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Surly Karate Monkey

Mountain Bike; Steel Hardtail / Touring Rig.

Frame:
Surly Karate Monkey / XL / 2011

Fork/Headset:
RockShox Recon RL / Velo Orange Grand Cru

Crankset/Bottom Bracket:
Shimano Deore

Pedals:
RaceFace Chester

Drivetrain/Cog/Chainring/Chain:
Wolf Tooth 18t / RaceFace Narrow/Wide 36t / SRAM PC1091

Handlebars/Stem:
Thomson Trail / Thomson X4

Saddle/Seatpost:
Fyxation Pilot / Thomson Elite

Brakes:
Tektro Auriga Comp

Front Wheel/Hub/Tire:
Shimano XT M756 / WTB LaserDisc Trail / WTB Nano

Rear Wheel/Hub/Tire:
Shimano XT M756 / WTB LaserDisc Trail / WTB Nano

Bike History

Click a link below to see past stages of this bike.

  1. Single Speed
  2. 1x9
  3. 36 x 11-36
  4. Touring Setup
  5. Hardtail
  6. Too Much Fun to Not Upgrade
  7. Return of the Single Speed

Current Stage Info:

With the acquisition of a new Karate Monkey and reluctance to let this one go, I converted it to single speed for around town shenanigans.

Added by m_sobie. Last updated over 3 years ago.

Latest 21 Comments

Show all 26 comments

kuzninskionrush

kuzninskionrush says:

cool style, mate! tell me please what is your height?

Posted over 6 years ago

m_sobie

m_sobie says:

Thanks! I'm 188cm with a 91cm inseam.

Posted over 6 years ago

moose

moose says:

sick!

Posted over 6 years ago

strange

strange says:

very nice!!

Posted over 7 years ago

m_sobie

m_sobie says:

Thanks!

Posted over 7 years ago

mehridedatyou

mehridedatyou says:

Beautiful Bike!! we have similar tastes in bikes. I did a mountain bike race on my macho man this weekend. Sooooo now im looking at mountain bikes and this one is on my list. Im considering this frameset and a similar build. Any idea on the weight for this guy?

Posted almost 8 years ago

m_sobie

m_sobie says:

It's no lightweight, that's for sure. It's about 29.5 lbs as pictured, however, since I don't race, I didn't consider weight once while building it up. Being that it's built with Maxxis Ardents and a lot of OEM parts, there is room for improvement on the weight though. It's one hell of a ride on the local single track, Regardless of the weight; Probably the most fun I have had on a MTB.

Posted almost 8 years ago

mehridedatyou

mehridedatyou says:

Ok thanks! 29.5lbs is pretty beefy! I do some racing and longer xc riding. If i could get it to about 22-24 lbs that would be good. That fork prob weighs a ton. They have carbon alternatives and also like you said a lighter set of wheels and tires. Thanks!

Posted almost 8 years ago

jtbadge

jtbadge says:

I gotta get on those skinwall Ardents for my Kona.

Posted almost 8 years ago

m_sobie

m_sobie says:

They are a bit hefty, but make up for it in amazing grip. Plus, they be stylin'!

Posted almost 8 years ago

jtbadge

jtbadge says:

Yeah, I've already got the EXO TR version of the Ardents on my Honzo, which are a bit heavier but more durable. Trying to justify the price loss for a total vanity project.

Posted almost 8 years ago

outofstep

outofstep says:

Looks so much better with a RD! Haha
Hell yes. I want one of these !

Posted about 8 years ago

m_sobie

m_sobie says:

Thanks man. Definitely makes riding better with a RD too. Just needs a wider range in back to be perfect.

I absolutely love it. The weight doesn't even phase the copious amounts of fun; Get on one!

Posted about 8 years ago

Nathap470

Nathap470 says:

HOT HOT HOT

Posted about 8 years ago

m_sobie

m_sobie says:

Too hot!
Or should I say 3 hot?

Posted about 8 years ago

Nathap470

Nathap470 says:

4 hot

Posted about 8 years ago

Deluxe

Deluxe says:

I love this dude. Looks like such a blast.

Posted about 8 years ago

m_sobie

m_sobie says:

Thanks! The single speed setup was bliss. Haven't tried the geared setup out yet, but I'm sure it'll be just as fun!

Posted about 8 years ago

ghostridethewhip

ghostridethewhip says:

+1

Posted almost 8 years ago

moose

moose says:

this is amazing

Posted about 8 years ago

m_sobie

m_sobie says:

Thanks!

Posted about 8 years ago

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