Love mine, hoping to get a lot more miles out of mine next year. I think if I was going to tackle some mountains your gearing change would be something I’d consider. The tubeless set up is tempting too.
the gearing worked great. If you decide to go with it, try adding the Wolf Tooth extender thing. I think I might. It works now, but I think it might make the shifting even smoother. Also, in my opinion tubeless is the way to go.
My Sutra SE is amazing, puts a smile on my face everytime I ride it. Carried me around Europe earlier this year, Its a great mixed terrain touring bike and the 3x drivetrain made carrying far too much crap easier.
Thanks for the great review Mat! Have you ever wondered if the fenders are too narrow for these tires? There is a big advantage to wide fenders because they protect better from rain. I recommend you add a large additional Rubber Mud Flap to the end of the front fender - it does a great job.
Hi. These fenders are 55mm wide. I don't think I could get much bigger on this bike. I will look into getting the tubber mud flap though. Thanks for the suggestion.
I just put a deposit on a Sutra model today at my favorite bike shop here in toronto. Your review is valuable to me as we share many things so thank you kindly. This is my 3rd Kona now oh my gosh.
Rode this same bike on tour of New Zealand agree with every point said about the bike it never let me down it was so good a purchased another in the UK as I visit New Zealand often so always have a bike there
Congratulations on your ride! One comment in favor of flexible plastic fenders, they compress easily and without damage when I carry my bike on a bike rack. Hard metal fenders are an issue for the front wheel arm of my Thule rack as the bike is difficult to secure.
Sometimes less is more. I’ve done some long trips on an old 2 speed Moulton Stowaway, and had a great time. On the other hand, I am very much a gear-head, and part of the fun of a bike adventure is putting together the bike. I’ve never had a Kona bike, but perhaps there is room for one in my garage in the future.
Your TRP are actually pretty good brakes. BUT. They do require from lever to discs a solid setup. So a good lever (tiagra is), a good cable, a stupidly rigid housing (the hardest you can find, the OEM jagwires aren't enough) and finally a good pads & discs (galfer and xt for exemple) combo. Also since the reservoir is small (and heated by the disc & pads) and the overall fluid amount is low they can and will cook their fluid rather quickly especially in hilly area and/or if your a chunky boy. So you need to change the fluid every year or every 6 months if the conditions are harsh. My SE came with Spyres and they are limited for my 100kg and the Alps. Probably will upgrade my cable and max rigidity housing plus 180mm rotors... Or Paul Klampers if I find a money pot somewhere. In any case I agree with your opinion : yeah it is a heavy brick to ride but a comfy, stable and versatile one. I use 35ies on light wheels for commuting and 50ies on reinforced wheels for gravel. For mods ditched the triple for a 42-26 double and put a 70mm stem. Plus nice-ish wheels (DTswiss, so much better than stock)
All very interesting. Thanks. I will likely take your advice and upgrade the cables and change the fluid. Those Paul Klampers look awesome. I'd like to put those on my Sonder but they are too expensive for me. Cheers.
Excellent review - as a fellow Sutra owner I agree! Though I have not put the miles on that you have. I also found the stock gearing to be too high for me (not low enough climbing gear and too-high top gears to be useful). In my case I replaced the crankset with something that has smaller chainrings, to move the entire range down, the Rivendell Clipper 42/26, down from the stock 46/30. I love it now - it was a great mod.
I was looking at the Sutra several years ago. 50mm max tire size was just a tad smaller than I wanted. Ultimately, I went with the Trek 920. I run 29x2.15 Schwalbe Almotion tubeless. Switched to a Jones H-bar. I also switched to 11-42, same as you. Switched the front to a triple 44/33/22. I ride on a Brooks B67.
Great video! I've enjoyed many of your uploads. My two cents on brakes ..go mechanical but spend $30 on a Yokozuna brand housing and cable kit. The housing has almost zero compression and the feel is amazing! Happy pedaling
I have the TRP hy/rd’s as well. Yeah, they are slightly better than regular mechanical brakes. But I can lock my wheels up if not going too fast. Couldn't do that with my old tektro brakes. Important because you never know when someone's dog or child... or vehicle is going to run in front of your bike.
Matt, did you ever have a chance to try out or see a Salsa Marrakesh? I'm not sure if they're popular/available in the UK but they're popular as far as touring bikes go here in the US. I've enjoyed mine for a few years but have yet to do more than a week long tour.
