Ever since gravel bikes have taken the world by storm, the idea of a “monster cross” bike seems to have faded into obscurity. True, a made up term for a loose category of bikes, but it looks like there are still monsters among us. Coming just short of a 27+ drop bar build, the new All-City Gorilla Monsoon seems to qualify for monster status with massive 27.5 x 2.4″ tires. Maybe it would be better to call it a drop bar mountain bike – either way, it looks like a lot of fun.
Starting with the frame, the 612 Select steel tubing includes a full ED coating for future rust proofing. Clad in a Sunrise Fade paint job, the Gorilla Monsoon is feature packed, but still relatively straight forward.
Equipped with both front and rear fender and rack mounts (compatible with the Surly 8 and 24 Pack Racks), the frame also includes three bottle cage mounts for extra water or gear carrying abilities. The All-City dropouts fit 142 x 12mm rear hubs with a 15mm thru axle upfront on the bi-plane crown steel fork. Thanks to all the braze-ons, you can run 1x, 2x, or 3x with max chainring combos listed as 1X = 38T, 2X = 28/42, 3X = 26/36/48. A straight 1 1/8″ steerer, 27.2mm post, and 73mm threaded English bottom bracket fit with the tried and true All-City ethos.
Disc brake only, the fork has an IS mount up front, but a post mount rear, both with 160mm minimum rotor sizing.
Shipped with WTB 27.5 x 2.4″ Riddler tires on i25 TCS tubeless rims, the frame and fork can also run 650b x 47mm or up to a 700c x 42mm tire set up. All-City points out that the 47mm tires will drop the BB a bit which is fine for loaded riding on pavement, and the 700c x 42mm set up will raise the BB by 8mm, though 700c x 38mm will keep it about the same.
Sizing will be available from 43cm to 61cm frames.
As a complete, the Gorilla Monsoon will include a 1×11 SRAM Apex 1 mechanical drivetrain with Hayes CX Expert mechanical disc brakes, and FSA Comet 1x crank with 36t chainring, and a Sunrace 11-42t cassette for $1999. Framesets will also be available for $850. Expect these to hit dealers in early April.
