Originally Posted by
corwin1968
I forgot to mention that the Ogre had canti-mounts while the KM lost them several years ago.
I suspect people bought the complete bikes based on their intended use: KM - Mountain Biking, Ogre - Touring.
From the perspective of frameset only, it's hard to make a case for the older KM. A lot of people have felt the same away about the ECR, thinking it makes the Ogre obsolete.
Older Karate Monkey user here. Currently set up for touring/bikepacking. Fits 35 mm rims plus 2.3 tires with fenders and a rear rack. Plus has a reba fork up front. Does everything it needs to do. And more. Op, start with what wheel size you intend to use, go from there. Really no bad choices. I own 3 Surlys. Not heavy, but durable, solid and can carry lots of stuff. My fully loaded bike with food, water, rear rack, bags and such weighed 70 lbs this summer. Add my clydesdale self, lots o weight.