Years ago the Karate Monkey helped start the 29” wheel movement and, as time’s gone by, many companies ­– Surly included – have experimented with even more wheel sizes.

With so many different types and sizes of tyres now on the market, riders have begun to understand the effect that tyre width has on overall wheel diameter, and with ample tyre clearance, you can see the benefits of multiple wheel sizes all on one bike. 27+ tyres have the same rolling diameter as a 29” wheel, yet you get all the traction and floatation benefits of extra-wide knobbies. And that’s just the tyres.

The Karate Monkey frame has recently gotten a make over that includes the addition of features like internal dropper post routing, a new tubeset that uses the same trumpet tubes found on our Instigator 2.0, and a slight tweak in geometry that is more progressive and trail-oriented. The Karate Monkey uses a horizontal dropout with a derailleur hanger that features Gnot-Boost spacing, which gives the rider the ability to run any kind of mountain bike hub they choose. 10 x 135mm QR, 12 x 142, or 12 x 148 Boost™ will all work in the Karate Monkey frame. The frame uses a 44mm headtube for broad fork compatibility and is ED coated for an added layer of internal protection. If, at any point, you decide you want to throw on some skinny meats, standard 29” wheels and tyres can be swapped in with no issue. If you want to round-house kick some trail right in the face, the Karate Monkey is your sled.

Specifications

• ForkRock Shox Gold 35 140mm
• HandlebarGusset S2
• StemGusset Staff
• GripsGusset S2
• SaddleGenetic STV
• SeatpostKS E30i 150mm
• Rear DerailleurSRAM NX Eagle
• Gear LeversSRAM NX Eagle
• ChainSRAM Eagle
• CranksetSRAM Eagle
• CassetteSRAM SX Eagle 11-50t
• Bottom BracketSRAM DUB
• BrakesSRAM Level TL
• WheelsHalo Vapour 35 27.5
• TyresSchwalbe Nobby Nic 2.8 Addix