May Build of the Month - Surly Karate Monkey

Posted by PeterD Tue, 16 Oct 2007 02:33:00 GMT

This month’s build of the month is a Surly Karate Monkey. It is a cyclocross bike, but one of the “monster cross” versions which are made to fit 29 inch mountain bike width tires.

“I have always wanted a “swiss army knife” bike that could do anything. The 29er movement had me curious, as did the tiny “monster cross” subculture. So, the Karate Monkey was a cost-effective way to experiment with all these things.“

“The Karate Monkey replaced a Soma Double Cross, which I loved, but it could barely take a 40c tire. I really wanted to be able to run any 700c tire… (note – 700c tires are the same diameter as 29” tires).

“Passion was really good about helping me with the parts pick. I tend toward B+ parts….good value rather than ultimate performance. I’m not a racer, and my bike is never to blame for my riding! I gave the shop a price range, Charles made suggestions, I made substitutions, I had some used parts I wanted on the bike…it was very easy.

One thing about a rigid bike with drop bars in the dirt, even when you are going slow, you feel like you are going fast! I find a new bike takes some adjustment time. This is my first bike with disc brakes, which are very powerful. I dig the big wheels, although I’m not sure the difference in feel over a 26” is revolutionary. I just put smooth 38c tires on, so I can take it on a mixed terrain ride with pavement, fire roads and single track. I think it meets my “swiss army knife goal” and it’s a ton o’ fun. Special kudos to Passion for taking an interest in doing an odd-ball project, and for all the time spent planning and fitting the bike.“

As an aside – sometimes mountain biking goes in a full circle. For example, check out the bike that mountain bike hall of famer John Tomac was racing on back about 1990. Drop bars and mountain bike sized tires – much like today’s monster cross bikes…