I've had mine for 11 years (2009 model - bright green frame). Much of the time sitting in my garage going nowhere!!! But it's beautiful to ride. It didn't come with a Brooks saddle but the one I've had for 30 years now went on to it on day one. Good to see you guys promoting cycling and obviously really enjoying what you do.
I JUST BOUGHT ONE TODAY!!!!! My first bike in over 10 years! Can not wait to go on my first tour this spring, the first of many. You guys were a big inspiration for me to get healthier and start my new life as an adventurer. I LOVE RAD BIKE ADVENTURE!!!!
Yeeeeeeaaaa!!! So happy for you! That means a lot to us too...to help inspire you, but ultimately you’re the one getting out there and doing it! Rad On! 🤘 😍 🤘
@@xmnemonic local bike shop in my city happened to have one in my size and I jumped at the opportunity. It was one of two bikes I could find in my city...so it was a no brainer for me! It's been treating me great these last months!
I bought a 2017 model (no thru-axle) back in 2018 and honestly, after a test-ride a I seriously considered leaving my car and go cycling home, or to Paris, or wherever. Wonderful bike, super comfy, stable, sturdy yet fast. Love it, couldn't agree more with your review!
Riiiight? I never got tired of being on it. Tired at the end of the day sure, but never..."get me off this thing!" kinda feeling. Glad you're loving yours too : D
So I actually did all of that except just two years later. Currently living in Paris with my mom purchased in Philly. Hope you found a good adventure fo yourself too!
Just took delivery of my new Kona Sutra SE model, in large part thanks to this review and other people's feedback online! It is by a very long margin the nicest bike I have ever owned. Watching through your travel videos now and hoping to have some similar travel experiences as you!
Thanks for the great review! Have watched 90% of your content and Picked up my Kona Sutra today. First ride today and couldn't be happier! Look forward to watching more RAD adventures! Great inspiration when you are in lockdown!
Awesome Steve! So happy to hear that! It's suuuuch a fun (and versatile!) bike. Just saw your message you sent via our website too (cheers!). Thanks again for your kind words and support! Enjoy the Sutra! 🤘
Have the 2016 Sutra Ltd in that stunning baby blue, it's the best bike I've ever owned, we've logged thousands of miles together and it's the bike I'll take on any ride. Swapped out the front 36 for a 38 and I'm running the WTB Venture 50c and it just eats up any surface. Taking it for a solo trip from NYC to Lake Placid and back in two weeks, I can't wait. So happy you love your Sutra also, the navy and silver colours look sharp, and look forward to hearing about any future modifications.
I have always come back to this bike for giving great quality and price. I have had many touring bikes and they all have simplicity and romance attached to them. I use tooth floss string as a fixer as well as zip ties as it is very strong, rot proof and light and can be used for sowing. Thank you for your good review.
Excellent review. Steel is always the best choice. With 60+ years of riding, Brooks is the only saddle that exists. I have only had five in those years. Three I still ride on different bikes. Thanks!
Thanks for this review, it tipped me over the edge to go out and acquire the 2021 model, particularly the comments regarding the all round robustness and the frame being interchangeable with the LTD model. It is certainly living up to your praise - I have taken her out on couple of trail rides and it's a very supple ride indeed. It's taking a while to get used to bar end shifters - more because I'm used to down tube shifters that work in the opposite direction - but can see them growing on me. Looking forward to some longer ride and overnighters to really test her out. Thanks again!
4500 miles on my 2018 Kona Sutra. Rear Wheel eventually gave up the ghost but I weigh about 250, ride with gear frequently, and on rough terrain. Won't ride anything else. Nice Review.
bought my Sutra a year ago, after 40 years road riding, it has opened up a whole new world of dirt roads for me. The bar end shifters take some getting used to, but now I find myself absentmindedly reaching for them on my Jamis with the STI. ha ha. I love the Sutra, hope to go much further touring on it once the pandemic finally recedes.
Thanks for the video. I have just ordered a different make of touring bike. The Kona Sutra was one I looked at, but I couldn't find it in stock in the UK at the moment. I have had two Brooks B17 saddles and loved them both. My new bike will come with a different make of leather saddle, very similar but slightly different shape, if I don't get on with it, the B17 will be the first upgrade. Like you I have used the Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres and I never had a puncture with them...... so far! Interesting about the welds on the rack failing, I shall be checking mine in future and carrying zip ties, etc., in case a fix is needed. I love your videos, a nice mix of cheerfulness and seriousness with loads of information. Please keep up the great work!
I have had mine for about 8 years and it has been bullet proof. I've done some touring but mostly as commuter and it is great. It is heavy though and one has to get used to being passed by other cyclists on their shiny road bikes. Its also very reasonably priced coming with the Brookes and rack as well.
My Sutra is a 2006! Pretty much everything on it has worn out and been replaced or upgraded at least once.. I think the only original bits are the frame and the original rims (rebuilt the wheels with new hubs and spokes when the hubs' bearing races wore out...). My daily driver and it's been on over ten long bike vaca's. Great touring frame as I'm 200lb and when it's loaded up with panniers it handles so well.
one thing that Kona gets right is providing a riding saddle, not a cheap seat we have to swap out when opening the box.... Surly, you listening?!!!! I like that you explain through axels here, good for most people who have knowledge that is now a bit outdated, (like me).
Nice review. For all those viewers out there, always carry a derailleur hangar on a long trip. I tape mine on the bike frame between the frame and back tire. You may never need it but when you do....you do!
