Touring - My 2009 Kona Sutra build journal

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View Full Version : My 2009 Kona Sutra build journal


AdamDZ
03-13-10, 03:01 PM
I've started putting together my touring bike based on Kona Sutra 2009 frame. I'll keep a journal here for those interested.

Wheels (building them myself):

Rims: Mavic A719, 36h
Front hub: Shimano HB-M756 XT, 36h
Rear hub: Shimano FH-M756 XT, 36h
Spokes: 2mm DT Alpine 3
Nipples: 2mm/12mm DT Swiss, brass

Cane Creek S3 Headset
Modolo Yuma Traveller Multi Position Hybrid Bars
No stem yet - temporary stem on pictures, tube not cut yet
No casette yet, probably Deore 9sp, 11-34
Shimano midrange 9sp chain
Truvativ Isoflow crank, 22/32/44t
Truvativ BB
Shimano Deore M590 FD and RD, shifters and brake levers
Avid BB7 brakes
Kalloy Seatpost
No tires yet, haven't decided, Schwalbe or Continental touring tires

I haven't decided on racks and bags yet, it'll depend on the budget. Saddle will be most likely Brooks B17 and leather handlebar tape. I haven't decided yet if they'll be black to keep with the color scheme or brown.

It'll be several weeks before it's done. If it works out all right, I'll build a smaller one for my wife too:) I hope to spend few weeks touring around NY state and it'll also be my weekend bike.

Edit: I just ordered:

- Shimano Deore CS-M510 Cassette 11-34
- Brooks B17 Narrow Saddle
- Salsa Gel Cork tape, dark brown,embossed (https://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=29475), I think it'll look nice
- Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tires 700x32
- Dimension Adjustable stem, 130mm
- Planet Bike Cascadia Hybrid/Tour Fenders 700c

***

Better quality pictures will follow later.

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/13/01.jpg

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/13/02.jpg

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/13/03.jpg

Cheers!

Adam


antokelly
03-13-10, 05:03 PM
wow this is going to be one fantastic looking bike.definitel'y the way to do it you get so much more enjoyment
in building it yourself.mind the paintwork no scratches.

pasopia
03-13-10, 05:05 PM
I love the alien green! Have fun with the build.


VT_Speed_TR
03-13-10, 06:08 PM
where did you find the Modolo Yuma Traveller Multi Position Hybrid Bars?

I have the Nashbar version, but link the look/bend on the Modolo better.

AdamDZ
03-13-10, 06:14 PM
wow this is going to be one fantastic looking bike.definitel'y the way to do it you get so much more enjoyment
in building it yourself.mind the paintwork no scratches.


I love the alien green! Have fun with the build.

It's a actually more subdued green, apple green, it came out like this due to the lightning and the picture was taken with a webcam. The first picture is the closest.

Yup, I'm enjoying it. I decided to go with brown Brooks saddle and brown cork Salsa bar tape. Everything else is black.


where did you find the Modolo Yuma Traveller Multi Position Hybrid Bars?

I have the Nashbar version, but link the look/bend on the Modolo better.

Yeah, after lots of looking around I decided to get the "real thing" from UK. It was $64 shipped from http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/.

Can't wait to ride it! If all goes well it should be ready in two weeks, sans racks and panniers, those will come last.

Adam

Raiden
03-13-10, 06:19 PM
I'm glad to see the straight-up MTB drivetrain- It makes me feel more 'normal', as I did the same on my road touring build. I will say, however, that I initially installed a 32-toothed cassette, and found that I couln't even keep the bike upright at 22x32. I didnt need an 11, so I landed on a 12x26 with a 48/32/22 (wouldve used a 44 if I had one around), and I really enjoyed it.

andmalc
03-13-10, 06:20 PM
Can you buy the Kona Sutra as a frameset?

AdamDZ
03-13-10, 06:41 PM
I'm glad to see the straight-up MTB drivetrain- It makes me feel more 'normal', as I did the same on my road touring build. I will say, however, that I initially installed a 32-toothed cassette, and found that I couln't even keep the bike upright at 22x32. I didnt need an 11, so I landed on a 12x26 with a 48/32/22 (wouldve used a 44 if I had one around), and I really enjoyed it.

Yes, the plan was to go all MTB from the beginning to have good gearing and avoid compatibility issues, and a handlebar that could accept rapid fire MTB shifters. So I had my eyes on the touring/trekking bars from the start too. Drop bars would be useless for me, never liked them, but this one is sweet. Sutra is meant to be built up with MTB parts since the rear dropout is 135mm.

