non-disc wheelsets I have to wear out and the KM lets go either disc or V.
The frame and fork work great together. I've tried both suspension and carbon forks and the bike doesn't handle nearly as well.
In terms of versatility, performance, and price this frame is tops.
The geometry is great. The 6' rider complaining needs to be on a 20" frame, not 18".
I could get any frame I wanted right now (ti, carbon, whatever...) but have come back to the Monkey.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Holmes
a Weekend Warrior
from Berthoud, CO Date Reviewed: August 23, 2009
Relatively heavy, bit of a handful in tight switchbacks
Bike Setup:
2009 'complete bike', (20" frame, Mr Whirly SS cranks, Nitto Torsion bar, Salsa Delgado Rims and Surly hubs, WTB saddle and tires, Avid BB7 mech disc brakes). Added Candy SL pedals and Ergon grips.
Bottom Line:
This is my first single speed 29er. I had considered building one up from scratch but got a bro' deal on the complete bike. Like all of the Surly 'complete' bikes it's good bang for the buck - nothing flash but well rounded. And like all Surly's it's not a feather weight.
On rolling, relatively smooth single track (the natural habitat for a rigid SS I suppose) this bike is *great* fun. Feels a little cumbersome in tight corners (maybe that's just me). At some point I may try it as a geared bike and throw a suspension fork on it. For now the simplicity and elegance of the rigid SS ride are pushing all the right buttons for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jmacjgm
a Weekend Warrior
from Prescott, AZ Date Reviewed: May 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Impossible to name just one in Prescott
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Southwest Sounds & C
Strengths:
Durable, Versatle, Great climber, responsive.
Weaknesses:
Sometimes I wish it was a little quicker in the corners and switchbacks...but I am riding a 21 size frame...
Bike Setup:
Single Speed. Chris King headset,BB,and hubs. Mavic 719 rims, Avid mech disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
I have been using this bike for everything; have thrashed and abused it to no end and it just keeps on handling the pain with ease. I just bought one for my brother also.
Get the frame, set it up however you like and it will impress.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Racer
from East Coast, for now Date Reviewed: April 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
York River, Fountainhead, Bluff Point
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Smooth Compliant Ride, Versatility, Price
Weaknesses:
Weight - 6 lbs for the large frame w/o fork. Yikes!
Similar Products Used:
None, this is my first 29er
Bike Setup:
SRAM XO, Magura Marta SL, Stans ZTR 355's w/ AC hubs, Rockshox Reba Team, FSA K-Force Light, CB 4Ti, Kenda Karmas. 24.15 lbs with pedals and Stans in the tires.
Bottom Line:
After reading all the reviews and test riding this bike at Sea Otter last year, I decided to get one and build it up as a trail bike. It works very well for that purpose. The bike is very smooth and has very forgiving neutral handling. It climbs and descents predictibly and the 29ers roll over most anything. The bike is very easy to ride. It won't beat you up and it's not twitchy but you can still hammer with your friends if the need arises - doesn't it always? It is not good in tight spots, becomes unbalanced on steep climbs, and doesn't accelerate well. I expected these shortcomings with the geometry, frame material, and larger wheels, so overall I'm very satisfied. Don't make the mistake of buying a 29er and expect it to do all the things your old bike did and also have the benefits of larger wheels - you'll be disappointed. That said, this bike will satisfy most riders in a wide variety of terrain if used for its intended purpose. It makes a great trail bike that you can take anywhere and have fun with.
Buy it if this is your first 29er and you're looking for a go anywhere, do everything, fun trail bike.
Don't buy it if you are looking for a new rig that will do everything better than your old one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
commuteallyear
a Weekend Warrior
from Bergen, Norway Date Reviewed: April 12, 2009
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Strengths:
Bought frame to get a 29er/commuter while recycling the parts I had lying around. It is a fairly nimble bike and stable going downhill.Does not feel oversized, although the front is high. WTB Mutanoraptors functioned very well.
Weaknesses:
There are a significant number of design flaws. I broke the threads to the rear derailleur hanger immediately, and these must be prepped before use. The bottom bracket housing must be faced before using types with external bearings. Mine came lose and was destroyed after 3 months. Regular bearings work fine. The front derailleur needs to be old type LX to avoid clearance issues. The rear dropouts are a pain necessitating disc brake removal when fixin flats, and giving clearance issues between V-brake wire and 29er tyres when not using Monkey Nuts.Would you have your hydraulic disc brake hanging by the hose while fixing flats in the woods? Reliance of a spacer to create wheel clearance makes compact geometry more fiction than fact. Although the ride is good without a load, using rear panniers tend to give a pronounced shimmy in the frame at moderat speeds. I would not use this bike for loaded touring, but commuting and light mixed trail training is OK. Mounting fenders and rear rack requires careful thought in selecting parts - clip-ons and no rack is best setup. You need a tall rack to encompass 29er tires.
If you accept the large number of design issues, this bike gives a good ride when ridden with light loads and medium width tires. As a single speed 29er with mechanical disc brakes, it could do the job. The GT Peace delivers superior performance at a lower price, and can be ridden home from the shop without hassle.
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Submitted by
jetrenkel
a Weekend Warrior
from Monmouth, OR Date Reviewed: February 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Dan's
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Awesomeness, huge grin fun, sweet handling and the dependability of steel
Weaknesses:
On a 21" bike it can be tough to swing it through a tight switchback, but I doubt its an issue for normally sized people
Similar Products Used:
Mariachi, Moots Y-bb
Bike Setup:
Hope SS hubs on velocity blunt rims (sweet rims by the way; spread the word) Conti mountain king 29 tires, XTR cranks and brakes, thomson stem and post, king steelset, monkeylite bars
Bottom Line:
This bike is sweet. I toyed with buying a Moots for a while, but honestly if you want to go out for a good time and maybe stomp some gear heads into the ground then this is the bike to do it on. Don't think of it as buying a cheap frame; its got everything you need. Take the money you saved and get some great components to let the beauty of this bike really show through.
Background: I'm 6'5" and 220 lbs. I work at a bike shop and I had a lot of options available, but I know I would buy this bike again in a second.
"My singlespeed is sacred. Usefulness comes from what is not there."
-Corvus Corax
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
koontz 29er
a Weekend Warrior
from Oklahohoma City, OK, USA Date Reviewed: January 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Clearbay at T-Bird
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Custom build through
Strengths:
4130 Cromoly!!! Great elastic range for a full rigid single speed setup. Inexpensive, USA made, durable paint, simple and clean design, versatile.