Great video, i invested in the 2020 model last year, its such a great bike, have just been doing 50-70 mile day trips here in the UK due to the current situation but hope to load up and get some longer overnight trips in later this year.
Definitely use a bike computer. It's a second check on your mileage so you can tell how far you've gone and it's also a good speedometer so you can tell if you're going a little too fast on that descent. And it has a clock, for what that's worth. Setup these days is usually really painless, since even moderately priced comps are now wireless. So you basically ziplock a sensor onto your fork, clip on a spoke magnet, and pair them up.
My recommendations: full Deore or above, because of the materials, Deore is stainless steel all the way, below it is for garage and bicycle used on dry days. Be careful most bikes have Deore rear derailleur, and rest below. Don’t go if shifters are not Deore. Tubus racks and Ortlieb you cannot go wrong. No front suspension, they also tend to age quickly exposed to elements. Steel is more comfortable than Alu, as Alu frame needs to be stiffer. Frame needs to have all eyelets you need (attachments, mudguards, lights). I would go for a hub dynamo as good ones have extremely low resistance, and your light always work. Bad lights are $30, good ones are $60, does not worth go cheap. Busch and müller is extremely reliable. SON dynamos and lights are fantastic but pricey.
Thanks for the review. Looks like a solid bike, I think at the moment, it's one of the best touring bikes you can get for around $ 1500. It's cool you added the Soma front rack, and those Blackburn cages look great because you can just put anything in them. And I agree that bikes with disc brakes must have thru-axles: much more solid and stiff than quick-release axles. The failure of the rear rack does not surprise me, after all those miles. (I guess it's aluminium.) Experienced biketourers always tell me to go for steel racks, because they can handle the abuse better than aluminium. I've always used aluminium racks myself, and they never failed, but these were just 4 week trips, so no comparison to what you have cycled. Regarding bike computers: I love having one on my bike. Since I have it, I am much more aware of my cadence while riding. Once you know what cadence you can ride comfortably at (somewhere between 85 and 95 for myself) then the bike computer helps you to stay in that range. (Sorry I am a roadie, and obsessed with cadence while biking). I would not use a Garmin / Wahoo or your phone for touring, cause they don't last a whole day on a battery. Mine is a Sigma bc.14.16.sts, it's about $60.-- and it runs for months on a battery. It is always on when you ride, and it has many functions, that I find it really useful. Good luck converting your Sutra to a bikepacking rig, that should be interesting !
Paul Jansson Yes, I love it and I think Kona gives you a great bike for the price point. And yeah, steel rack would have been a wise upgrade for such a long trip but I was able to make it work 🤪. True about bike computers, perhaps I'll take a look again. I think a Wahoo could be a good edition as I think they conserve battery much better than a phone. With the phone we only turned it on when necessary to check the route and did not track our routes that way. I'll take a look at the Sigma too thanks for the suggestion! Cheers Paul!
rad bike adventure your a lot lighter than me but the bike barely handled much more than 20kg with me before it was all over the shop where as the LHT I could ride nearer 40 then the Sherpa handled even better with 40 at that time I was about 110kg myself
Got myself the 2016 model, I think it's bombproof, maybe had to break out the spoke wrench once, and that's only because I'm insane about my wheels. I had the same issue with my rack, it broke in the same places as yours. The Dealer at the store explained that the panniers aren't meant to be hung from the lower rail. Lesson learned. But I still think it's awesome to be able to hang the bags lower.
Being 4'10", finding it hard that fits my short statur. Which is why I changed my front fork from suspension to rigid with nubbies. Panniers in the front and CC touring. My current bike is a Titus XXS frame.
I love my vintage steel mountain bikes; they're so flippin' versatile! I have one set up as my everyday commuter/pavement ride, with racks, Brooks, fenders, and a V-O Porteur bar, and another as my off-pavement bike; both have big squishy tires. The only real issue is the stupid long cranks, but you can find shorter ones. I'm 5'4", and I love my 26"-wheeled bikes!
I have been riding a Surly LHT for quite a few years but fellin love with a 2018 SutraTa this sunner, I,m buying it tomorrow! Something about the Sutra. love your videos
Just lost my wife of 26 years to Huntington's disease planning a short tour comparing to you guy's from Porterville to weaverville California mine reset very Interested in a leather saddle love leather
Great video and review. I really like the looks of the Sutra and good to know that with a few adjustments you could basically convert it into an Ltd version. Thanks a lot for posting this.
Nice review. I've had a 2020 model for a few months now. I bought it mainly as a low-maintenance general purpose road bike I'll hopefully use for touring in the future. Yes, it's on the heavy side, but so what? Unless you're racing that doesn't matter for most riders. For commuting and touring the Sutra's robustness, simplicity, and comfort are ideal.
Another great video. Because of both your enthousiasme for the brooks saddle, i just decided to order the b17 for myself. Keep up the nice videos, you 2 are awesome.
Friends!! LOVING your videos - very informative and fun! I hope the roads cross paths with you. A year from retirement and my partner and I are planning our X-Canada tour (yes - to include NFLD!). We have researched many bikes and came down to Trek 520 and Kona Sutra. Friends joining us are going the 520 route - I believe in the vibe and out-of-box specs of Sutra! We are close - did body measurements and working with AWESOME folks at Kona re; fit for a 2021 Sutra (so pretty!). They are 2cm smaller than the road bikes we train on. Word is these bikes fit larger. - you suggest as much here. Is this your experience? I road train a 56 and they suggested a 54 ... spooked about a cramped cockpit - I WANT A SUTRA but (with pandemic) can't visit to see or ride to try!! LOVE YOUR STUFF! KEEP TEACHING!!! xx
I had the same derailleur hanger problem on my 2018 Sutra and I dig your front rack been wanting to do one on mine but was wondering about the p clips with the rack. Also good to know about the rack.
