Just announced, Surly has updated the Krampus with two new build options and fresh paint jobs for 2020. Pick from front suspension with a dropper post or completely rigid, the choice is yours…
Although the original “Moonlit Swamp” Surly Krampus will always hold a special place in our hearts, it’s been fun to see this 29+ bikepacking machine evolve over the years. The core of the Krampus has remained unaltered, but we’ve seen some updates that make this steel workhorse better for bikepacking and riding singletrack. In 2017, Surly introduced updated geometry, which they described as, “a longer reach to work well with shorter stems, shorter chainstays, slightly slacker head tube angle, shorter seat tubes, and longer suspension fork capability. These updates all work together to make the new bike more balanced and neutral handling.” Better yet, the Krampus saw more mounts, Gnot-Boost 12mmx145mm rear dropout spacing, internal dropper post routing, and a 30.9mm seat post tube. In short, the Krampus was modernized.
For 2020, we don’t see any changes to the frame itself, but we do see two new build options. And for the first time ever, one of those comes specced with front suspension and a dropper post, which is especially appealing for those seeking out singletrack-centric bikepacking routes. You’ll also see two new paint jobs, Satic Sunset and Tangled Up In Blue, plus last year’s Bruised Ego Purple and Dark Black. Check out details on the new complete builds below.
2020 Surly Krampus “Static Sunset” Build
The new Satic Sunset build is exciting, and although previous models were designed to accept front suspension, this is the first time it’s been available straight from Surly. They went with a 120mm Rock Shox 35 Gold fork and the TransX JD-YSP15 dropper post with 120mm of travel. The drivetrain is based around SRAM’s 12-Speed NX Eagle 11-50T, SRAM Level Hydraulic Brakes, and of course, Surly’s 29×3″ Dirt Wizard rubber. The complete build costs $2,200 USD, and a frameset is available for $700 USD.
2020 Surly Krampus “Tangled Up In Blue” Build
Also new, the Tangled Up In Blue Krampus stays true to its roots and sticks with a fully rigid design. A 4130 Chromoly Steel fork laden with mounts, a standard seat post, and a slightly downgraded component group to drop the price considerably. This more affordable build comes with SRAM’s 12-Speed SX Eagle drivetrain, Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic brakes, but otherwise looks the same as the build above. The Tangled Up In Blue complete build is priced at $1,550 USD and the frameset at $700 USD.
Surly still has the 2019 Bruised Ego Purple and Dark Black Krampus listed on their website, so you’ve got plenty of colour options to choose from if you’re interested in picking one up. Head over to SurlyBikes.com to check out the complete build details on the 2020 Surly Krampus.
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