Hello

I'm interested in The Kona Ute, maily because it's a lot cheeper than an Xtracycle and it's avaiable in Italy.

Anybody tried it?

Hello

I'm interested in The Kona Ute, maily because it's a lot cheeper than an Xtracycle and it's avaiable in Italy.

Anybody tried it?

I sat on one yesterday and have looked at the spec...the thing is it is cheaper than an Xtracycle and brand new mtn bike [or Surly Big Dummy], but not nearly as useful since you can't add all kinds of off the shelf bits to it and expand what it can do. Have a look at the many uses people put their Xtracycles to and then look at the Ute to see how you'll use it.

I think you get your money's worth with the Ute as long as you are satisfied with what it can do....however if you want to have as much flexibility as an Xtracycle I don't think a Ute is worth the money - you'll be left not fully satisfied.

BTW - I'm not sure what an Xtracycle costs in Italy, but here in Canada I could buy one and get a cheap used mtn bike for the same price or cheaper than a Ute.

Will a Stokemonkey work on a Ute?

My primary purpose for a longtail would be to Stokemonkey it to shorten the time on my commute and grocery errands. Not for all the time riding, but because I have an 11month old I like to spend as much time with as possible, which often means my commute eats into that. Oh yeah, and emergencies, it's nice to have a get-there-fast rig when it's crunch time!

So, scoop?

We're evaluating the Stokemonkular potential of the Ute. But getting SM shipping again for Xtracycles has priority.

We're evaluating the Stokemonkular potential of the Ute. But getting SM shipping again for Xtracycles has priority.


BTW, Todd, how is that going? Did you guys decide on a battery? Lookin' like it'll be sooner or later?

Oh, and were I to end up getting a SM could you point me in the direction of some instructions on how to "beat the governor?"

Thanks man, love what you do!

We're evaluating the Stokemonkular potential of the Ute. But getting SM shipping again for Xtracycles has priority.


Ok, now... all at once... everyone pile on Todd with the availability questions...

Must be nice to have such an in-demand product.

I don't know about the Ute. The 700c wheels and integrated aluminum design don't inspire confidence any more than an Xtracycle freeradical (less, actually, after having my faith in the freerad grow).

It seems cheaper, but you only get one set of bags, nowhere near the capacity that the Xtracycle comes with. I guess by the time you spent the money on sets of panniers to equal up to the Xtra (you might need 6, 2 on a front rack, to meet the freeloaders? 4 if they were big, I guess), it would probably be about the same as an Xtracycle/Novato package, or you could build your own :). And even then, you can't carry larger stuff in a pannier unlike the freeloaders, unless you spent the time to adapt your own custom solution.

Personally, I think its okay, it seems like an okay price, but it doesn't seem to be on the same plateau as the Xtracycle. Overall, the Ute having just panniers instead of a nice open sling system is the key point for me.

Ok, now... all at once... everyone pile on Todd with the availability questions...

{Secretly hoping Todd answers—too skeered to ask directly...:D}

I don't know about the Ute. The 700c wheels and integrated aluminum design don't inspire confidence any more than an Xtracycle freeradical



On the Konaworld website the Ute has an alluminium frame with 700c wheels, BUT on the paper catalogue (you can download the pdf on the kona website) it's a cromoly frame with 26" wheels ....

I'm quite confused

On the Konaworld website the Ute has an alluminium frame with 700c wheels, BUT on the paper catalogue (you can download the pdf on the kona website) it's a cromoly frame with 26" wheels ....

I'm quite confused

Looks like maybe they initially were thinking 26", but then decided to go with 700c. See this post on BikeHugger (http://bikehugger.com/2007/08/more_on_konas_ute.htm).

Wheels — Kona tested this bike with both 26” and 700c wheels and 700cc was preferred

Looks like maybe they initially were thinking 26", but then decided to go with 700c. See this post on BikeHugger (http://bikehugger.com/2007/08/more_on_konas_ute.htm).

And they even decided to switch from a Cromoly to an Alluminium frame??

