Rigid MTB is damn fun! - Surly Karate Monkey on the local trails

[@Tkolbo_]

Ouch my wrists hurt! Not really, but it's definitely not the smoothest ride! This video started out with me doing an obnoxious bike check on the Surly Karate Monkey, but I quickly lost track of what was going on and just made an obnoxious video with no real direction haha! Either way I hope you enjoyed this video and thanks for watching!

[@el90moro]

Somehow I keep coming back to this video. It conveys my feelings about mtb better than I could have ever done

[@Tkolbo_]

Hope that’s in a positive light haha!

[@erichbachman7363]

When you have finished the whole mtb game, tired of enduro and downhill, emtb, this is the bike you get! Steel, no suspension, no shock service, no faff, no bullshit. Heck I want one! Closest and cheapest opt for me would be to install a rigid fork on my fatbike, but them tires ain't fun on summer trails xD

[@smokeycanuck8058]

LOL was searching for info on a KM and found this. I'm 55 and all my pals don't ride anymore so I ride solo a lot these days. I have a feeling I could ride and drink beers with you guys.

[@Tkolbo_]

We’d love to have you around for a rip!

[@jdillon8360]

Sweet! My first bike was a BMX which took me everywhere, we jumped off all kinds of stuff with that. Then I got a rigid MTB, and again, just rode all over the place. This was back in the early and mid nineties. We didn't even know suspension bicycles existed.

[@Tkolbo_]

I still ride a bmx bike all over the place. So much fun! But Suspension is nice at times that’s for sure! Thanks a to. For watching, this was a fun little video to make!

[@anthonykelly6619]

In the UK we have a brand called stooge. They specialise in rad rigid mtbs. I've wanted one for ages. Finally got my hands on one a week ago and can't wait to get out on it. Also running it SS ofc. Great video!

[@Tkolbo_]

Just checked out Stooge. Those are some super unique bikes! You'll have to let me know how the ride goes! I need to get a proper cog for mine so I can rage it on the trails in single speed! That would be so sick. Thanks for watching.

[@anthonykelly6619]

@@Tkolbo_ will do! There's a Facebook group for owners and it's pretty active. Got a real big cult following now. Us idiots over the pond love a hardtail and now that's not hardcore enough 🤣. Keep up the good work man!

[@Tkolbo_]

@@anthonykelly6619 hey! You guys over the pond aren’t idiots, you just recognize that a hardtail is at times just so much god damn fun!

[@toastmantoasty]

This video among other things convinced me to stop looking at trail-geo hardtails and instead go for a K-Monk on 3.0 shoes. I haven't regretted my decision in the slightest. Slow but steady climber, smooth as butter on the flats, holds its own on tech, and an absolute weapon on the descents. Though I never thought I'd be wanting a cushier seat and grips on a mountain bike...

[@AndrewGehn]

But Pinkbike told me I needed a carbon enduro bike to ride anything other than a paved road... that 270 counts in my book and put some pegs on that beast for grinds haha

[@Tkolbo_]

hahaha could you imagine rippin pegs on that thing? the best part of that would be having my friends ride on the pegs down to the local corner store for big gulps!

[@matthewsmith6486]

I love my Surly Krampus 29er plus rigid!

[@Tkolbo_]

Solid bike!

[@assinouti6664]

This video is sick!! I love your editing, especially the Lloyd Christmas bits. I came to KZbin wondering if I could jump this bike, and you are shredding the hell out of it, totally answered my question! Buying a used first generation in a few days. I'm stoked. I got my feet wet on Twin Cities single track with a dirt jumper, but I am excited for bigger wheels and a rigid fork.

[@Tkolbo_]

Glad you enjoyed the video and found what you were looking for! The Monkey will do great up in the cities! It would be killer on the Glenwood loop at Theodore Wirth! Stoked to hear how it rides for you! Thanks for watching.

[@lukehill6395]

Honestly this is a really good ad for the karate monkey

[@Tkolbo_]

Glad you think so! I had plans to do an afterword to talk more in depth about the karate monkey, but after puttin ghtis together I decided not to! This video just felt....right!

[@АнтонАнтонов-д3с]

"You don't need suspension. You just need BALLS" Truth has been told my dudes.

[@Tkolbo_]

Balls or the female equivalent to such! Either way just need some dang ol send it energy! Though Suspension can be fun too!

[@Urdasein]

MTB + DEATH Metal = pure bliss. Thanx.

[@Tkolbo_]

No, thank you! I'm glad you enjoy the combo of heavy tunes and riding. If you go back through my channels content you'll see quite a few videos of riding to Death Metal that I have written!

