Surly Krampus

99/100
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
30.8 lb
Suspension
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Surly Krampus. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

14 reasons to buy

  • The Krampus is available in three builds: two rigid (British Racing Green, First Loser) and a hardtail with a 120mm suspension fork (Nose Drip Curry).
  • Versatility is one of the bike’s biggest draws, with reviewers enjoying it for technical trail rides, singletrack, gravel, bikepacking, and commuting.
  • Reviewers agree the Surly Krampus offers good value.
  • The frame has “thicker” steel on the drivetrain side where the bottom bracket meets the chainstay. One reviewer commends how this design improves stiffness.
  • Experts and users praise the stock Surly Dirt Wizard tires, highlighting the “grip and comfort” on varied terrains.
  • One tester compliments the bike’s stability when navigating “rough” surfaces.
  • The tires and rims on all builds are tubeless-compatible.
  • Testers agree that the 29” wheels and plus-sized tires produce a “reassuring” ride, increasing confidence over “unfamiliar” terrain.
  • According to one expert, the Krampus performs well in slow, technical sections.
  • The Krampus features Surly’s “Gnot-Boost” rear dropout design that supports 12 x 142mm and 12 x 148mm hubs with the included axle and 10 x 135mm with adapter washers (purchased separately).
  • Experts say the rigid Krampus excels at cornering.
  • An expert appreciates how the Krampus’ “robust” frame carries heavy loads while maintaining stability or comfort.
  • The Krampus has mounting points for front (rigid fork) and rear racks, fenders, and four bottle cages.
  • The Krampus Nose Drip Curry comes with a dropper seatpost; the other two builds have internal dropper routing.

3 reasons not to buy

  • The Krampus hardtail is heavy, weighing almost 31lb.
  • Experts bemoan the slow acceleration.
  • Testers find the high rolling resistance of the 3” tires (rigid builds) detrimental on climbs.

Bottom line

The Surly Krampus is a steel-framed 29er trail mountain bike available in three builds: two rigid and one hardtail. The Krampus is praised for its “versatility” and “reliability.” The generous mounting points and tire clearance, stability while loaded, external cable routing, and hybrid disc brakes make it a keen bikepacking or touring option. Reviewers and users highlight its stability, comfort, and confident cornering, meaning it “excels on technical trails.” However, the relatively high weight, slow acceleration, and added rolling resistance hinder speed, especially on climbs. Opinions of the Surly Krampus are overwhelmingly positive among experts who deem it a “solid choice” for long-distance, off-road riding with “approachable” pricing.

Expert Reviews

96/100 based on 1 rated expert review
96
Fat-Bike.com

2017 Surly Krampus – Gnot-Boost and Not Bad

… this bike is a solid choice for a reliable all-around trail bike… the price point is very approachable. It rides best once you have it rolling and keep it rolling. I also could see this being great for off-road bikepacking and some marathon events.

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MitchOnTwoWheels

Surly Krampus – First Ride and Impressions

… really loving the bike, it’s pretty cool. Like I said, they’ve got to change a lot of things on it, like just adjusting the gearing, adjusting some of the cabling, there’s a lot of little tiny details…

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Treeline Review

Best Bikepacking Bikes of 2024

Its old-school, well-balanced geometry works well over a wide range of conditions. It excels on technical trails, but even after loading it up for bikepacking, it rides the same.

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Bike Hacks

First Ride: Surly Krampus – A Blast to Ride

If you like steel, if you like fun, if you aren’t a weight weenie, if you like to play, then you will like this Krampus. The ride is tremendous.

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Cycling UK

Bike Test: Rigid Mountain Bikes

What differentiates it from other mountain bikes are the 29+ wheels and the frame fittings. But those alone give it a very different ride and more potential to be used in different roles.

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Opinion: Ode to an Oddball – Rediscovering Two-Wheeled Fun

Every ride is a celebration of the little things that can bring so much childish joy, but that get numbed away by the modern mountain bike.

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Gravity Mountainbike Magazine

Test: Surly Krampus – Modern Old School [German]

We definitely had fun on the Krampus. But we also have to say that it is really special. It’s not a real alternative to the faster gravel bike and can’t keep up with modern hardtails on trails.

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Surly Renewed Krampus 29+ Test Review [Spanish]

The Krampus still retains the durable 29+ steel platform that many love, while perhaps gaining accessibility to a broader market with a couple of small tweaks and modernization as standards evolve.

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User Ratings

100/100 based on 2 ratings
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Bike Comparison

Surly Krampus in comparison to averages

Forum Discussions

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