Surly Karate Monkey Is It A "Do ALL Bike?"

[@zacharykondas9787]

That dog looks like he is having such a good time

[@stevet7784]

This is a masterpiece cycling video! On work days when I'm unable to ride I watch this video, and it always gets me stoked for the next day off!

[@nickfitzham]

Hey Josh, just want to say that I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched this video. Great editing, music, everything. My fixed, all-road, and fat bikes are all Surlys, and I’ve long thought about getting a KM. About a month ago, after some heavy inspiration from this video, I finally bought a frameset and have been building it up myself. I’ve currently got it set up single speed with the rigid fork and a PNW Loam Dropper. There’s still snow on the ground here in Maine, but we’ve got a long dirt driveway that I can rip around on until spring comes. Anyway, thanks for the inspiration!

[@JoshRomeroYT]

Hey Nick! Thanks for the kind words, you won’t regret the monkey it has been a great bike ! Cheers !

[@pokeypaul78]

Amazing in depth video. Answers basically all of my questions. As a Surly-curious MTBer i was wondering which model was for me. I think the KM hits the nail on the head.

[@cosmoshaw6084]

Amazing, thank you for the response and video! I have similar values to you and I'm convinced this is my next bike! Surly is releasing a new build/colour mid November, very excited!

[@JoshRomeroYT]

No Problem ! That’s awesome did not know that! Yeah you cant go wrong with a KM even if you later choose to upgrade and get a full squish mtb you can turn the KM into a bike packing rig or solid townie/ SS/ all the things !

[@skier4life1234]

I will be upgrading to full squish soon and am so stoked to get the karate monkey back to rigid mode and add a rack! It really is the most versatile bike out there!!

[@michaele.7003]

The km is one of the best platforms. I have had touring, mtb front air fork / dropper post, and even drop bar set ups and it excels in all categories. If you want one bike and like tinkering this the bike for you. Love the review.

[@rockjunkie1699]

ever do the drop bars with the sus fork? How was it?

[@michaele.7003]

@@rockjunkie1699 it felt weird to me I definitely prefer the drop bars with the factory rigid fork.

[@frbrable]

What were the narrowest tires you've ever had on it? How'd that work out? I do a lot of bikepacking that includes pavement; not sure whether this would work for me or what.

[@ninjasrose1653]

It’s a sick bike. I bought a Kona Unit last year. So glad speed rigid. I absolutely love it!!! But, much like the KM. If I want forks and gears I can. If I wanna go bikepacking one day I can. Such a versatile machine.

[@rredderr]

I have turned mine into an ebike, added a mid-drive motor with the battery mounted on the downtube. I wanted the steel frame to support the extra weight, it has worked very well, I commute ~13 miles each way twice a week with it in San Diego. Love my KM!

[@zenofthemoment]

Moved back to Wisconsin from Boise due to divorce. When I got back here, I bought the first XL KM I could find, and it happened to be brand new still in the box, and black. Got it home, swapped all the parts over from my 5” FS trail bike, and off we went! So far, so good. It usually takes me a few years to really find the groove with a new bike, making millions of little changes all along the way, but I think this is going to be the one bike that can do everything I need it to. It’s so incredibly versatile. 27.5x2.8 for aggro MTB, 29x2.35 for commuting, bikepacking, daily use, etc. I pull a Burley Coho trailer that turns it into a cargo bike and grocery getter. It just does it all! Still, I’m going to keep the Ice Cream Truck and the Long Haul Trucker…for now. But I don’t NEED them anymore, I just keep them because I like them. Thanks for keeping me pumped for the few months while I was searching for it, and now, when it’s cold and dark out and I’m just needing a little stoke, here’s your awesome, beautifully produced video! Feels so good man! YEEEWWW!!!🤘

[@spenserak]

Massive fan of my rigid eggplant monkey with 3.0 dirt wizards. Grew up on BMX, and my theory is that my old muscle memory plays a big role in why I have more fun on the monkey than anything else for 95% of mtb things. It's like a big kid MTB-BMX fantasy. Other than a couple small bits like grips, the only thing I changed from the start was adding a dropper, like you. Not sure that I ever intend to throw on a squishy fork, but this bike with a dropper is crazy capable and comfortable. It made me a huge fan of plus tires too, and I pretty quickly swapped in a wider set on my full suspension. I suppose this goes for surly in general, but one of my favorite things is the adaptability. Planning to pick up a second gravel-ish wheelset that I can easily swap in and transform the bike in 30 seconds.