[@MinnesotaMTB_]

Back in the good ol days there was no suspension👴 you were totally ripping that beast! I say put a big ol dual crown fork on it...that would be so sick😅

[@Tkolbo_]

Would make for an interesting video idea lol. I have a buddy who has a custom built REEB hardtail with a dual crown and it absolutely rips! Full rigid makes you appreciate your full suspension that's for sure.

[@chrisfoster3772]

I started mountain biking on a rigid 10 years ago and to this day that's really all I've ridden except my buddy's full suspension on one descent. All I know is rigid. They are fun

[@Dialed1]

That thing is military grade! The vid was bananas! Off the cuff edit!

[@Tkolbo_]

haha Its a cool bike with a military grade paintjob for sure! Glad you enjoyed it man! It was fun to make and edit.

[@pauls3616]

Nice video. Love the jeans. Ride what you brought. 👍

[@Tkolbo_]

Thanks! I need to find my jean shorts. Jorts are the ultimate in riding technology

[@TheCrashingDad]

straightforward.... i'm convinced!

[@Tkolbo_]

use my promocode TKOLBOisaPoser at checkout for 20% added to your total order #influencer

[@EricSampson]

I appreciate and respect this video, as someone with a rigid singlespeed Krampus lol

[@Tkolbo_]

I’ve debated going singlespeed on my karate monkey, but haven’t committed yet!

[@kcoutdoorsmissouri4052]

My neighbor just threw out a single speed karate Monkey it has a few busted spokes but I'm taking it to the bike shop tomorrow gotta be worth a pretty penny it's like new minus the spokes

[@Tkolbo_]

Really?!? That’s insane! Well that’s a good deal for you!

[@GoAndPractice]

2:00 your brakes are communicating with the geese!

[@Tkolbo_]

Honkin at the honkers!

[@TProStudioCreate]

Get the growler carrier for that bad boy! The 270 was clean enough. Sick riding man

[@Tkolbo_]

I think I'll get an attachment for a microwave and generator so I can have mid ride hot pockets!

[@TProStudioCreate]

@@Tkolbo_ could make those sweet spins a bit challenging but I believe in you 👍🏻

[@Tkolbo_]

@@TProStudioCreate I can do anything as long as YOU believe in me!

[@Tkolbo_]

Its like Santa Clause and christmas magic

[@TProStudioCreate]

@@Tkolbo_ might be easier if you throw a chain on the generator for extra sending power

[@kris8165]

Cool looking bike! I like the video very much! I'm looking for some decent budget rigid fork,but being on a budget, everything looks pricey 😕 Greetings from Croatia from Kris 😎

[@Tkolbo_]

Ugh ballin on a budget gets hard to do sometimes!

[@kris8165]

​@@Tkolbo_Yeah 😅 Anyway, that's a cool looking bike you are riding in that video! Greetings from Kris 😎

[@MTBSkiBarberLife]

We need more big guy MTBers! 👍🏾

[@TheMNBlackBear]

I've a Surly Karate Monkey, too. Great bike. But nothing beats my Jones Plus LWB!

[@Tkolbo_]

That Jones is interesting! Looks fun to ride!

[@TheMNBlackBear]

@@Tkolbo_ Best, most comfortable bicycle I've ever owned.

[@bisikleta1015]

Simple man, I see KM, I like. I had the same rigid setup with 27x2.5

[@Tkolbo_]

Hell yeah! It’s a rad bike!

[@jedisentinel1499]

I keep the fork locked out on my bike. I rarely even use it. Karate Monkey or Krampus

[@harrygrimley4352]

Old school. Way to go. Been there done that.

[@Tkolbo_]

Its fun, definitely learn how to use your arms and legs more effectively for suspension,

[@harrygrimley4352]

@@Tkolbo_ didn't know it then but the early eighties that's what we rode as kids and sort of was the beginning of mnt biking. Had a big series of trails along the Mississippi river between Monticello and the Becker power plant we rode all the time.

[@Tkolbo_]

@@harrygrimley4352 Thats awesome. Did those trails along the Mississippi turn into the River Bottoms?

[@harrygrimley4352]

@@Tkolbo_ nah. wasn't low lands. Nsp owned it back the Excel owns most of it now. No trespassing.

[@WaterproofBackpacker]

My 27.5x3"s are awesome for no suspension

[@Tkolbo_]

I bet! I'm running 29x2.6 up front and 29x2.5 in the rear and that does pretty damn good so I'm sure that 3.0" tires kill it!

