ANSWER to your question:

Q. So my question for the Ute owners out there is just how awkward is the bike when not loaded?

A. I've owned my Kona Ute for approximately 3 years, having purchased one from a shoppe in Fla. that had it on sale, as the shoppe sold to a new owner, it was carryover stock.

I think the UTE is the best bike I've owned, and I rarely carry much on it.

It's an extremely stable machine on trails or the road due to the long wheelbase and build quality, and so you get a smooth ride without suspension systems needing so much care over time. (Front and rear shock systems are time consuming to keep up to new condition...I've been a bike mechanic so have the skills, just prefer not to have suspension if I can avoid it.)

I've looked at the Min-Ute, just for fun, it looks like it was designed for people who like the concept of the UTE but wanted something a bit more mainstream.

If you can ride both bikes, you've have the best feel for your answer.

Personally, I'd choose the UTE.



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