HandsomeRyan

I don't know why I was previously unaware of this bicycle's existance but while browsing the Kona website yesterday I stumbled across a bike that I hope to add to my collection this fall- the Kona Sutra.

Steel Frame, dual racks, Avid BB7 Disc brakes, XT deraileur, Mavic rims, etc.

https://www.konaworld.com/09_sutra.htm

I know this is a touring bike and not technically a 'utility' bike but I would argue that the ability to use one bike for everything from a relaxed paced club ride to a multi-day tour makes this bike pretty darn utilitarian. I already have a mountain bike (Felt Q720) and a greenway bike (Raleigh Detour Deluxe), but I've been itching for a dropped bar bike for longer rides. This looks like it could be just the thing to fill out my collection. [at least until next year when I decide I want a folder, or a recumbent, or a cyclocross bike, or a singlespeed, etc....]

vik 

Having one bike that can do many different missions is certainly a good thing and that's how I feel about a few of my bikes. Let us know what you think after taking that bad boy out for a long test ride.

Kind of funny that Kona couldn't get the racks level for the product photo shoot.

Podolak

I do not feel you are unjustified in calling this bike a utility bike. It isn't so much the bicycle but how you use it that makes it utilitarian.

Sirrus Rider

If my first modern (Okay it's a classic now, but in 1988 it was modern) bike had been a touring bike like the Kona Sutra instead of a Specialized Sirrus racing bike I wouldn't have as many bikes as I do now. I've never been a real racer (as in ridden in rides that were UCF sponsored and gave out trophies or other sort of rewards for crossing a line the quickest) but because the bike industry at the time was really playing up the whole Greg Lemond/TDF thing everyone wanted the lightest and tightest bike so that's what was everyone bought.

In hindsight a good touring bike would have been more useful. Why? Strip off the racks and it's nearly indistinguishable from a racing bike. It might not be geared as tight as a true racing bike, but unless your truly a competitive athlete (I know I'm going to get flamed for saying so, but the majority of the cyclists out there including myself are not.) it would be more forgiving to ride over hilly terrain. Coming back to my opening statement if my first bike had been a touring bike I wouldn't have hybridized my Mountain bike or picked up a 700c Hybrid and I wouldn't have needed a racing bike that now sits idle unless I'm doing a long distance charity ride or riding for fitness. Although it wouldn't be perfect at everything, the touring bike would do heavy and light commuting and do a good job at fitness and charity riding as well.

Mr. Jim

Do search on the touring and commuter forums about this bike. I was looking at it and went with a Surly LHT instead after reading that and a bit of web research. That rear rack has some issues.

HandsomeRyan

Thanks for the heads up.

I think I've talked myself into getting one in spite of some of the criticisms I've read. I'm not really plannign on any major touring and my greenway bike has a rack that has proven to be pretty reliable for most of my short-distance utility needs.

NormanF

The name is a pun on the most famous sex manual in the world. Sir Richard Burton never heard of the Kona Sutra!

rugerben

Personally, I think the name fits. It's a pretty darn sexy bike.

Although I am a bit enamored with the 2009 Ute. Might have to get me one o' them.

dwnptrl_777

I thought the same thing.

That aside, thumbs up to Kona for this build.

AsanaCycles

i've been around a few Kona Sutras
and its amazing that they are not more popular.

awesome bike!

AsanaCycles

the only other bike(s) that are very much a kin are 29er's
which are really awesome.

AlanK

I'm considering getting a 2008 Sutra since I might be able to get a great deal. It looks like Kona has made some great improvements over that last few years. I'm wondering about the wheels on the 2008 model: Does anyone know if they have 32 or 36 spokes? I think they're 36, but haven't been able to confirm this.

Anyway, I haven't committed to getting one or anything, but if I can get a great price I'll pull the trigger. I really love the versatility of the frame, esp that it can take either rim or disc brakes - from what I've seen most other bikes are one or the other, but not both.

And just FYI, I'd be using this primarily as a utility rig and inclement weather commuter (why I want discs). I already have a perfectly adequate fair weather commuter, but having a back-up is a good idea. Like so many others I like the idea of doing extended tours, but I'm not sure when (if) this will happen.

aykew

Looking at the picture on Kona's website and counting the spokes, looks like 36.

https://www.konaworld.com/08_sutra_w.htm

AsanaCycles

spoke count doesn't necessarily mean a stronger wheel.
the strength comes from the rim.

i.e.
i used a mavic 317 36h wheelset on The Dummy
vs
a WTB LaserDisc DH 32h wheelset.

the DH wheelset is much stronger

why i even tried a 17mm wide (mavic 317) rim, i have no idea...
the wider DH rim at 34mm wide, is obviously much stronger.

so there is something to be said, as to spoke count vs rim.

more spokes let you "fine tune" a truing job.

more strangely, yet yet..

is the MAVIC SpeedCity wheelset that i'm using on my Hunter 29er.
not only has it seen 5 years of use, but from MTB XC stuff, touring, and yes, i had even put them on an Xtracycle convert. amazingly, i've never worked on them. at all!

peace...d