And they even decided to switch from a Cromoly to an Aluminum frame??

I suppose so. I don't know why, perhaps cost?

With the aluminum, one poorly loaded run, one unforeseen pothole.. On an Xtracycle it would mean the hose clamp treatment until you found a good welder. And you can tell, beforehand, when the Xtracycle is overloaded. But with the Ute, it could mean the end of your frame. I'm pretty biased in this regard, but after having crushed so many "super durable oversize aluminum" racks (4 now, one with a "claimed" load capacity of 75kg which utterly failed at.. 12kg..) from various vendors of various designs and price ranges - to watch each and every single one go out the door the same way - well, CrMo would've been a preferred option.

The other alternative, probaby cheaper, probably available in Europe (i think it is a European firm), is the Yuba Mundo (http://www.yubaride.com)

The other alternative, probaby cheaper, probably available in Europe (i think it is a European firm), is the Yuba Mundo (http://www.yubaride.com)

I think the price of the Yuba Mundo is quite high

It's an Hi Ten Steel frame, inferior to cromoly, fitted with super cheap components and the singlespeed model costs 540 euro.
Considering that the Xtra costs 400 euro you can buy a better bike with better components for 140 euro

The Ute is something like $1000 cheaper than the built-up BD, if I recall. Apples vs oranges, anyone?

The Ute is something like $1000 cheaper than the built-up BD, if I recall. Apples vs oranges, anyone?

But if you build up the BD with parts from a donor bike that is already paid for wouldn't the BD price be cheaper?

I like them both, but since I have a garage full of worthy donor bikes the FreeRadical/BigDummy make more sense to me, unless I can get a Ute frameset?

But if you build up the BD with parts from a donor bike that is already paid for wouldn't the BD price be cheaper?

I like them both, but since I have a garage full of worthy donor bikes the FreeRadical/BigDummy make more sense to me, unless I can get a Ute frameset?

There's still a cost associated with donor parts - either the money you originally paid for the bike/part, or the money you're not getting by selling them.

There's still a cost associated with donor parts - either the money you originally paid for the bike/part, or the money you're not getting by selling them.

True but how many of us have a late '90s mtn bike that has been superseded by a new disc braked, fully suspended, lighter than air, bike? You may have spent $3-500 on it originally but now it is gathering dust and you would be lucky to get $100 for it on craigslist.:(

In fact I have had several of these bikes that I have pulled out of dumpsters for free. Use them to get your cargo bike running and upgrade as you need/afford.

I always like to point out to people who complain about my 10 bikes (N+1!) that I have less in them than they have in their 1 car, or in the case of my Mom, her 3 sewing machines!:D

I always like to point out to people who complain about my 10 bikes (N+1!) that I have less in them than they have in their 1 car, or in the case of my Mom, her 3 sewing machines!:D

Would that be 10 bikes or 10! bikes?

Dang, this is the first I've heard of it, but $800 isn't bad for that package. Cool bike.

Considering that the Xtra costs 400 euro you can buy a better bike with better components for 140 euro
Though the advantage of the Mundo is that it's integrated - one solid frame which is potentially stronger than an "X + bike" combo.

Speaking of the Mundo, does anyone know if that is compatible with the xtracycle components? I had seen a few rumors that it would be with some tweaking.

When I have the money I would like to go for a purpose built long tail and the Big Dummy and Mundo are the 2 I'm leaning towards. Electric assist compatibility would be awesome as well.

Speaking of the Mundo, does anyone know if that is compatible with the xtracycle components? I had seen a few rumors that it would be with some tweaking.

When I have the money I would like to go for a purpose built long tail and the Big Dummy and Mundo are the 2 I'm leaning towards. Electric assist compatibility would be awesome as well.

The Mundo doesn't seem compatible with Xtra accessories, I dont' like the mundo since its High Tensile Steel and not Cro- Moly and the parts are very cheap.
For 2/3 the price I would like it more

I want a Stokemonkey sooooo badly!!