Was thinking of doing the same if we do another LONG tour. Tubus makes some of the best (most durable!) touring racks. For around town my hack job will do and I'll be taking it off anyway for the bikepacking rig that is to come ;p
i'm not familiar with them 'bar end shifters ( how do they work?? ). what about options for 'lighting'.. / visibility....for sunset / night riding. cheers 'getting back into biking' @ age of 60!
So wild to see how different 2018 is from 2012. Great color scheme on yours. 100% true for comfort! I can sit on this bike the entire day. And oh man, the derailer-hanger on mine is part of my frame. I had a heart attack when it bent, thank god the frame is steel and bendable.
Yes, the graphic design alone has changed quite a bit on KOnas. As for the hanger, I think that's why now they are all replaceable....for those times where it gets a good knock on the trail.
Great Review , I noticed the tread grooves on your tires is right in between one used for a mountain bike and a road bike ( more versatile). As for bike computers, I would use one even if it is basic.
Great review - I’m looking for my first touring bike (used) and have a choice between this bike (same year) or the other bike you reviewed 2017/18 Trek 520 disc. I’m leaning towards the Kona but was wondering which bike you would recommend. Thanks!
No kickstand. I carried a "click-stand" (which i made a video about) but usually it was just easier to find something to lean it against. Can almost always find a tree, building, bench, friend, etc haha
great review im a Sutra owner too , i don t have yet the problem with the back rack but im planning to change it for a tubus rack...... apart from that it s a dream bike
Thanks for this review. Extremely helpful. I am now waiting for my Sutra SE 2022 in 48 to arrive.We are about the same height (~5'4" or 165cm) but I think I have a slightly longer torso. I hope it works out for me. A kona representative told me that the 50 could have been a good fit but the 48 was the only one I could get my hands on in this period. And I think it's a safer bet to order a slightly smaller bike that i can modify to fit without getting a chance to first test ride it. I'm really curious to see how I'll feel with this type of bike. Until recently (when it got stolen), I was riding a cube Kathmandu pro trekking bike for my daily commute and touring (I put some 10k km on it) and I loved it but i was missing something in terms of comfort, reliability of parts and speed which I'm hoping the sutra will be able to give me. Very curious to see how this will work out. Thanks again for the review.
@@radbikeadventure I am. I sold my Surly Disc Trucker when I lived in Italy prior to coming back to the states. I live in the mountain biking capital of the world (Bentonville, AR 😁) but I am looking at doing some touring in the US and Portugal. I first saw you with your Kona Sutra review and am now starting to follow your videos as you and Darin head out of FCO in Rome. We have a new small bike shop here in Bentonville who is a Kona reseller. I have an email into them to start that conversation.
@@radbikeadventure I am looking to check out a Kona Sutra (not the LTD or ULTD). Sadly, the two bike shops in town who carry Kona don't have it in stock. This area is almost exclusively mountain biking. One shop is hoping to get some Sutras in this March.
I'm sure your partner has ridden your Kona Sutra. I am very interested in knowing how she feels about it compared to her Trek 520 as well as how you feel about hers.
Hi Ryan, I just put a Kona Sutra SE on order. I am 159cm or 5ft 2 do you think 50 cm will be good? I want to love this bike, and I have some great adventures planned. The shop did say I could test ride it, but don’t want to waste their time if it’s wrong. Thank you love 🚴🏾♂️
Awesome vid. I have the same make and model though mine did not come with a thru axle! (did you request it?) I have had the same issue with the rear rack - though only after about 500km and I use Ortlieb panniers - but I second everything else in the video - super comfy, easy to maintain, bombs down a hill and though a little heavy framed it is built to last and last and can handle lots of weight. My only gripe (other than the rear rack) is that the down tubes lower bottle mount is placed a long way forward and only fits a short bottle.
I have a 2018 Kona and although i don't have the miles you do I'm very happy with it. One question is the bike mirror. I'm looking for one and wondering what type you have and what your thoughts on it are.
@@radbikeadventure Yes I do! Going to start with some minor tours first. There's a lot to be explored in Austria until the pandemic goes away... But ideally I would love to head north to finland, Norway, sweden etc... scotland perhaps ... how about you? What are your next destinations?
I have a Kona Rove Dl. I can't find a front rack for it. I don't need a rack for front panniers just the short front rack. The kona site has nothing. Thx
rad bike adventure not yet. I’m $200 in to my $1700 goal on fund raising. I figured when I am just over halfway to goal I’ll start taking test rides. In the end I want to bike my state while creating fine art photos of the landscape.
Your enthusiasm for the Sutra got me into the store today looking at one. It appears that you have the same rack and weld as the one I saw today. So we got to talking in the store about the weak weld and if they were willing to put on another rack. Then we noticed that there was a black on black message on the upper part of the rack that said to put the weight on the upper and not the lower ''bar'' of the rack . We wondered why the lower bar is there as it seems like it would be there to lower the weight. However, I'm guessing it is there to give the rack lateral strength. I wonder if your's had that hardly visible message on the higher bar? It would certainly justify not lowering the weight. Just a comment.
Hey Peter, thank you (and your local shop!) for doing a bit of research on the rack. I had contacted Kona about it and they said they hadn't gotten any feedback about rack troubles and my local shop said the same thing, no other mentions of breakage. I just looked and can't find that message but perhaps this was the issue all along. I mean, it still gave me a LOT of mileage with a not super secure load and riding on trails, so pretty dang good for a stock rack!