On One Mary bars, White Brothers rigid carbon fork, slider dropouts, Schwalbe Racing Ralph 29x2.4 tires on Laserdisc wheels. Hope mini hydraulic disc brakes
Bottom Line:
I had to actually do some research AFTER I rode this bike to figure out why I loved it so much. The ride quality of the frame is amazing and that is exceptionally important on a full rigid setup. It handles/corners better than any 26er bike with suspension that I have ridden. I have never experienced any trouble in tight singletrack and the bike is perfectly balanced. It climbs exceptionally so much so that extra weight for a steel frame is not even noticeable. The large volume tires and steel frame are perfect for handling rough terrrain and technical sections, you will be amazed what you can clean on this machine. I have been riding hard for about 4 years and in the 6 mos I have owned this bike I have improved my riding twofold over the previous 3-1/2...so much so my comrades were amazed. I realize that every rider is different and many may not want to go minimalist on a tech trail, but this bike is versatile, add a rear derailleur and suspension fork and Voila! I just bent the down tube after missing my line on a log bridge and plopping four feet below (but it was a freak deal and I landed 90 degrees square on the front wheel.........like an idiot I was in the free ride park section on my full rigid. Every frame has limits if you abuse it, but it is a very strong frame. I started looking around at what to replace it with but after the steel experience, steered away from aluminum bikes like Niner and well I bought another Monkey. It is a blessing when as a rider you find that perfect bike and the right geometry, fit, and setup that it all just feels in harmony. From now on its just me and my Monkey, I hope you find yours!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jayem
a Downhiller
from Prescott, AZ Date Reviewed: January 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Lake Tahoe Bike Path
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
QBP
Strengths:
Strong. Reliable. Fun. Goes fast. Blue.
Weaknesses:
Horizontal Dropouts, haven't had any big problem from them, but it's a bit of a pain to undo the rear brake to remove the wheel. They are necessary for SSing though, so I won't knock it down on this, and they haven't given me any real trouble.
Great value. Great bike. Can't fault it, it's exactly what it's supposed to be and one of those products that actually is good without costing an arm and a leg.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shinkee
a Weekend Warrior
from Milwaukee, WI Date Reviewed: December 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
John Muir Southern Kettles
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Wheel and Sprocket B
Strengths:
Inexpensive versatile frame, lots of tire clearance,
Weaknesses:
not the cleanest welds, a touch heavy
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Montare
Bike Setup:
King SS hubs laced to DT X470 rims, Sulry Mr. Whirly SS crank, King Headset, XT Hyd Brakes, FSA carbon bar, Thomson Stem and Seatpost, Bonty Switchblade Carbon Fork, Fizik Aliente XM saddle, XT pedals, SRAM PC991 Hollow pin chain
Bottom Line:
Bought the frame since I was itching to get back to a 29er, Great price. Climbs, descends and corners well. I like the versatility of the frame if I decided to switch to something else, then it could be and excellent commuter if I retire it from trail riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ja2niner
a Cross Country Rider
from Pennsylvania Date Reviewed: October 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
USA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Affordable and versatile bike. Good construction and smooth build. Short wheel base makes it nimble and easy to loft and bunny hop.
Weaknesses:
This is a great commuter bike or cross bike but the geometry does not suite a Mountain build. The combination of the short top tube and steep headtube angle create a conundrum; you feel like you are riding on top of the bike instead of in it. I am 6 feet tall and had the 18" frame. I needed a 110mm stem to get the proper cockpit set up but the catch 22 was that the longer stem put me too far over the front wheel. This led to endos, even with my weight back as far as it could go. To avoid the endo problem I used a 90mm stem and moved my seat back. This put me in a bad pedaling position and led to wheelies on mild climbs. Shifting my weight forward on climbs led to spinning out the back wheel. Overall, I was very, very disappointed with the geometry and balance of this frame. I replaced it with a Jabberwocky and the difference is staggering. I feel like I am riding "in" the JW because of the longer top tube, slacker head tube angle and longer wheel base.
Similar Products Used:
Niner Air9, vassago Jabberwocky
Bike Setup:
1 x 9 set up, American Classic Wheelset, race face cranks and seat post, avid BB7 brakes, used both 100mm Reba and the surly fork.
Bottom Line:
I feel as though Surly tried to do too much with one frame thus diminishing the overall quality. Bottom line, they chose quantity over quality. This frame would make a great cross bike or commuter bike but it's use as a mountain frame is highly overrated. The KM geometry is vastly inferior to Vassago's "wetcat", Fisher's G2, and Niner - all of which give you the feeling of riding in the bike and not on top of it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kentiff
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA, USA Date Reviewed: October 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
A River Runs Through It (in the Whistler valley)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
Versatility - this frame can be set up with disc brakes, v-brakes, or cantis. It can accomodate a 26" wheel, a 27" wheel, or a 29" wheel. It can run with gears or without thanks to the horizontal dropouts. Even the disc brake mounts have variable adjustments on them - every manufacturer should be doing this!
Value - it's well priced for a steel frame.
Paint - the durability of the paint far surpasses 90% of the other bikes I've used (and I've owned many).
Feel - Steel is smooth and forgiving, and this frame is a perfect example of that. It's forgiving enough to soak up enough of the trail bumps, yet still stiff enough to allow a rider to stand up and crank when needed. I really enjoyed the feel of this bike on the trail.
Weaknesses:
On the heavier side.
Similar Products Used:
Steel hardtails - Dekerf Team, Rocky Mountain Blizzard, Brodie eXpresso, Kona Cinder Cone, Rocky Mountain Hammer,
Several aluminum hardtails, and carbon hardtails.
Many FR and DH bikes.
Bike Setup:
There are many ways to build this. I elected for a 69er (26" wheel in the back, 29" wheel in the front) setup with disc brakes and gears - Large metallic brown frame, Maverick SC32 fork, SRAM9/XTR drive train, King Headset and hubs, Hayes HMX-2 brakes.
Bottom Line:
Everyone should have a rock solid steel hardtail to trail ride. This bike is most definitely rock solid. It's versatile, well thought out, well painted, and light enough to do most anything. All this, and it's remarkably well priced.
I expected less of this bike than many of the other high-end steel hardtails I've ridden, but I was wrong. This is a high quality bike at a bargain price. I plan to keep mine for a long time. Give this bike some serious thought before spending more on an alternative.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MightySchmoePong
a Cross Country Rider
from Olney, MD, USA Date Reviewed: June 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Frederick Watershed
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Cheap? Seems to be durable. Pretty stiff in the BB.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, low BB, jarring ride. The front fork was absolutely brutal and the fine Surly engineering doesn't allow for a front shock. Hassle to run rear disc brake as well.
Similar Products Used:
Vassago Jabberwocky, Black Sheep 29er, Lynskey Pro29. Spot 29er.
Bottom Line:
Not sure I understand all the love for this bike. Seems to be cheap, heavy and rough riding. The BB is stupid low for riding in rocks. I bought one of these to see if I liked SS and/or 29ers. Good think I tried other 29er bikes, because this one certainly didn't sell me on them.
I think people get caught up in the Surly "image".
It is dirt cheap, but honestly looking at it you get what you pay for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Runtsch
a Cross Country Rider
from Prior Lake, MN Date Reviewed: May 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Seven Oaks
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$775.00
Purchased At:
Oneota River Cycles (Decorah, IA)
Strengths:
Steel feels awesome. Great handling, especially compared to my FS Fisher Cake. Very comfortable. The frame is super strong and super versatile.
