I'm a mountain biker. But unlike Cappa, I'm not into big-air jumps and hitting the skate park. My idea of fun is grinding up miles of puke-your-guts-out climbs and then surfing down the flowy single track reward. Then turning around and doing it again.

 I've got a full-squish 5-inch travel XC bike. It's a good bike and I'm not looking to replace it. I am, however, looking for a good hardtail 29er. Why? I have no idea. I do want a hardtail, but at only 5' 10" I could do either a 26 or 29-inch bike. I like how the 29ers roll across miles of terrain with their big tires gobbling up imperfections and making you feel like you're getting more out of each pedal stroke. And I just sold my "downhill" monster-klunker, so I've got a little extra in the bike fund.

I was looking at some high-dollar options when I stumbled across this Surly Karate Monkey. Aside from a killer name, the Karate Monkeys come with all sorts of brackets and have a design that allows for a ton of flexibility. Wanna run a rigid front fork or a 5-inch adjustable? Monkey frame. Wanna run single-speed or 3x9? Monkey frame. And they's chromoly steel, not aluminum...so I can weld on it if I ever crack it or mess it up.

This one looks like it's been used hard, but the components seem solid. I'd want to replace the rear cassette and front rings and maybe the brakes. But his price doesn't reflect the use. Eh, I'll keep shopping. I've got time and patience on my side.