48T Chain Ring on a Karate Monkey - Bad Idea?
 

Hi Everyone,

I'm in the process of building a Karate Monkey for general use that may include some light duty on- and off-road touring. Becuase of the intended use, I think a 48T large ring would be prefferable over the standard 44T mountain ring. But, if you are familiar with the set-up of a KM (i.e. curved seat tube), you know that there are specific tire rub problems with certain front derailleur/bigger tire setups. Has anyone here attempted to put a 48T on a KM with any success? Any ideas would be appreciated.

Can't say, but I get email back from Surly real quick, so you could drop them a note. If they are in the office, I am sure you will hear from them.

According to specs here:

http://www.surlybikes.com/karatemonkey.html

The Karate Monkey can take a 48T. But that's the MAX chainring size it can take. Yeah...I'd probably ask Surly for verification too :p