Weaknesses:
As far as the frame goes, none for my style of riding. (I don't use a suspension fork and don't have much of a problem taking my back wheel off, even with a disc brake).
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Rig, Redline Monocog, Raleigh XXIX
Bike Setup:
Rigid single speed mountain bike. Panaracer Rampage 2.35" tires, WTB Laser Disc rim and XT hub in back and WTB Dual Duty rim and Deore hub in front. Avid BB7's. Cheap alu bars, stem and post. Usually a Brooks B17 saddle. WTB crap headset.
Bottom Line:
When I bought this, I had never mountain biked with a 29er before, only ridden around on test rides. But from reviews of 29ers and specifically this bike, I knew I would love it. The first ride was awesome. This bike handles so well compared to my Cake 2 DLX. The steel along with 2.35" tires make it feel super comfy as if it does have suspension. The short chainstays make it handle great in singletrack riding. Overall, this bike is just amazing. Anyone who bikes should have one of these, they can do anything. It is a super good deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from PR BC Canada Date Reviewed: May 13, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
SCC
Strengths:
I feel like I finally found "the" bike to satisfy my needs. Price was good for a frame and fork, it has so many build options.
Weaknesses:
Its not a 3-4 pound frame, so it does not satisfy my wants, I will eventually replace it.
Similar Products Used:
My first 29er.
Bike Setup:
2008, blue, 16 inch, DT340/Velocity wheels, Rampage 2.35 tubeless, titanium post, carbon riser bar, avid 7. XT bits.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I love 29 inch wheels. I find that more sticks n stuff get thrown up and sucked into the wheels than 26er, I broke off my first rear derailer on this bike. Cool thing is once the derailer snapped just cut out chain links and slide the rear hub to make a single speed to get home. Steering is perfect, no toe overlap, I have the bar width height and stem length dialed so that it steers with body english at speed but can handle the slow tight stuff too. I run full rigid with the rampage tires and get nice ride similar to a 3 inch xc bike but can plow over the biggest wet roots without loosing your front wheels from under you. I also chose carbon bars and titanium post to give a more forgiving ride, and it works. The frame is nice n springy once the speed and technical increases. I love steel and this frame is so nice. The forks are pretty good too, I like the precision so much I dont want to buy a flexy suspension fork.. The paint is really scratch resistant on this bike too. I will ride this until I can afford a custom Castellano Silk Ti 29er frame.... This was the best place to start to try a 29er since no one else where I live owns one. When I get more rides on it I will update my reviews.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Burlington, VT USA Date Reviewed: April 30, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
My friend sold it to me
Strengths:
This review is for the campstove green Karate Monkey (2004?) Surly frames are solid. They sure aren't light, but they're built to last. They're inexpensive. They're well engineered. Surly has good customer service. The KM can be run single speed or with gears, discs or rim brakes. It is highly versatile. I haven't ridden another 29er, so i can't compare it's performance.
Weaknesses:
All but the most recent models of the Karate Monkey don't have sufficient downtube clearance for modern suspension forks. My model included. (As an aside, i fixed this by buying a Chris King headset and a Ventana crown spacer speciallly designed for King headsets. The fork crown just clears!)
Similar Products Used:
None really.
Bike Setup:
Single speed with shimano disc in front, v-brakes in back, avid levers. Hugi front hub with a delgado rim, surly rear hub with delgado rim.
Bottom Line:
I like this frame a lot. I bought it to use as a winter commuter and summer mountain bike. The option to use disc/rim brakes is nice, as is being able to add a rear derailleur. The frame isn't light but it'll keep on rollin after you bash it into a tree. Surly frames are well engineered and it shows. The one problem with this particular model year of the frame is a lack of downtube clearance for newer suspension forks. I'd recommend this bike to anyone. I like it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike J.
a Racer
from JC,MO Date Reviewed: March 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Too many
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
bought it from a friend already built up...
Strengths:
Steel is real baby, and the geometry is flawless, IMO.
Weaknesses:
As far as I've seen, this bike has none, and I have put it through the paces this last year, even riding it up in CO last summer.
This bike is damn amazing! I don't understand how anyone can think this bike is anything like a tank, other than the fact that it's probably tougher than a tank, but I digress. I'm a 150-60 lb rider and my bike probably weighs in around 24-5 lb range, maybe lower as I haven't weighed it lately. The fact is, it handles in tight singletrack as well as any other 29er I've rode, and probably better than any 26er I've rode. As mentioned above, I took this bad boy up to CO this last summer and rode multiple black diamond trails on it rigid (yes, people around winter park and red rock thought I was insane) and this mfer soaked up all the punishment I could give to it. IMO you can't get a more versatile, well made bike with out going custom. Plus, can you really beat a steel frame that you can build up for a sub 25 lb bike? SURLY is an American company that will never sell out, unlike some others (I won't call anyone out). Why are you still here? Go buy one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig W
a Weekend Warrior
from Tulsa Oklahoma USA Date Reviewed: February 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
still looking
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$345.00
Purchased At:
Frame @ Jenson build parts, Jenson Cambria, Peter White, LBS
Strengths:
Strength, Look, Ride, Versatility
Weaknesses:
Difficult to remove rear wheel with Disks
Similar Products Used:
1st 29er bought/built after test riding a few
previous rides include Tech, Specialized, Puegot, etc.
Bike Setup:
XT/LX drive, LX wet brakes with combo levers,Thompson Stem, Cane Creek, Easton Post, Profile Bars, Oury grip, Big Apples mounted on Mavics, Kona Jacksh t pedals.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, and the near all black with silver spokes looks sharp. I've yet to test the Schwalbe tires on anything challenging as of yet but look forward to it. It just fits and responds like no other bike i've had.
I would race this bike in the old fart class without hesitation, great all around bike for anyone though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a Cross Country Rider
from Decorah, Iowa Date Reviewed: December 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
South Mountain, Phoenix
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$420.00
Purchased At:
DNA cycles, Mesa, AZ
Strengths:
acceleration, short wheelbase, track drop-outs, lack of EBB, versatility, plus it's a surly so you know it's the coolest thing on the trail. I feel it is superior to any other 29er
Weaknesses:
Bottom bracket is a bit low, 73mm bottom brackets can be tough to find when using old square taper cranks.
Similar Products Used:
none, first niner
Bike Setup:
rigid 1x9 xtr, mary bars, old school rf turbine cranks, blackspire bashguard, chris king, bb7s, thomson stem and post, 2.3 rampages all blacked out
Bottom Line:
Pretty much everything you've read about 29er's is true, they're amazing. I bought one because they are a do it all machine and that's a plus for a (somewhat) frugal college student. I like the fact that I can put road and cyclocross tires on it too. I may take it on RAGBRAI this year. Get out there and ride peoples!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Groove Daddy
a Weekend Warrior
from Roseville, MN USA Date Reviewed: November 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Reservoir Woods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
One on One Studio
Strengths:
Durable, responsive and compliant frame. Very smooth ride.
Weaknesses:
None yet!
Similar Products Used:
None since my childhood Dyno Detour. As far as MTB goes, this is my first 29", first rigid bike, first steel frame, first single speed. My other MTB is a full-sus geared aluminum 26".