[@BrianVaughn]

Full ridged is perfect for Minnesota trails.

[@Tkolbo_]

Agreed! there are obviously some trails that are super fun on a fully, but the rigid fairs well in this state for sure!

[@ronwhite8503]

Rigid.

[@indrekpart277]

What size is yours in the video? I got hacked by a truck recently and slowly eyeing my next frame. Surly is on top of the list.

[@Tkolbo_]

This is a Large! I’m 5’10-5’11 on a good day

[@Tomijee]

That intro was sick lol

[@Tkolbo_]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RydenDirty]

I'm in pain just watching you ride this thing lol. And now I want one lol

[@Tkolbo_]

Basically just a big BMX bike! its pretty fun man, though I do love my full suspensions too! Need ALLLLL the BIKES!

[@RydenDirty]

@@Tkolbo_ for real 👌

[@Tkolbo_]

@@RydenDirty Just waiting for your next project bike haha

[@spenserak]

Inarguably the best karate monkey video in existence. I fucking love my rigid eggplant, god dammit.

[@Tkolbo_]

Glad you enjoyed the video man! It’s a fun bike!

[@Kevin_geekgineering]

suspension is even more fun

[@danrobbo6423]

20 years of full suspension, jumped onto a rigid and I'm enjoying it more. Kinda got bored riding trails feeling like I'm on a couch. Rigid makes me feel way more alive and exciting to ride having to pick better lines etc. Just hope my back likes it haha.

[@AthelstanEngland]

Rigid 1989 Marin owner. Love em.

[@Tkolbo_]

Rigids sure are a hoot and a half on the trail! Thanks for watching!

[@YoungDumBased]

First time I subbed after seeing the intro

[@Tkolbo_]

Well glad you pulled you in!!!

[@padovann]

Looked fun to me!

[@Tkolbo_]

It was definitely fun!

[@the_nondrive_side]

trying to identify the fork I have.. same idea.. but with 26" brake canti bosses.. mine is on a 2021 Norco indie 4.. deore modded 7spd

[@Tkolbo_]

Yeah no clue what it might be on your bike! The one on this bike is the stick surley rigid fork

[@ClutchTrick]

Ahhh. That ending had me rolling.

[@Tkolbo_]

Hahaha glad you enjoyed it! Really brought me back to overnights with the boys playin GTA until our fingers bled. So awesome

[@devinthado0od]

Those locks are looking luscious… say that ten times fast

[@Tkolbo_]

I tried to say it fast once and failed. Thanks for watching Devin and glad you enjoy the hair. Hope your locks are still flowing!

[@devinthado0od]

@@Tkolbo_ they’re gone 😭 you’re doing the do’ more justice than I could anyways

[@Tkolbo_]

@@devinthado0od How could you?!? Must always do the dew!

[@eternaloptimist2840]

One of the things I dislike about the Karate Monkey is the bosses all over it - I know they're versatile but they look crap if you're not using them.

[@ShadLife]

I ❤️ this video!

[@Tkolbo_]

So glad you did Shad! I appreciate you checking it out!

[@herc1120]

Represent the rigid!

[@Tkolbo_]

They are so damn fun!

[@quijadriss7650]

So the tough guy routine in the beginning is outdone by the fanny pack.

[@Tkolbo_]

Trying to figure out how to take this comment haha. I feel flattered that I came off as a tough guy, but unsure if you are saying the Fanny pack is tougher than me being tough or if the Fanny pack takes away all credibility. Hahaha I wasn’t going for tough guy, just obnoxious…which I suppose is similar lol

[@416cyclestyle]

Damn i didn’t know hard tails could jump😂😂😂

[@Tkolbo_]

Negative, they can’t….it’s all cgi!

[@KrisYahner]

Nice vid man! I sold off my last fully rigid MTB bike this spring. I'm not sure I'll ever have another.

[@Tkolbo_]

Thanks for watching Kris! Why no more?!?

[@williamhudson5384]

what is a quick release axle that can be used on rear for this? ive been looking and emailing everyone and the general census is that you cannot use any other thru axle for the 2021 surly karate monkey. i want to be able to take both my tires off with no tools but cannot find any option to do so for this bike. i want to believe its as versatile as so many say but right now theres a dark cloud over my school of optimism for this company right now.