I looked at the Salsa Marrakesh. It's an awesome bike. We don't see many here in the UK. I considered importing one but went with the Kona Sutra as the Salsa was about double the price. Great bike.
Thanks for the video. I wish you would have posted it before I bought my bike. LOL I understand what you mean about the stress of possibly losing it. I watched your saddle video and decided to go to a local REI and try an Ergon. I've ridden it sparingly but I like it. Picked up a Selle Royale with a full cut-out as well to try. I might even go to an Infinity saddle. I know they are expensive so not many people have them but every one that does that I've ever heard with the exception of one person said it was the real deal. You said your Ergon performed well. Did it perform well enough that your going to keep using it or are you going to look for something even more comfortable? Can't ever get too comfortable when it comes to a saddle. Cheers.
It is just a bit cleaner than the day when you came off the Katy trail. I like your wide handle bars - been thinking about replacing my stock Ritchey bars on my gravel bike.
My mind boggles, but what I have gathered is that this bike is suitable for a not so speedy rider and one that likes to hoard with all its holding places 😊
If you change the brakes, go with Shimano Deore or XT level hydraulic disc. They are no fuss, and bullet proof. Great review of the Kona Sutra. Most of the heavier steel road touring bikes like the Kona, or Long Haul Trucker are a little stiff feeling until you load them front and rear. Then the frames feel right and flex some with the touring weight. Happy trails ☮
If ou want trully huge power Hope's RX4 are another option, especially with good 180mm discs. But they are pricy... But also (far) better than GRX - SLx or even XT Several chunkier friends use them here in the Alps and they love them
In my opinion it's an excellent bike for rails to trails surfaces. I had 38mm tyres on mine but would recommend putting 45mm tyres on. I love the WTB Riddlers.
@@jimwood1068 I have the LTD set up to do the great divide ether next year or 2026. I think that it will be perfect for that route. I also considered the Salsa Fargo and the Tumbleweed Stargazer, (very similar bikes).
Hi Mat, a very good value bike and served you well. You could see how stable the ride was while you filmed and were riding. Strongly suggest you go the other way on your brakes. Just get full hydraulic with 180 rotors to handle the weight of a touring bike. 160 would be OK too. So much better modulation, performance in the rain and very reliable these days. Which bike will you take to NZ?
Genuinely a great point.I guess it depends on the bike. I wouldn't take this in the desert. I would however take my Sonder Broken Road. What I would really love, is to put Paul Klamper mechanical callipers on that bike. The cost is scary.
did you notice any other discomfort other than the saddle sores? your saddle is pointing downwards which might be putting pressure on your hands maybe you could try bike fitting before the next trip to optimize things
I didn't have any other problems, aside from numbers in my fingers. I imagine that would be due to pressure on my hands. I think a bike fit is a good idea. Thabks for the suggestion. Cheers.
I will just say that consensus on the Sutra seems to be that they run large. I ride a 54 road bike and I fit perfectly on my 52 Kona Sutra. I'm 5' 8 1/2". Interested to hear what Mat's experience is.
@@matryderreviews Hey Mat, we are roughly the same size then and I'm on the fence between the size 54 or 56. I see you swapped stem was this because it was too long?
What do you think your total combined weight was with you on the bike during your tour? It’s always a challenge to find the manufacturers max weight limit for wheels, and understand if it is truly the total weight that is considered. Looks like you rode with the stock wheels that came on the bike?
I couldn't say for sure. I didn't weigh the bike. I wish I had. I did get on touch with Kona and they suggested a max luggage weight of 14kg on gravel and 23kg on tarmac. I don't know what weight they assume for the rider. I rode with the stock wheels and had no issues.
Full hydraulic brakes are totally worth it. I have mechanical on my road bike and hydraulic on my gravel bike. I'd never buy another bike with mechanical brakes.
Yes. 700x50c tyres fit. I've had them on this bike without fenders. It's a little tight at the back but they fit. I decided to go with WTB Riddler 700x45.
Your experience with the Kona Sutra affirmed my impression of the bike. I want one for a traveling rails/trails bike versus my Surly Bridge Club 27.5 dirt road tractor than is at home on Wyoming and Montana chonk with full loads.