Bike Setup:
Rigid single speed, Stylo cranks, King HS, Mavic rims and Surly hubs, Shimano rim brakes with Avid levers, Salsa bar and stem. Some skinny cross tires for commuting.
Bottom Line:
Since 2001 I have been riding a high-end FS geared 26", and although I love that bike, over time I began to be drawn to the aesthetic of simplicity that single speed bikes have. I also decided that I wanted to commute to work via bike, and so my search for a do-it-all bike began. I initially had my heart set on a Surly 1x1, but was convinced by a friend that my 8-mile commute (from Roseville to downtown Minneapolis) would be easier on a bike with bigger wheels. He recommended cross bikes like the Bianchi San Jose and the Surly Crosscheck, but since I will always be a mountain biker at heart, I couldn't quite swallow the idea of buying one of those. I wanted a bike that was burly enough to handle serious trails, but would also make a decent commuter through all of the Minnesota seasons. I began looking into 29ers, and finally settled on the Karate Monkey.
So how does it ride?? Like a dream, man!! It is smooth like nothing I have experienced before. Not squishy and plush like my FS, just...smooth! I was a bit nervous about the rigid fork, but to my surprise it is nowhere near as jarring as I expected. Maybe this is what people mean by the "feel of steel"? Whatever it is, I am sold on the rigid/steel/singlespeed/29" thing!
On another note, many reviewers have described this frame as being heavy. Maybe I'm just used to a heavy FS bike, but the Karate Monkey feels light to me. I am not the world's strongest climber, but I have gotten this bike up some hills that previously gave me trouble. What's more, the KM feels snappy and responsive; far from the lumbering tank that some people have described it as being. Maybe the snap is in part due to the rigid fork?
Before I bought the KM I also looked at other 29" bikes like the Raleigh XXIX and Redline Mono. They were appealing due to the low price, but ultimately do not compare to the quality of the KM frame.
I have been commuting on the KM for a few weeks now, and have ridden it on some of my favorite trails. I love this bike and will be riding it for a long time to come, and would recommend it to anybody who wants a do-it-all bike that actually does it all very well!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike D.
a Cross Country Rider
from NorCal Date Reviewed: September 25, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Steel frame absorbs shock well. The curved seat tube shortens the wheelbase about 1" relative to what it would be if it were straight. So the total wheelbase is only about 1/2" longer than my Surly 1X1. Overall, a very well thought out frame that's worth every penny of the $400 it cost me.
Weaknesses:
The frame is on the heavy side. But, Surly doesn't care so why should I?
Similar Products Used:
This is my first 29er. I have owned about 5 26er's in my time though.
Bike Setup:
8 speed, 100 mm White Brothers Magic 29, Avid BB7 discs, ... overall it comes in just under 30 lbs.
Bottom Line:
Most set up their Monkeys as rigid single speeds. I've ridden a Surly 1X1 for the past 2 years and it was time for a change. By the way, the 1X1 was tough to give up.
This bike rips. I rode it rigid for the first dozen or so rides. Rigid, it was like a big and bad motocross bike.
I've had the 100mm fork for about another dozen rides. Personally, I like the suspension fork better than a rigid fork. Especially since the White Brothers Magic 29 is so tuneable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mathias Malak
a
from Miami Date Reviewed: August 26, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$475.00
Strengths:
Everything
Weaknesses:
Price and stickers dont come off easily
Bike Setup:
built up
Bottom Line:
This is the best 29er frame out there for a fully rigid ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan O
a Cross Country Rider
from NC Date Reviewed: August 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
the one I'm riding
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Design, powdercoat, steel, strong, fast, plush, cool, unique. A product designed by cyclists for cyclists. Surly customer support is as great as their products..great people, great bikes, great service.
Weaknesses:
Bicycle does not come with extra time for riding.
Similar Products Used:
Waterloo made, hard tail aluminum 26"
Bike Setup:
Single speed, disc brakes
Bottom Line:
There is only one thing I like riding more than this bicycle!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Choke
a Cross Country Rider
from Fremont, CA, United States Date Reviewed: July 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mission Peak
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
bikeman.com
Strengths:
Versatility & It's Black!
Weaknesses:
Offers too many options, if that can be a weakness.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Rigid, Single speed 34x20, On One Midge flared drop bar, WTB Dual Duty rims, Deore hubs, IRC Notos 29 x 2.05 tires, spd's, Planet X Uranus saddle, Dimension cyclocross cranks, Forte single speed convo kit, XT v-brakes, Dia Compe V287 brake levers.
Bottom Line:
Great value, climbs like a goat, flies down descents. I love it. You can set it up however you want: geared, single, cantilevers, v-brakes, disc brakes. I don't think it really gets better than this unless you NEED a true-blue racing bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Hunt
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkeley CA Date Reviewed: July 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Enchanted Loop
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Trade. First Flight Bikes.
Strengths:
Solid build.
Weaknesses:
Weight. Front derailleure clearance. Headset and bottom bracket shells must be chaced and faced prior to bearing instalations. Some frames you can get away with not having to chace and face but if you use a King headset or a new external bearing bottom bracket this is a must.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized 29 er. (Or is it a 700 er? )
Bike Setup:
Paul Motolites and Paul levers, Salsa Delgado rims, Salsa Moto Ace bar and Cromoly SUL stem, LX cranks, Chris King headset, Canadian made Syncros seatpost, Bontrager Race Day saddle, XTR hubs, frog pdals, Specailzed Fast Trak LK tires, WTB tubes, Wheelsmith 15/16 gauge spokes, Spline alloy nipples.
Bottom Line:
This bike is blast to ride but has some quirks. The rear drop outs are kind of a pain but since I've been riding a Spot single speed for nine year you get used to it. The front derailleur set up is a struggle but Surly lists their favorite choices on their website. That said I think a lot of full sus bikes have more front derailleur issuses than the Karate Monkey.
At first I though Wes Williams of Willits bikes was out of his mind when he would wander around Interbike like John the Baptist trying to make converts but now I'm converted. I'll never own another 26" mtb again.
I now can climb steeper and looser single track trails. I can pick more techinical lines on a trail and because of the extra coosh of the fat tires I'll never own another susupension fork.
29"ers may limit smaller riders from joining the club but for all my 6'4" 160 lbs of scar material and sinew the Karate Monkey fits me fine!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Damien Theo
a Cross Country Rider
from philly, pa Date Reviewed: July 5, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat
Strengths:
great handling/geometry, versatility, price.
Weaknesses:
rear disc mount a bit of a hassle to remove wheel. Front derailleur clearance. Fat rear tires (WTB 2.55) will rub if all the way in the dropout. Heavy. Standover could be lower.
