AdamDZ

I emailed Kona, but they didn't reply, I guess they don't want me to buy a frame from third party and build my own bike

Does anyone know the build requirements for the 2009 Sutra frame: BB size, seatpost/collar size, FD clamp size, headset size (I guess it's 1 1/8") rear dropout spacing. etc?



Thanks!

Adam

Bianchigirll 

I am not a Kona expert but I think most all bike currently have 1 1/8 threadless headsets. the dropout spacing is normally 135, and I think the BBshell is 73mm with english/british threading. the crankset wil determine the actual spindle type and size.

as for the seatpost/clamp your calipers are you best bet for sizing

is the frame used? the seller should be able to tell you what youb need.

OH I agree Kona already made all the money they will ever make off this bike/frame. they could care less who buys it now and what they need.

reptilezs

im gonna pull some crap outta my butt but they are somewhat logical. everything is a guess. 135mm rear end. there are some 130mm rear disc hubs like on the trek portland. 68mm bb shell from the road crank. seatpost? dunno my 2004 AL frame kona jake takes a 27.2 post and 31.8 collar/FD. if you can get a spec sheet it might help even more

AdamDZ

I haven't contacted any particular sellers yet. There are few hurdles I need to overcome first before I can proceed with this project. It may even never happen

Right now I'm trying to figure out how much this will cost me so I'm putting together a spreadsheet with all the parts. I may as well do this right and pick the correct sizes/types so it'll be easier to go shopping later. So far I'm at around $1600 but that includes custom built Mavic wheels, Brooks saddle and Brooks leather bar tape, and generally better components that Kona includes with Sutra.

So my other option may be to get the 2010 Sutra and just replace some things, but it'll come close to the same amount and I'll miss the fun of putting it all together myself.

Yeah, I was generally underwhelmed with Kona support, I think most bike companies kinda suck there. I also asked them if it's possible to order a bike from them with custom options. They responded like 2 weeks later: "contact your local Kona dealer..."

Adam

kaliayev

Check out BikePedia, they have some of the info you want.

electrik

You can reverse engineer it from here. The hub is 135mm, since that is what the m525 comes in.

AdamDZ

Thanks, some good advice.

So the major specs are:

Heaset size: 1 1/8"
Bottom Bracket shell width: 68mm
Rear Hub: 135mm

So I can at least price the wheels and the BB/cransket.

But this prompts another dumb question What does the larger number in the BB spec refer too? The spindle? This determined by the crankset or the BB shell?

English, 108, 68mm
English, 113mm, 68/73mm
English, 118mm, 68/68E

See, I didn't catch that. I'm too new to bike mechanics to catch things like that.

Thanks!

Adam

electrik

The bottom bracket spindle length... 68mm is the shell width. You need the right length to align the cranks with the cassette. This alignment is referred to as chain line.

LesterOfPuppets

The larger number is the spindle length, and yes, as BG pointed out the spindle length should match what the crank manu. recommends.

(guess I should refresh after reading and prior to posting )

AdamDZ

Thanks. That's very helpful

Adam

AdamDZ

Looks like Shimano LX (22-32-44) crankset comes with 68mm BB for around $100, that's not too bad.

Here is my spreadsheet so far.

Of course, things will change, but this is generally what I'd like to get.

Adam

well biked

I have an '09 Kona Sutra (green frame, like the one in your pic) here in my shop.

68mm bb shell
30.0mm seat tube diameter at the seatpost clamp
28.6mm seat tube diameter at the FD clamp
135mm rear dropout spacing
1 1/8" headset

P.S. They're nice bikes. A few months ago, we had one in my size, and when I test rode it, it felt great. Very comfortable riding position, just a well thought out frame geometry for that type of bike. We've heard similar comments from everyone that's ridden them. What sets them apart from most of the widely available touring bikes are the disc brakes. But the number of disc brake equipped touring bikes is growing.

AdamDZ

Thanks well biked! Much appreciated

Here is the frame I'm looking at. I'll decide tomorrow if I'm gonna get it.

Adam

kaliayev

I just picked up from Jenson a LX FC-M582 crankset and bb for $87.93 with their price match.

electrik

There is a good long term review here. A lot of the authors complaints have been fixed in the newest version, but he did solve all of the issues... well except the weight complaint but that is a whole other issue because it is a touring bicycle which is more durable than a super-light road bike...

AdamDZ

He reviews the 2008 model (I liked the color!) and 2009 was slightly improved (mounting fenders is still pain in the butt I guess). The 2010 has further improvements such as rear disc mount, but I don't like the brown color and the frame is not available yet so I decided on the 2009. Yeah, he even admits that the Sutra is not what he really needs.

Adam

electrik

but... it's root beer! If you look at the jamis aurora elite, it comes in a similar blue actually nicer to the 2008 kona... however the jamis has a high stand-over...