AlanK

Yeah, I figured it might be something along those lines. Since bikepacking/gravel bikes are all the rage now I guess they figure the road Sutra is passe'. The other models are quite a bit more expensive, so I'm sure significantly more profitable.

IMO that's too bad. A durable, mechanically simple touring bike is useful for many other applications: commuting, utility, light gravel come to mind. I guess we can take solace we're getting the final version.

AlanK

Did yours arrive yet?

It does seem Canada is getting bikes sooner than the US. I asked my LBS about this. He told me even though the two countries are close geographically they might have different supply chains. He said some bikes might be manufactured in Canada while most US manufacturers are in Taiwan. While I'm bummed to have missed cycling this summer and fall, hopefully I'll have it by the time weather improves in spring.

a_d_a_m

I wonder how the Sutra compares to other models in their lineup. Usually if I see a Kona out and about, it's a Sutra. Then again, maybe I'm looking for them...

GeraldS

Yes AllanK, I picked up my Sutra Saturday morning, very happy. Wanted to post a picture of the beast but cannot until I write 10 post. Ha well maybe later...

Did ride it a little but it was only 38 degrees outside with fairly good wind but I plan to ride more next week end since temperature should be close to 60 degrees.

It rides very well but need to get used to the bar-end shifters. I don't think it will be difficult.
Saddle is slippery and hard though, need to apply the Proofhide to it, they say it will help break in the saddle.

Do not regret my purchase.

Also my LBS did not hear any news from his Kona Rep about not having a Sutra for 2022.
He says they did not announce their decisions for 2022 but he already placed is bike orders for 2022
since they believe it will be even harder to get bikes for 2022 due to demand.

a_d_a_m

I put a Brooks B17 on my current bike earlier this year and it was much the same. Took about 100-150 miles before that started to go away.

GeraldS

Just did the treatment of proofide, I’ll see if it helps. I do have a saddle I love on my hybrid, not sure but I may switch to be able to ride longer next weekend and try the B17 next summer. Not giving up on that saddle since there seems to be a consensus that it is a great saddle.

AlanK

Thanks for letting us know. I'm envious but not jealous since I'm happy for you rather than resentful; I just wish mine were here.

As for the bar-end shifters, I've had them before and absolutely love their simplicity, durability, and ultra-low maintenance. The only thing I ever really needed to do was replace the cables when they started to fray.

And also pls let us know how breaking in the Brooks saddle goes. It seems very much like a love it or hate it component so I'd like to get your perspective.

GeraldS

Sorry that in the us they do not go through the same supply chain. Hope you get your bike before next bike season starts.
I just got mine but since winter is starting here, I will not use the bike so do not be to much envious. Just got our first snow fall yesterday.
Just traces on the floor that was gone this morning but still...
Temperature should be good starting tomorrow and for 4 or 5 days so I will be riding this weekend probably for the last time this year and until April/May.

I think I will like the bar-end shifters very much just due to the simplicity of use. I'm sure that the shifter on the break lever would have also demanded getting used to since coming from an hybrid bike.

Like stated above, will only ride once or twice before stopping for winter. Might use my other saddle for ride enjoyment and will break in the Brooks saddle in the spring.
Will keep you informed of how it goes then.

AlanK

Yeah, even though I'm bummed about the delay, I can take some solace that we're getting into the time of year when I wouldn't be riding much anyway and hopefully it will arrive in early Spring when I'll want to start cycling more regularly.

a_d_a_m

I was at my LBS yesterday around closing time to have a couple beers (it's that kinda place!). The owner looked up his Kona orders and says my Sutra was officially scheduled last week for a January build date. With customs, it will likely be delivered in March/April.

AlanK

Yeah, I'm getting antsy and I found a shop about 20 mi away with Rove, so gave it a test ride. I decided to be patient and wait for the Sutra.