Similar Products Used:
Ventana Padrino 29er
Bike Setup:
Reba 100mm, Midge drop bars, 1X9, 32C tires for commuting.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike and probably the best value for the dollar of any bike ever made. Tight wheelbase and chainstays make it a fast turning and climbing bike on tight singletrack unlike other 29er slugs. I am running a 100mm Reba but my bars are a bit lower than on other bikes. I like the handling as it is. It steers plenty fast but I want to try the 80mm fork and see how that is. I have an extra set of wheels with road tires for commuting and I plan to throw a rack on it for grocery getting and hopefully some mountain touring. It's simply a great bike that can do anything at an unbeatable price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david
a Racer
from columbia, tn usa Date Reviewed: June 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
oak mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
looks great, feels right, options galore, short wheelbase performs well in tight/twisty singletrack, welds, paint (husker blue), trueness in fork and disc brake mounts
Weaknesses:
none detected so far- weight weenies would sniff, though
Similar Products Used:
first 29er, but i've owned cdales, scott, waltworks, derosa, airborne, and a surly crosscheck
Bike Setup:
07 karate monkey singlespeed and rigid- avid bb7, nokon cables, eno cranks, phil wood bb, chris king stainless headset and hubs w/stan's arch rims, crow on rear and rampage on front
Bottom Line:
i really wanted another waltworks, but couldn't wait. figured i could try 29 on the cheap with the KM and order custom later if i liked it. it won't be necessary- this frame/fork feels like it's worth twice what i paid for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Baker
a Racer
from Putney Date Reviewed: March 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
endless
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Westhill Shop
Strengths:
Rides lighter than it is. Strong yet forgiving frame. Love the bigger wheels. Versatile for gears and SS.
Weaknesses:
A bit to heavy for sustained climbing. I ride it rigid and for longer rides some suspension would be nice. Hard to keep the rear wheel true.
Similar Products Used:
My 1st 29er
Bike Setup:
Full SRAM drivetrain, American Classic hubs laced with DT Swiss rims, Thomson Post, Ritchey WCS stem, Monkey Lite bars, XT crank
Bottom Line:
The karate monkey is a wonderful bike for everyday riding and if racing is a priority would recommend a lighter frame or front suspension.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TrailSlayer
a Racer
from Cupertino, CA Date Reviewed: February 22, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Custom Built Myself
Strengths:
Nice thick dropouts,bottom routed cables(good for wet wether),nice geometry- handles real well.Great price.Rides like a Surly!!!
Weaknesses:
None-I like the extra weight of the strong 4130 cromoly steel frame.Doesn't glance off rocks and bounce around as much.I'm a strong rider and dont care about the weight issue.I just want quality materials.
Similar Products Used:
My first 29er- my third Surly frame.
Bike Setup:
Wheels:(Phil Wood 36 hole,wheelsmith 14g spokes, brass nips, velocity dyad hoops)Running 1x9setup. Blackspire 34tooth singlespped front ring,spot bash guard, n-gear jump stop. 12-34 tooth cassette. Sram X7 trigger shifter and rear mech.King headset, thompson stem, american classic seatpost, avid bb7 discs with ebc gold aftermarket pads.Easton ea 50 bar, oury lock on grips, maxis ignitor 2.1 tires. Using the 5mm monkey nutz to pull the rear end a bit back for mud clearance.2 coats of JP weigle frame saver on the inside.Its a size small frame Im 5'7" have no toe overlap issues.
Bottom Line:
I've been itchin to try a 29er for a while, but was just so content on my Surly 1x1 singlespeed and other rides.I found for myself a 1x9 setup is definetly the way to go.I wanted gears in the back for epic rides but a singlering in the front, because frankly I believe front derailluers are evil. Like many have described I was blown away how much my climbing improved with the bigger tires.These things just roll over rocks that used to knock my front end all around.My 26 SS still rips the doors off the Monkey in tight, twisty , technical singletrack no matter what others say about a 29er handling just as well- they are simply amatuer riders whom are not riding agressively in the first place.I dig the rigid fork. On my 26" ride I ditched the rigid fork after 2 weeks, but with the longer length of the fork combined with the bigger tires, I haven't wanted to put a suspension on my 29er yet and its been a while since Ive had it.Its not a bike that tears through trails anyhow- its more of a high speed longer distance smoother riding XC trail bike- the kind that gives you a killer cardio workout and takes you many many miles from the trailhead. Overall I really like the Karate Monkey and it rode how I expected it would.Its gonna be a keeper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn
a Weekend Warrior
from OKC Date Reviewed: February 19, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Customer service, Flat out flies in the rough and for a bigger guy, I dont really notice any flex.
Weaknesses:
if you run suspension, on the older model KM the fork hits the downtube, also if you run gears, front derallieurs are finicky, If you have the money get a King bolt on hub. It really eliminates any hasel with the Monkey Nuts.
Similar Products Used:
First 29er
Bike Setup:
Sram XO twistys, XO rear der, Xgen front der, White Brothers magic 80, thomson stem & seatpost, king headset, Specialized Sworks carbon riser bar, Avid juicy 5 brakes, Truvativ Stylo GXP crank, if you havent noticed ANTI SHIMANO, Dt TK 7.1 rims with Supercomp spokes
Bottom Line:
If you are interested in 29ers get a monkey. You wont be disappointed and if you ever get another bike, keep the monkey and build it up like a townie. The bike rides great, and once you get the gremlins worked out on the set up there isnt another bike I have had experience with that beats it. Overall I wont be getting rid of mine for some time to come.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
M@rco
a Cross Country Rider
from TORINO - ITALY Date Reviewed: February 19, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Price, the feel of the steel.
Weaknesses:
ABSOLUTELY not for use with a front FORK !!! You will have 68 degree Head tube angle, not good handling for 29er !!! Rear dropout not the best ...
Similar Products Used:
Zion 29er, Fisher Paragon 29er
Bike Setup:
Geared
Bottom Line:
I like the feel of the steel but I must use this frame with rigid fork because with REBA 80mm I loose all the handling and the front wheel go everywhere on hillclimb.
Anyway I use it with rigid fork and have a very good traction on every huphill with rocks and roots too, but not to go downhill on the same single track if you like to go fast ...
A good frame but not exactly an XC frame to use with suspension fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trogdor
a Cross Country Rider
from Missoula, MT, USA Date Reviewed: February 11, 2007
Rigid, baby! Surly hubs w/Salsa Delgado rims, RaceFace cranks, Avid BB7 disc brakes, Thomsen seatpost, Selle San Marco Era seat, Ritchey WCS stem, Easton EC70 flat bar, etc, etc...
Bottom Line:
Where do I start? This bike handles like a dream. I switched from a geared/suspended aluminum hardtail and have never looked back! I was skeptical about building a rigid 29er w/disc brakes and sat through numerous assaults from my "purest" singlespeeder buds, but after it was all said and done I will never ride anything 26" again.
It climbs like a goat, it charges through singltrack like a freight train, and it blew me away when it came to navigating those poorly constructed switchbacks. This setup handles fast, steep, and rocky descents better than my Stumpchumper. And I don't have any problems with toe overlap.
Anyone who thinks that running a rigid fork will slow you down needs to get some skills. I've not noticed any difference in descents. 4130 soaks it all up, but that also comes with a cost- I've noticed that the bottom bracket really flexes under hard climbing conditions. I also strongly urge the use of a DH headset. The massive fork acts as a huge lever and will destroy a regular headset. Trust me. Lifetime warranty my butt...
