Liquidspacehead

So I have made posts in the past sort of similar where I was slightly confused and misguided on what I wanted to buy as a brand new bike. I am a 5'11" tall 200lb male riding in a very hill oriented terrain. I want sort of a rough touring frame with the ability for a little off road adventure. I am currently in between the Surly Disc Trucker and the Kona Sutra. I know they are two different bikes but I am not trying to go over 1600 and still have a nice reliable bike. I hope I have given enough information. Thanks for any suggestions guys.

hillyman

I kinda like the Kona's gearing, fenders and a Brooks thrown in slightly better. Maybe a better all all arounder. But it's going to be your bike so who can say what's better for you? Best to do a test ride for both if possible.

Russ Roth

They're not really different bikes at all, though you have to watch sizing. The surly 56cm has the same top tube as a 54cm Kona so don't assume sizing. From there the have same seat and head tube angles and similar geometry. I like the rims on the Surly, I put sun i25 on my wife's bike and it rides beautifully. Components are similar between them. Personally I like Kona better since they design things well while Surly to me just tends to be unnecessarily overbuilt making them heavier than they need to be. Doubt you'll go wrong with either.

blakcloud

Both the bikes you have chosen have bar end shifters and while bomb proof for touring rigs they wouldn't be my first choice especially for a little off road riding. Yes, they could be swapped out but I am not a believer of having to swap out components on a brand new bike.

The Surly is a true touring rig, so it won't be a spirited ride on those days you are not traveling the world. The wheelbase on that bike says it all. The Kona, it is just a shorter wheelbased version of the Surly. Maybe a slightly better choice. Do you really need the racks and fenders? It wouldn't be fun to pay for things you don't need.

I wonder if something like the Specialized Sequoia Elite would be a better bike. A little sportier but can handle the touring part just fine. I just don't know if it fits your off road criteria as I am not exactly sure what that entails for you.

Back to the two choices. I would take the Kona over the Surly if those were the only choices.

Liquidspacehead

I personally do not like the fenders on any bike but racks, yes. I ended up finding a real nice crosscheck with a brooks saddle and bag for 650. I actually have to say that I personally disagree with the non spirited on non adventure days, and only because riding it now, it's the perfect ride. I love it as a daily commute, just a morning ride (I also live in the mountains so it is not an easy morning ride haha), there are some softer trails that some irresponsible people use road bikes on that are perfect for the crosscheck. But lone behold I can zip across town in no time, I am excited to leave for work just so I can feel that surly underneath me. I am never upset when my ride is over, short or long, but I am always excited to have to go anywhere, or just go explore my new city! I am sure the Kona would be a good bike for my needs, but I am very very satisfied with my crosscheck.

blakcloud

First congratulation on your bike and I am glad to hear that you are pleased.

Originally you asked about a Disc Trucker and I said that bike was not-spirited because it is a touring bike, not because it was a Surly. Your new bike is a Cross Check which is completely different bike. I would expect a bike designed around cyclo-cross be a little livelier in its ride. So, now you have the bike you desired, not the one you asked an opinion on.

Ross520

My vote would go to the Kona. Seems like it would be far more fun to ride. There’s really no reason to buy the Trucker unless you’re planning on riding across the country loaded-down with gear.

JayKay3000

Agree with the Kona and out of the two it's the better deal out of the box as it comes with fenders, a brooks saddle that (i've never tried), but everyone raves about and has a similar gearing to the disk trucker. The kona has a rack already so you only have to spend out on a front rack.

For the disk trucker you may want to change the saddle, you'll need to buy racks and personally on a touring bike fenders are a must so you'll have to have extra money for these items.

I only went with the Disk Trucker because I needed the biggest frame and the Kona would not fit me. If I was of more normal height I'd have chosen the Kona.

hannahme

I would say Kona, its more fun to ride.