Since writing for Bikerumor I’ve been primarily centered on gravity MTB driving. This 12 months although, Kona supplied me a chance to experience their Sutra touring/gravel/commuter bike. This was my likelihood to check out gravel firsthand, and whereas it’s not tempting me to surrender on MTB, I really loved some exploratory rides on the fairly priced, and succesful Sutra.
The primary cause I agreed to check the Sutra is as a result of British Columbia has been constructing a prolonged gravel path, known as the Sea to Sky Path. The mission has been ongoing for the final a number of years, and it at the moment ends in my little city. I used this bike to get out and discover sections of the path, which turned out to be an important expertise! The Sutra’s chromoly body, lean tires and road-like driving place makes for a fast-rolling bike that cruises and climbs comfortably.
The Sutra’s body is created from butted chromoly metal, and is matched to Kona’s Undertaking Two Chromoly Disc Touring fork. Body sizes vary from 48-58cm, and at 5’10” I used to be driving a 54cm. That is what Kona’s on-line sizing information recommended, and it positively felt like the suitable match for me.
Kona gave the Sutra thru-axles on each ends, with a 100x12mm entrance and 142x12mm rear. The 700c wheels come inventory with 40c tires, which I discovered to be a perfect all-terrain width. A 2×10 Shimano drivetrain provides a large gear vary to spin these wheels, and TRP’s mechanically actuated hydraulic disc brakes provide ample energy to lock them up. The Sutra’s different fitments embody a 27.2mm seat put up, and a 68mm backside bracket.
For gravel driving or touring, mounting factors are of key significance, and the Sutra isn’t missing on this division! There are a large number of accent mounts on the highest tube, down tube, seat tube and fork, plus fender mounts. I bolted on a pump and a body bag with a spare tube, tire levers, and a multi instrument… and it’s good I did, as I needed to change a flat on my second experience!
The Sutra is meant to return with a Tubus Tara Huge Apple low-rider entrance rack, however you’ll discover my demo bike was despatched to me with out one. Since I’m simply getting launched to gravel driving, I don’t personal cargo luggage and couldn’t actually check the rack anyhow, so I wasn’t too fussed about it not being there. Shoppers will get the rack included with the bike.
Geometry:
Given that is my first touring/gravel bike expertise, I don’t have a lot foundation for comparability so far as geometry goes. All I can say is that the bike appeared to suit me fairly effectively; standover peak was bang-on, the 73.5° seat mast angle places you in an excellent place for highly effective pedalling, and I used to be comfy with the attain. I felt low and aerodynamic within the drops, however shifting as much as the flats supplied a really comfy upright experience place. The hoods supplied essentially the most balanced experience, and I spent most of my time there.
The fork’s steerer tube is fairly lengthy so I left the stem/handlebar on the excessive aspect and loved a reasonably comfy driving place. Riders extra accustomed to a street stance may run the bars a lot decrease than I did. Initially, I discovered the steering a bit steep and twitchy, however that’s as a result of I’m used to a slack enduro bike with a large handlebar. The Sutra’s head tube angle of 70.5° is somewhat slacked-out versus a typical street racing bike.
Experience Impressions:
Chromoly was the suitable alternative for this body, because the mixed-surface path I explored had some bumpy sufficient sections to rattle me. I used to be grateful the body wasn’t a stiffer aluminum construct – I’m used to full-suspension bikes so I used to be glad to have somewhat compliance from the chromoly body and fork!
I used to be happy to search out rear wheel traction on climb sections was higher than anticipated. Whether or not I used to be sitting or standing up, that skinny rear wheel had ample weight on it and regardless of my inexperience, I shot up some steep gravel/filth sections with no issues. On an early experience, I did practically crash when my entrance wheel misplaced grip round a downhill nook. Gravel tires don’t seize like 2.5” MTB treads, and I most likely leaned again a bit an excessive amount of as I’m not used to descending with drop bars.
The Sutra’s 2×10 gear vary is excellent, with the low finish proving OK for the Sea to Sky path’s steeper climbing sections. I discovered the Shimano Tiagra levers/shifters carried out effectively, and I solely missed a couple of shifts as a consequence of my lack of expertise with road-style shifting. After I did my job proper, each shifters and derailleurs labored reliably.
Getting used to MTB cockpits, I discovered the Tiagra brake levers sat fairly far out. I did regulate the attain to carry them in somewhat, and obtained them to the purpose the place my fingers may seize them correctly.
TRP’s mechanically-actuated hydraulic brakes appear hilariously overcomplicated at first, however I get the reasoning behind them they usually do carry out effectively. Working cables permits for simple mid-ride upkeep, however the hydraulic calipers (grabbing a pair of 160mm rotors) present the ability you’d count on from hydraulic brakes. They modulate similar to hydraulics too, so I used to be impressed by them.
The Sutra’s WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0 wheels survived my testing simply tremendous, and I did experience various rougher sections of path. One pinched tube occurred fairly early, however I didn’t get any extra flats so I’ve no complaints in regards to the Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tires. They’ve a pleasant tread design that’s easy on roads and grippy sufficient to dig into softer surfaces.
Kona didn’t skimp on the Sutra’s saddle, supplying a Brooks B17. This was my first expertise with a Brooks saddle, and I used to be shocked how stiff it felt initially however did discover it fairly comfy because it obtained labored in. With no suspension on an all-terrain bike, a top quality saddle was a sensible inclusion on the Sutra’s construct. Brooks additionally provides the bar tape, which is thick sufficient to supply some cushion on your arms.
The one part I wasn’t impressed with was the rear fender. The entrance fender carried out simply tremendous, staying in place and by no means rubbing the wheel even when it was shaking down a tough path, however the rear was problematic on any bumpy terrain. When you intend to do any off-road rides, you’ll most likely discover the rear fender isn’t sturdy sufficient.
Not solely did the skinny plastic fender flop round and make a variety of noise when driving tough terrain, the adjustment nuts additionally slipped out of place greater than as soon as throughout my off-road rides. I used to be in a position to re-position the fender as soon as efficiently, however after it occurred once more I gave up and eliminated it from the bike. I’m definitely no professional with fenders, however there isn’t a lot room between the tire and the fender’s body mounts, so you need to get it arrange excellent to stop rubbing… and hope it stays there.
Admittedly, the Sutra leans extra to the touring aspect of issues than gravel, so it’s not all that surprisng that the fender didn’t work completely on tough terrain. However that additionally highlights the aptitude of the Sutra – this can be a touring bike that’s comfy in many various environments, and will function an ideal gateway bike into gravel driving.
The Kona Sutra is available in Satin Midnight with Gloss Metallic Bronze decals. MSRP is $2099.