[@ekrano]

Great vid. I’ve just ordered a KM for a custom build. RockShox Rev and SRAM GX going on it. I’ll be riding trails and bike-packing.

[@sonofagreatsouthernland]

Surly bikes, especially the Karate Monkey are sensational! Attention to detail sets these solidly made units ahead of many others.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Great video! Beautiful scenery with trails in the woods. I'm jealous, SoCal near the border with TJ, temps in the desert hit 103 already.

[@robertbonner5973]

Nice KM and story. Also , great choice with adding a dropper post . That’s my next purchase for my KM.

[@JoshRomeroYT]

You wont regret a dropper!

[@cardonepausenot]

Nice job! Building one of these currently, cant wait to get it done. Great review, keep riding

[@marcellopacifici]

I really like your videos, cheers from cold Finland!

[@JoshRomeroYT]

Thanks Marcello! Cheers !

[@marvinblamberg]

Love the calm and vibe of your videos! Did you keep km?

[@JoshRomeroYT]

@@marvinblamberg yeah I still have it ! My wife has hers

[@marvinblamberg]

@@JoshRomeroYT good to hear! looking at a KM or Krampus myself

[@ferdinandmelchor4242]

Hey great vid man! the quality of your shots are awesome! more power to your channel!

[@knarf975]

Great video. I was thinking of buying the Karate Monkey. Your dog is amazing

[@StellarSailor]

Hey man, great video. You live in a beautiful place! I’ve just ordered an Ogre for a 17 mile each way commute! Love from the UK

[@nunozach]

You sold me to add this to my surly clan(ICT and Oldschool pug ops)..Im picking one up tomorrow..thanks for the detail and info!

[@gonesailing7942]

Hey I know I saw this in one of your videos. What was the faster rolling tire you mentioned? Thanks for the great content.

[@manhamsem]

Hi...Will it be ok having 27.5 × 1.75 tyre as mainly use for pavement ride...? Thks in advance

[@jorjorbinks89]

Just picked up my KM today!

[@JoshRomeroYT]

Awesome !! Enjoy it the bike is a blast!

[@bnzboy]

A rigid MTB is def on my list to get one down the road

[@JoshRomeroYT]

When you get one ride it rigid! That what teaches you the most about your lines and riding traIls very similar to underbiking. It is why I like riding trails on the Kona Rove

[@bnzboy]

@@JoshRomeroYT just recently got Marin Headlands 2 as my first gravel bike, trying out routes I could never try with my 28c tires!

[@MJBjj870]

I’m on a salsa mukluk. Fully rigid and I don’t miss my front suspension

[@terryrust4973]

@@MJBjj870 - yeah, I've been riding my Mukluk year-round since 2015 - it's been great (great snow here in Southwestern Colorado). Am thinking of getting a Karate Monkey for use in the summer. Was thinking of getting it with a front shock, just to be a little easier on my wrists, but with the supply being so low, I may need to go fully rigid. I have always liked steel, am looking forward to it.

[@MJBjj870]

@@terryrust4973 i have a hard tail and to be honest if you want suspension I’d go full suspension! I see guys flowing over potholes with no worries on them

[@mhilde7744]

Pretty damn good trail dog!!!

[@JoshRomeroYT]

She’s pretty good ! Unless you are riding slow then she gets bothered lol

[@Chiro75]

Doggo: “Are you coming? You back there? Ok let’s go! You still there? Huh? Come on, let’s go! You there? You still there? You coming...” he’s having the time of his life

[@popcopone5172]

lul yep :))

[@franco912]

I'm a mountain bike guy but i'd like to get a gravel because it did not exist before. It's more suitable for me as i have no mountains in my location, it's mostly flat.

