Surly

Karate Monkey Front Suspension Bike 27.5in

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:

"This version of the Karate Monkey is everything I love about steel bikes—compliant, durable, and surprisingly quick. Pairing it with a 140mm RockShox fork opens it up for more aggressive riding, and the XT drivetrain shifts buttery smooth. It’s ready to rally right out of the box, but still invites upgrades and experimentation."

With the Karate Monkey Front Suspension Bike, Surly evolves a cult-classic into a more aggressive trail-ready platform. Up front, a 140mm RockShox 35 Gold RL fork smooths out the rowdiest of lines while preserving the lively character that made the original Karate Monkey so beloved. The steel frame adds signature compliance and resilience, supported by Gnot-Boost spacing, thru-axles, and dropper post integration for a futureproof build.

The drivetrain is dialed with Shimano Deore XT 12-speed shifting, giving riders a full range for all-day elevation gain. Matched with a TranzX dropper and Tektro hydraulic brakes, this spec is focused on control and fun. WTB i35 rims and 2.8in Dirt Wizards give plenty of bite in loose corners and plushness over chunder.

This bike is for the rider who wants customizability without compromise. Whether building it out as a loaded trail tourer or keeping it lean for fast-and-loose trail days, the Karate Monkey encourages creativity, confidence, and a little chaos.

Heads up - We do our best to keep bike specs and images current, but occasional component changes can happen without warning-and sometimes the photos might not show the exact build you'll receive. If you want to double-check the details, our Gearheads are always here to help.