You don’t have to but it would be nice if in the future you could give in your videos some of the stats from your bike computer for those who like to have them as reference.
My computer broke during the trip and I never replaced it lol. I think I will invest in one for the future though because I know people are interested in stats (I'm not really that into it tbh!) and it will help w sharing routes.
Strange! Ours did break but we admit we had too much weight and it is aluminum and we went on dirt trail. But it would seem the lower rail is where your pannier should attach. How soon did it fail you?
I upgraded to Bar-end shifters on my Fuji-Royale. (70's) Awesome! Nowadays I'm More Comfy with my NuVinci on my Rover recumbent. Bike Computer?? Yes! My economy Garmin 130 records mucho. Schwalbe doesn't mfg M..+ 'Tour' 20", but M..+ Great! Keep in Shape!! Be Safe Kids!! JaYoe!! ;-) ;-)
Fantastic. I always felt like I had plenty of gears. I also liked having weight up front (on forks and with a bigger front bag). Definitely helps with climbing.
They are unbranded. Just stock. The fenders are plastic but worked really well and I really liked that they have a mud flap. Super durable and no issues there. Aluminum racks will never hold up like a steel rack. Recommend a Tubus for something bombproof! If I was going to buy a new rear rack (and know if would be worth the $$): amzn.to/38lo6Ok
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
*great **Latest.Bike** , a little difficult understanding the penny picture for adjusting the front derailer. Once I figured it out it worked great!*
Still loving my 2012 Sutra, daily commuter and occasional tourer. 20000km, still going, wheels still true.
Hells yeah!
I have a 2013 model with similar mileage. Same experience.
I bought my sutra 3-years go because of watching this video. Just want to give you a nod and word of thanks for showcasing your love affair to us!
I've had mine for 11 years (2009 model - bright green frame). Much of the time sitting in my garage going nowhere!!! But it's beautiful to ride. It didn't come with a Brooks saddle but the one I've had for 30 years now went on to it on day one. Good to see you guys promoting cycling and obviously really enjoying what you do.
Phil Lewis I just got one also as a replacement for my 2006 one that was stolen.
@@mooktookie3363 I hope the person who stole it falls off and regrets stealing it.
I JUST BOUGHT ONE TODAY!!!!! My first bike in over 10 years! Can not wait to go on my first tour this spring, the first of many. You guys were a big inspiration for me to get healthier and start my new life as an adventurer. I LOVE RAD BIKE ADVENTURE!!!!
Yeeeeeeaaaa!!! So happy for you! That means a lot to us too...to help inspire you, but ultimately you’re the one getting out there and doing it! Rad On! 🤘 😍 🤘
how did you get one? all the dealers i've talked to said they haven't been able to get any Kona bikes in 2021 due to pandemic.
@@xmnemonic local bike shop in my city happened to have one in my size and I jumped at the opportunity. It was one of two bikes I could find in my city...so it was a no brainer for me! It's been treating me great these last months!
I bought a 2017 model (no thru-axle) back in 2018 and honestly, after a test-ride a I seriously considered leaving my car and go cycling home, or to Paris, or wherever. Wonderful bike, super comfy, stable, sturdy yet fast. Love it, couldn't agree more with your review!
Riiiight? I never got tired of being on it. Tired at the end of the day sure, but never..."get me off this thing!" kinda feeling. Glad you're loving yours too : D
So I actually did all of that except just two years later. Currently living in Paris with my mom purchased in Philly. Hope you found a good adventure fo yourself too!
Just took delivery of my new Kona Sutra SE model, in large part thanks to this review and other people's feedback online! It is by a very long margin the nicest bike I have ever owned. Watching through your travel videos now and hoping to have some similar travel experiences as you!
One of the best reviews, of anything, I have watched. I am riding a 2013 Trek 520.
👀👀 Thanks!
Thanks for the great review! Have watched 90% of your content and Picked up my Kona Sutra today. First ride today and couldn't be happier! Look forward to watching more RAD adventures! Great inspiration when you are in lockdown!
Awesome Steve! So happy to hear that! It's suuuuch a fun (and versatile!) bike. Just saw your message you sent via our website too (cheers!). Thanks again for your kind words and support! Enjoy the Sutra! 🤘
Have the 2016 Sutra Ltd in that stunning baby blue, it's the best bike I've ever owned, we've logged thousands of miles together and it's the bike I'll take on any ride. Swapped out the front 36 for a 38 and I'm running the WTB Venture 50c and it just eats up any surface. Taking it for a solo trip from NYC to Lake Placid and back in two weeks, I can't wait. So happy you love your Sutra also, the navy and silver colours look sharp, and look forward to hearing about any future modifications.
I have always come back to this bike for giving great quality and price. I have had many touring bikes and they all have simplicity and romance attached to them. I use tooth floss string as a fixer as well as zip ties as it is very strong, rot proof and light and can be used for sowing. Thank you for your good review.
Just picked up my 2021 Kona Sutra yesterday based on this review. First impression - I love it. Thanks.
Rad!! So happy to hear that Michael 🤘
Really enjoyed a rewatch of this video!
Thank you so much Russ 🙏. Been getting strong this past week so let’s hope it keeps up!
Excellent review. Steel is always the best choice. With 60+ years of riding, Brooks is the only saddle that exists. I have only had five in those years. Three I still ride on different bikes. Thanks!
