Surly Karate Monkey: Versatile 27.5+ Hardtail Mountain Bike for Adventure

Ready to take on any adventure? The Surly Karate Monkey is a versatile, durable 27.5+ hardtail mountain bike built for tackling singletrack, gravel roads, and urban commuting. Its steel frame and hardtail design ensure a fun, responsive ride, while its geometry and wheel size compatibility make it incredibly adaptable. Whether you're mountain biking, commuting, or bikepacking, the Karate Monkey is up for the challenge. At CyclErie, we can help you build your dream Karate Monkey with custom components, including a variety of drivetrain and front suspension options to match your riding style.

This bike is spec’d in one of two distinct builds, each tailored to different riding styles:

• Build 1: Designed for simplicity and strength, this option includes a rigid Surly Chromoly Steel fork with double-butted tapered blades, a Shimano Deore 6100 SGS rear derailleur and 12-speed shifter, SRAM Avid BB5 mechanical brakes (180mm front, 160mm rear), and a standard Kalloy 30.9 seatpost. Paired with WTB ST i40 rims and Surly Dirt Wizard 27.5 x 3" tires, it’s perfect for riders who prioritize durability and maximum tire volume.

• Build 2: Built for technical trails, this premium setup features a RockShox 35 Gold RL suspension fork (140mm travel, 15x110mm thru-axle), a high-end Shimano Deore XT M-8100 rear derailleur and XT 12-speed shifter, Tektro Gemini HD-M520 brakes (180mm front, 160mm rear), and a TranzX dropper post (100mm for XS, 120mm for SM–XL). It rolls on WTB ST i35 rims with Surly Dirt Wizard 27 x 2.8" tires, offering enhanced control and agility.

Both builds share a Shimano Deore crankset (MT510 for Build 1, M-6100 for Build 2), KMC X12 Anti-Rust chain, Salsa Rustler handlebar, and Novatec hubs (15x110 front, 12x148 rear), ensuring reliability across mountain biking, commuting, and bikepacking. Visit CyclErie to choose your ideal Karate Monkey build and conquer any trail with confidence!