This is my Sram X9 Surly Karate Monkey.

I have no idea what year the frame is, but it still has cantilever brake bosses, a standard 1 1/8" head tube (non-tapered), and no brace on the head tube end of the top tube. The fork is a Surly Ogre fork, with the extra bottle mounts, and also has cantilever brake bosses. I'm probably never going to use cantis, but it's good to have the option in an emergency.



Here it is naked. Loving the aerobars and the front rack is just on for some extra gear. My girlfriend and I did a 110-mile overnighter up in New Hampshire, so I had to bring panniers (we couldn't get a rack to work on her bike.



The bike handled fine with the heavy front load. I could still hop curbs and roots, anyways.



Cockpit View.



The drivetrain is working ok. Bottom gear is a 26. I think I might swap the X9 derailleur for an X7 just so I can bend it back into shape after a rock hit.

You can check out my gear list and the rest of my photos at my site: www.MaxTheCyclist.com.

Hi all,

Looking for a new light for safe night-riding at low speeds. Nothing crazy (I don't need jeep floodlights). What's everyone using? Is there a great option for lights if I do NOT want to run a dynamo hub?

USB rechargeable is a plus, and would love a long runtime, but I know that cuts into my lumens. Right now I have a Cygolite Metro 300 Lumen, and that's okay, but not bright enough.

What's the balance point here?

Will try to post a pic from my next trip soon. Mystery year Karate Monkey with full Sram X9, XT 36sp wheels w/ Sun Ringle rims, Maxxis HR front and Minion rear. Frame bag is Rogue Panda Designs.

Where can I find a report from someone who did it on a cyclocross-style bike? Anyone have a lead?

I'm sure this question has been asked before and I'm also sure it gets annoying, but I don't have another resource to ask it in. Bear with me.

I've got a steel frame touring rig with a Surly LHT Disc fork and a Raleigh frame, and 38mm tires (I might be able to squeeze 40's). I rode it on the sand/cyclocross trails all across Colorado, south of Denver, and I've done a bit of trail riding and off-roading in VT, NH, and MA.

So... could I do the Divide on it instead of a rigid MTB? Or is that insane? I'd be rackless, full frame bags, 8-10lb base weight for camping gear and I weigh about 170, so i'm not a heavy load.

Thanks for any opinions