When searching for a 29er frame a I spent many, many nights researching custom frames. I wanted a simple steel frame with more or less traditional geometry. I was at the time willing to spend the money. Other manufacturers always had somehting I didn't want. Fancy dropouts, or a sloping top tube, or didn't offer a steel frame, or whatever. When it came down to it I just couldn't justify spending that much money for some frame that I'd be afraid to take off the rack and ride or just plain handled like garbage. I took a gamble with a "cheap" frame and it paid off. I've seen Surly rise from a nobody company because: 1) they ride; and 2) they build study, no frills frames that can take finesse or abuse. It's your choice.
Buy the ticket, take the ride! Don't be afraid to purchase something that isn't the most expensive thing on the market. High prices often don't equal satisfaction.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Chrsitchurch, New Zealand Date Reviewed: February 3, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
Geometry, the elastic feel of steel, simplicity, precision of handling
Weaknesses:
Not cheap here in NZ.
Similar Products Used:
Assorted experiments with old 700C frames, internal geared hubs.
Bike Setup:
Karate Monkey Large Frame, Rear Sturmey Archer 8-speed internal geared hub, front - mid 1980's Normandy road hub, WTB 2.55" Weirwolf tyres and sun rims; Tektro V-brakes; Exustar SPD pedals; Salsa crankset; no-brand flat steel bars.
Bottom Line:
My KM purchase was the result of getting tired of all the same-same, too complex and finiky products being offered by the main makers, and that at 6'2", 220 lbs. with size 15 feet I felt like I was overpowering most of the 26" bikes - and my toes had a nasty habit of running into the front wheel when things got tight. 29ers have to be the way to go for bigger riders – even from the point of aesthetics – on a 26” bike I look like I’ve nicked some child’s ride and the 29er feels a lot more “my size” - any my toes don't foul the front tyre!
I tried assorted old 700C frames, but needed something to take a bigger-than-cyclocross tyre - enter the KM. I've been running it on the road with 48mm City-contact slicks as a great urban assault weapon/commuter with the 8-speed hub, and I’m trying out some 2.55 LT Weirwolf tyres which are the best hardpack/general XC tyres I’ve used to date: the extra volume has transformed the handling, given the bike’s unsuspended state.
Single track/XC/gravel-road touring use, with some climbing and on-trail down-hilling - have got to the age where the really vigorous and technical stuff has lost its appeal as I'm a bit slower to heal these days. The KM does very well at all of these duties – supple-yet-stiff steel frame, precise handling, easy to ride DH (if you don’t go crazy) because the wheelbase is long enough to stop it getting too skittish, but also manages to be a good climber because the rear wheel is tucked well in under you, and good at just rolling along over pretty well anything that gets in your way on the flat stuff, courtesy of the 29” wheels.
There is only one drawback: I have the feeling I'm going to get on that great upgrade path, because the bike is a fantastic test bed for anything you want to try and a delight for experimenters (embrace the inner geek!). After only a few days on the new tyres, items high on the shopping list are Rock Shox Rebas or maybe a White Brothers Magic 29 (if the budget will take it); a dual speed rear + twin chain-rings + a singleator; and maybe disc brakes. I may also need to buy a second KM to keep on the road as the first bike becomes more and more off-road dedicated.
All in all, great general purpose bike that can have pretty well anything fitted to it in the way of extras and accessories. No, it’s not the latest thing, it certainly isn’t the lightest and a low bling factor (thank God) – but it does everything at least capably, the important stuff very well and hasn’t become so specialised it is a pain to use outside it’s own small ecosystem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike D.
a Cross Country Rider
from Atherton, CA, USA Date Reviewed: January 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
UC Santa Cruz
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$860.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
The best frame $400 can buy. Steel frame is strong but oh so forgiving. When you ride the bike, it handles just like a 26er; with the added benefit of the raw rolling power only 29er wheels can provide. That is to say, Surly really nailed the frame geometry.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
I trialed a Gary Fisher rig. The Monkey frame is about 1.5 lbs heavier, but the Surly steel tubing is well worth it.
Bike Setup:
Rigid with Avid BB7 front and rear, single speed (36-18), Salsa Delgado rims, XT components for the rest.
Bottom Line:
I've owned this bike for 1 day and have taken it for 1 ride. I plan to add gears (I already have a Surly 1x1), riser stem and bars. Later I'll add a front shock. It's unbelievable how much this bike handles like my Surly 1x1. The curved seat tube makes it all possible. Nice touch Surly, hope you patented that design.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
carl service
a Cross Country Rider
from long beach, ca Date Reviewed: January 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
el moro canyon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
bikeman.com
Strengths:
29" wheels rail corners harder than any other steel is real short wheel base is awesome. feels like huge bmx bike
Weaknesses:
rear disc brake configuration. front derailluer clearance. neither bothers me. i don't run discs or gears!
Bike Setup:
32:16 surly hubs xtr v brakes, paul love levers, ridgid
Bottom Line:
the karate monkey is the most amazing bike i have ever ridden. yes there are custom hand built 29ers and ti and carbon frames. whatever. for the price and the way it rides, nothing comes close to it. it is my pure bred race bike. i weigh 220 and this bike is an extension of my body. i would recommend a KM to every one. this is also my first single speed. let me tell you, single speeding has completely changed the way i look at mountain biking. it is an awesome experience. people think i'm a kook cause they don't understand SS. i try to explain it but i don't think any one that isn't a true mountain biker or cyclist will every fully understand why SS is so RAD.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anthony
a
from Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada Date Reviewed: December 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
Wide tire clearance, many set-up options, beefy 4130 tubing.
Weaknesses:
Tricky to run v-brakes with fat 29er tires.
Bike Setup:
Rigid fork, 9 gears, v-brakes, Surly bars. I'm a 6'6" clyde and the XL(22") fits great.
Bottom Line:
A rugged steel frame at a great price. You can't go wrong with anything from Surly. Buy this frame if you want something that can go from XC bike to commuter to snowbike to singlespeed to...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dean Machine
a Cross Country Rider
from ohio Date Reviewed: September 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
can't decide
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$247.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Versitle,strong,can run wide tires,geometry,
Weaknesses:
takes practice fixing flats when running discs on horizonal dropouts.cable routing under bottom bracket,if using suspension fork watch out for frame clearence.
Similar Products Used:
none first 29er
Bike Setup:
sram attack shifter,xtr rear derailleur,2006 deore crank w super god bashring,botrager race wheelset,wtb motorapter wire bead tires w stan's notube rim strips,cane creek solos headset,avid juicy 5 disc brakes w mudcutter rotors,easton ec70 riser bars,90mm thompson elite stem,salsa seatpost w selle italia turbo matic trans am saddle,marzocchi mx pro w eta fork
Bottom Line:
If you can accept the limitations of this frame you will love this bike.If you are going to buy a hardtail frame get a 29er.It feels like you have a suspension for most XC riding.My bike weighs 26 pounds and with a 1x9 setup climbs great,and has a very stable feeling going downhill( the brakes have something to do with this also).The bike just builds confidence .There are other 29er frames out there so shop around and check the MTBR forums for info before you buy.I'm happy with this frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GlowBoy
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland OR Date Reviewed: May 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
anywhere in Oregon
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Bike Gallery downtown Portland
Strengths:
Super versatile. Great handling. Perfect geometry, even for short guys like me. Cheap. HUGE tire clearance.
