Utility Cycling - Kona Ute versus Surly Big Dummy

Speedgoat's post on the Kona Ute caught my eye:

http://www.speedgoat.com/blog.asp?p=1087

What are people's opinions on the Ute versus Surly's upcomming Big Dummy? If you were going to get one or the other, which would it be, and why?

I wish I could get one of each, but that isn't likely to happen.

I'd get the big dummy because in theory it is all ready to hold that weight down lower. I personally have problems riding with any real weight way up on back.
You could rig something up for the Kona to carry stuff down low. I have a feeling I couldn't afford either but I hope they come out soon and become very popular :D

Hadn't thought about the weight-distribution. Glad you pointed that out.

One other thing I noticed after posting is that the Ute has a rim-brake in the rear. It's probably just me, but I like symmetry, and I'd prefer both my brakes to be of the same type.

I run a lot of errands by bike. The idea of having something more cargo-oriented appeals to me.

Kona ought to have put attachment points for xtracycle-like hardware.

I don't think the Kona Ute is inherently worse at carrying low-slung loads, except that it would take more effort to get it set up with xtracycle-copycat accesories.

I agree with the above poster that they should have designed the Kona to take the xtracycle bags and accessories....unless, they plan to make bags and luggage of their own....there's a pretty good xtracycle user base so it will be tough competition..

the bags that come with the xtracycle are pretty well designed and anything short of matching their versatility will be a disappointment....

Kona ought to have put attachment points for xtracycle-like hardware.

I don't think the Kona Ute is inherently worse at carrying low-slung loads, except that it would take more effort to get it set up with xtracycle-copycat accesories.

+1 - I've been looking to get an xtracycle since a buddy did a tour on one (and I finally got to see one in person) and I may hold off on other purchases and go Big Dummy rather than a MTB frame. Way I see it though the more companies that are making these types of frame the better since it increases the chance of bikes being recognized as utility vehicles and not toys.

Kona Ute only comes in once size. And it looks weak.

Big Dummy comes in multiple size and looks burly like most Surly stuff.

I will be getting a Big Dummy and prefer it over the Kona Ute simply because of the Xtracycle compatibility. I like how well thought out the Xtracycle stuff is and I can definitely see me using it to drop my kids off at school AND to go grocery shopping. I think the Ute would not work well if I had to do both. Actually from the pics I've seen, it doesn't look like I can have my kids sitting on the back shelf of the Ute the way you can with the Xtracycle.

That being said, my Big Dummy will be partially made up of Kona bits. I will be taking apart my Kona Blast hard tail and moving as much of the components over to the Big Dummy as soon as I get it. I've already told my not-so-LBS (MtnHighCyclery) to order one for me as soon as they are made available.