Which Surly Should You Buy? Karate Monkey or Krampus? Rigid or Suspension?

Following the success of our Ogre vs. Bridge Club video, we've received many requests for a comprehensive comparison of the Karate Monkey and the Krampus. In this video, we'll explore the key differences and similarities between these two popular trail bikes, helping you decide which one is right for you.

What You'll Learn:
* History & Innovation: Discover the history of the Karate Monkey and the Krampus and learn about the innovative features that Surly introduced to the market.

* Detailed Breakdown: Get an in-depth look at the frame, components, and specifications of both the fully rigid and suspension models.

* Buying Recommendations: Find out which bike we recommend for different types of riders and terrains.

Stay tuned to the end of the video for our recommendations on which bike to buy.

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more bike comparisons and reviews! 🚴‍♀️🔔

#KarateMonkey #Krampus #SurlyBikes #MountainBiking #BikeReview #TrailBikes #BikeComparison #29er #27.5 #SurlyTrailBikes #SurlyBikeReview #MountainBikeComparison #SurlyHistory #surlykrampus #surlykaratemonkey

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[Wes_of_the_Woods]

I have a 2013 Krampus in Moonlit Swamp. I put an Old Man Mountain rack on it and ride it everywhere. Love this thing!

[WildOutdoorLiving]

I have a Krampus that I built in 2020. It is still my favorite bike. I like being able to run 29x2.6" tires with plenty of mud clearance. My size large build is just under 28lbs.

[keithhunter]

My bikepacker is fully rigid "First Loser Silver" Krampus size large.

[StudQBeefpile]

I've owned both. The rollover and girth of the 29x3.0 tires on the Krampus contributed to significant improvements in my confidence on singletrack. They are also nice on kitty litter type and river rock (i.e. very smooth) gravel because they dig and hold on better in corners and climbs than 29x2.2-2.4 tires. I used the Krampus to bikepack the San Juan Huts, too.

I have a single speed Karate Monkey that I really like that is built up with 29x2.6 in the front and 29x2.4 in the rear. It has a (discontinued) Lauf fork in the front and a dropper post. I like it as a do-it-all bike. I ride gravel and tamer singletrack on it and it is capable on all of those surfaces and trails. It has all the same mounts as the Krampus, and also makes a capable bikepacking rig.

Both bikes have all the same braze-on mounts to fit racks and water bottles.

[bruceh]

Surly bikes look cool so thanks for video. I just got into cycling 3 months ago and bought a new Kona Dew and Kona Big Honzo and I think I might see a Surly in my future, something for pavement, maybe Karate Monkey. Thanks.

[xmars]

I recently picked up 1st gen krampus large set up single speed. Fun bike

[saddleweary]

I put a 29er front end on a 27.5 bike and it corners better than my 29er and the front end doesn't wash out like my other 27.5. It may be a fade but man that bike is great. Surly might want to consider a special custom build with the " mullet setup 😂 ". It seems like it wouldn't be all that much of a hassle. Great videos man, I'm interested in getting into bike touring and looking at Surly. You are the only person I've checked out about the brand and I'm learning a lot. Thank you.

[jonmarshall]

I always wanted a surly since seeing an original Instigator way back in the day. I was finally able to buy a KM last year frame set. I run it with a Pike 140mm fork and occasionally use the rigid fork as well. I actually run my KM with 29” wheels, it’s fun and so adaptable.

[tompelham]

Thanks for the Vid, have owned these rides or still do:) always interesting

[SummeRulz]

Great video. Ill go with the rigid 29" x 3" Krampus👍 Thanks genius biker man

[jackcarter]

There I was at my local bike shop in 2013. I had to choose between a moonlit swamp Krampus, and a murder-black KM. I choose KM. Both are great.

[jaydog]

I have a Karate Monkey and I’m thinking of adding a Krampus

[fatrobdouble]

i think my plan is to get a KM frameset and build it up with 2 wheelsets; a 27.5+ on some 45mm rims/3.0" tires and a 29er with 35mm rims/2.6" tires.... best of both worlds....the 30t max chainring on a Krampus set up Boost is kind of limited, too... sure, the KM is only 32 but that counts for something

[Lepercurtidoo]

Nice video, i would love to see a Ghost Grappler / Krampus comparison video as well. I wonder how they would feel like with same wheel size and components, apparently they have very similar geometry. I have a GG and thinking of getting a suspension Krampus ...

[DavidBuckspan]

My favorite Surly is my Wednesday! Phat tires rule. 😅

[lekhacchaulong]

Thanks for the review, I'm having Bridge Club at the moment and thinking of building another ultimate all terain/ off-road bike packing could you please share some experiences/insights/opinion between Wednesdayvs Karate Monkey vs Krampus?

[Nick-csyc]

I’d go for the 29” set up, that way you have the option to switch to 27.5 👍👍

[cristiansuarez]

I started with Surly on a 3rd Gen Karate Monkey. I would ride that to work and then class while attending community college. It was never ridden on dirt, I had some silly gear ratio for just street use. I moved on to an ECR that was a Large that fit better than my old KM that was a medium. I moved away from Surly and rode an Ibis DV9 for two years then I fell back into Surly with a Krampus. I cannibalized my DV9 to build the Krampus and have not looked back.

All in All, just ride all the Surlys.

[michaelhayward]

Call me old fashioned, but....Surlys just don't look right with a suspension fork...

[Nick-csyc]

These bikes would be excellent Monster Gravel rigs👍😁