[@Tkolbo_]

Ok so I’ve personally ran a 135mm quick release rear wheel on this frame with no issue! You just need adapters from Surly. Again your wheel needs to be a 135mm quick release wheel to work with these adapters. Here is a link to those adapters, hope this helps you out and gets rid of that dark cloud! surlybikes.com/parts/10_12_adapter_washers

[@williamhudson5384]

It's for thru axles 12x144/148 newer version of karate monkey. Not thin qr axles from back in the day

[@Tkolbo_]

@@williamhudson5384 oh I see what you are saying. I’m not aware of a quick release through axle for this bike. Maybe check Robert axle projects website? Otherwise all I can think of is welding an Allen key to the bolt. The versatility of the bike comes from the fact that it can run 10x135 (QR), 12 x142 (bolt on), and 12x148 (bolt on) as well as the ridiculous amounts of bolts and things. But yeah sorry I don’t have a solution for a 12x142 or 12x148 tool less thru axle Hopefully Robert axle project has something…shit in the dark. Sorry wish I could be more helpful

[@markford6444]

surly rocks 70 and riding 30 mile dirt rides

[@toml7945]

Hell, In the 70s we would have been considered wealthy to have that bike!! lol

[@Tkolbo_]

Absolutely! Now everyone thinks you need all the suspension. That’s what legs and arms are good for!

[@markford6444]

amen

[@flatheadhomeworks]

I'm on a rigid Surly Krampus, for the sole purpose of making people with fancy full sus bikes feel bad about themselves.

[@Tkolbo_]

Perfect! I like your style!

[@trishaleaver3581]

Like my first bike and all atb bikes before people got soft😀

[@Tkolbo_]

Bmx kids huck huge shit with small wheels, no pads, no helmets. Meanwhile mountain bikers get sketched out off a couple foot drop without their suspension fully opened!

[@bimmerbent]

I have couple Surly rigids and I love "running them Sons of Bitches"

[@Tkolbo_]

Them sons of bitches are the real deal!

[@cornerstone5872]

you're amazing man! HAHA

[@Tkolbo_]

Well thanks! Glad you enjoyed, this was a super fun video to make!

[@chrisfoster3772]

I like this guy

[@Tkolbo_]

This guy likes you!

[@chrisfoster3772]

@@Tkolbo_ 🤠🤠

[@MainOffenderKZ]

gigachad

[@phantasma2323]

This is great 🤣

[@Tkolbo_]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@phantasma2323]

@@Tkolbo_ badass music to start as well. Just bought a KM actually to compliment all my more “fancy bikes”.

[@Tkolbo_]

@@phantasma2323 glad you enjoyed the music! It’s an original piece. Most if the music I use in my channel (the metal stuff anyways) is original. The KM is a fun bike. Just aggressive enough for a ton of fun riding, and so damn versatile!

[@FrankieLane]

That’s how I roll 😩

[@Tkolbo_]

I need to order a different cog so I can run it singlespeed too. My current cog (that I use for single speed commuting in town) is a 16t which as you know sucks on the trails...

[@hungrymtngoat]

Nice dude! Please send some discarded riffs to me so I can use in my videos too :) Your music is awesome! Recently discovered a band from Australia called High Tension while watching a 3 year old Henry Rollins interview lol. If you haven't listened to them yet, definitely check them out! My current favorite band :) Also great job on the full rigid. My old bones would not allow it!

[@Tkolbo_]

Oh I'll check them out! What sort of music do you want and for what in your videos?!? I can come up with something for you!

[@ellismurray9100]

did you find your doppleganger hahaha

[@Tkolbo_]

Indeed I did! Just a bunch of bearded long hairs on the trails here in Minnesota!

[@Chris-xj3yx]

I like this video

[@Tkolbo_]

I like that you like the video! Thanks for watching!

[@Cityscrbbls]

Thank you, nice video! (15 words for channel promotion)

[@Tkolbo_]

Thank you!

[@timident]

Wicked video … lmfao 🤣

[@Tkolbo_]

Thanks man! Hope it was fun for all!

[@amdmg7]

Keith Merrow \m/

[@Nunyabizzked]

Hilarious

[@taylerthompson7559]

In jeans *

[@Tkolbo_]

Best riding apparel ever!

[@frank8278]

"Didn't know hardtails can jump". Hardtails jump better than full suspensions:Fact.

[@Tkolbo_]

That quote was from my buddy Chad. He is a very sarcastic person hahaha

[@frank8278]

;)@@Tkolbo_

[@creamroller]

lmao!

[@Tkolbo_]

Glad you got a chuckle out of the video!

[@JamesStoup]

You like it rigid don't you? You otta be ashamed of yourself.

[@Tkolbo_]

I just saw your fun loving trolling comment! Ofcourse I like it rigid! ;)