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

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.

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.

@ottawabikeandtrail

9 күн бұрын

Nice! Thanks for watching.

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

I was in the market last year. What I wanted - single speed, rigid, 29er. I found that Surly only made a complete like that in 2017. So, it was either time travel, or find one used. Used up a lot of cosmic luck and found one used. Drove to Timbuk Two and back to get it, but it was worth it. This thing fucking RIPS. I'm enamored with it. I think it's a real misstep that Surly doesn't make a 29er complete of this bike, let alone single speed. They would have sold one to me. They have the Lowside I guess, but that's just not my bag. It's unfortunate because I feel that most people will never know how great it feels SS/29/rigid. Blows my mind every time I ride it.

@ottawabikeandtrail

9 күн бұрын

That’s awesome! I’d love to see them do a SS of the Karate Monkey. I guess they think it’s easy enough to convert them over to SS. But I’d love to see them release a special edition throw-back SS 29er Karate Monkey. Maybe I’ll build one for myself!

watching from mars ❤

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

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

Question... most suspension forks have a tapered design, so if you bought the rigid version and wanted to upgrade it in the future are you looking for a special fitting fork?

@ottawabikeandtrail

11 күн бұрын

No, you handle the taper with different diameter lower and upper headsets. So, most forks can be handled with the right headset. Hope that helps.

Which surly would you recommend for doing the GDMBR?

@ottawabikeandtrail

25 күн бұрын

I’d probably ride a Krampus, Ogre, or Ghost Grappler.

@stevemullin1195

25 күн бұрын

@@ottawabikeandtrail I currently have a bridge club 27.5 XL...would that work on the GDMBR?

@ottawabikeandtrail

24 күн бұрын

Absolutely! Consider getting a wheel upgrade if you are going to carry a heavy load.

@stevemullin1195

24 күн бұрын

@ottawabikeandtrail planning on getting velocity cliffhangers with 36/40 spokes next year before any long trips. Need to rebuild my legs after losing over 70lbs to get to my current 207lb weight.

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

@ottawabikeandtrail

24 күн бұрын

I’m with you. But I do like the ride quality.

Haunted Ranch Dressing!

@ottawabikeandtrail

24 күн бұрын

Ha!!! I wondered if anyone would catch that. Good eye!

@DEECEE36

24 күн бұрын

@@ottawabikeandtrail I enjoyed your presentation.

I am 166 cm , size chart suggest Small . Only medium is available in Shop near me. Will it make a difference if I choose medium , I will run 27.5 wheel. Any advise , my wish for a long time

@ottawabikeandtrail

24 күн бұрын

My recommendation would be to find a shop with a small or ask your local shop if they can order a small in. Your local shop should be able to help you determine the best fit.

@Nameirakpam1978

24 күн бұрын

@@ottawabikeandtrail Thanks 👍

@Animalstyle69

23 күн бұрын

You’re sort of in between sizes if you have long arms for your height, I would go with medium a bike shop is going to probably tell you whatever bike they have in stock will fit you in your case. you can always put a slightly shorter stem on a medium too remember.. that might be a better option then being a little bit crowded on a small

@Nameirakpam1978

20 күн бұрын

@@Animalstyle69 Thanks for valuable insight.

Well, they both weigh a ton. I can tell you that especially with the stock components to make a lighter one you gotta buy just a frame and build it up yourself .. the stock wheels they come with they’re terrible and everything else is generic unbranded right down to the hubs.. these bikes came with a lot better components a few years ago, Surly sure be cheaping out now. As for the steel work, it looks cool but they weigh like 6 pounds guys.

What is most popular the krampus or ghost?

@ottawabikeandtrail

24 күн бұрын

Good question! I’d say they are a bid different type of rider. The geometry of the GG is designed around a drop bar setup. Short answer is I like the Krampus as a trail bike and the GG as a bike packing bike. That would probably make a good video.

surly ecr, 29/surly crosscheck