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 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
I like the sensible component selection at Surly, like the wide 40mm wheels on the rigid. Another example: they gave in to the 12 speed fad (maybe due to parts availability? Popular demand?), but insist on pairing it with universal HG freehub instead of Microspline. That way people can go single speed easily or return to 11 or 10 speed without needing entire new wheel.
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 ...
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.
I think you said in a previous video I watched that you are 5'9" tall - or close to it - which size would you ride in a KM and would it be the same if you went Krampus? I wish Surly would at some point go to a larger stack height on their mountain bike frames like the KM, Krampus, Wednesday, Ice Cream Truck. Would you go Large and short stem and sacrifice some standover, dropper post travel, or would you go Medium and run a lot of spacers and a longer stem, but gain a little standover and dropper post travel? Thoughts?
If you are 5’9” you are squarely in the medium range. I’m not sure you would need more spacers or a longer stem, unless you have an unusually long reach. I’m 5’9” and I ride a medium in every Surly.
@@ottawabikeandtrail Thanks - you have an amazing shop. I like to run short stems - so the reach on the Large Surly frames suits me better for that......but then you get the longer seat tube and taller standover.......tradeoffs, right? Keep the videos coming. I'm enjoying all of em.
@@MMcG25I'm just shy of 5'9", 32.5" inseam. I sat on a size L Krampus at the bike shop. Reach was ok but the standover was way too high for any trail endeavour. Then I sat on a size M Karate Monkey and it fit me better in both aspects.
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?
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?
I know I’m late to the party but I’ve watched this video so many times I have to ask. Isn’t this color Organic Eggplant? The latest Ogre is the Fermented Plum right?
@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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
I have a 2013 Krampus in Moonlit Swamp. I put an Old Man Mountain rack on it and ride it everywhere. Love this thing!
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 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.
My bikepacker is fully rigid "First Loser Silver" Krampus size large.
I recently picked up 1st gen krampus large set up single speed. Fun bike
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.
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
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.
Nice! Thanks for watching.
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.
Great video. Ill go with the rigid 29" x 3" Krampus👍 Thanks genius biker man
I like the sensible component selection at Surly, like the wide 40mm wheels on the rigid. Another example: they gave in to the 12 speed fad (maybe due to parts availability? Popular demand?), but insist on pairing it with universal HG freehub instead of Microspline. That way people can go single speed easily or return to 11 or 10 speed without needing entire new wheel.
I have a Karate Monkey and I’m thinking of adding a Krampus
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.
Thanks for the Vid, have owned these rides or still do:) always interesting
watching from mars ❤
Call me old fashioned, but....Surlys just don't look right with a suspension fork...
I’m with you. But I do like the ride quality.
I’d go for the 29” set up, that way you have the option to switch to 27.5 👍👍
My favorite Surly is my Wednesday! Phat tires rule. 😅
GREAT video. Will a 29x3 tire fit on the Krampus with suspension fork?
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 ...
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.
Awesome evolution! Thanks for watching.
I think you said in a previous video I watched that you are 5'9" tall - or close to it - which size would you ride in a KM and would it be the same if you went Krampus? I wish Surly would at some point go to a larger stack height on their mountain bike frames like the KM, Krampus, Wednesday, Ice Cream Truck. Would you go Large and short stem and sacrifice some standover, dropper post travel, or would you go Medium and run a lot of spacers and a longer stem, but gain a little standover and dropper post travel? Thoughts?
If you are 5’9” you are squarely in the medium range. I’m not sure you would need more spacers or a longer stem, unless you have an unusually long reach. I’m 5’9” and I ride a medium in every Surly.
@@ottawabikeandtrail Thanks - you have an amazing shop. I like to run short stems - so the reach on the Large Surly frames suits me better for that......but then you get the longer seat tube and taller standover.......tradeoffs, right? Keep the videos coming. I'm enjoying all of em.
@@MMcG25I'm just shy of 5'9", 32.5" inseam. I sat on a size L Krampus at the bike shop. Reach was ok but the standover was way too high for any trail endeavour. Then I sat on a size M Karate Monkey and it fit me better in both aspects.
@@mvallee81 Thanks, man! Did you end up buying either one? I wish both had taller stack heights but whattya gonna do ya know.
@@MMcG25 no but I want a plus bike real bad. Haven't pulled the trigger yet but Krampus is a candidate
These bikes would be excellent Monster Gravel rigs👍😁
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?
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?
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.
I’m looking at frame only karate monkey and setting it up 29x2.5. Any issues with this?
I know I’m late to the party but I’ve watched this video so many times I have to ask. Isn’t this color Organic Eggplant? The latest Ogre is the Fermented Plum right?
Which size is karate monkey in salmon color ?
👍👍👍
Which surly would you recommend for doing the GDMBR?
I’d probably ride a Krampus, Ogre, or Ghost Grappler.
@@ottawabikeandtrail I currently have a bridge club 27.5 XL...would that work on the GDMBR?
Absolutely! Consider getting a wheel upgrade if you are going to carry a heavy load.
@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.
Oomph. KM easily fits 29. So wheel size should not be the decision point on the frame.
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
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.
@@ottawabikeandtrail Thanks 👍
@Bikes0420 Thanks for valuable insight.
What is most popular the krampus or ghost?
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.
@@ottawabikeandtrailthat would be a great video indeed !
Haunted Ranch Dressing!
Ha!!! I wondered if anyone would catch that. Good eye!
@@ottawabikeandtrail I enjoyed your presentation.
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.
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!
But the Karate Monkey easily takes 29 wheels..
surly ecr, 29/surly crosscheck