Right on! I also have 3 Brooks on different bikes lol
Thanks for this review, it tipped me over the edge to go out and acquire the 2021 model, particularly the comments regarding the all round robustness and the frame being interchangeable with the LTD model. It is certainly living up to your praise - I have taken her out on couple of trail rides and it's a very supple ride indeed. It's taking a while to get used to bar end shifters - more because I'm used to down tube shifters that work in the opposite direction - but can see them growing on me. Looking forward to some longer ride and overnighters to really test her out. Thanks again!
4500 miles on my 2018 Kona Sutra. Rear Wheel eventually gave up the ghost but I weigh about 250, ride with gear frequently, and on rough terrain. Won't ride anything else. Nice Review.
Thanks for sharing Stacey! I'm currently freshening her up to run a more bikepacking setup so will have that video out soon too : )
@@radbikeadventure keep them coming. Not much stuff on you tube about the Kona Sutra... wonderful bike...
bought my Sutra a year ago, after 40 years road riding, it has opened up a whole new world of dirt roads for me. The bar end shifters take some getting used to, but now I find myself absentmindedly reaching for them on my Jamis with the STI. ha ha. I love the Sutra, hope to go much further touring on it once the pandemic finally recedes.
Because you you and this channel, I now have my very own Kona Sutra. I absolutely love it. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks for the video. I have just ordered a different make of touring bike. The Kona Sutra was one I looked at, but I couldn't find it in stock in the UK at the moment. I have had two Brooks B17 saddles and loved them both. My new bike will come with a different make of leather saddle, very similar but slightly different shape, if I don't get on with it, the B17 will be the first upgrade.
Like you I have used the Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres and I never had a puncture with them...... so far!
Interesting about the welds on the rack failing, I shall be checking mine in future and carrying zip ties, etc., in case a fix is needed.
I love your videos, a nice mix of cheerfulness and seriousness with loads of information. Please keep up the great work!
Great to hear it! Thanks so much 😊. Happy travels on your new bike!
I couldn't find a Sutra in SW England when I was looking either.
I bought a Kona Rove DL a couple of weeks ago and I really like it. I especially like that it’s a 1X.
I have had mine for about 8 years and it has been bullet proof. I've done some touring but mostly as commuter and it is great. It is heavy though and one has to get used to being passed by other cyclists on their shiny road bikes. Its also very reasonably priced coming with the Brookes and rack as well.
My Sutra is a 2006! Pretty much everything on it has worn out and been replaced or upgraded at least once.. I think the only original bits are the frame and the original rims (rebuilt the wheels with new hubs and spokes when the hubs' bearing races wore out...). My daily driver and it's been on over ten long bike vaca's. Great touring frame as I'm 200lb and when it's loaded up with panniers it handles so well.
one thing that Kona gets right is providing a riding saddle, not a cheap seat we have to swap out when opening the box.... Surly, you listening?!!!! I like that you explain through axels here, good for most people who have knowledge that is now a bit outdated, (like me).
Just bought the 22 model. More like lots of little 200 mile trips for me!
Nice review. For all those viewers out there, always carry a derailleur hangar on a long trip. I tape mine on the bike frame between the frame and back tire. You may never need it but when you do....you do!
Great video, i invested in the 2020 model last year, its such a great bike, have just been doing 50-70 mile day trips here in the UK due to the current situation but hope to load up and get some longer overnight trips in later this year.
Nice : ) ! Yea, us too...need to do some backyard camping
You are awesome i have now a b17 after trying so much saddles and the brooks is awesom ,only i have tilted the nose upwards because i slided forwards
Yes! Definitely! I use cyclemeter and Strava on my phone. I find it nice to look back on the year to see where I’ve been and what I did.
Definitely use a bike computer. It's a second check on your mileage so you can tell how far you've gone and it's also a good speedometer so you can tell if you're going a little too fast on that descent. And it has a clock, for what that's worth. Setup these days is usually really painless, since even moderately priced comps are now wireless. So you basically ziplock a sensor onto your fork, clip on a spoke magnet, and pair them up.
My recommendations: full Deore or above, because of the materials, Deore is stainless steel all the way, below it is for garage and bicycle used on dry days. Be careful most bikes have Deore rear derailleur, and rest below. Don’t go if shifters are not Deore. Tubus racks and Ortlieb you cannot go wrong. No front suspension, they also tend to age quickly exposed to elements. Steel is more comfortable than Alu, as Alu frame needs to be stiffer. Frame needs to have all eyelets you need (attachments, mudguards, lights). I would go for a hub dynamo as good ones have extremely low resistance, and your light always work. Bad lights are $30, good ones are $60, does not worth go cheap. Busch and müller is extremely reliable. SON dynamos and lights are fantastic but pricey.
I'm digging all this advice!
This video is the reason I got my new 2022 kona sutra last july :)
So how it's been ?
I just bought a second hand 2022 Kona Sutra SE in perfect condition for 1000€, can't wait to use it for a long touring trip
Thanks for the review. Looks like a solid bike,
I think at the moment, it's one of the best touring bikes
you can get for around $ 1500.
It's cool you added the Soma front rack, and those Blackburn cages look great because
you can just put anything in them. And I agree that bikes with disc brakes must have thru-axles:
much more solid and stiff than quick-release axles.
The failure of the rear rack does not surprise me, after all those miles.
(I guess it's aluminium.) Experienced biketourers always tell me to go for steel racks,
because they can handle the abuse better than aluminium.
I've always used aluminium racks myself, and they never failed, but these
were just 4 week trips, so no comparison to what you have cycled.
