Joshua222

Hello ,good people!

I apologize in advance for my not very good english. Anyway, a lot of newcomers here I see, asking for some questions,get info etc. And I m one of them too. So, I decided to buy a new bycicle for touring ,distances in a range of 150-200km ( with tendention of growing,and dont ask me for my dreams.:-)). As I was saving the money for a couple of months now(for quality bike) I decided to buy Kona Sutra (2012) or 2011. Dont see any big difference. Do you think thats it is good to buy a bycicle over the Internet? Im 187 cm tall and my inseam is around (not quite sure as a measured my alone) 85 cm. So it would be nice to take a 59cm,60cm frame size of new KOna Sutra. I tried one 2011 model when I was in my bike shop(350km away from my hometown) and didnt ask what frame size was but I m sure it was about that number cause it fitted well. My previous bike was just simple Author basic for 450$. So, no matter how it fits it would fit well. Im sure I ll be satisfied. As I m newcomer .I expect with the experience to find choice leaks in bike products.

What do you think about my choice, about thinking buying over the Internet( even though I tried one Kona Sutra(2011) a month ago) with right measure. Is it too risky? Is that of a big difference 59cm frame size and lets say 60 cm frame size. As far as know everything on Kona bikes is fitted accordingly to the frame size . Im a total rookie but Im quite sure about the quality of the bike but kinda sceptical about the frame size choice and measurment. Yes and what pedals are more appropriate? Thanks in advance. If you find some time I would be very thankfull for your suggestions and advices.Cheers.

Cyclebum

Welcome to BF.

You've chosen a solid touring bike and seem pretty sure about the size required. The sloping top tube should negate any standover issues. As for fit, you can make minor adjustments for that after you've ridden it enough. Many would want smaller chainrings for lower gearing, but if you're a strong pedaler, you can make the stock gearing work.

What country are you in? 350 km is a LONG way from a bike shop. You must do work on bikes yourself? Cables will need retensioning after a few hundred miles. If in a humid climate, coat corrosive bolts with clear nail polish to prevent them rusting.

BTW, how does the title of this thread relates to the post? Or to anything?

Joshua222

The title is just joke because I want to get rid of my car.:-).Or an impolite way to get more replies.:-). I m from Croatia and the only bike shop where I can test my bike is in the capital city Zagreb as I said 350 km long way of my hometown. But I did it once and was very satisfied...

I guess I should do work on my own but as far as I know there is in my town a former bycicle champion from the ex-Yugoslavia who is repairing bikes and is well known in this region(the whole Balkan not only Croatia) for his expertise.:-). The only problem are the parts coming from abroad. So yo think there is no problem ordering from Internet with the right size? And everything else seems just fine?Any other factors I should consider?


Thanks for your time and patience. Cheers.

Cyclebum

Can't really speak to that. Never order a bicycle online. As long as you have a reliable shipping service in Croatia, should work out just fine.

Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes.

Joshua222

Ok, thanks people for your time. I ll probably order Kona Sutra 2012 or 2011 with 59cm frame size. And updating my opinions and immpressions.:-) And is there a really big difference between 59cm and 60 cm frame size?

djudy

Bok Joshua ja sam iz Splita i isto namjeravam kupit Konu Sutru i isto ne znam koju velicinu da izaberem.
Mozda mi pomognu tvoja iskustva. U svakom slucaju pratit cu ovaj topic pa se javi kada je kupis.
Pozdrav

Hy Joshua I am from Split(Croatia) also going to buy Kona Sutra and in dilemma about size choice.
Maybe your experience help me. In every case I will watch out for this topic expecting your replay.
Greeting

djudy

And great to see someone from Croatia here

Ciufalon

Great to see two people from Croatia on here! Good luck with the purchase. As Cyclebum said, if the delivery service is reliable in Croatia, it should be fine. You could visit the former champion in your area and have him help you determine the right size of frame if you are uncertain. I look forward to hearing about your new bike. Good choice of a nice bike.

Your English is much better than my Croatian, and i would would guess that is true for most of us on this forum.

Joshua222

The world often seems so small and the people more and more connected. Guess we should take that as pure reality..

I bought my Kona Sutra 2011 model with 59cm frame size in May. I enjoyed so much this summer driving with my friends

along the coast of Croatia and in my hometown Zadar, that I wouldnt forget for a lifetime.

The sun, the sea,beautifull wheather most of the time and a well fitted bike.

I cant go on details about the components as I consider myself a rookie in that part. Havent sold a car yet!. Got several videos

on my laptop about the bike maintenance and still waiting to start learning. I mean ,true understanding. But,I do reccomend several deep

tutorials about the bike of your need. I think it is really helpfull, and when you find the right measure ,I really do think there is no need

coming to a store. With right info, and right measure, buying online is even cheaper. But stay vigilant(!) ,for sure. Get a very, very deep info

,be million % sure about the measures. I know, that more experienced riders will deny me, or be a little bit more sceptical about that issue, but i

think there arguments for that too. If not speaking about a custom made bike, I think its more about the math and numbers rather than the

feel. Might be wrong. Deny me,please.


Anyway ,dont have so much time writing on forums but I ll come online as soon as possiblle. And also, I formatted my harddrive a month ago

so cant find my Kona Sutra reviews(googled ones) and info I used. Google is your source. A lot of passionate riders with deepest reviews of

several bikes with comparisons ,so take your time a little and dont rush.

Regards



P.S. You should come come riding here. My beautifull hometown Zadar, Croatia. Cheers!

frpax

Looks like if any of us want to go riding/touring in Croatia, we have a couple of riding partners!

Great to hear that the Kona was a success, Joshua!

fietsbob

Why, you got a Yugo, or Lada ?

Trabant?

djb

the trabant were the ring ding dinger two stroke ones werent they?

djudy

How do you feel about bike (stretch ,aggressive or more casual ,comfortable)?
What is your height? I am 1m 77cm and think size 56 would be good.
I did some research about sutra and aiming on sutra for some time.
Maybe it is possible to know by numbers to some extent but sizing is a compromise so I think there is no perfect numbers.
I did many riding in Dalmatia but have not visited Zadar on bike but I have it on my plans.


"Looks like if any of us want to go riding/touring in Croatia, we have a couple of riding partners!

Great to hear that the Kona was a success, Joshua!"


Yes I would gladly riding with forum members just send me pm.

fietsbob

the50s SAABs were 2 stroke too.. Once they started using 4 stoke Motors , I got one.. used.

djb

neat, about the Saabs being two strokes.