View Full Version : My new 29'er......
BrickTop
07-09-2006, 06:23 PM
I recently had a flash of "gee, wouldn't it be neat if I had a SS 29'er?" come on, but in the past I was able to let the irrational feeling subside. This time however I broke down and snatched one off MTBR classfieds. Enter the Karate Monkey. Here she is with my newly won Brooks saddle (green leather with copper rails):
http://www.pbase.com/image/63230380.jpg
I rode it today for my first time through the steep dirt roads of my neighborhood (rural Colorado) and I was really surprised. You definitely get more exercise pounding that big gear, but it being fully rigid made it pretty responsive to pedaling, so it wasn’t that bad. The 29’er 2.2 tires set at 38psi didn’t make me forget about the lack of suspension, but it was waaaaay better than I thought it would be. Pretty comfy considering.
My first thought was making this a "townie" bike, but I think I'll give this baby some runs in the starting lineup from time to time. :thumb:
ArmOnFire
07-09-2006, 07:51 PM
CAUTION: IT COULD BECOME YOUR MAIN RIDE.
Mine is! I love my ss rigid KM, yours looks cleaner.:)
-Dan
BrickTop
07-09-2006, 09:01 PM
CAUTION: IT COULD BECOME YOUR MAIN RIDE.
Mine is! I love my ss rigid KM, yours looks cleaner.:)
-Dan
Hahahaha, that crossed my mind today. I was enamored with the simplicity.
hitekrdnk
07-09-2006, 09:22 PM
I have been riding that size wheel for the past 6 seasons in rural Colorado and have yet to use more than 30 psi and oftimes less. You might give that a try at least. Even around town. Unless you weigh 225 or more that is. Then you may want to run 32 psi. :rolleyes:
BrickTop
07-09-2006, 10:20 PM
I have been riding that size wheel for the past 6 seasons in rural Colorado and have yet to use more than 30 psi and oftimes less. You might give that a try at least. Even around town. Unless you weigh 225 or more that is. Then you may want to run 32 psi. :rolleyes:
Are you running Stan's? Or does a 29'er tire resist pinch flats better than a 26? 29'er newbies want to know. :)
hitekrdnk
07-09-2006, 10:26 PM
The only time I ever even tried Stan's I about blew up my eardrums instead of my tires. Strictly an Oly's man. I hate to say it without knocking on some wood but I have had about 2 trail related flats since 99' running 30 psi as a maximum pressure. Results of course by others will vary.
P.S. I just had the wierdest flashback, you didn't used to drive around in a big blue rig with yellow lettering on it did you BrickTop?
BrickTop
07-09-2006, 11:00 PM
The only time I ever even tried Stan's I about blew up my eardrums instead of my tires. Strictly an Oly's man. I hate to say it without knocking on some wood but I have had about 2 trail related flats since 99' running 30 psi as a maximum pressure. Results of course by others will vary.
P.S. I just had the wierdest flashback, you didn't used to drive around in a big blue rig with yellow lettering on it did you BrickTop?
Nope, wasn't me.
Thanks for the info. I've had good luck with Stan's over the years, but maybe I'll stick with these tubes and give it a run.
jncarpenter
07-09-2006, 11:36 PM
...very nice Bricktop! What size frame is it?
Nice looking Surly! She's a beauty. I'd give lower PSI a try in those tires for a softer more compliant ride.
I've run my WTB exiwolfs down to about 20psi while using a rigid fork on my Karate Monkey.
BrickTop
07-10-2006, 10:41 AM
...very nice Bricktop! What size frame is it?
Large.
What kind of bars are on that bike BrickTop?
Can you post a photo from head on?
BrickTop
07-10-2006, 10:59 AM
Titec Hellbent
http://www.pbase.com/image/63270636.jpg
I like. Hellbent flats huh? Mine have a ever so slight rise to em.
BrickTop
07-10-2006, 01:19 PM
I like. Hellbent flats huh? Mine have a ever so slight rise to em.
Aside from the saddle and pedals, this is how I bought it off MTBR. I may start removing red ano pieces ala 1994 at some point and may swap in a riser. I want to get a feel for it as is first, then decide what needs changed if anything.
jncarpenter
07-10-2006, 03:46 PM
Large.
....how tall are you (inseam also)? I have been eyeing up a medium surly KM auction & not sure if it is big enough (I am 6' w/ a short inseam [30"] & typically like a longer ETT, but I recently rode the medium Raleigh XXIX & it felt really good with a comparable TT length).
seabass
07-10-2006, 04:36 PM
Great lookin' bike. Enjoy your monkey. If I could only have one bike from here on out, the KM would be my choice.
seabass
07-10-2006, 04:37 PM
....how tall are you (inseam also)? I have been eyeing up a medium surly KM auction & not sure if it is big enough (I am 6' w/ a short inseam [30"] & typically like a longer ETT, but I recently rode the medium Raleigh XXIX & it felt really good with a comparable TT length).
I am right at 6 ft with a 34 inch and ride a medium.
BrickTop
07-10-2006, 10:20 PM
....how tall are you (inseam also)? I have been eyeing up a medium surly KM auction & not sure if it is big enough (I am 6' w/ a short inseam [30"] & typically like a longer ETT, but I recently rode the medium Raleigh XXIX & it felt really good with a comparable TT length).
I'm 6'2" with about a 34" inseam. I'd suggest the medium for your height. I feel slightly stretched on this large, but it's about right.
jncarpenter
07-10-2006, 10:35 PM
...thanks guys!
mud'n'sweat
07-10-2006, 10:51 PM
If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay? I'm in the market myself.
BrickTop
07-10-2006, 11:19 PM
About $800 off mtbr.
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