I'm not sure about the gearing, I have no experience to rely upon, we'll see.


Can you buy the Kona Sutra as a frameset?

I bought this one on eBay for $320 shipped including fork. It's new, came in Kona factory packaging so I guess it's possible to buy one in retail. However, this is the 2009 model, I haven't found any 2010 framesets. Although I don't like the 2010 brown color anyway. I couldn't make up my mind about which frame to get but since I wanted disc brakes and a good deal I went with Sutra. All other frames I considered were twice as much.

Thanks for the comments :)

Adam

electrik
03-13-10, 06:44 PM
Mmm candy!

Though i haven't seen the 2010 brown in person yet i will have to see... the granny smith green is nice

AdamDZ
03-13-10, 06:51 PM
Mmm candy!

Though i haven't seen the 2010 brown in person yet i will have to see... the granny smith green is nice

A BF member posted a nice 2010 Sutra Review (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?593959-2010-Kona-Sutra-Review&highlight=kona+sutra).

Bikearound
03-13-10, 07:41 PM
Why did you decide on that tire width? From the looks of it, your setting the bike up to be an offroad capable touring bike but the tire width is only 32mm. To me that seems to be on the skinny side for serious off road with a load. Granted those rims could hold a 44mm tire but why wouldn't you use a 721 rim to take advantage of wider tires. I think you'll have a good looking bike when you're done and I especially like the green color. I came very close to buying a Major Jake as a knock around bike but decided to put the money in my touring bike instead.

iforgotmename
03-13-10, 09:48 PM
Very nice. Enjoy.

AdamDZ
03-14-10, 06:35 AM
Why did you decide on that tire width? From the looks of it, your setting the bike up to be an offroad capable touring bike but the tire width is only 32mm. To me that seems to be on the skinny side for serious off road with a load. Granted those rims could hold a 44mm tire but why wouldn't you use a 721 rim to take advantage of wider tires. I think you'll have a good looking bike when you're done and I especially like the green color. I came very close to buying a Major Jake as a knock around bike but decided to put the money in my touring bike instead.

It'll be mainly ridden on paved roads, at least in the beginning. This is my first touring bike, and I'll tour for the first time this year, so I'm sure I'll have to make some adjustments later on.


Very nice. Enjoy.

Thanks!

Adam

Commodus
03-14-10, 10:52 AM
On the rack and panniers subject, I just put a Tubus Disco on my Sutra and it fit OK. Had to use a few spacers on the left side. I've heard that the braze-ons at the rear are weak, so I liked the idea of using a skewer for mounting the rack instead.

Picked up a set of Arkel T42s yesterday, they're brilliant! But heavy. Real heavy.

Raiden
03-14-10, 11:02 AM
As a much cheaper option, I ran a Topeak disc-compatible rear rack on my bike- its a tough rack, and there's a ton of room between it and the frame/wheel. Not sure how its weight compares to the Tubus, however.

mijome07
03-14-10, 11:07 AM
Why did you decide on that tire width? From the looks of it, your setting the bike up to be an offroad capable touring bike but the tire width is only 32mm. To me that seems to be on the skinny side for serious off road with a load. Granted those rims could hold a 44mm tire but why wouldn't you use a 721 rim to take advantage of wider tires. I think you'll have a good looking bike when you're done and I especially like the green color. I came very close to buying a Major Jake as a knock around bike but decided to put the money in my touring bike instead.

Doesn't matter what tire width the rims can hold. It's what the frame is willing to accept.

AdamDZ
03-14-10, 12:29 PM
I have a Topeak Super Tourist on my commuter bike, it has extra clearance for disk brakes, lower side rails for panniers, and it's made of hollow aluminum tubing I like it, but I don't know how tough it is. I'm thinking about getting that one for the Sutra as well. I know Tubus is the best but a bit pricey and I won't be going on any epic expeditions any time soon.

I was also looking at Arkel panniers, a bit less expensive than Ortlieb.

Commodus
03-14-10, 12:59 PM
I have a Topeak Super Tourist on my commuter bike, it has extra clearance for disk brakes, lower side rails for panniers, and it's made of hollow aluminum tubing I like it, but I don't know how tough it is. I'm thinking about getting that one for the Sutra as well. I know Tubus is the best but a bit pricey and I won't be going on any epic expeditions any time soon.