Weaknesses:
A bit harsh-riding for lighter guys. Heavy for a non-EBB frame, even considering it's a steel 29"er. Rear-facing horizontal dropouts are fussy. BB is slightly lower than I'd like.
Similar Products Used:
Various 26" hardtails, plus what is now my "real" mountain bike, my custom 29" singlespeed Vulture with EBB and suspension.
Bike Setup:
2003 (inaugural year) Surly KM, 16", camp stove green, Avid BB7 185mm discs, Salsa Delgado wheels w/ various hubs, On-One Mungo moustache bars w/287-V levers, currently running a SRAM DualDrive Disc hub with 2 cogs (18t/22t) paired to 40t/36t rings. Initially ran it singlespeed, mostly 34x22 and 34x20. Then the DualDrive Disc with various drive ratios, which I use for commuting and fireroading. Have also run it 1x4 and 2x4 with a derailer and a rear V-brake. Have run every kind of 700c/29" tire available, from 700x23 road slicks to cyclocross tires to hand-shaved 29" semislicks to 29" full knobbies to a front 26x3.0 Gazzaloddi.
Bottom Line:
This frame is versatile, as you'll see from my Bike Setup details above. You name it, I've tried it with this frame: Vs, discs, derailers, internally geared hub, singlespeed. The inclusion of both canti posts and disc mounts allows you to run any type of brake you want. The rear-facing horizontal dropouts (with slotted disc tabs) and derailer hanger allow you to run any type of drivetrain you want, and the 1" length allows you at least two different axle positions for any given gear combination.
The rear-facing track fork ends aren't a perfect solution: it's slightly harder to remove and install the rear wheel than with vertical or forward-facing horizontal dropouts. Also, you need to use the Monkey Nuts to position the axle a little further back if you're going to run full gears (to avoid interference problems with the front derailer) or if you're going to run V-brakes (the canti posts are too low for most V-brakes to reach the rims with the wheel all the way forward).
Another drawback of the dropouts is that with my 185mm rotors, you generally have to loosen the disc caliper bolts to remove and reinstall the rear wheel, which means you have dial the caliper position back in afterwards. Not a huge deal, but if you change tires and gearing frequently (as I do) it can be a pain. I've finally learned to avoid this problem by running the wheel most of the way back in the dropouts. This solution offsets the short chainstay/wheelbase advantage of the KM, however.
Speaking of which, this bike does have a nice tight wheelbase for a 29"er: 41.1" (versus 42.8" for the smallest Fisher hardtails). If you think 29" bikes are slow-handling, that's probably based on experience with the relatively long and slack Fisher 29"ers. The Karate Monkey handles as fast as any 26"er I've ridden. Surly nailed the geometry perfectly, even though it was one of the first production 29"ers made. The 17" chainstay, only a hair longer than most 26"ers, results in great climbing traction. And despite being just 5'7", I fit on this bike just fine, with just the right cockpit length, just enough standover and NO toe overlap to my size 44 shoes on 175mm cranks.
Although the 11.7" bottom bracket is slightly lower than I'd like (resulting in extra pedal strikes), it's in line with many other hardtails. And the cool thing about 29" is the BB drop is about the same as on many road and cyclocross bikes: put on 700x35 'cross tires and the BB height drops to about where it should be on a 'cross bike, put on 700x23 slicks and it drops further to where it should be on a roadie. Thus the KM's versatility extends to tires too, and I've run every imaginable size on it. I even experimented with a 3.0" Gazzaloddi for a couple months. You could run this tire up front, and a 26x2.6" in back for a half-decent snowbike (with a marginally low BB).
The inexpensive 4130 tubing keeps the price down. I'm guessing Surly is not using size-specific tubing, based both on the published frame weights and on the ride. Sure you can tell it's steel, without all the buzziness of aluminum, but on medium bumps this bike beats me up substantially more than my prior OXII frame -- despite the bigger wheels. I'm 160 lb though, so this frame is overbuilt for smaller guys. Bigger riders report a much smoother ride.
Yes, 5.5 pounds (plus 2.5 for the fork) is tanklike for a fully rigid frame without an EBB. But even most "nicer" steel 29" frames seem to be coming in around 5 pounds, so at $400 you really can't complain too much about an extra half pound.
Bottom, bottom line? Buy it if you want to get a 29"er on a budget, or you want a versative platform for experimenting. Especially if you find one used, easy to do since this is a popular frame. If you're buying new, also consider the Soma Juice, a slightly lighter and smoother 631 frame for the same money with nearly identical geometry and versatility. Shop around, as there are a number of promising new 29" hardtails coming on the market as of this writing, but you can't go too far wrong with the Monkey.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, Michigan Date Reviewed: April 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Potawatomi
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$430.00
Purchased At:
Excel Sports
Strengths:
Inexpensive, versatile, strong, nice ride, cool Surly image, sticker kit available (including head badge) for repainting
Weaknesses:
A little heavy, skidmark brown color not very shiny
Similar Products Used:
Not many 29ers, but plently of 26er steel frames
Bike Setup:
Currently SS with the ability to swap to 1x8 in about 10 minutes. XT hubs, Salsa rims, Raceface Next LP crank, Monkeylight bar, Nanoraptor rear, Bontrager Jones front
Bottom Line:
As usual, it's hard to go wrong with a Surly. Just accept up front that the frame and fork will be a little heavy, and the paint may or may not be real nice (my Crosscheck is like a mirror). For the price, something has to give.
My two favorite aspects of the Monkey is the easy handling and the robustness. The moment I got on the bike for the first time it felt like a bike I had owned for years...or at least months. No sneeky handling or strange cockpit geometry. And with a frame and fork of 4130 chromoly weighing in at 8.3 lbs (according to the Surly web page) I don't spend much time worrying about it failing! That strength also makes it an excellent choice for larger riders. Plenty of people race them successfully so it must not be a huge hinderance, anyway.
Riding a rigid fork takes some getting used to if you have not done so in a while. Every little bump hits you, despite the "plushness of steel and 29" wheels." The tradeoff is telepathic steering and obviously zero pedal bob. Since the front wheel tends to bounce a bit I went with a more aggressive front tire to keep it from sliding. For me, a Nano on the front just wasn't sufficient, but I have been very happy with the Jones. Riding a rigid fork is a good reality check in this day of 5" FS XC bikes. For many of us that have been riding for 15+ years it's cool to get back on a basic bike.