[@justinsnider5373]

Very well done with the video.

[@WantonSoup192]

Great video. And the happiest puppers. 🐶

[@ajmckay2]

Wow great video - very nice production value! Subscribed!

[@mc540flip]

Stoked! I just got my Karate Monkey 2020. It’s set up rigid now, but I do want to throw suspension on it. Curious, what size fork/travel you’re running? Great video btw. Also, where are these trails?

[@JMachtelinckx]

I have a 2018 and I use a RockShox Revelation 120mm. Plenty of clearance for 29.2.8" and maybe even 3" depending on the tire/rim combo.

[@mc540flip]

@@JMachtelinckx nice! I ended up getting a 130mm Secktor. It rips!

[@grantsmith7458]

Great review thanks mate I am going to test ride one

[@jameslopez958]

I ride a Surly ECR and Love it! Thanks for sharing this information Brother. What kind of Dogo is that? Looks like my dogo he is a Australian shepherd dogo. 🤔👍😎

[@SuperBlackhawkdriver]

I bought a 23 peach salmon Karate Monkey partly because of this video. I have been loving the bike. Ride it almost everyday. Thanks for making this video man. Do you still have yours and are there any plans for any more content with it?

[@logifinirator]

Nice setup! I have a 2010 Karate Monkey I want to upgrade pretty much everything on. What do you have for wheels/hubs?

[@bimmerbent]

The answer is YES, I have a house full of Surly Bikes, this one has always eluded me. Which begs the Question, If I had a KM, would I have all the other Surly's ???

[@TimFromWales]

nice vid - I like t his bike and also considered one for bike packing - but ended up not fully getting the bike packing bug. Still a great all rounder

[@kacy_12]

Hi nice video, so is the surly karate monkey the only Surly that can have a fork suspension?

[@AQUPAS]

Hey, can you remember what type of bars you were running on your Rigid bike build? Referring to 6:45 in the video. Cheers. This was an enjoyable vid and ride!

[@caesarrizky]

Jones H-Bar Loop

[@AQUPAS]

@@caesarrizky Thanks!

[@JoshRomeroYT]

Thanks Aqupas sorry didn’t get to this in time but yeah Caesar got it Jones H loop Bar 710mm !

[@AQUPAS]

@@JoshRomeroYT Hey no problem, thanks, I really like the design and shape of those bars, may invest into a pair in the near future! Cheers.

[@naldovaz9157]

love the Surly brand, l ride the ECR and planning on the Midnight Special next bike

[@tuco0x]

Clearly, one attribute of this do-it-all bike is missing and that is speed. That dog was leaving you in the dust every time, lol.

[@1UpKroeker]

I also have a Kona Rove. My Rove is the Rove ST. I am looking for a mountain bike. I am looking at two different surly bike, this karate monkey and the Krampus. The other bike is the Kona Honzo ESD. I love a steel bike. What do you think?

[@scstinger5]

Do you still have the bike, and if so how are you liking it now? Was thinking of getting one as I like plus size tires and riding single speed about half the time.

[@JoshRomeroYT]

@@scstinger5 yes i do ! Still enjoy it, I don’t enjoy MTB as much as I do gravel riding so it doesn’t see as much ride time as my other bikes. I do commute on it when there is heavy snow though as it’s my best option

[@rudypospisil4094]

Your dog is having a GREAT time!!!

[@laswamp]

Did you have to change any parts of the headsets to accommodate the tapered stem on the suspension fork? Looking to switch my KM rigid fork to a suspension one.