@@matryderreviewsdo you have any photos of those tires on your bike to show how much clearance you had ? I am a happy owner of Kona Sutra SE 2023 which I think has the same frame as yours and wondering if I can put 2.1 inch tire or if 2.0inch is the max in my case.
Hello, I have one, MY2023. 622-45 for fenders, 622-50 for comfy fit (my mount, Soma Cazadero so mid knobs - no problems), 622-55 for filling her (don't use knobbies)
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Love mine, hoping to get a lot more miles out of mine next year. I think if I was going to tackle some mountains your gearing change would be something I’d consider. The tubeless set up is tempting too.
the gearing worked great. If you decide to go with it, try adding the Wolf Tooth extender thing. I think I might. It works now, but I think it might make the shifting even smoother. Also, in my opinion tubeless is the way to go.
@ Thanks for the wolf tooth tip 👍🏻
My Sutra SE is amazing, puts a smile on my face everytime I ride it.
Carried me around Europe earlier this year, Its a great mixed terrain touring bike and the 3x drivetrain made carrying far too much crap easier.
Thanks for the great review Mat!
Have you ever wondered if the fenders are too narrow for these tires? There is a big advantage to wide fenders because they protect better from rain. I recommend you add a large additional Rubber Mud Flap to the end of the front fender - it does a great job.
Hi. These fenders are 55mm wide. I don't think I could get much bigger on this bike. I will look into getting the tubber mud flap though. Thanks for the suggestion.
My first commuting bike was Dr Dew Deluxe. Your bike seems to follow in the same pedigree.
I looked it up. Very similar bike. Looks like a flat bar version of the Sutra.
I just put a deposit on a Sutra model today at my favorite bike shop here in toronto. Your review is valuable to me as we share many things so thank you kindly. This is my 3rd Kona now oh my gosh.
The specs of this bike are very good at this price point also very suited for bike touring !
Cool - thanks
Love my Kona Rove ST - everyday; just stayin alive.
awesome ! I had a Kona cinder cone in 1994 that I used to commute over the Brooklyn bridge into Manhattan. Sreel frames are great for long rides
Nice bike. Good bike for the buck. Ride a trek 520 now. Love it. Thanks for the review and take care, Al
Rode this same bike on tour of New Zealand agree with every point said about the bike it never let me down it was so good a purchased another in the UK as I visit New Zealand often so always have a bike there
I’ve got the Sutra LTD set up to do the Great Divide. I really love it, it’s an awesome bike.
Excellent bike. I would have bought one had I not wanted the 2x drive chain.
Congratulations on your ride! One comment in favor of flexible plastic fenders, they compress easily and without damage when I carry my bike on a bike rack. Hard metal fenders are an issue for the front wheel arm of my Thule rack as the bike is difficult to secure.
Very good point. I hadn't considered that.
Sometimes less is more. I’ve done some long trips on an old 2 speed Moulton Stowaway, and had a great time. On the other hand, I am very much a gear-head, and part of the fun of a bike adventure is putting together the bike. I’ve never had a Kona bike, but perhaps there is room for one in my garage in the future.
I completely agree with all of this. Thanks for commenting.
Your TRP are actually pretty good brakes.
BUT. They do require from lever to discs a solid setup. So a good lever (tiagra is), a good cable, a stupidly rigid housing (the hardest you can find, the OEM jagwires aren't enough) and finally a good pads & discs (galfer and xt for exemple) combo.
Also since the reservoir is small (and heated by the disc & pads) and the overall fluid amount is low they can and will cook their fluid rather quickly especially in hilly area and/or if your a chunky boy. So you need to change the fluid every year or every 6 months if the conditions are harsh.
My SE came with Spyres and they are limited for my 100kg and the Alps. Probably will upgrade my cable and max rigidity housing plus 180mm rotors... Or Paul Klampers if I find a money pot somewhere.
In any case I agree with your opinion : yeah it is a heavy brick to ride but a comfy, stable and versatile one.
I use 35ies on light wheels for commuting and 50ies on reinforced wheels for gravel. For mods ditched the triple for a 42-26 double and put a 70mm stem. Plus nice-ish wheels (DTswiss, so much better than stock)
All very interesting. Thanks. I will likely take your advice and upgrade the cables and change the fluid. Those Paul Klampers look awesome. I'd like to put those on my Sonder but they are too expensive for me. Cheers.
Like the cockpit.. Almost city bike style
It is. I like the upright riding position.