Regarding bike computers: I love having one on my bike. Since I have it, I am much
more aware of my cadence while riding. Once you know what cadence
you can ride comfortably at (somewhere between 85 and 95 for myself) then the bike
computer helps you to stay in that range. (Sorry I am a roadie, and obsessed with cadence while biking).
I would not use a Garmin / Wahoo or your phone for touring, cause they don't last a whole day on a battery.
Mine is a Sigma bc.14.16.sts, it's about $60.-- and it runs for months on a battery.
It is always on when you ride, and it has many functions, that I find it really useful.
Good luck converting your Sutra to a bikepacking rig, that should be interesting !
They don’t handle well at all when fully loaded with a decent amount of weight that’s the reason I switched to a thorn Sherpa
Have to disagree! My handling felt better, the more weight I had on it. Super secure and confident riding for me.
Paul Jansson Yes, I love it and I think Kona gives you a great bike for the price point. And yeah, steel rack would have been a wise upgrade for such a long trip but I was able to make it work 🤪.
True about bike computers, perhaps I'll take a look again. I think a Wahoo could be a good edition as I think they conserve battery much better than a phone. With the phone we only turned it on when necessary to check the route and did not track our routes that way. I'll take a look at the Sigma too thanks for the suggestion!
Cheers Paul!
rad bike adventure your a lot lighter than me but the bike barely handled much more than 20kg with me before it was all over the shop where as the LHT I could ride nearer 40 then the Sherpa handled even better with 40 at that time I was about 110kg myself
Got myself the 2016 model, I think it's bombproof, maybe had to break out the spoke wrench once, and that's only because I'm insane about my wheels.
I had the same issue with my rack, it broke in the same places as yours. The Dealer at the store explained that the panniers aren't meant to be hung from the lower rail.
Lesson learned. But I still think it's awesome to be able to hang the bags lower.
Being 4'10", finding it hard that fits my short statur. Which is why I changed my front fork from suspension to rigid with nubbies. Panniers in the front and CC touring. My current bike is a Titus XXS frame.
Yes I do wish there were more bikes built for females and smaller statured people. Glad you found one that works!
Alee Denham on cyclingabout.com has recommendations for smaller rider touring bikes.
I love my vintage steel mountain bikes; they're so flippin' versatile! I have one set up as my everyday commuter/pavement ride, with racks, Brooks, fenders, and a V-O Porteur bar, and another as my off-pavement bike; both have big squishy tires. The only real issue is the stupid long cranks, but you can find shorter ones. I'm 5'4", and I love my 26"-wheeled bikes!
I have been riding a Surly LHT for quite a few years but fellin love with a 2018 SutraTa this sunner, I,m buying it tomorrow! Something about the Sutra. love your videos
Just lost my wife of 26 years to Huntington's disease planning a short tour comparing to you guy's from Porterville to weaverville California mine reset very Interested in a leather saddle love leather
Great video and review. I really like the looks of the Sutra and good to know that with a few adjustments you could basically convert it into an Ltd version. Thanks a lot for posting this.
Nice review. I've had a 2020 model for a few months now. I bought it mainly as a low-maintenance general purpose road bike I'll hopefully use for touring in the future. Yes, it's on the heavy side, but so what? Unless you're racing that doesn't matter for most riders. For commuting and touring the Sutra's robustness, simplicity, and comfort are ideal.
Another great video. Because of both your enthousiasme for the brooks saddle, i just decided to order the b17 for myself.
Keep up the nice videos, you 2 are awesome.
Wooo! You’ll love it 😉
My B17 (aged) was weirdly comfy right out of the box, once I adjusted it correctly; I hope yours is too.
Friends!! LOVING your videos - very informative and fun! I hope the roads cross paths with you. A year from retirement and my partner and I are planning our X-Canada tour (yes - to include NFLD!). We have researched many bikes and came down to Trek 520 and Kona Sutra. Friends joining us are going the 520 route - I believe in the vibe and out-of-box specs of Sutra! We are close - did body measurements and working with AWESOME folks at Kona re; fit for a 2021 Sutra (so pretty!). They are 2cm smaller than the road bikes we train on. Word is these bikes fit larger. - you suggest as much here. Is this your experience? I road train a 56 and they suggested a 54 ... spooked about a cramped cockpit - I WANT A SUTRA but (with pandemic) can't visit to see or ride to try!! LOVE YOUR STUFF! KEEP TEACHING!!! xx
I had the same derailleur hanger problem on my 2018 Sutra and I dig your front rack been wanting to do one on mine but was wondering about the p clips with the rack.
Also good to know about the rack.
Great review. I love my Sutra. My rack broke in the same spot . Replaced it with a Tubus.
Was thinking of doing the same if we do another LONG tour. Tubus makes some of the best (most durable!) touring racks. For around town my hack job will do and I'll be taking it off anyway for the bikepacking rig that is to come ;p
i'm not familiar with them 'bar end shifters ( how do they work?? ). what about options for 'lighting'.. / visibility....for sunset / night riding. cheers 'getting back into biking' @ age of 60!
I bought that scrape thingy for cleaning pots and I gotta say, that tiny thing is brilliant :D
Isn’t it?! 😃
So wild to see how different 2018 is from 2012. Great color scheme on yours. 100% true for comfort! I can sit on this bike the entire day. And oh man, the derailer-hanger on mine is part of my frame. I had a heart attack when it bent, thank god the frame is steel and bendable.
Yes, the graphic design alone has changed quite a bit on KOnas. As for the hanger, I think that's why now they are all replaceable....for those times where it gets a good knock on the trail.
