[ozbikebuddy]

I have a mate who got a xl KM f&f and now doesnt want to do anything with it, I was thinking of building it up as a SS commuter.

Spec wpul;t be something like: v-btake road rims 28mm tyres flat bar. I usually ride a L but using a 90mm stem rather than a 110 i usually have on my frames i think i'd be ok.

Gear ration would be 38/16 as its mostely flat and i could monster up the shortish climbs i got.

Thge other option is a 2nd set of wheels for my Haro all and running 2 chains (on for each wheelset. running the same ratio as above to commute, oant then a 38/21 off road.

What does everyone think?

 

[dubdryver]

I would really check to see if you can fit into a XL, otherwise one of the reasons why people buy the KM is that it is so versitile. I say do it, as long as it fits, otherwise..let the bike go and get wheels for the Haro like you said.

How much would you be getting the bike for? If its just the frame and its over $500, I would suggest another route....

 

[p nut]

I'm with dub. I would personally get something like a Cross Check/Steamroller in the correct size for the commutes. I'm assuming that your commutes don't include any trails? For road and gravel, a cross or road frame would be better, IMO.

I have a Steamroller and 38's fit with no problem. I've even taken it on light singletrack trails.

 

[CB2]

My commute home is kind of hilly and I ride a 42/16 with 25c tires.

 

[max5480]

I don't know, the KM is awesome. I saw one set up as a commuter and it was burned into my brain for months, I still think about that bike. Put some nice wide slicks on it, like some Jack Browns, that would be sweet. One of my friends rides his KM around town more than his single speed. I say if you like the bike, go for it. It's not made for speed, but it'll be sweet.

 

[ozbikebuddy]

The path home

The path i ride in roadie terms is "dead" asphalt. chunky stuff. I think the monket would be good because i have all the parts to make it work for one thing, and my SS road bike (on-one Pompino) rolls wonderfully on this path on 25mm tyres and 36/16 so much so I spin out on it regularly.

The main thing is i have a set of old on-one full monty hubs on cxp-33's ready for a project like this. A Cross check would be ideal yes, but i just aint any here in Australia for the price I can get the Monkey for.

A good comparison would be a Voodoo Agwe with flat bars fitted.

The Size of the Monkey would be about the same as the 58cm roadies i ride in stand over just longer in the TT which I like and suits my body shape. There is an XTC on ebay here but its price will go too high too quick, this is why the extra I'd have to spent there would make using something like it or a x-chk unreasonable

 

[p nut]

Since you already have a roadie and parts to build up the Monkey, go for it. Ought to be a fun bike.

 

[smelly]

I've had my Monkey built as a mountain bike with gears, SS, and fixed, a fixed road bike, a 9 speed road bike, and it's currently a SS commuter. I've also run it with drop bars, Mary's, flat, and a riser bar. Just be aware that fitting a road crank is tough because the chainstays are so wide.

 

[Thor29]

I had a single speed commuter Monkey for awhile.
I didn't like it as much with skinnier tires, it handled kind of weird.
It liked fatter tires better, although the Big Apples were too heavy for my tastes.
It is very versatile, but it still works best in it's intended configuration which is mountain bike style - flat bars and fat tires.

 

[ozbikebuddy]

Thanks

Thanks all for your responces,

Would like to see some pics if anyone has any?

 

[pointerDixie214]

Here's my Monkey set up Cross/commuter style. She's back to an SS MTB for now.

Actually thinking of gears for her when we move to AZ and devoting her to a commuter.