The ULTIMATE Drop Bar Bikepacking Bike? - Kona Sutra ULTD
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- čas přidán 4. 08. 2024
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Review of the Kona Sutra ULTD. Dialing up the Sutra lineup to 11!
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My son got his new ULTD a few weeks ago and loves it. He had challenges getting parts but hey, pandemic; his LBS was a big help. When I ride with him I can climb a little better than he does but when descending he quickly leaves me behind. And that paint job is killer.
I ride the LTD and my wife rides the ULTD. Being a shorter rider she has felt really comfortable with the sloping top tube and dropper post. The entire Kona lineup is 🔥🔥
I like all of your off-road bike meet and greets, Russ, and this is another cool one. And that dropper post looks good, amazing all the new tech which finds its way to market.
I absolutely love the concept of Party Pace! I am 57 just bought a cycle and have no intention of competing! Brilliant channel!! Fan from India.
My Sutra LTD got monstered long ago. My gearing is a 32t ring with a 9-46 e13 cassette and I get a full range of usable ratios. With 2.35 tires I haven't topped out and it's a dreamy ride.
That was a great Adam Ragusea level ad transition!
Damn….you are a natural! I’m 66, been riding since Christ was in Cleveland…but, I never got into the real “techs and mechs” of bicycling. But you have it down-because it’s your life and again, you are a natural. That said, when I retired from the Navy, I custom built a titanium mountain bike set up for bikepacking to all my New England “secret” fly fishing / stealth camping spots. However, I quickly found the bike’s limitations….and now I’m looking for a gravel touring bikepacker to better fit my needs and riding style, and Kona is on the short list (the short list being about a dozen bicycles long!….ahhhh, it’s great to be retired!). Not sure this is my Kona, but the real star in this review IMO is that rear rack! I’m looking into that beauty as soon as I stop this seemingly endless comment! Bravo-Zulu, amigo….another great review! (And again, it’s great to be retired!).
I ride thousands of miles yearly on gravel. With a Trek Crockett cyclo cross, Salsa Vaya and Spec. Diverge. All metal bikes. Every carbon one broke . I get way off pavement and can go where ever I want. There are many choices now. I'm 72 ridden all my life
@@Mosely2007
But have you ridden and broke a Cutthroat ?
Good review and I agree that it would be nice to see a shallower drop on the handle bars.
Seems a perfect fit for the mid budget adventure /bikepacking rig. Kona has it's finger on the pulse here.
RE: Gearing, personal preferences apply, as always. For loaded bikepacking, I'd drop the front ring and give up top end, everytime. I have had Rival 1x on my Cutthroat since day 1, and I can think of 2 times in 5 years where I felt like I wanted another gear, and both times it was unloaded, on pavement, with a tailwind. Obviously, you can do other things to get that lower gear or get a wider range, but, for me, the chainring swap is about as easy as it gets.
Love this bike, I'm waiting on the ltd 2022 frameset that I ordered to arrive in September so I can ride some more rugged terrain. My fiance has a salsa fargo and I cant wait to join her out in the mountains for some day rides!
Now you have me wondering what my bike dreams about.... Great video Russ, thanks:)! And nice bike!!
Great review. Interesting bike, and that paint is cool
Russ great review love riding the central coast !
do you think the budget mullet would be a good combination with the kona libre?
Just bought the 2023 LTD and rode it for the first time yesterday. Thinking about playing hookie and riding tomorrow. It's just that groovy!
8:47 no, Russ. We want to know how it compares to the Salsa Fargo!
Fargo for the win. 😁
Yup he’s right. I also talked to Salsa and there was no plan to add a dropped at the time of the conversation.
Have to agree. It is very similar in appearance and weight to the Fargo. I looked at both 3 years ago before going with the Fargo Tiagra. Was swayed in part by +tire clearance up to 3 inches on the Fargo. However, after 3 years of riding I don't really think I will have need for a 3 inch tire. And, after completing a number of trips including a 300 km one in two days a couple days ago that was 75% loose gravel, corduroy logging roads and bush roads I might look at lighter options. But, overall, I love the Fargo.
Ha, Russ dodged the question by jumping to a Carbon Fibre frameset😅
Me too
Although not technically kosher, you can in practice run 11-50 without any modification with Rival 1. I've set up my Rove like this and it works great.
Rove vs Sutra.......something I've been debating for months. My goals are bikepacking, but also urban assault, short/medium gravel rides, and some occasional easy singletrack. Thoughts?