I saw an Ute at the grocery store today and it didn't look as bad as I though it would. Still think it needs larger side accessories, but who knows what's to come?

This is from the Bike Hugger blog...

… the design concept was to make a complete bike that is economical, comfortable, light & offers a cargo area/options. Although we considered making the bike compatible with Xtracycle bags, this compromised the other design objectives. Xtracycle is a wonderful concept, but to accommodate their accessories, we would have added to the weight, complexity and expense of the model. We are definitely considering a variety of accessories & bags that will become available for the bike. (http://bikehugger.com/2007/08/more_on_konas_ute.htm)

I would more carefully consider the Ute if they could get some reputable companies, such as Ortlieb, Arkel, Topeak, etc., to make stuff for it, or they come up with some appealing accessories.

i got a kona ute a few weeks ago, I live in brooklyn, and commute to manhattan daily, but not on the kona, its way too big to ride unloaded and in traffic.

but when its time to go to redhook and hit up fairway or ikea or scouring for street antiques, its the best. took it camping to fire island and while I didn't ride while I was there, (all dunes and boardwalks) I did do 20 miles on it down long island on the montauk highway, patchough to babylon FULLY loaded. all the camping gear for two for for days, loaded into 4 panniers and strapped on top.

here's some pictures of it loaded from ikea yesterday too. two bags full, new bathroom vanity flatpacked, giant basket for the gf and even stopped at sahadis for a lb of coffee and some limes and cilantro for dinner.

file:///Users/jefdiesel/Pictures/iPhoto%20Library/Originals/2008/Aug%2021,%202008/IMG_0169.JPGhttp://jefdiesel.com/images/IMG_0171.JPG

anything else you wanna know? or if you wanna borrow it for your shopping needs, ha, let me know

Though the advantage of the Mundo is that it's integrated - one solid frame which is potentially stronger than an "X + bike" combo.

I read the yuba weighs 60lbs, compared with the Ute's 37. That's a lot of metal to move before you add any cargo. I suspect the reason the ute's Alu is to keep the weight down, though it's undeniable that the price will be reflected in the choice, also.

I also saw images of the 09 version in brown with really good bags that run the length of the rack. They looked to have flaps also, which in rainy climes is an advantage.

Of course, I can't find the image now.

I read the yuba weighs 60lbs, compared with the Ute's 37. That's a lot of metal to move before you add any cargo. I suspect the reason the ute's Alu is to keep the weight down, though it's undeniable that the price will be reflected in the choice, also.

I also saw images of the 09 version in brown with really good bags that run the length of the rack. They looked to have flaps also, which in rainy climes is an advantage.

Of course, I can't find the image now.

Let me just say I'm with you on the weight issue, but I think a lot of the confusion comes with the Ute marketing itself. I bet when most people think "longtail," most are thinking "cargo bike." If this is the case, then you want the strongest frame possible, even if it means a weight penalty.

That being said, I was reading a blog by a Ute owner the other day and he pointed out something in the Ute marketing that completely flew over my head until now. He observed that Kona really markets the Ute as a longtail "commuter," and for that purpose, the Ute frame material, tire size, and pannier bags (as opposed to freeloaded type bags) make sense. Thus the Ute is a commuter first and foremost with the ability to haul if necessary, while the X and BD are haulers first and foremost with the ability to commute if necessary. I understand Kona's thinking now because I know there are a lot of us who have used our X's for commuting but have changed to lighter bikes in order to go faster (well, at least that's my case). So Kona has tried to address this problem by designing a bike with a lighter weight frame that has the carrying capacity of a longtail mixed with the fun of riding a longtail in general. At this point, if they were trying to compete with X or Surly head on (as most of us think/thought they are/were), they'd be dead in the water. But the Ute has now opened my eyes a bit more as to where its intended function lies, so I, too, am very interested in hearing your thoughts when you get yours. For me, as my kids get older, I see less and less of a need for cargo hauling and more of a need for a dedicated longtail commuter.

