Hey there guys - with the house renovations winding up, it means that I may have some more time on my hands for riding. After being incredibly inspired by those that have tackled Tour Aotearo, Hunt 1000 and other adventures - I feel like I would like to train myself up to gift myself some adventure which has been lacking lately.
The 3 bikes I have at the moment aren’t up to the task so I will be looking at another bike which I have been saving up for slowly.
I am after a few things with this bike. I used to ride a singlespeed on-one inbred which I really enjoyed - it was fun, flickable (26") and I could smash trails all day. It would be good to be able to find a bike that when I am not out bikepacking, it can be used as a SS for a bit of strength training at Stromlo.
The two bikes that have been suggested to me so far are the Surly Karate Monkey and the Krampus. Whilst I really like the look of them - I am just not sure about the plus size tyres.
Is there anything out there that I am overlooking? A steel 29er that is similar to the Surlys?
I have to mentally sift through the conversations I’ve had with people lately as someone was talking about looking ata KM and then deciding on something else which offered a better deal.
My first guess is that you should keep an eye on the 2nd hand market as something like a salsa, niner or a soma could easily pop up at a price that rivals a surly retail.
The niner Sir9 would be rad - a little more towards the XC side of things, but it would be out of my budget I think. The Salsa woodsmoke popped up on the radar as well.
Ahhh yup - I read your post incorrectly. The RLT9 looks a bit like gravel grinder adventurer thingo. I am after something with a bit more of a mtb thoroughbred. To be honest, the Karate Monkey is on top of the list for me at the moment. I do have time on my side as it will take time for them to get into the country so I am just making sure I cover off on all bases.
Yeah, I think so at this point - I don’t have enough dosh for both and the Kona CX SS will get the commuting duties that the wolverine was going to get. I think I might build up a new wheelset for the Kona with a dyno.
I reckon you’re hitting the right stuff. I guess you’ve not mentioned Jamis though. I love Jamis steel bikes. The dragonslayer looks good.
How do you think you’d go with the karatemonkey rear dropout thing? Pretty happy with the direction you’re heading. I dunno if people here know how crazy tough you are on a bike…