@@keithkreatives What did you go for? Currently in this predicament! I just don't want the 27.5" wheels of the Rove!
Very cool, looks similar to the Salsa Fargo I just put together at work. Similar sparkle paint job too actually but the Fargo is on green/blue side of the spectrum and has a carbon fork. I put a 46t on my rival derailleur, it works well on my Midnight Special.
Agreed I was thinking Fargo too.
I think the difference here is the Fargo is suspension corrected, while this isn't. If they only offered this with a carbon fork option.
This bike is more similar to the Genesis Vagabond (the British brand) that has been made for years now. It definitely has some more modern geometry though, with the slacker head angle and modern features like dropper post routing.
Rad! I see me in the cycle central coast ad! 🤙🏽 🚲💨
Not seen one here, UK. One of the RaD girls as one. Excellent reveiw Russ keep em coming!. Keep Safe!
Love my ULTD, can have fun anywhere on it!
I was fortunate to get a ULTD frameset when they were available. I built it up as a full 650b GRX 810 with a Wolf Tooth RoadLink DM, XT-8000 crank with a 30T and 22T "cheater" ring because the XT-8000 cranks have threaded holes for the innermost chainring! I manually move to the 22T when I have to climb walls here in California. 11-46 cassette. Ritchey Butano bars, and a Brooks all weather saddle. Awesome frame, just not that great as Sram from the factory.
Ha, I just saw this, I built mine up similarly with Ultegra levers, XT crankset, GRX RD, Ethirteen's 9-46 cassette, and the same saddle. And Hunt 700c Dynamo Disc wheels with 29er mtb tires!
What tires did you put on it? Do you know the max tire clearance in 650b/27.5?
I've put over a thousand miles on a ULTD and totally agree with the gearing criticism. I ended up installing a ratio technologies conversion to use a 12 speed 52 tooth cassette and eagle derailer with the sram shifters that shipped with the bike. Now it's perfect. It took nearly $400 to get that lower gear but it was worth it for how and where i ride.
As for the weight. It rides even better when fully loaded for an adventure. In fact, I think it rides better than unweighted. This thing plows through anything and feels efficient when carrying weight.
"If you tend to be a shorter rider..." well, only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Rest of the week I'm normal.
Cool bike btw. Kona is excellent value for money.
I wanted to try out the Kona Libre aluminum for awhile now but hard to find in my area so still waiting.
Great paint job on that bike
Love the watch, Russ! What model is it?
Just saw one of these at my LBS and thought, "that's what I rode in 1991!" Seriously though, looks great, this review confirms that it's not what I'm looking for, perhaps if I lived somewhere where there with more chonky gravel roads.
I love the sutra
As I'm not a strong climber i need at least a double chainring and a 50t low gear on cassette...can that be put on this bike? I'm planning on doing the pacific coast route and then the transamerica route....don't want to have to push the rig up hills. Can the hitch for a burley trailer be put on the rear axle?
I'll get a custom build of the ltd end of the year. It will get the sram apex 1x12 with the mullet setup. Really looking forward to the bike.
so I have a 2016 Kona Sutra with thousands of touring miles...I was on the lookout for a bike packing set up...I think you nailed it with pointing out the gearing and drops on this bike... the idea of this bike is on-point to fit it intended target ..for those 2 reasons I would have to pass, but that's for me...Kona is an amazing bike company and all their bikes are brilliant.
What are your thoughts on that Thule rack?
great bike, the colour is beautiful
My favorite bike I’ve ever owned.
Thanks for another great review. Do you (or anyone here) know the model # of the Tranz-x adjustable dropper post? Thx.
Hi,
Thanks for the Video.
I have one question.
Which Back-Rack is this exactly?
Thanks
Great vid.
With some fat slicks on there, would this bike make for a decent commuter for one looking for a more upright comfy drop bar commuter?
Yes. And the included tires are actually pretty quick rolling. When the rear tire tread wears, it becomes even quicker rolling. It is heavier than necessary if riding without packs. But if carrying bags of any sort, it rides as if they aren't even there.
@@dfiler2 I'm just looking for a super upright steel bike with drop bars for commuting (just a front rack with Rando bag). But upright and comfy is the number one requirement.
The weight is unfortunate, but the stack seems pretty good for a nice comfy commuter. Any better options?? :)
@@etownump If stack height is your primary consideration then you should also check out the Salsa Fargo.
It's a size 50 and your stem was that short? Wow. What a long effective top tube!