(Damn consumerism. :mad: :notamused: :mad:)

Spambait, mine will mainly be for ferrying the kids on the school run and picking up groceries. I like the Ute because it isn;t as long as the x and the Yuba, and as such I imagine a little more wieldy, and yet I should hopefully be able to fit one kid up front (she's two and can;t be trusted on the back), and my six year old on the back, plus a bag full of schoolstuff. Hopefully it should be an ideal compromise. I'll let you know how it goes.

That being said, I was reading a blog by a Ute owner the other day and ...snip


Can you post a link to the Ute blog?....I've been looking for one...I'm interested in learning more about them from an actual owner.

Can you post a link to the Ute blog?....I've been looking for one...I'm interested in learning more about them from an actual owner.
We're probably reading the same sites, but here's the URL of a Ute critic (my mistake: I thought he owned one) who hinted that the Ute was geared more for commuting. The response by Rufus outlays why he prefers a Ute over an Xtracycle.

http://carfreedays.com/2008/03/24/kona-ute-poor-choices-at-a-good-price/

Here's a link to that review I read which seems to back you up about the commuter thing.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/ute-08-30409

Thanks for the links....the various comments are on target - even those that disagree. I think the Ute could be a great bike or a half baked bike just depending on what you plan to do with it. If you like the spec, fit the Ute and your needs are met by the bags Kona is offering it sounds like a good value and will save you lots of $$$ over a Big Dummy.

OTOH - if you are buying a Ute and expect it to be as versatile as a Big Dummy or Xtra-fied MTB I think you'll be disappointed. If you want to have an uber versatile cargo bike and don't want to drop $2K+ on a Big Dummy the Xtracycle kit and a MTB from Craig's List is the way to go.

It is sad that Kona and Xtracycle didn't hook up for the Ute. That would have changed the whole equation and added another fully realized cargo bike to the mix.

heres the 2009
http://www.bikecommuters.com/2008/08/19/the-2009-kona-ute-gets-a-bag/

and my ute bags have rain covers that stuff inside, like a camera bag.

http://konaworld.com/09bikes/small/T2K9_UTE.jpg (http://konaworld.com/09_ute_u.cfm)

I prefer the 2009 model looks, and it comes in two sizes now.

And hey, look, they've actually got a fender that fits.

And hey, look, they've actually got a fender that fits.

Sounds like the Ute is more marketing than actual utility.

It looks like they are definitely trying to refine the design to make it more utilitarian. Gotte mentioned in his review (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=459285) that he had a problem with the grips and fender, both of which they changed. The new bags appear much more practical as well.

What do you think of the changes, Gotte? I liked your review, and I'd love to see an update after you've had more time on the bike.

Biking politico - I don;t think it is marketing over utility - I think it just depends what your definition of utility is. It won't carry paving stones, true, it's carry weight is 7.5 stone, but for doing without a car, for ferrying kids, and doing the shopping, it works really well - no frame flex from the alu frame - a disappointment to some, but at only 37lbs, not the 68lbs of the Yuba (which I seem to remember only has 6 gears), it's no moster to haul before you even add your load. It's got a great ride, big wheels that are firm and cope well with city streets, a body not too long to be unweildey, able to nip in and out of the traffic. I've got a Reynolds tubing tourer that rides with less confidence when loaded than the Ute. In fact, if I were touring, esp if I were camping-touring, I'd seriously consider the Ute. You could get a lot of camping equipment on the back. Of course if you were looking to fly with it, that would be a different matter, but I'm looking at the ferry to France for next year, so might just try it out.
As it is, I'm looking at a bike that can take two kids and a load of school stuff and pick up the groceries on the way back, and for that, the Ute will cope like no other bike I've had.

Ken, I like the look of the changes. In an ideal world i would have waited it out till next year, but I need the Ute now for the reasons above, so couldn;t wait, and anyway, next year the price is likely to rise, as manufacturing cost in the Far East are do to rise, or so I heard. I'm also glad there seem to be no major changes in frame or fork. that gives me some reasurance they're happy with the design. The ride ceratinly relects they got it right (well, to me, anyway). a foot deck would be nice, but I think that will always be missing, as it's not designed to carry heavy items that people might be tempted to haul with a foot deck.
I'll let you know how I go on with the Ute, but as for now, and for only £500, I'm very happy.