I was also looking at Arkel panniers, a bit less expensive than Ortlieb.
I looked at the Ortliebs a lot, in fact I took months to arrive at this decision, initially assuming I would get the Ortliebs. For me, I think the Arkels have a much better attachment system and I like the better organization - more pockets. I couldn't get over the fact that I would have to add little spacers to the upper hooks of the Ortliebs to fit onto my rack properly. It seemed like those would eventually wear and get loose, and then lost.

What I did finally was go down to a LBS which had both, and had a salesperson help me mount both several times. Once I did that, it was a no-brainer - the Arkels just seemed better engineered. But I know that many people are very happy with their Ortliebs.

Bikearound
03-14-10, 02:41 PM
Doesn't matter what tire width the rims can hold. It's what the frame is willing to accept.

Agreed....I assumed the frame could take a larger than 32mm tire.

AdamDZ
03-14-10, 06:53 PM
Yeah, it looks like it can clear a 40mm tire :D

I can't believe it! Earlier today, I found a complete 2009 Kona Sutra 49cm on Craig's List for my wife, mint condition, with fenders, got it for $800 :) I'll swap the handlebar, shifters, brake levers, BB, crankset and FD (I don't like the stock setup with drop bars, roadie FD and bar-end shifters).

Awesome! We should be able to hit the road in April on twin bikes, well minor cosmetic differences! Wow, two bikes to work on, me happy:D

Adam

thermador
03-19-10, 09:16 AM
Can you buy the Kona Sutra as a frameset?

Yes, as I understand it, only dealers/shops can order framesets (excluding frames Kona normally sells, such as the Kapu (http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=kapu) and the Rat (http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=therat)).

However, you see Kona framesets come up on ebay and craigslist all the time, so they do percolate down to the masses. Sellwood Cycle Repair in Portland (http://sellwoodcycle.com/consignment.htm#frame) often has new and used Kona frames in stock.

Weaklink
03-20-10, 06:00 PM
Nice bike. Do those rims has a braking surface? If so, why did you go that route instead of disc-specific rims?

AdamDZ
03-22-10, 07:11 PM
Nice bike. Do those rims has a braking surface? If so, why did you go that route instead of disc-specific rims?

According to many BF members they're one of the strongest rims available for touring, and they can be used with both rim and disc brakes. I'd prefer all-black rims, but I couldn't find these in all-black. I'd have to go with something like A317. But I wanted the peace of mind knowing I have really good rims.

There is a slight delay in this project due to delays in shipping. I should have all the parts this week so the work will resume next weekend :) So there will be more pictures coming!

Adam

AdamDZ
03-26-10, 07:16 PM
Here is an update with lots of pictures :D I should be able to ride it this weekend to test it. I regret that I didn't buy a larger frame, it looks like this may be a bit too small (56cm). But it seems to fit OK.

I used skewers with hex socket heads instead of quick release:

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/26/02.jpg

Here is the patient on the stand, wheels are complete, no fenders and no chain yet, I know I'm not supposed to clamp to the frame but it was very light, it was basically hanging on it, while I installed the seatpost:

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/26/03.jpg

Handlebar with shifters (Shimano SL-M590) and Deore brake levers mounted and cables attached, Dimension 130mm adjustable stem, Cane Creek S3 headset:

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/26/04.jpg

A closeup of the handlebar:

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/26/05.jpg

Front view of the handlebar:

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/26/06.jpg

Continued in the next post...

AdamDZ
03-26-10, 07:18 PM
Crankset, Truvativ Isoflow 22/32/44t, Deore FD-M590 FD, Sinz platform pedals, chain installed:

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/26/08.jpg

Deore M590 RD and Deore CS-M510 11-34 cassette:

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/26/09.jpg

I'm not sure what to to about this. I don't want to cut the cable but I can't run it through the eyelets, I don't want to drill them so for now the cable will be attached to the top tube with zip ties, not a very elegant solution:

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/26/12.jpg

Applying Nashbar Gel Pads to the handlebar:

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/26/16.jpg

And here is the handlebar after getting wrapped with Salsa cork tape, comfy as a pillow:

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/26/22.jpg

This is how the front fender is mounted, note the bent fender struts to fit around the disc caliper, someone asked in another thread how to do that. The fender struts are long enough to be bent and still reach the bolts and be safely tightened. These are Planet Bike Cascadia Hybrid/Tour Fenders, no clearance problems with Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700/32 tires, fatter tires might present a problem though:

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/26/17.jpg

A close up of that (Avid BB7 brakes), no interference with the caliper lever:

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/26/20.jpg

The rear fender mount:

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/26/18.jpg

And a closeup of that, only one strut required bending, same deal: no interference with the caliper lever:

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/26/21.jpg

Here is the state of the bike at end of the day today: fenders mounted, handlebar wrapped, saddle just attached for fitting I haven't treated it yet, it's rideable, brakes and derailleurs are adjusted so it's ready for a spin:

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/26/23.jpg

AdamDZ
03-26-10, 07:29 PM
I will mount 26" wheels on it tomorrow and post some pictures but I don't think it'll be rideable with 26" wheels unless you have really short crankarms and super fat tires. Stay tuned for an update.

electrik
03-26-10, 08:21 PM
Here is an update with lots of pictures :D I should be able to ride it this weekend to test it. I regret that I didn't buy a larger frame, it looks like this may be a bit too small (56cm). But it seems to fit OK.

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/26/05.jpg


Continued in the next post...
With the spacers in there it reminds me of this!
http://www.contemporarynomad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/paduang-1.jpg

Don't drill out the eyelets on the top-tube, you are supposed to cut the housing and put a end-stop there, then run the cable to the next cable eyelet and then resume with the housing. You can get little rubber donuts to put on the cable to stop it from banging on the top-tube.

GregX999
03-26-10, 08:33 PM
http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/26/20.jpg

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/26/21.jpg

Ok, I see what you were talking about in my thread. That looks like it'll work quite nicely.

Greg

Raiden
03-27-10, 01:03 AM
Yow, are you sure about that frame size? Obviously you've compensated, but honestly, I'm afraid you're going to get some funky wobbling out of that front end, especially if you put on some front panniers. Hopefully I'm wrong on all counts.

Also, why not go clipless?

AdamDZ
03-27-10, 07:14 AM
Yow, are you sure about that frame size? Obviously you've compensated, but honestly, I'm afraid you're going to get some funky wobbling out of that front end, especially if you put on some front panniers. Hopefully I'm wrong on all counts.

Also, why not go clipless?


Yeah, I mentioned above, that I'm afraid the frame might be actually too small :( I had a 58cm road bike and it was OK, so I though 56cm shouldn't be a big difference, but that was the largest frame size I could find. Looks like 60cm with shorter stem would be better. I'll take it for a ride, see what happens. I may shorten the steerer tube after all. But I need to ride it, just sitting on a bike may give the wrong idea.

Oh, I just don't like clipless pedals. I prefer grippy platform pedals.

electrik
03-27-10, 12:32 PM
Yeah, I mentioned above, that I'm afraid the frame might be actually too small :( I had a 58cm road bike and it was OK, so I though 56cm shouldn't be a big difference, but that was the largest frame size I could find. Looks like 60cm with shorter stem would be better. I'll take it for a ride, see what happens. I may shorten the steerer tube after all. But I need to ride it, just sitting on a bike may give the wrong idea.

Oh, I just don't like clipless pedals. I prefer grippy platform pedals.

If you plan to tour on that(like you said) you would really want to dial-in the frame sizing... just to nudge you towards making the permanent solution first instead of various band-aid fixes. Since you have the knowledge to disassemble and re-assemble the frame it isn't a total hassle.

njkayaker
03-27-10, 03:23 PM
Yeah, I mentioned above, that I'm afraid the frame might be actually too small :( I had a 58cm road bike and it was OK, so I though 56cm shouldn't be a big difference, but that was the largest frame size I could find. Looks like 60cm with shorter stem would be better. I'll take it for a ride, see what happens. I may shorten the steerer tube after all. But I need to ride it, just sitting on a bike may give the wrong idea.


What is the effective horizontal toptube length of the two bikes? Generally, the more upright you are the shorter the toptube should be.

The frame size, measuring the actual seat tube, is often not very useful on bikes with different top tube slopes.

AdamDZ
03-27-10, 05:58 PM
If you plan to tour on that(like you said) you would really want to dial-in the frame sizing... just to nudge you towards making the permanent solution first instead of various band-aid fixes. Since you have the knowledge to disassemble and re-assemble the frame it isn't a total hassle.

Yeah, in the worst case scenario I'll look for a larger frame. I didn't ride it today though, maybe tomorrow. So I still don't know how it feels.


What is the effective horizontal toptube length of the two bikes? Generally, the more upright you are the shorter the toptube should be.