Have you checked the Sutra 2022? The one with grx set.
Would i be able to hit large jumps on it and do some dh? Hows the frame strength
What are your thoughts on the 2023 SE version?or 36e they call it now
Thankyou. Great video 👍
Is it the Rival long cage derailleur? if so, just throw on a sunrace 11-50t cassette for the budget oververt drive train.
Can you put a link to that rear rack?
It would remind me of my Salsa Fargo except it rides like a less nimble version, with a fixed chainstay and fewer features. But it also hits a lower price point than the Fargo, so...
34t front ring works great on this bike
Going to do 10,000 km and this bike has caught my eyes. Any other suggestions? I think I've fallen in love with it.
salsa cuttthroat
Good content indeed
Im not sure what the difference is with the LTD 2022, do you have any idea? Also, its it possible to switch to a flat bar if I feel the need to? Thanks for the video!
2022 LTD is the new 2021 ULTD. same geometry and parts
Hi Russ, I ride a ULTD and love it. But is was my backup choice because the Ritchey Outback V2 wasn't available. You reviewed both bikes. I am curious about your thoughts on ULTD vs Outback.
Outback is much quicker and lighter overall.
@@PathLessPedaledTV yes can imagine. How do you experience both bikes regarding suppleness? And do you think the Outback is more compliant than the ULTD even it has a carbon fork?
@@timlagas the outback is a much more compliant bike. The non tapered headtube and layup of the fork are remarkably flexy in a fun way.
How does it compare to the Crust Evasion?
Also, was that can of bear spray inside a roll of toilet paper I saw attached to the bike? Smart thinking! Scare the bear away and then clean yourself up! Lol
this bike is more superior than the Crust Evasion.
I have been Binge-Watching your videos.....
Best bike I’ve rode
I LOVE MY ULTD.
How supple is it, the LTD in particular? Looks pretty heavy duty and stiff. Any spring?
Dope bike
Russ, how tall are you (for this size 50), if I may know? :) Contemplating Sutra for myself ;) Thanks!
That paint though
Russ tell me more about the central coast
My kind of monstercross build
Seems very similar to a Salsa Fargo. Would love to see a review or comparison.
I agree.
My fargo has a similar rusty finish and geometry, carbon fork, no dropper post.
Sram Apex drive train though
I was thinking the same
KONA SUTRA! my dream bike...
Love the video. Is it good for daily city commute upto 30 km? Please mention it's weight and price.
He mentioned the weight at the end.
As for price: that’s what Google (or Kona’s website) is for.
Great commuter, $2500, weight seems to be no factor even when fully loaded
@@cjohnson3836 Thanks for the reply. I got the gravity of your message.
@@TheDarKris Thanks for the reply.
@@wildcaravan Thanks for the reply.
Nice review. That hand clapping is really loud in front of the mic tho.
How tall are you?, Theres a size 50 on sale here that could fit me at 5'5“ or 167cm
for 167cm 50 frame size if good ?
And you too can maybe have one in 2023! :p
Frame Size in this video?
Nice crapsman bike stand
I don't get these 1x setups. On my touring bikes I've got 94/58mm BCD cranks with 20-32-44 chainrings front, 11-42 10sp cassette back... Am 62 yrs, with asthma, heart condition and so forth.... My setup gets me up the hills and not that heavy either...
IMO it only makes sense for technical stuff where you don't want to think about two shifters.
I was leary of a 1x setup before I got mine. I've had double and triple setups in the past and a 1x just simplifies things for me. No more hunting gears between rings or worrying about which ring to be in. I have one ring and 9 speeds to work with. Call it back to basics if you will. More clearance to ride over things when riding singletrack as well. In all honesty, I don't think id go back to a 2x or 3x setup. YMMV.
1-by gearing is great, but only if the gear range is wide enough. With a 12 speed 10-52 cassette and eagle derailer, it works perfectly. As the ULTD is shipped though, i agree. The gearing is rather poor. That's why i installed a conversion kit to run a wide range mountain bike derailer and cassette.
Realistically alot of people don't need a 44t especially if it's at all for off road applications. It's also much simpler to only have to worry about a rear derailleur and no FD when riding technical stuff both in operation and in maintenance. You should try it..its also a bit cheaper.
What size frame are you riding looks very small on the side views ,
I have short legs.
@@PathLessPedaledTV me too ..😂
Add flat bars and you have my Surly KM, down to the tire. My Rekon's (2.6) last forever and AZ and NM XC.