It looks to me as though where the normal bike is a supermini (or even a sports car), and the Big Dummy is a Minivan, the Ute is an estate car/station wagon. Just like in the car world, there's room for all sorts of sizes, and if the Ute fits enough people's requirements, it'll be a success. I'm sure there are plenty of people who'd like to be able to give a friend a ride, or carry their groceries more easily, but don't care whether they can carry 400lbs of lumber as well.

I like the 2008 green colour better than the 2009....is there a colour choice for 2009 or just the one option?

It looks to me as though where the normal bike is a supermini (or even a sports car), and the Big Dummy is a Minivan, the Ute is an estate car/station wagon. Just like in the car world, there's room for all sorts of sizes, and if the Ute fits enough people's requirements, it'll be a success. I'm sure there are plenty of people who'd like to be able to give a friend a ride, or carry their groceries more easily, but don't care whether they can carry 400lbs of lumber as well.

Very well put. I think you hit the nail on the head there.

.. and yet I should hopefully be able to fit one kid up front (she's two and can;t be trusted on the back),...

@Gotte: I have also ordered a Ute, but will try to have both my kids on the back: they're 1.5 and 3.5 years old, and the eldest has been sitting on the back of my bike (In an appropriate childseat of course) since she was 1.5 years old...

But then again, does anyone here have experience with fitting two kids on the back of any longtail bike?

Plenty postings and pix of that in this forum. Just search.

Here's a link to that review I read which seems to back you up about the commuter thing.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/ute-08-30409

[quote]Kona has opted for 700c wheels, with clearance for 29er tyres up to 2.2in. The Ute comes with Conti’s fast rolling City Contacts, whose 47mm width offers plenty of comfort. While 29er wheels roll over bumps better than 26in wheels, they’re less strong laterally, which isn’t ideal for a serious load hauler. They’re also more likely to cause toe overlap, which did occur during testing with the mudguard fitted, and they make for a taller bike, with the knock-on effect that loads are higher off the ground and less stable.[quote]

Sounds like a good candidate for a 650B conversion.
Would strengthen it laterally & eliminate the toe overlap.
Should be pretty easy to do with disk brakes.

Sounds like a good candidate for a 650B conversion.
Would strengthen it laterally & eliminate the toe overlap.
Should be pretty easy to do with disk brakes.

The back of the Ute is a v-brake with no disc mounts so you'd need to get some rim brakes that had enough reach for 650B wheels. Could work, but it would require a bit more thought than if it was a dual disc setup.

Is dropping the BB a concern on the Ute?

Drum brakes or coaster brakes (think that is the name of the "backpedalng" brakes?) then.

The back of the Ute is a v-brake with no disc mounts so you'd need to get some rim brakes that had enough reach for 650B wheels. Could work, but it would require a bit more thought than if it was a dual disc setup.[quote]

Sorry,didn't notice it had a V-brake rear.:o
Why not disk? Any valid reason other than cost?

[quote]Is dropping the BB a concern on the Ute?

It might be,the Ute's BB hight is 12" with some pretty big 700c X 47c tires.

Boem, check out my other thread about footplates on my Ute. I had to do it myself, but it wasn't difficult. I find them really helpful for my daughter on the back to keep her stability. She finds it really easy to keep her balance.
I think 2 kids on the back would be no problem, there is definately enough room, of course, the bags become a bit problematic, the further you put the kids back. The kid on the read might find themselves straddling the bags, if the child in front is in a bulky childseat.
I've found I've had to push the childseat as far forward as possible to give me clearance when I get on and off the bike. THis is a bit of a disadvantage of having my youngest up front, but on the plus side, I finds it balances the bike nicely.
Oh, and one last thing, I'd add a safety belt for the kid on the back. I imagine it woudl be easy for them to be thrown into traffic if bumped by a car.