Kona Sutra 2010

benvickery

Hi all,

I'm looking for something more winter friendly than my Planet-x carbon road bike that I've riden the last 2 winters. I've looked at cyclocross bikes but I want mudguards and a rack as well, so a tourer might be a good bet. The Kona Sutra seems quite good value compared to other tourers and I'm interested to hear if anyone has one and would care to comment.

I have to cycle over the North Downs every day so something fairly light would also be good.

Thanks

Canny Jock

Can't comment on the Kona, but I had a Tricross comp for a while which was a good commuter and fine for longer rides too. Takes full guards and a rack.

godders1

If you want to keep the weight down I'd avoid full tourers (the Kona Sutra is 30lbs!). Plenty of lighter bikes with racks and guards around or at least the bosses and clearance to accommodate them (these seem to get called "fast tourers" amongst other things).

The Honky Tonk is an example if you like Kona bikes.

downfader

The Sutra is fine if you're always on the flat. A Dew is a faster option.

One thing about the tourers is that you WILL get fit on those hills!

g00se

The Kona Honkys will take mudguards and racks etc and will be a bit lighter too.

Genesis bikes will have some with guard clearances and mounting points - have a look at the Crois de Fer, Equilibrium and Aether.

g00se

Oh, and a 2010 Kona Dew Drop (they aren't doing them for 2011).

RAK1963

I bought one about two months ago:

(i) The back end is heavy. Physics heavy, not a comment of handling.

(ii) Bar end shifters are an aquired tase

(iii) The back end is very heavy ....

(iv) Disc brakes are ace for a dirty commute

(v) The back end is very, very heavy.

(vi) Seems very reliable and well made

(vii) The back end is very, very, very heavy.

(viii) Still not sure if I should have waited for the rush of disc cross brakes now the rules have changes, or gone for a Dawes Galaxy Plus from Spa.

downfader

g00se wrote:

The Kona Honkys will take mudguards and racks etc and will be a bit lighter too.

Genesis bikes will have some with guard clearances and mounting points - have a look at the Crois de Fer, Equilibrium and Aether.

Yeah heard a few good things about Genesis.

In love with my Kinesis TK2 now, great winter ride. The OP could always have a custom build for the winter and buy the frame etc. That way you get the perfect bike for you (if you know what you're chosing)

hstiles

Kinesis Crosslight 5T might be worth a look. Nice and light, very strong with plenty of mounting points for bottom cages and mudguards.

tomb353

Kinesis Tripster if you want the disks without as much weight.

benvickery

Thanks for replying

As I said I climb a big hill every morning so weight will be an issue. Sounds like I'd be dropping down to the granny gear if I rode the Sutra. I drop down to 2nd gear on my carbon roadie to get up the hill now.

Lots of ideas. I like the look of the kinesis crosslight 5T. I'd probably be able to get the bike, guards and a rack for under £1000. It has to be bought through cyclescheme.

I'll keep looking.....

Ngalbrai

I have the Honky Inc. Bought blind as couldn't find a review anywhere and no one had stock for a test ride. With replacement of saddle I love it, way lighter than the Sutra. Can fit guards and rack, drop bars with discs are an excellent combo. If still in uk might have gone for the genesis crois de somethingorpther but over here in Auz choices are very limited.

downfader

..just looking at the Konaworld website and have to say... some of the 2011 versions of my fave bikes of theirs now look REALLY ugly. :shock:

The Honky Inc looks ok, a bit of a mish mash between classic and modern. Cant see anyone fighting to nick it though, LOL! The Major Jake though.. what the hell were they thinking. :roll: Looks like they've started using slightly better tyres on the whole though.