A word about the paint. The skidmark brown is a fairly cool color, but both frames I have seen were not very shiny. "Big whoop," you say, "it's a mountain bike meant to be ridden, not framed." True! After a couple years all my frames' finishes are semi-gloss anyway. But in case you want something more custom, Surly offers the complete KM sticker kit, minus the two fork "Surly" stickers. I repainted mine metallic gold which really makes it stand out!
Unless you are a die-hard racer this is a great bike. For general riding, even fast general riding it will not disappoint for many years to come.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BB
a Cross Country Rider
from Des Moines, IA Date Reviewed: March 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Dirt
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Solid, plush steel ride that is maintenance free for big hoop riding. Price at the time (I paid $350 new for frame and fork in 2003) was the lowest entry point into the 29"er that I could find. The Monkey is on my 3rd year of use and I have used it with all types of tires. It's done RAGBRAI, commuting, training rides on paved paths, mountain bike races, off road fun, gravel roads and continues to be a do all bike for the masses.
Weaknesses:
Running the frame geared and with large volume tires requires a couple of work arounds involving Monkey Nuts to set the rear wheel back 5mm and dealing with the front derailleur clearance as well as having to loosen the mounting bolts of the rear disc brake whenever you have to remove the rear wheel due to the dropouts. You get used to working around it all, but I have to list them under weaknesses.
Similar Products Used:
I have a Trek steel frame small wheeled bike as well as a Gary Fisher 293.
Bike Setup:
Geared with SRAM X.0, older XT front derailleur with button head screw for clearance, Race Face Next LP cranks (20 T granny), Race Face Riser Carbon bar, Thudbuster, Exiwolfs, Avid Mechanicals, Bontrager wheels and tubes.
Bottom Line:
It was mentioned to me in 2003 that this was a good starter bike for the big wheeled experience. However, I tricked my Monkey out so well with the components and love the ride so much - I see no reason to move on to anything else for my hardtail two niner. The bike in its rigid form and low maintenance mode works great for most of the riding I do. I just change the tires based on the type of riding and terrain I will face. I have yet to try it set up in another way (SS or Cross), but the option is there if I want to at some point.
Surly hit a home run with this frame/fork combo and even though there are now other entry level price points from other companies - I think the Karate Monkey will continue to be a bike in demand from the consumer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ralph
a
from Flagstaff, AZ Date Reviewed: March 1, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$420.00
Purchased At:
webcyclery.com
Bike Setup:
Rigid SS w/ discs
Bottom Line:
Everyone brags about how versatile their monkey is. Sadly, I've never changed anything from my original build. I've got a mid-level build going featuring the rigid fork, one gear, and disc brakes. I'm so happy with the build, that I've all but quit riding my geared full squishy (in comes out early season or ... well.. for somethign I'm sure). Either way I enjoy the big wheels (I'm 6'4") and buttery smooth ride of steel (hA!).
(Yeah, that rating is based on my build as I'm not sophisticated enough to separate out the frame from the components)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josiah
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle Date Reviewed: February 16, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
versatility, burliness, tight geometry for a 29er
Weaknesses:
the fork was not straight when i got it. it took a lot of work in a frame jig with a mallet to get the thing straight (but that's a good thing - it's the burliest fork i've seen).
Similar Products Used:
fisher mt.tam, fisher 293
Bike Setup:
phil bb, fsa dh pig hs, dimension cx cranks, bullhorns w/ tt and inline levers, surly ss chainring & cog (36x18)
Bottom Line:
i use my monkey most every day. it's my commuter, with scwhalbe big apple tires. i sometimes take it offroad or down or up stairs on my daily rides. on weekends, i put wtb knobbies on and hit the trails. fat tires work best on technical trails - and i haven't really missed having a suspension. cx tires work on fast trails. basically, get a bunch of tires and you can do anything with this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Walt J
a Weekend Warrior
from Coral Springs, Fl Date Reviewed: February 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Oleta, Miami
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Milltown Cycles, Ben Witt
Strengths:
Goes over anything with absolute comfort. Outstanding handling in the twisty stuff. Flexibility to configure from SS to geared
Weaknesses:
Standover height high even on small frame
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Rig, On One Inbred, Cannondale 1FG Ultra
Bike Setup:
16" frame, 29" DT Swiss Wheels TK 7.1, Chris King ISO Hubs and Headset, 2 rear sprockets 17T and 19T, White Industries Eno crank 34T, Rock Shox Reba 29, WTB NanoRaptor tires 2.1, Cane Creek Thudbuster LT Seatpost, Avid Mechanical Disc BB7 160mm Front Brake, Avid Arch Rival Linear Pull Rear Brake, Ritchey Comp 100mm Stem, Surly 1x1 Torsion Bar 25.4 15 deg. 620mm Handlebar, Bontrager CRZ Saddle, Dimension Cork Mountain Grips, Jen Green Custom Headbadge, SRAM PC-68 6,7,8spd Chain
Bottom Line:
The best bike I have ever ridden. It inspires confidence for me to try almost anything on the trails. I have learned so much riding on this bike about turning, jumping and generally having a great time off-road. When things get hairy I just keep telling myself to "trust the bike," it has always come through. The Chris King hubs make a screaming sound in the woods that sound so cool as you pass other riders. Ben Witt gave me such great service building this bike. It has to be experienced to be believed. I am a 54 year old grandfather having the time of my life. Don't just sit here reading about riding this bike, call Ben and have him build you one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: January 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Nine Mile Forrest
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
Rib Mountain Cycles
Strengths:
Great design, fun, solid, inexpensive.
Weaknesses:
I don't have three or four of them. The powder coat chips kinda easy but hey its a mountain bike. Its going to get scratched and chipped.
Similar Products Used:
Many 26"ers, cyclocross bikes
Bike Setup:
currnetly, single speed with disc brakes and salsa delgado rims, surly hubs.
Bottom Line:
Fun bike at a great value. The surly boys nailed this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wade
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Cruces NM USA Date Reviewed: January 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Nadas
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
The Karate Monkey is all about experimenting. Set it up for just about whatever.
Weaknesses:
A little tall, a little heavy. Nothing to worry about.
If you like to try out different things, the KM let's you try 29er, SS, fixed gear.... Built it up out of the parts bin to try 29" - and loved it. Now it has decent components, and the only drawback is that tho 29 is much smoother - full rigid is still not for all the trails I ride. Working on a susp front to go up to HT. When I can find a 29er FS I like, the KM will take a turn as a fixie. Definitely a keeper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ricky
a Cross Country Rider
from College Park, MD, USA Date Reviewed: January 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
College Park Bikes
Strengths:
Ride, versatility
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
Matt Chester Mutinyman
Bike Setup:
Jones H-bars, Nashbar Singlespeed hub, Avid disc brakes
Bottom Line:
The Karate Monkey is an exceptional bike that gave me and many others our first taste of big wheels. The price makes entry into the new world affordable. It rides well, it's solid as a tank, and with the derailleur hanger and horizontal drops, can be ridden geared or singlespeed. It has way more clearance than necessary for any tire currently made, which translates into excellent mud clearance.
The frame is a little heavy and standover was a little higher than I would have liked, but the blissful ride forgives all faults.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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