[@JoshRomeroYT]

Yes you have to switch two parts. One on the headset and your mounts for the breaks. The piece you will switch on the headset is called a crown race which is the bottom cup of the headset. Mine runs a cane creek 40 headset so I opted for this crown race : www.backcountry.com/cane-creek-40-series-crown-race?CMP_SKU=CNE1WU0&MER=0406&skid=CNE1WU0-STE-S15I524&mr:trackingCode=FFA1E070-6786-E911-810C-005056944E17&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=t&mr:adType=plaonline&iv_=__iv_p_1_g_13362825397_c_92885919277_w_pla-826936997968_n_g_d_t_v__l__t__r__x_pla_y_7811_f_online_o_CNE1WU0-STE-S15I524_z_US_i_en_j_826936997968_s__e__h_9019093_ii__vi__&CMP_ID=PLA_GOt001&Google&PLA&k_clickid=_k_Cj0KCQiA3NX_BRDQARIsALA3fILVFNDq6lG4BNJiiOFLsy48x6R4QKODhEJ2UlYA6gdCLKzFjtJ0siMaArcqEALw_wcB_k_&CNE1WU0-STE-S15I524&gclid=Cj0KCQiA3NX_BRDQARIsALA3fILVFNDq6lG4BNJiiOFLsy48x6R4QKODhEJ2UlYA6gdCLKzFjtJ0siMaArcqEALw_wcB The mounting for your front brake will also switch from flat mount to post mount as most suspension forks have. To accommodate for my rotor 180mm I needed to buy a set of post spacers: www.jensonusa.com/SramAvid-Disc-Post-Mount-Spacer-Set Check your sizes on each item as you might run something different than I. But those are the two things you need to look out for and find. Also my front brake cable ran reaaaaaal close to not fitting but ended up fitting so if yours is tight already you might need a new one. (Most should work so I’d suggest trying the original before buying another one) hope this helps!

[@laswamp]

@@JoshRomeroYT That was what I was anticipating. Thanks for the deets. Have a good ride.

[@NinjaKnightingale]

Yo! Thanks for the video, mate. What's that handlebar? I'm into it, man.

[@chadstein2458]

where is the park. the one with the basketballcourt.

[@IsraelMagalit]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@JoshRomeroYT]

thanks!

[@zanzatbc]

Great video, amazing quality and love the dog! I’ve been thinking of going back to mountain bikes for a while now for touring/commuting and some trails. I’m really undecided between the ogre and the KM. KM looks way more versatile but I was wondering if it’s as comfortable as the ogre. over longer rides and paved roads. Any tips?

[@JoshRomeroYT]

They are very similar but ride characteristics would be the following (I haven’t ridden the ogre so take this with a grain of salt) The ogre is meant for touring/ travel so a longer wheelbase which will make the road riding a lot better and more comfortable. The KM will have a high BB and a shorter wheelbase to suit mountain biking more. That being said both bikes can do both disciplines. So the choice is yours. Think about components and what your preference for riding is. You cant go wrong with a surly.

[@zanzatbc]

Stoked On Spokes thank you for the reply!

[@julenrodriguez1306]

Where did you get your Suspension fork? I am currently runing my KM fully rigid and SS

[@bartmullin8018]

Have the same year/color (black/2018) and it truly is a quite versitle platform. (Also, Adding the Moloko bars expanded it's comfort and versitility and canning the stock, two-ton Tilly Dirt Wizards for Vittoria Martellos was a huge improvement. Kept it rigid and recently added a front and rear rack for 'dirty touring'; other items had been added or upgraded in previous stages of the bike's evolution including SRAM Code R's and now it's the camping gear that is being sorted out (not as simple as i thought...).

[@ddaavvee68]

i have a 2021 rigid k monkey. how do the moloko bars do in singletrack/technical stuff?

[@bartmullin8018]

@@ddaavvee68 It seems to work just as well as any straight riser I'd had. Kind of hard to define in words the subtle differences beyond noting that with the backsweep shifts you further mid-rear active position and a more deliberate/precision orientated line-tracking. There is still Plenty of width for better 'trail-leverage' up or down. You can use the horns as internal bar-ends on longer/smoother climbs or descents; wrap the ends with bar-tape--better grip/comfort(!). Also, the steel bars dampen the edge of vibrations when on rougher surfaces whilst still maintaining a proper stiffness/durability factor. It's a worthy bar; it handles whatever you throw at it and it mixes well with the geometry the KM has. Urban stuff is fun/comfy too, with said bar.

