Surly: Karate Monkey-27.5+

*In Shop Only, no shipping on this item*

The Karate Monkey – A mountain bikes with a rigid fork. For the Karate Monkey, it’s 27.5 Plus. That means a wheel that’s got a diameter of 27.5 inches and a width 3 inches. (Random side note: 650b like in the Space Horse is the very same thing as 27.5 in the Karate Monkey. The only real difference is in the tire width. The KM has much chunkier tires).

This bike has been around forever in a variety of configurations.   The colors have changed, and the bike has adopted modern standards, but at its heart it’s the same bike it’s always been.   With big 27.5 Plus tires, this bike is made for rolling over things.  Whether it’s rocky and rooty single track or forest roads and paths, the Karate Monkey is simple, sturdy and made for adventure.  

It’s got a wide range 1x12 drivetrain, so you’ll never run out of gears.  And those big 27.5 tires are tubeless ready, so if that’s your thing, this one is ready for a tubeless conversion.  The brakes are simple and reliable cable actuated discs so you’ll never be stranded on the trail.  And if your adventure calls for carrying camping gear, the Karate Monkey has mounts for racks or fenders or pretty much whatever it is you need to carry.

It is simple, durable, and reliable low-tech alternatives to the ever-temperamental modern full suspension mountain bikes. While those bikes are extremely capable, they also ask for lots of attention in return. The Surly bikes ask for little more than a cool trail through the woods and an engaged rider.