Looks a lot like my Scott scale 930 xc bike
Not sure this would be the best choice for the smaller and lighter rider, but for us large and xlarge guys it’s as close to the sweet spot as any mfg delivers. The $600 frame price leaves a lot of budget available for builders too. Bravo Kona!
So a Fargo-type bike. Tour Divide inspired like the Cutthroat but being steel a fairer comparison. Thanks for the great review. Some one has to post it - A 2X would more easily provide the gearing needed for bikepacking.
Sweet
Would the rove with a 2x system be a better buy with regards to gearing? I’m looking at the Rove and Sutra. I don’t want to spend the money on upgrades once the bike is bought, and would love a bike that’s geared for exploring pretty much anything, climbing included
Great freaking point, im in the same boat i wish they had 2x options!!!
Thoughts on if you put flat bars and a slightly longer stem on this frame-set??
I have a Brother Cycles BigBro that looks a lot like the ULTD and I swap between drops and flat bars regularly. That works great. But you need to pick your breaks and shifters carrfully for that to work
LOL - adventure nipples (stealing) Anyways great bike, great review
Russ I have fallowed you off and on since you first started YouTubing. Theirs not one other cyclist I respect more than you !!! I’m 62 and buying my last bike !
Cutthroat is where I’m leaning. Going to do the gdmbr on this bike. But the long term is my goal. So, Cutthroat or what ?
Did you notice toe overlap? It looks pretty close.
No. The front is fairly slack.
Would love if you could get the Breezer Radar X Pro in for a review and compare.
yes!
Or the Genesis Vagabond
This with flatbars is $$$
"Adventure nipples" - I am stealing this.
I like the geo, I don't like to drive train.
Available as a $600 frameset!
Why don’t you ever mention the Fargo? That’s a steel cutthroat. Infant it pretty much made this segment. The Fargo is the best steel bike packing party pace ride ever made. I have a 2013 and I absolutely it. So much I naught the same bike twice.
Because I haven’t ridden it and I don’t talk about bikes I haven’t personally ridden.
@@PathLessPedaledTV understandable. You should get one abs try it out. I’d love to hear your take on the Fargo.
Wouldn't it be better if it was belt driven ?
Not necessarily.
The "Nerd" in me makes me look at the geometry of bikes you review, 12" BB height is quite high for a rigid bike, did you notice this or just get on and ride?
The “big” front ring is on purpose. When a newb jumps on this, it must accelerate! Test rides are short, and must produce a smile! Everyone experienced will, well... Change literally everything!
какое же эстетическое удовольствие вызывают запылившиеся колёса \ dusty wheels cause aesthetic pleasure ))
Gorilla Monsoon Gorilla Monsoon!
ULTD is way more better than GM
Sort of for me, but enough not, that I dont want one. Wheel size mainly.
Get some flat bars and ergon gp5 grips and you'll be golden
Might as well get a mtb.
It sounds like the ULTD will become the LTD, have you heard any word about this'/?
Kona talked about this on their instagram the other day. 2022 LTD is exactly the same as the 2021 ULTD. Just a different color.
Hello! Subtítles un spanish please.
You're paranoid about carbon? interesting. I felt safer on a carbon forks than on alloy ones, there is a flexiness to them that feels sketchy as hell.
That flexiness is suspension. :) They’ll bend before they explode into tiny shards and impale your sternum on the stem cap.
@@PathLessPedaledTV
Yeah, that is a thing to consider. I still get those thoughts on carbon forks, even if they are "heavy" cyclocross ones and I should know that they are safe to ride. I've seen some brittle fractures on aluminum that were kinda scary as well. Truth be told, I am only ever really at ease on cromoly. It might be irrational.
@@antonroux6737
Yeah. But failures in aluminum forks don't look much better from what i've seen. It is weird that it is used for that purpose in the first place giving that it is, as a material, very far from the first thing you would use if you expect lots of load cycles. Steel is still real after all? I mean, my "heavy" carbon fork is 550g, my cromoly is 990g. It is almost twice as heavy, but i think this is a meaningless difference given that these are low weights to begin with...and that it matters none to the amateur rider...however, it is an impactful difference in terms of safety in cases of abuse and overloading. Paying a 440g penalty for peace of mind is worth it big time.
I really want my next bike to be a steel frame gravel+/monstercross, and this one ticks a lot of boxes, still more into the Rondo Bogan ST..
e: in EU there are no Salsas and Surlys on every corner, and it will stay like that for the foreseeable future I guess.