[@ddaavvee68]

@@bartmullin8018 thanks! that’s very helpful.

[@IleniaCore]

First, thanks for the video. I’m really interested in surly 3’’ but here in Italy are rare. Second, I really envy those places. Third, I really need that bike :)

[@alex8368]

This dog is crazy

[@JoshRomeroYT]

Lol she has a ton of energy

[@joselillopraga]

Hi, excellent video and channel!! I wanted to ask, what handle bar do you have in the Karate Monkey? I can´t find something like that.

[@JoshRomeroYT]

Hi thanks ! I right now am running the ones that came stock I believe they are Called “ answer pro taper experts” I couldn’t find the exact ones online either. The other bar that you might referring too from the video is the Jones h bar. Cheers!

[@erikspencer9596]

Keep up with the videos on the karate monkey trails you ride look awesome

[@thatalaskaguy]

Nicely edited

[@maxsmith3335]

I personally find a rigid fork better for going down rocky technical trails.

[@kettlebellcarnivore-vr5cw]

I've ridden a LOT of technical stuff on rigid forks. Absolutely love them.

[@maxsmith3335]

@ same here. Me and suspension don’t jive real well. I guess I’ve ridden rigid for too many years cause when I try a suspension fork it’s like me and that shock are always going in different directions…. Also with a rigid fork I just feel so much more connected to what is going on between my bike and the trail. I don’t really care to ride any other way tbh. 👊🏽

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

Your dog is a lightning bolt!

[@MikeOnaBike]

Interesting video. I’m after a mtb first and a bike packing second. So I don’t think the surly would be aggressive enough for me.

[@JoshRomeroYT]

Good point yeah you might sacrifice a little with geo on the KM

[@MikeOnaBike]

@@JoshRomeroYT at the moment I’m leaning towards a Kona Honzo as it’s a mtb first, but has the ability to go on longer rides. No rack mounts but Thule and topeak both make racks that mount to the seat stay. It just goes to show everyone has different needs when it comes to bikes.

[@myst_or_sea]

I am consistently surprised on how much my KM can handle. I just moved near santa cruz and with a drop bar, the right cockpit set up, and the right tires, I don't feel restricted. Plus, the frame is damn near indestructible.

[@benjaminellenon]

Hey, how tall are you and what size KM did you go with?

[@JoseDiaz-mc3uf]

what is the name of the handle bars on the rocky ridge trip, where did you get them? Thanks

[@JoshRomeroYT]

I think you are thinking of the Jones H bar

[@BurkeMinahan]

I just cracked my helmet can u do a helmet review/recommendation video?

[@JoshRomeroYT]

Hey Burke! I don’t know if I could recommend a particular helmet I’ve only ever owned 5 diff helmets. I do have a video on helmets and the benefits of expensive vs cheap/affordable.

[@_________4292]

Hi, good video and story. Long hair, rock on :-)

[@chrislonsberry1974]

Great video! Lots of info.

[@MrFrescocotone]

Amazing video and amazing bike

[@kh17150]

noticed you switch from a Jones bar to a flat bar, you didn't like the Jones Bars?

[@johnahpotter2696]

any reason you chose KM over Krampus? I want to test ride both but its hard because of bike shortages and LBS usually do not stock SM or XS

[@JoshRomeroYT]

I like the KM because of the 27.5 over the 29 wheel. I rock a size medium in the KM can’t say you wouldn’t enjoy a Krampus but think you might have more fun on a smaller wheel being a shorter rider. Although If you are looking to cover terrain and not necessarily maneuverability then the 29plus is the way to go. Hope this helps.

[@johnahpotter2696]

@@JoshRomeroYT Thanks for the reply. I think I'm back leaning to the KM after looking into niner SIR 9, all city electric queen, and soma. No one has any bad things to say about the KM. Waiting to see those 2021 color and spec to come out any day now

[@jasonwelch7228]

hey man, great video and I love the dog!

[@emhezmfe]

I want a Fools Gold rigid so bad. Hope my local Surly dealer gets one in soon.

