Surly Karate Monkey

Archived: Surly Karate Monkey · Mountain · Published sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL

• Confirm the frame markings and seller description match this archived model. Note every component that differs from the published build.
• Record the frame serial number. It should be legible, unaltered and consistent with the seller’s ownership history.
• Find the size marking on the bicycle and confirm the fit before judging the condition or price.

Archived: Frame: Surly Karate Monkey - 4130 Chromoly, Natch tubing, double-butted main triangle, trumpet flared tubes, TIG welded, ED coated · Fork: Surly Karate Monkey - 4130 Chromoly, Natch tubing, double-butted tapered fork blades, TIG welded, ED coated · Steel

• Check paint damage, vent holes and accessible internal surfaces for corrosion. Look for dents, bent tubes and cracking around welded or brazed joints.
• Stand behind and in front of the bicycle to look for obvious frame, fork or wheel misalignment. Ask directly about crashes, transport damage and repairs.
• Inspect the fork crown, blades, dropouts and visible steerer area. Check that it is straight, securely installed and free of cracks or impact damage.

Archived: Shifters: Shimano Deore SL-M6100 · Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore RD-M6100, 12-speed · Crankset: Shimano Deore FC-MT510-1, 30t · Bottom bracket: Shimano · Cassette: SunRace CSMZ800, 11-51t, 12spd · Chain: KMC X12 NP/BK

• Shift through every available gear under light load. Hesitation, skipping or inconsistent indexing can reflect wear, damage, poor adjustment or mismatched replacement parts.
• Measure chain wear with a compatible gauge and inspect chainring, cassette or freewheel teeth. A new chain does not rule out wear in the remaining drivetrain.
• Turn the cranks slowly, feel for rough bearings and check for side-to-side play. Inspect crank arms, chainring bolts and pedal threads for looseness or damage.

Archived: Brakes: Brake Calipers: Tektro HD-M275; Brake Levers: Tektro HD-M275; Rotors: Tektro 180/160, 6-Bolt

• Inspect pads and braking surfaces, check the complete cable or hose path, and confirm both controls feel consistent and return cleanly.
• Before riding, test every installed brake separately at walking speed. Each should stop firmly and release cleanly without its control reaching the end of its usable travel.

Archived: Wheel size: 27.5" · Rims: WTB ST i40 TCS 27.5" · Hubs: (F) Novatec 15x110mm, 32h / (R) Novatec 12x148mm, 32h · Front tire: Surly Dirt Wizard 27.5 x 3.0", 60 tpi, Tubeless Ready · Rear tire: Surly Dirt Wizard 27.5 x 3.0", 60 tpi, Tubeless Ready

• Spin both wheels and watch for side-to-side and vertical movement. Check spoke tension, rim condition and hub play.
• Inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking, plugs, bulges or exposed threads and confirm the installed sizes are safe for the rims and available frame and fork clearance.
• Remove and reinstall or closely inspect both wheel-retention systems. Axles or quick releases should tighten correctly with undamaged threads, hardware and dropouts.
• Confirm whether the bike is actually set up tubeless, whether both tires hold pressure, and when sealant and rim tape were last serviced.

Archived: Headset: Cane Creek 15 · Handlebar: Salsa Rustler · Stem: Promax, 31.8mm · Seatpost: Promax, 30.9mm · Saddle: WTB Volt 142

• Apply the front brake and rock the bike to check for headset play or notchiness. Inspect the stem, handlebar and clamp zones, then confirm every fastener and control is secure.
• Check that the seatpost moves for adjustment and that the saddle, post and clamp hold securely without cracks, severe corrosion or damaged hardware.

• Before riding, confirm both wheels are secure, tires are safe, both brakes function, and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals have no looseness.
• Begin at low speed. Test steering, braking and shifting progressively, then load the drivetrain and suspension only after the basic safety checks pass.
• Listen and feel for repeated knocks, grinding, skipping, brake pulsation or movement at joints. Stop the test if the bicycle cannot be controlled safely.