Who owns a Ute?
 

I've got some questions about the Kona Ute. Just wondering if any forum members have one?

I've not got one, I'm affraid, but I'd be interested, too, in any info. I really like the look of them. One of my questions would be whether the rack is safe for passengers. I can;t see any foot bars. Is there an option to fit them?

I know a guy with one, but he's 2000 miles away. From what he's said, its a great bike. Not much information other than that. Its also big bucks less expensive than the BD.

Well I'd love to know more about this bike from an actual owner, but it doesn't exactly sound like they are uber popular so far.

Maybe its just that people can't get over the Big Dummy hype yet and go try something else. For what its worth, here's one review:

http://bikehugger.com/2008/01/kona_u...cargo_bike.htm

they screwed the release by not having the giant panniers ready to go.

The release pics they put out with the one small pannier just looked ridiculous.

Now that they have the large panniers, it looks a lot better, and now I'm interested in picking one up. Hopefully they can overcome the craptacular release.

[img=http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/6765/t2k9utejw7.th.jpg]

New photo with big bags.

I just saw one in the LBS today. The chainrings look really small and appeared to be made of plastic, or at least the bash guard was. The deck was plastic and notched to allow mounting of panniers. Overall, I wasn't impressed, but I didn't take it for a test ride. It was nice that they had one in the store.

Rings are 36/26, bash guards are trash anyway, and the deck, according to the Kona site is wood.

I read recently that the deck for the Ute is made of recycled plastic and I believe that was the case on the model I saw at my LBS earlier this year. They may well be changing the spec for 2009.

You may be right about it being an 09 thing. However, if its the right plastic, that would not necessarily be a negative. The website model is an 09.

I've just ordered one, so we'll see. I bet it comes with the little bags and the plastic rack. Hmmm, now I've seen those new bags....

If its an '09, it should come with what is specified. Keep us posted. I've wondered how it or the Big Dummy would do for touring. Beats pulling a trailer.

I did wonder about touring, myself. the only thing that concerns me is that it may be too long for a bike bag - so many airlines require bike bags nowadays, and the one I've got will only take a normal frame with the pannier off.
Call me shallow, but when I tour, it has to be abroad.