Thanks, it's really been reliable. I took it maybe once a year just for a general chain/cable replacement, but other than that nothing, and it's held up well in East Coast weather year round. Not bad for a low-end $500 with bottom tier Shimano parts.
Regarding a road bike, I've never ridden steel to my knowledge, and everything I've read about it sounds really intriguing. Thankfully the pandemic hasn't hit us financially so I actually can spend on a decent build. I want to go to an LBS that carries steel bikes and test one out first though. I see you have several Kona's listed on your profile, I have Sutra and Rove on my potential frame list, any opinions on those?