I think my search for a new commuter/tourer is nearing an end. I'm tentatively settled on a Kona Sutra.
http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_ca...7&parentid=182

I'm not sure if I should go for a fully built bike, or a frame with what I have lying around. Does anyone see anything on this ride that would be a hinderance/bad choice for REALLY sandy, salty, snowy, icy, wet, urban, crazed BMW dodging riding?
Thanks.

Frame tubing Dedacciai COM 12.5
Fork Kona Project Two Disc
Headset Aheadset STS
Crankarms TruVativ Rouleur GXP
Chainrings 30/42/52
B/B TruVativ Rouleur GXP
Pedals None
Chain Shimano CN-HG53
Freewheel Shimano CS HG-50-9
F/D Shimano 105
R/D Shimano Deore
Shifters Shimano 105
Handlebar Easton OS Road bar
Stem Easton OS
Grips CU Black
Brakes Avid Road disc
Brake Levers Shimano 105
Front hub Shimano HB-M525 Disc
Rear hub Shimano FH-M525 Disc
Spokes Stainless 15G front, 14G rear
Tires Nokian Ultra Tour 700 x 32c
Rims Mavic A317
Saddle WTB Rocket V Street Smart
Seatpost Easton
Seat clamp Kona Clamp

I so want this bike. My only concern is that there are only one set of rack/fender eyelets and the clearance for fenders/rack with the disk brakes. Otherwise it looks like a solid setup.

I wrote to Kona about this. The reply was as follows:

There are separate mounts at the seatstays.

We can't measure max tire size since every rim and tire combo has a
tolerance/runout combo that varies. I've mounted a 26" XC tire and rim
combo
for example, and fat 700c wheel/tires.

Fat 700c Wheels I asked? The reply was this:

It'll fit a WTB 40/40 tire on a Speed City rim. That's a huge tire.
It's
allmost impossible to run a fender with that tire unless you really
make
some custom fender mounts.

So, does that mean that you can mount both fenders AND front/back racks on this bike? I'm also interested in one, but I will need back/front pannier racks and possibly fenders... I'm a newbie, so I don't understand if that's what you were getting at... Thanks.