The frame size, measuring the actual seat tube, is often not very useful on bikes with different top tube slopes.

I don't have that road bike anymore, so can't compare.

dannwilliams
03-27-10, 06:43 PM
I had a 58cm road bike and it was OK, so I though 56cm shouldn't be a big difference...
I thought the same thing when I bought my Sutra a few years back. The 56 is also a little small for me, I make it work with a long stem and it is quite comfortable, just a big difference between it and the road bike. The seat is higher than the handlebar which is not ideal for a touring bike.

AdamDZ
03-27-10, 07:43 PM
Maybe it won't be that bad. My commuter is also smallish. I think that bike sizing is just to confuse people not to help. I had 17" Jamis MTB that was barely large enough so I bought a 20" MTB frame to build my commuter. It wasn't any bigger :( So my commuter is also smallish, has lots of spacers under the stem but it's very comfortable to ride. It has rear and front panniers now though:

http://a-world.net/files/bf/kommuter/04.jpg

Adam

enio
03-28-10, 01:16 AM
adam, ride it and post if it still feels small.for our height the frame should not feel small.56 was suppose to fit and 58 should be on the big side.. are those handlebars similar in terms of reach compare to stock sutra drops(or some other drops for that matter)?i ride caldera 2008 19inch(fits me fine) and tried fuji rubaix 2009 in 58 size and thought of it as big.we are the same height, and you said that 58 felt ok to you??

AdamDZ
03-28-10, 02:49 PM
I realized that I don't know how it is supposed to feel :) When I had that road bike I didn't like the dropbars, but the bike seemed large enough. Oh, and I forgot after that I had a Giant OCR3 road bike that had the new "compact" frame an d it was size L.

It's hard for me to relate this handlebar to a dropbar. It's different. With hands on lower, normal location where the levers are I am more upright than on my commuter bike, which I think is OK.

So I rode it for like 30 minutes stopping, making adjustments. It's not a showstopper but I think it's a bit too small, I'll be happier with 58 or maybe even 60. It's not tall enough for my liking. I need to have my saddle way up. With a 150mm stem it's just long enough. I lowered the stem by two spacers so I'll need to cut the steerer tube, it was too high. As it is on the pictures below it fits well. It feels comfortable, although I'd have to take it for a longer ride.

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/28/01.jpg

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/28/02.jpg

By the way, with 26" wheels it's not rideable, the pedals hit the ground.

AdamDZ
03-28-10, 05:39 PM
So this is after cutting the steerer tube, readjusting the handlebar and installing front racks. I've cut the steerer tube with a Dremel using large, heavy duty cutoff wheel and old stem as a guide, came out perfect, took less than 5 minutes.

I hope this works. Although I have a minor grievance with this frame already: single eyelets on the rear dropouts, so the rack and the fenders need to be mounted with the same screw. Even my cheap Nashbar MTB frame has dual eyelets for that.

Since this bike requires special rack or extra spacers to mount the rear rack due to disc brakes it makes for a bit sloppy mount. I think I'll use P-clips to attach the fender struts to the rack tubing instead.

If this frame doesn't work out I'll write it off as "practice or experience gathering " and have a look at other, more expensive frames such as Salsa Vaya. Now I know more what to look for :D

It's only missing the rear rack and minor things like bottle cages, bell, maybe Airzound :D

Weird, I consider a bike without rear rack and fenders... naked :o Unless it's a mountain bike geared up for real off-road riding.

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/28/03.jpg

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/28/04.jpg

http://a-world.net/files/bf/KonaSutra/Build/2010/03/28/05.jpg

enio
03-31-10, 12:56 AM
hmm, considering some info on this thread and the info on rivendell link http://www.rivbike.com/article/bike_fit/choosing_a_frame_size i think i might go with sutra 2010 in 58 size(and maybe using a shorter stem than specified on 58)

kayakdiver
03-31-10, 01:31 AM
hmm, considering some info on this thread and the info on rivendell link http://www.rivbike.com/article/bike_fit/choosing_a_frame_size i think i might go with sutra 2010 in 58 size(and maybe using a shorter stem than specified on 58)

wow.. what a bunch of garbage...the riv stuff cracks me up.

enio
03-31-10, 06:13 AM
Well im 1.80m like adamdz and he feels he should've gone with 58. guy in this thread went with 60 http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?593959-2010-Kona-Sutra-Review and he is 1.83m. so i think i should be good on 58. so rivendell sizing might not be so off after all.at least for my case.

kayakdiver
03-31-10, 08:19 AM
^^^^^

I'm guessing if Adamdz had gone into a Kona dealer and test ridden the Sutra he would have left with the correct size. Trying to figure out sizing on here is not the best way to go about it. If you have the experience... I'm all for it.