Excellent review - as a fellow Sutra owner I agree! Though I have not put the miles on that you have. I also found the stock gearing to be too high for me (not low enough climbing gear and too-high top gears to be useful). In my case I replaced the crankset with something that has smaller chainrings, to move the entire range down, the Rivendell Clipper 42/26, down from the stock 46/30. I love it now - it was a great mod.
I was looking at the Sutra several years ago. 50mm max tire size was just a tad smaller than I wanted. Ultimately, I went with the Trek 920. I run 29x2.15 Schwalbe Almotion tubeless. Switched to a Jones H-bar. I also switched to 11-42, same as you. Switched the front to a triple 44/33/22. I ride on a Brooks B67.
I missed the Trek 920 when I was looking. It's a nice bike.
It can fit 55mm but they will have to not be too too knobby. The almotion fits in this case...
Great video! I've enjoyed many of your uploads. My two cents on brakes ..go mechanical but spend $30 on a Yokozuna brand housing and cable kit. The housing has almost zero compression and the feel is amazing! Happy pedaling
I'll take a look. Thanks
I have the TRP hy/rd’s as well. Yeah, they are slightly better than regular mechanical brakes. But I can lock my wheels up if not going too fast. Couldn't do that with my old tektro brakes. Important because you never know when someone's dog or child... or vehicle is going to run in front of your bike.
Matt, did you ever have a chance to try out or see a Salsa Marrakesh? I'm not sure if they're popular/available in the UK but they're popular as far as touring bikes go here in the US. I've enjoyed mine for a few years but have yet to do more than a week long tour.
I looked at the Salsa Marrakesh. It's an awesome bike. We don't see many here in the UK. I considered importing one but went with the Kona Sutra as the Salsa was about double the price. Great bike.
Thanks for the video. I wish you would have posted it before I bought my bike. LOL I understand what you mean about the stress of possibly losing it. I watched your saddle video and decided to go to a local REI and try an Ergon. I've ridden it sparingly but I like it. Picked up a Selle Royale with a full cut-out as well to try. I might even go to an Infinity saddle. I know they are expensive so not many people have them but every one that does that I've ever heard with the exception of one person said it was the real deal. You said your Ergon performed well. Did it perform well enough that your going to keep using it or are you going to look for something even more comfortable? Can't ever get too comfortable when it comes to a saddle. Cheers.
I love the Ergon and will definitely stick with it. I'm tempted to try the gel version too. Then I'd have three, which seems excessive.
It is just a bit cleaner than the day when you came off the Katy trail. I like your wide handle bars - been thinking about replacing my stock Ritchey bars on my gravel bike.
You should try a Koga WTS its an absolute Tank of a bike and it only weighs 23kg unloaded. I really enjoyed watching your trip Thanks😁
My mind boggles, but what I have gathered is that this bike is suitable for a not so speedy rider and one that likes to hoard with all its holding places 😊
Congrats again Mat! Can you supply a link for the seat you used? Thanks!
Here you go:
www.ergonbike.com/en/product-details.html?anr=44030040&s=smcmtb&a=saettel
If you change the brakes, go with Shimano Deore or XT level hydraulic disc. They are no fuss, and bullet proof. Great review of the Kona Sutra. Most of the heavier steel road touring bikes like the Kona, or Long Haul Trucker are a little stiff feeling until you load them front and rear. Then the frames feel right and flex some with the touring weight. Happy trails ☮
I'll look into them. Thanks.
If ou want trully huge power Hope's RX4 are another option, especially with good 180mm discs. But they are pricy... But also (far) better than GRX - SLx or even XT
Several chunkier friends use them here in the Alps and they love them
Is this a good bike for rails-to-trails surfaces? Or would I need a more gravel ready bike?
In my opinion it's an excellent bike for rails to trails surfaces. I had 38mm tyres on mine but would recommend putting 45mm tyres on. I love the WTB Riddlers.
@@matryderreviews Thank you! And thanks for all the informative videos you post.
Hey Mat, Would you take this on the GDMBR? Maybe not perfect but would it do it ok? Trying to decide what to get. Thanks. Jim
Personally, I wouldn't take this bike, mainly as I think you need 2.25" tyres as a minimum. I think the LTD or the ULTD versions would work well.
