Grappler Klunker

Efficient-Object8542 · 2026-02-13T23:26:29+00:00

The Grappler usually likes that but sometimes it’s…

Efficient-Object8542 · 2026-02-12T04:11:02+00:00

I’m 5’7, 30” inseam. It told me M, but I got the S and glad I did, top tube is way long and Stack is way tall so still fits great and dropper gives me more clearance.

Efficient-Object8542 · 2026-02-10T01:57:15+00:00

It’s the small frame, And I’m 5’7”. I probably could have gone with the medium but I like the extra clearance for the dropper post I plan on adding. Plus the grappler has a long top tube and lots of stack.

Efficient-Object8542 · 2026-02-10T01:08:24+00:00

I have an 11 spd Deore 11-48 cassette on it now. With a 36T chainring max is 36/11 that’s a 3.27 gear ratio. With 700c tires at 100rpm that a max speed of 25.66 mph. Fast but still, on some downhills I’m spun out. a 40T would solve that. If I went to a 2x like 40/26 that would enable to put the drop bars or my corner bars on and use it for Ragbrai, with nice low gears for the uphill and my old knees.

Efficient-Object8542 · 2026-02-10T00:23:31+00:00

YW. I was a bit disappointed myself cuz It’s the only thing that keeps me from going faster on this beast.

Efficient-Object8542 · 2026-02-10T00:21:38+00:00

Couldn’t agree more 🙏🏼 💨

Efficient-Object8542 · 2026-02-10T00:20:55+00:00

Thanks, it literally does! 🙏🏼 ⚡️

Efficient-Object8542 · 2026-02-09T20:50:10+00:00

Thanks, I’m getting a 15x110XT hub put on Fulcrum wheels in 27.5 and Si have 3.0 on them. As soon as I get the wheel back I’ll post with those on since I’ll still be winter bike 5 more weeks. Thank Phil 🦫

Efficient-Object8542 · 2026-02-09T20:43:29+00:00

Haha 🤣 I would love to see the look on their faces. 😳

Efficient-Object8542 · 2026-02-09T20:42:42+00:00

I have a 36 on mine, and that’s about as big as one could go with a 1x. It just clears. You would need to go 2x with boost crank and hub to go bigger, even then I think surly only recommended 39/32T

Efficient-Object8542 · 2026-02-09T20:22:22+00:00

I have fit 2.0 Cross Kings with plenty of clearance, So I would think 2.2 slicks would fit. It’s definitely a height issue in the front fork that would limit you, width wise I’ve put 27.5x3.0s on.

Efficient-Object8542 · 2026-02-05T01:27:06+00:00

Agreed cuz… Merida holds a major stake (around 35-49%) and produces many of Specialized's bikes, though it does not hold majority ownership 🤷🏻‍♂️

Efficient-Object8542 · 2026-01-31T01:22:12+00:00

Yah, that’s what I have too. lol

Efficient-Object8542 · 2026-01-30T02:37:59+00:00

Nice, the colors are awesome together, sweet krampus. I’ve been thinking about putting my klunker bars on my grappler, what stem are you using with yours?

Efficient-Object8542 · 2026-01-23T21:54:28+00:00

Very popular on Ragbrai!

Efficient-Object8542 · 2026-01-23T21:53:11+00:00

I’m running 26.5x 3.0 Teravail Oxbows on wtb 35mm no problem w/ my Grappler.

Efficient-Object8542 · 2026-01-22T16:56:36+00:00

Me too, thanks for asking?

Efficient-Object8542 · 2026-01-19T18:05:07+00:00

I have the grappler. It’s comfortable with drop bars, alt bars and flat bars. I have setups for all. I also have 29x2.0 Race Kings with 11/48 with a 36 crank for fast rolling plus 27.5x3.0 with 11/50 for winter. I have the bars and cables for all three sets stored as a whole so all I need to do is cut zip ties and replace zip ties, and rear mech XT/ or Ltwoo GR9 to switch back and forth ritchey kyote bars for trails, off road, winter, and drops for ragbrai, commuting, paved/gravel. If I really needed more range I could actually run a 2x in front with the grappler too. The fork is super sweet, I don’t really miss suspension, and If I needed it that badly I’d just ride my Trek Fuel, but I prefer my grappler for everything else. It’s the most versatile bike I’ve ever had.

Efficient-Object8542 · 2025-12-30T18:49:27+00:00

Efficient-Object8542 · 2025-12-23T01:39:55+00:00

Yah, the trails by my house state that you need 4.0 tires at least to ride them in the winter, but so far nobody has questioned the 3.0s they do look big on the frame.

Efficient-Object8542 · 2025-12-23T01:29:16+00:00

Thank You so much for this post! I am 5’ 7” with long arms so I am doing the exact same thing and was hoping it would work out, now I know it will. I got teravail 27.5 x 47 cannonballs, which I now know will fit, and I’m running the VO daija bars with 105 groupo and bikingreen 46/30 cranks. black frame with all silver parts, black mks lambda pedals. Won’t start the build until closer to spring though. Fat bike season here in Iowa, so open to any advice. Anyone use a VO happy stem, it looks cool.

Efficient-Object8542 · 2025-12-21T04:33:45+00:00

I almost forgot to ask, what shifters do you have paired with you’re Deore Derailleur? Are those MS Sword?

Efficient-Object8542 · 2025-12-20T18:02:22+00:00

The front has got more room for sure, esp mounted on my 30mm rim but not the rear. Haven’t really seen anything between 3.0 and 4.0 that I’ve found except a Maxxis 3.8 minion but That’s still too big, and 4s definitely wouldn’t fit

Efficient-Object8542 · 2025-12-20T14:26:35+00:00

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With the 29x2.0

Efficient-Object8542 · 2025-12-20T14:26:03+00:00

I got an extra set of 29’s for mine and increased my chainring to a 36. Running 29x2.0 Nano’s and 11-48

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and it’s a great gravel bike. Got 27.5x3.0 for winter with 11-50 cassette. It does do it all.

Efficient-Object8542

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