I purchase frames online from time to time.... I know my size and what works. If you don't...... Do yourself a favor and go with a Local Bike shop for a fitting. Might save you some money and wasted time.

enio
03-31-10, 09:20 AM
Well that is not possible. if it were, i would've done it(im not that lazy :))

AdamDZ
03-31-10, 10:55 AM
^^^^^

I'm guessing if Adamdz had gone into a Kona dealer and test ridden the Sutra he would have left with the correct size. Trying to figure out sizing on here is not the best way to go about it. If you have the experience... I'm all for it.

I purchase frames online from time to time.... I know my size and what works. If you don't...... Do yourself a favor and go with a Local Bike shop for a fitting. Might save you some money and wasted time.

It's not that bad, as it is right now it's comfortable. The original idea was to get a 58cm frame, but I couldn't find one anywhere and the bike shops I called would order one only if they were to build it up for me :( I was close to buying a complete Sutra when I found the 56cm frames.

kayakdiver
03-31-10, 11:32 AM
It's not that bad, as it is right now it's comfortable. The original idea was to get a 58cm frame, but I couldn't find one anywhere and the bike shops I called would order one only if they were to build it up for me :( I was close to buying a complete Sutra when I found the 56cm frames.


That is... very suck.

AdamDZ
04-02-10, 01:18 PM
I've completed my second 2009 Sutra re-build, a 47cm for my wife. We bought it used and I stripped it down, cleaned it up (even though it was barely used) and swapped parts for a 100% MTB drivetrain and the same style trekking bar. So, twin bikes, he he he :D With few minor differences they'll be almost identical. We'll hopefully test ride both this weekend. I'm just waiting for rear racks.

I still haven't decided what panniers to get. It's highly unlikely that she'll go on multi-day rides with me this year, an overnighter at best. So I'm getting her a set of inexpensive Nashbar panniers, she'll only have a rear rack. But I'm dead set on doing 2-4 week tour around NY State so I'll need to get something better.

scroca
04-02-10, 04:05 PM
...I'm just waiting for rear racks... I still haven't decided what panniers to get... But I'm dead set on doing 2-4 week tour around NY State so I'll need to get something better.

Adam,

So did I miss what rear rack you got?

dannwilliams
04-02-10, 05:45 PM
One other thing about my 2005 model was my legs would hit the handlebars when I would stand on a climb. A combination of short top tube and short stem. I swapped out the stem to one that was longer and had more rise. The saddle is still higher than the bars set this way. I am 5'9" and have a inseam of 32". The 58 would have been a better fit, but it works for me, none the less.

electrik
04-02-10, 07:42 PM
One other thing about my 2005 model was my legs would hit the handlebars when I would stand on a climb. A combination of short top tube and short stem. I swapped out the stem to one that was longer and had more rise. The saddle is still higher than the bars set this way. I am 5'9" and have a inseam of 32". The 58 would have been a better fit, but it works for me, none the less.

Any other insights, how have the chainstay's been working out for you? they are sort of on the short end.

AdamDZ
04-02-10, 07:48 PM
Adam,

So did I miss what rear rack you got?

I mentioned somewhere above that I'm getting the Topeak Supertourist DX aluminum rack. I can't fit Tubus in my budget right now and I have this Topeak on my commuter bike and it feels really strong and I like the shape, low rails and wide stance that provides lots of clearance for disc brakes. For the front I got a MEC Lowrider, also have one onmy commuter :D And that's the one that actually comes with factory built Sutra.


One other thing about my 2005 model was my legs would hit the handlebars when I would stand on a climb. A combination of short top tube and short stem. I swapped out the stem to one that was longer and had more rise. The saddle is still higher than the bars set this way. I am 5'9" and have a inseam of 32". The 58 would have been a better fit, but it works for me, none the less.

Since we'll be using trekking butterfly handlebars (no drops) that won't be a problem. Yes, I think the 56cm will work out for me, 58cm would be perfect but for now this will do. I'm also using longer stem that what comes with Sutra so the bars are a bit higher too.

What kind of panniers are those? That the last thing I need to buy and I'm thinking between Arkel and Ortlieb and maybe some dry compression sacks for the top.