@@jimwood1068 I have the LTD set up to do the great divide ether next year or 2026. I think that it will be perfect for that route. I also considered the Salsa Fargo and the Tumbleweed Stargazer, (very similar bikes).
@ Sweet. Thanks for the advice. 👍🏻
Love your videos. What size is the bike and how tall are you? Thanks!
Hi. It's a 56cm and I'm 5 foot 10".
@@matryderreviews Thanks Matt!
Hi Mat, a very good value bike and served you well. You could see how stable the ride was while you filmed and were riding. Strongly suggest you go the other way on your brakes. Just get full hydraulic with 180 rotors to handle the weight of a touring bike. 160 would be OK too. So much better modulation, performance in the rain and very reliable these days. Which bike will you take to NZ?
Thanks for the input. I'll look at a fully hydraulic set up. It seems pricey though. I'll be taking the Sonder to New Zealand.
@@matryderreviews Who will repair a cracked hydraulic hose or a leaking shift levers or caliper in the middle of the desert?
Genuinely a great point.I guess it depends on the bike. I wouldn't take this in the desert. I would however take my Sonder Broken Road. What I would really love, is to put Paul Klamper mechanical callipers on that bike. The cost is scary.
did you notice any other discomfort other than the saddle sores?
your saddle is pointing downwards which might be putting pressure on your hands
maybe you could try bike fitting before the next trip to optimize things
I didn't have any other problems, aside from numbers in my fingers. I imagine that would be due to pressure on my hands. I think a bike fit is a good idea. Thabks for the suggestion. Cheers.
Hey Mat, Im wondering what size your Kona is and how tall you are?
I will just say that consensus on the Sutra seems to be that they run large. I ride a 54 road bike and I fit perfectly on my 52 Kona Sutra. I'm 5' 8 1/2". Interested to hear what Mat's experience is.
Hi. I have a 56cm and I'm around 5 foot 10 inches.
@@matryderreviews Hey Mat, we are roughly the same size then and I'm on the fence between the size 54 or 56. I see you swapped stem was this because it was too long?
What do you think your total combined weight was with you on the bike during your tour? It’s always a challenge to find the manufacturers max weight limit for wheels, and understand if it is truly the total weight that is considered. Looks like you rode with the stock wheels that came on the bike?
I couldn't say for sure. I didn't weigh the bike. I wish I had. I did get on touch with Kona and they suggested a max luggage weight of 14kg on gravel and 23kg on tarmac. I don't know what weight they assume for the rider. I rode with the stock wheels and had no issues.
What size frame?
56cm. I'm 5 foot 10".
@matryderreviews thank you.
Full hydraulic brakes are totally worth it. I have mechanical on my road bike and hydraulic on my gravel bike. I'd never buy another bike with mechanical brakes.
Thanks for commenting. Maybe I'll stick with the hybrid set up. Fully hydraulic brakes for drop bars seem pretty expensive.
@matryderreviews yeah they are. I'd probably stick with what you have until your drivetrain needs replaced then spring for an upgrade.
I agree about the hydros. I'll never go back to mechanical & definitely never go back to rim brakes.
I think you definitely need hydraulic brakes with the added weight you carry when touring.
You had 2in tires on a 2x front drivetrain with no clearance problems? Isn't the max tire size for the sutra 42c with fenders and 45 without?
Yes. 700x50c tyres fit. I've had them on this bike without fenders. It's a little tight at the back but they fit. I decided to go with WTB Riddler 700x45.
Your experience with the Kona Sutra affirmed my impression of the bike. I want one for a traveling rails/trails bike versus my Surly Bridge Club 27.5 dirt road tractor than is at home on Wyoming and Montana chonk with full loads.
@@matryderreviewsdo you have any photos of those tires on your bike to show how much clearance you had ? I am a happy owner of Kona Sutra SE 2023 which I think has the same frame as yours and wondering if I can put 2.1 inch tire or if 2.0inch is the max in my case.
Hello, I have one, MY2023. 622-45 for fenders, 622-50 for comfy fit (my mount, Soma Cazadero so mid knobs - no problems), 622-55 for filling her (don't use knobbies)
Sorry but I don't have any pictures. Those 50mm tyres were only on for a short time. Maybe somebody else here has a picture?
Beautiful bike but tell me you didn't just tell us all about it from a big patch of poison ivy.
Thanfully, we don't really get it here in the UK. I didn't know that at the time though. I should be more observant 🙄