Great Review , I noticed the tread grooves on your tires is right in between one used for a mountain bike and a road bike ( more versatile). As for bike computers, I would use one even if it is basic.
Exactly right. That's why I LOVE those tires. DOn't feel sluggish on road but can grip dirt really well. Yeeea, I should get a computer haha
Thanks for the review, very interesting.
I'm looking at a 2020 Sutra, Disk Trucker, or a good deal on an ex-demo Thorn Nomad lol.
Great review - I’m looking for my first touring bike (used) and have a choice between this bike (same year) or the other bike you reviewed 2017/18 Trek 520 disc. I’m leaning towards the Kona but was wondering which bike you would recommend. Thanks!
Thank you for reviewing my bike. I'm looking forward to watching this with the sound on...
So, my rack is going to break, just like Anton's...
Great video! There's no kick stand on the Sutra right? Is that an issue when you go touring?
No kickstand. I carried a "click-stand" (which i made a video about) but usually it was just easier to find something to lean it against. Can almost always find a tree, building, bench, friend, etc haha
Ambassador? Lol yes this will be a truly honest independent review
Just ordered my Kona Sutra 2021 🥳
Yeeeewww!!! 😊
Can't wait to see the bikepacking incarnation! Awesome video
Us too! Cheers!
great review im a Sutra owner too , i don t have yet the problem with the back rack but im planning to change it for a tubus rack...... apart from that it s a dream bike
Thanks for this review. Extremely helpful. I am now waiting for my Sutra SE 2022 in 48 to arrive.We are about the same height (~5'4" or 165cm) but I think I have a slightly longer torso. I hope it works out for me.
A kona representative told me that the 50 could have been a good fit but the 48 was the only one I could get my hands on in this period. And I think it's a safer bet to order a slightly smaller bike that i can modify to fit without getting a chance to first test ride it.
I'm really curious to see how I'll feel with this type of bike. Until recently (when it got stolen), I was riding a cube Kathmandu pro trekking bike for my daily commute and touring (I put some 10k km on it) and I loved it but i was missing something in terms of comfort, reliability of parts and speed which I'm hoping the sutra will be able to give me.
Very curious to see how this will work out.
Thanks again for the review.
Love the content! You had me at Kona bike/Kona Ambassador!
Excellent review. I appreciate the disclaimers. But mostly I enjoyed the real world "use" you have given the bike and then provide in the review.
Thanks for watching! Are you looking to get a bike?
@@radbikeadventure I am. I sold my Surly Disc Trucker when I lived in Italy prior to coming back to the states. I live in the mountain biking capital of the world (Bentonville, AR 😁) but I am looking at doing some touring in the US and Portugal. I first saw you with your Kona Sutra review and am now starting to follow your videos as you and Darin head out of FCO in Rome. We have a new small bike shop here in Bentonville who is a Kona reseller. I have an email into them to start that conversation.
@@radbikeadventure I am looking to check out a Kona Sutra (not the LTD or ULTD). Sadly, the two bike shops in town who carry Kona don't have it in stock. This area is almost exclusively mountain biking. One shop is hoping to get some Sutras in this March.
cool review! looking for this bike model year is hard :/
I'm sure your partner has ridden your Kona Sutra. I am very interested in knowing how she feels about it compared to her Trek 520 as well as how you feel about hers.
Oooh that's a great question! I would love to do a video about that. They are different for sure.
@@radbikeadventure I am very curious about the outcome. Have to decide now between the Trek 520 and the KS Se.
I am also on the smaller side. Do you encounter any toe overlap with the front tire? Btw: Nice video!!!
if you turn super sharp, yea, but mostly it's a-ok
I have a 2019 sutra ltd. It’s great. What front rack are you using? I haven’t been able to find nice sleek mounts for my Kona. It’s my only complaint.
Dang you guys got some sweet bikes. My 520 will arrive in Jan 2022. I'll risk it with an aluminum fork. I doubt it will be that bad.
Only 6 more months! Sure you'll enjoy it : )
@@radbikeadventure ha one came in a week ago. The world stopped so I could travel 130 miles to swoop it. And it was in my size. Life is good
Just found your channel yay. Look forward to watching more.
Hi Ryan, I just put a Kona Sutra SE on order. I am 159cm or 5ft 2 do you think 50 cm will be good? I want to love this bike, and I have some great adventures planned. The shop did say I could test ride it, but don’t want to waste their time if it’s wrong. Thank you love 🚴🏾♂️
Id say get the smallest one they have. Kona's run kinda big. But a test ride is absolutely a must! All bodies are built uniquely!
I love my 2016 Sutra!
Great review. I'm sold!!
Awesome vid. I have the same make and model though mine did not come with a thru axle! (did you request it?) I have had the same issue with the rear rack - though only after about 500km and I use Ortlieb panniers - but I second everything else in the video - super comfy, easy to maintain, bombs down a hill and though a little heavy framed it is built to last and last and can handle lots of weight. My only gripe (other than the rear rack) is that the down tubes lower bottle mount is placed a long way forward and only fits a short bottle.
I have a 2018 Kona and although i don't have the miles you do I'm very happy with it. One question is the bike mirror. I'm looking for one and wondering what type you have and what your thoughts on it are.
I'm getting my sutra next week! Yeah!
Woot woot! Do you have a trip in mind??
@@radbikeadventure Yes I do! Going to start with some minor tours first. There's a lot to be explored in Austria until the pandemic goes away... But ideally I would love to head north to finland, Norway, sweden etc... scotland perhaps ... how about you? What are your next destinations?