While the Rove is a good bike it's more twitchy than I expected. They also had the Sutra LTD and ULTD in stock that they tried to sell me, but the standard Sutra fits my needs better so I'll wait.

cbrossman

New to this forum, just received my 2021 58cm Sutra last week. Ordered from my LBS about 2 months ago.
While I have no indication this theory is correct, I wonder if Kona gives preferential treatment to bike shops that sell a lot of bikes? I live in Durango, and for such a small town, a lot of bikes are sold here. We have 5 bike shops.

I'm happy with the purchase, particularly for the price.
May swap out the tires, I've heard good things about the Marathon tires and if they roll better and have better flat performance, well then, it is a no brainer. And does not produce any sticker shock like good mountain bike tires!

Otherwise I need to get some miles on it somehow.

AlanK

That may well be the case. The LBS here is about as small and independent as it gets. There's more space for service than sales-display and they only have about 2-3 employees. He told me he has a decent relationship with Kona, but as you say maybe they prioritize higher-volume shops.

a_d_a_m

I can't see why that wouldn't be the case. If a shop is moving a lot of your product, you keep them stocked.

AlanK

I finally got it! Well, it's actually the 2020 model, but the specs are exactly the same (color is the only difference). Unfortunately it wasn't through my LBS, which I feel badly about, but he said he doesn't blame since he still doesn't know when he'd get it. He'll make money servicing it anyway.

I've only ridden it a little, but so far I really like it. It's very comfy, stable, and seems pretty efficient. The brakes have too much play, but that should be an easy adjustment.

MarcusT

No pic?

bOsscO

Yeah c'mon AlanK

AlanK

OK, I'll give it a try. It might be low def, but here you go. Please don't judge my messy living room...

MarcusT

Looks good (Ignoring the living room)

AlanK

Forgive me I'm a bachelor.

GeraldS

Congratulations on your new bike AlanK.

Took a while but you finally got one, happy for you.
in deed the specs on the 2020 and 2021 bikes are identical to the exception of the colour.
Mine is a 2021 model and has a darker green colour.

As for the breaks I was told by my LBS that the brakes will be bad for a bit while they break in.
I did got out for my first big ride, well for me anyway, on November first, did a 50 km or about 30 miles ride and the bike was great, no problem what so ever but the brakes are in deed not great for now so I was just more cautious and put on the brakes early.

Now, if winter can finish so I can ride some more I’ll be happy.

a_d_a_m

Somewhat foolishly, I don't have a Plan B as far as buying a touring bike - I'm 'all in' on the Sutra. So when I keep hearing about Sutras showing up for people, I'm real happy for y'all but also a little antsy that I haven't heard anything about the one that's allegedly being sent for me. I put in my request for one months ago, and my LBS sells a TON of Kona.

Doing my first tour in August and really don't want to do 326 miles on the 1x setup I currently rock....

AlanK

Yeah, the weather here in the PNW has been typically crappy lately so I haven't ridden much. The brakes actually seem OK with the limited riding I've done so far, though I did tinker with them just a bit. The cables were a bit slack so tightened them slightly. Then one rotor side was ribbing so I made other minor adjustments and they seems OK now, but we'll see.

So far it's been great. While a little heavy it's not stoopid heavy as they say and it's a nice combination of road, gravel, and a hint of mountain bike as advertised. I've only ridden a couple bikes with 650b/27.5" wheels, but the Sutra's 700c wheels do seem faster on pavement. While I prefer the 2021 color, the 2020 paint looks better than I expected. I'll post updates with experience.

Yeah, as I said while I felt guilty not buying it from my LBS, he seems understanding since there's so much uncertainty with the supply chain. I'm buying all accessories from him and he'll be my primary wrench, so at least I'm supporting my LBS in those regards.

SoFloGirl68

This really makes me wonder. I ordered a 2021 Kona Sutra in October. I was told February, then March and now April. In the meantime, I've bought a used Disc Trucker lol

AlanK

That's probably a smart backup esp since I'm guessing you didn't pay too much? I originally posted this thread shortly after I ordered back in July and my LBS got the same story from Kona. First it was October, then December, then April. It's a nice bike,but the delay is annoying.