Originally Posted by
seeker333
I don't like the shortish chainstays. My size 45 shoes clear my not-the-largest-panniers on my LHT by 20-25mm. On the Sutra it would be 0-5mm. If I were to don neoprene overboots, then the Sutra would be unridable with rear panniers.
Yes, size 45 would be about size 11.5 US, same as me. I haven't had a problem at all though, even with the panniers mounter 'forward' on the rack. I would say this is because the rack on the Sutra is mounted pretty far back compared to some of the other bike I looked at. That said, I don't think anyone with an inseam over 36" (91.4cm) or shoe size 12 would really fit well on this bike.
Originally Posted by
seeker333
I don't like the P2 fork. I've run it and 2 other forks on my LHT, and the P2 is the worst at transmitting every single bit of road irregularity to my hands, even with larger, lower-pressure tires. Really beats you up.
There's no denying the fork, like a lot of disc-compatible forks, is pretty stiff, but it hasn't bothered me much yet. Do you have any recommendations for alternatives? I haven't seen any that weren't either just as stiff or made from carbon fiber (Trek Portland et al.)
Originally Posted by
seeker333
Also, the mid-leg mounting hole is drilled at the wrong height for many front racks. On the LHT, my rack cannot be mounted level, looks just like your picture. Over time the panniers tend to walk off the rack.
The rack can actually be mounted pretty close to level, that was just how the bike shop set it up. I have since taken the rack off though, as I don't need it for day to day riding. While the included front rack is OK, there are a lot better racks out there.
Originally Posted by
seeker333
I'd prefer the Sutra be sold without racks. Many people have their own preferences on racks and bags, so this ends up being wasted money for many customers.
Yes, I would like to see the same, or at least, with a rear rack only, since most people probably don't use the front much. The rear rack truly is excellent though.