Hello good day!.
I wanted to ask if you know what tire size is the maximum that a kona sutra se like yours would support?
Kind regards from Chile :)
I have a Kona Rove Dl. I can't find a front rack for it. I don't need a rack for front panniers just the short front rack. The kona site has nothing. Thx
great vid , keep em'' coming !
Thanks, will do! we have a bunch of vlogs from our world tour if you need for RaD bike adventure in your life!
Great review! All the reason's myself and my wife ride Kona Sutra's comfortable ride, reliable etc ...get on and go🚴♂️🚴♀️❤❤
really helpful thanks, I just cancelled my order to order a smaller one....phew! thanks x
Great review! I feel confident now that this bike is one of my three choices to test ride.
Good choice! Did you try it out yet??
rad bike adventure not yet. I’m $200 in to my $1700 goal on fund raising. I figured when I am just over halfway to goal I’ll start taking test rides. In the end I want to bike my state while creating fine art photos of the landscape.
what about the gearing what are your fron t chain rings
What bag did you use on the front rack? Would you use the same bag again on a long tour?
Do you think it is possible to use 700x50c tires with fenders on the regular Kona Sutra 2019?
Your enthusiasm for the Sutra got me into the store today looking at one. It appears that you have the same rack and weld as the one I saw today. So we got to talking in the store about the weak weld and if they were willing to put on another rack. Then we noticed that there was a black on black message on the upper part of the rack that said to put the weight on the upper and not the lower ''bar'' of the rack . We wondered why the lower bar is there as it seems like it would be there to lower the weight. However, I'm guessing it is there to give the rack lateral strength. I wonder if your's had that hardly visible message on the higher bar? It would certainly justify not lowering the weight. Just a comment.
Hey Peter, thank you (and your local shop!) for doing a bit of research on the rack. I had contacted Kona about it and they said they hadn't gotten any feedback about rack troubles and my local shop said the same thing, no other mentions of breakage.
I just looked and can't find that message but perhaps this was the issue all along. I mean, it still gave me a LOT of mileage with a not super secure load and riding on trails, so pretty dang good for a stock rack!
P.s. did you get to test ride one? What did you think??
Thanks for the video. What is the most weight did you put on your bike?
Around 70lbs (32kg) of gear, including food and water. Loaded!
@@radbikeadventure Thanks.
Would you say that the regular Kona Sutra is adequate for off road bikepacking?
Yes. That is what I’m doing right now. Transforming mine into a bikepacking rig. Video coming!
RAD On !! 🤟🏻
I like a simple cat eye micro wireless… no work or downloads just miles, speed, avg speed, etc.
Go for bike computer. People can follow you on strava or other similiar apps
Yes, was thinking that. We input routes into Komoot but a bike computer would probably make it easier.
Awesome review....Keep up the great videos.....
You don’t have to but it would be nice if in the future you could give in your videos some of the stats from your bike computer for those who like to have them as reference.
My computer broke during the trip and I never replaced it lol. I think I will invest in one for the future though because I know people are interested in stats (I'm not really that into it tbh!) and it will help w sharing routes.
Do you have a kickstand on this bike? If so, which one did you go with?
Have you thought of taking the rack to a welder to get it fixed?
I have but aluminium is bloody expensive to weld. I'm going to get a Tubus rack for the next tour!
Thank you for the explanation about the bicycle that traveled a lot🤗🤗🤗
I will be getting a bike computer myself
Just a note, LTD model has slightly different BB drop, making it a bit more suitable for offroad riding. Otherwise the same, as you said. ^^
Space Don’t believe so. They are the exact same frame. Also just checked and Kona specs and both have a 72mm bottom bracket drop.
@@radbikeadventure Sorry, it's the BB height.
@@radbikeadventure Though I'm not quite sure how one can change without the other. 🤔😅
BB Height, Trail, Standover and Bike Length are slightly different because of the Tire Outer Diameter. LTD=beefier tires. Same Frame.
Do you use a kickstand on it?
I raised a warranty claim on the rack rail failure. They said 'do not use lower rails'! What?
Strange! Ours did break but we admit we had too much weight and it is aluminum and we went on dirt trail. But it would seem the lower rail is where your pannier should attach. How soon did it fail you?
@@radbikeadventure After two months and around 4,000km. I fixed it up with cables ties and is now probably stronger.
I just discovered your channel, love it cheers from 2% of female 😎🍀🍀🍀
I upgraded to Bar-end shifters on my Fuji-Royale. (70's) Awesome! Nowadays I'm More Comfy with my NuVinci on my Rover recumbent. Bike Computer?? Yes! My economy Garmin 130 records mucho. Schwalbe doesn't mfg M..+ 'Tour' 20", but M..+ Great! Keep in Shape!! Be Safe Kids!! JaYoe!! ;-) ;-)
🤘🤘🤘
How did the Sutra handle steep climbs? Thanks.
Fantastic. I always felt like I had plenty of gears. I also liked having weight up front (on forks and with a bigger front bag). Definitely helps with climbing.
Nice bike !!!
What's the difference between a touring bike and a bikepacking bike?
just ordered the 2020 sutra LTD!!!
🤘🤘🤘!!!
what brand of fenders and racks do kona use?
They are unbranded. Just stock. The fenders are plastic but worked really well and I really liked that they have a mud flap. Super durable and no issues there. Aluminum racks will never hold up like a steel rack. Recommend a Tubus for something bombproof! If I was going to buy a new rear rack (and know if would be worth the $$): amzn.to/38lo6Ok