[@WhosJZN]

i dont personally like the color at all :S

[@emhezmfe]

@@WhosJZN I love it and bought it yesterday!

[@WhosJZN]

@@emhezmfe its a fun ride, enjoy it :P

[@quantaro]

great video and what a good dog!

[@PietroOsti]

hey man, which suspended fork do you recommend for the KM? I'm planning to replace my rigid-Surly-one

[@JoshRomeroYT]

Hi Pietro I have a rock shox Sektor that is 150mm but has spacers to be 140mm I don’t recommend going above 140mm as the geometry of the KM with be to steep. People on forums online even say 140mm is far to much but I dig it and can still climb without “falling backwards” as they say one will.

[@아우빠]

Hi Pietro, did you buy a fork? If so how much travel?

[@jackcarter233]

My old KM has well over 10,000 miles easily. Best ride quality

[@cycleish]

I’d there a full video of the Utah trip?

[@JoshRomeroYT]

There is ! First video on the channel

[@cycleish]

Awesome! I’ll check it out. Thanks!

[@ahamilton1305]

Really enjoyed the story and background - I think i'll get myself one of these, and also you've given me the idea to try bikepacking too

[@josipX]

the question is karate monkey or ghost grappler

[@allahson4967]

Yes he answered my quest.tires Chronicles maxxus 4 SPEED

[@Shanecoffeyoutdoors]

Love it. Future proof

[@specter82]

Hi from suring MB

[@brianjones2118]

Nice dog!

[@MARS72JJ]

Grappler or Karate?

[@Foti5]

of coz monkey

[@prancisfena]

This video made me miss my KM so damn much (sold it in early 2020) 😥 Current dilemma: Sell my Straggler to get a KM? 😆

[@mknight6556]

I bought a used Karate monkey in the middle of 2020! Was starting to get into MTB with my rockhopper. Had a coworker who was hard up for cash and sold me a rigid fork Karate monkey. Single speed. Oh my goodness that bike is so much fun. It has surly rabbit hole 29inch rims until my brother drove his truck into my back tire. Replaced the back tire with a 27.5 tire so now it's a mullet. Couldn't find those surly rabbit hole rims anywhere to replace the back one. Still a little butthurt about that but this bike rips. For most trails here in the upper Midwest. Rigid fork is the way to go with squishy tires! So much fun

[@jamesreinhardt5542]

Great ideas. Cool to follow your thoughts. Do you ever wish it weighed less as you go trail riding? Either way, buying a used Porta-potty blue soon! Stoked! I was commuting (am commuting) on a cross check with fenders and studded front for the winter. It’s been great! Way to go for rocking the track bike :)

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

As a recent (last summer) aquierer of a Karate Monkey, I can say that the "weight" will rarely, if ever, bring you down. I usually have mine as a rigid singlespeed, but this summer, I loaded it (rightTF) up and took it bikepacking on singletrack and it performed like a F'n champ. I will say, I ran it mullet, which I would absolutely recommend, especially when rigid. I would like to try it mullet with a 140mm fork, but I haven't got there yet. It's just so damned predictable and reliable with the rigid that I haven't branched out yet.

[@alexaitken9444]

On this channel, not in.

[@watts391]

Dope!

[@danilocapellan1316]

You live so cool, God Bless you. 😊👍🏼

[@margarettelillie7813]

And all you dorks agree, correct🎉🎉😂

[@allahson4967]

Is this a ebike?

[@nilambursafari]

Amazing place L●ve fr●m g●lden teak t●wn

[@jl3567]

Sweet intro beats

[@tanksouth]

I saw zero karate.

[@leart78]

never understood the point of those Surly bikes, they are so ugly lol

[@mknight6556]

Guess you've never ridden one? I've rid my co workers Giant full suspension btm. I've ridden a couple of full sus Scott bikes along with a Stunt jumper and a rigid fork Karate monkey blows all of those bikes outta the water in terms of fun. Holy smokes they are a blast on the trails. You might not be going the fastest, but you'll have the biggest smile on your face!