Suggest me some bikes

#1

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.

http://surlybikes.com/bikes/karate_monkey_27.5
http://surlybikes.com/bikes/krampus

Is there anything out there that I am overlooking? A steel 29er that is similar to the Surlys?

#2

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.

#3

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.

Here are some reviews of the new Karate Monkey

http://dirtragmag.com/first-ride-surly-karate-monkey-27plus/

A Salsa Timberjack
http://dirtragmag.com/first-ride-salsa-timberjack-27plus/

A Salsa Woodsmoke
http://dirtragmag.com/first-ride-salsa-woodsmoke/

#4

My boss picked up a SIR9 w/ carbon wheels ex-demo from a local store for just under $3000, basically new condition.

It is an incredible looking bike.

… or a kona unit?

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/elizabeth-bay/bicycles/kona-unit-single-speed-mountain-bike-size-small-/1131028120

#5

Something like that Kona unit could work! If it was a medium though… dang it.

#6

Oh man I want that Kona

#7

I wouldn’t be looking at SIR9, I’ve seen a few of these built up at my local and they look very nice.

#8

Hunt bike?

#9

Kona Unit in Medium.

https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/urban-bikes/kona/sa/norwood/2017-kona-unit/102900425

No mention of the size on this 2017 one, but it’s the current model, pic 6.

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/adelaide-cbd/bicycles/treadly-s-exdemo-bikes-kona-gazelle-kalkhoff-byk/1131598496

2017 model has a mint paintjob, couple of shops have them in stock in Melburn.

https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/29er-mountain-bikes/kona/vic/fitzroy/unit/102782454

#10

Yeah my boss has a sir 9. Its an awesome rig. One thing about them is that the triangle isn’t too big so frame bag size is very limited.

#11

Thanks JLN!

http://cog.konaworld.com/not-far-from-home-with-erkki-punttila/

#12

How’s that memory of yours going mr Nikcee.

#13

Was it a Log Lady?

#14

The log lady looks like SS only to me.

#15

Ok, when I said these I kinda meant these > http://www.ninerbikes.com/rlt9steel

But like anything Niner, a bit exxy.

#16

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.

This popped up on my radar a while ago…
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/au/showcase/xtc-advanced-plus-ss

#17

That giant is sweet I want one

#18

So is the Wolverine off the table?

#19

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.

#20

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.

http://www.bikepacking.com/bikes/jamis-dragonslayer-review/

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…