Hello! So I’m looking for a bike for my girlfriend to get into bikepacking and just gravel biking/light singletrack riding. We’re both kind of new to this, we come from a trail running background and are looking for a new fun way to crosstrain and adventure around. I just picked up a Surly Ogre for a super good deal and now I’m kind of inclined to get her a Surly as well…
I came across a post of FB marketplace in my area for a XS Karate Monkey for sale for $900. I think that it might be a good fit for her to get started on. Any thoughts or suggestions on this? It has been kind of difficult to find a quality used bike in her size.
by UnhappyExchange16
6 Comments
At that price I’d just look at a better, newer, lighter bike.
Karate Monkey’s are great bikes and $900 sounds like a steal actually. As long as it has a front wheel, that would be a great starter bike.
The fact THIS is the photo they used would make me a little hesitant.
I mean, c’mon. No front wheel in the picture and the rear tire is flat? Fork dropouts resting bare on concrete? How about show us the drive side so we can see if the drivetrain has been effed with?
Whatever the reality might be, this appears to be a pretty careless owner. I would ask for more pics before traveling any distance to see it. Could be great, but proceed with caution.
I’m riding a gen 1 KM daily that I’ve had for twenty years. It’s truly a bike for any occasion. I’ve had it rigged as a fixie with drops, 27 speed touring with front and rear racks, and it’s currently 1×9 with Jones H bars a big basket, fenders and 2.5” hook worms.
It’ll never be light though.
So it’s got an SLX drivetrain
https://preview.redd.it/mucdc979oa7c1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7c4ed602abd4b580a052a986ed9c6c5b6e8ddbca
Definitely not an entry level bike. That’s a bike that could last a lifetime.