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Search: Posts Made By: AlanK
Showing results 1 to 50 of 595
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Forum: Touring
10-27-21, 12:17 AM
Replies: 18
Views: 4,671
Posted By AlanK

:lol: Yeah, I originally ordered a 2021 Sutra...

:lol:
Yeah, I originally ordered a 2021 Sutra from my LBS in Spring of 2020. They originally expected it October of that year. It still hadn't arrived by early this year, so my LBS understood why...
Forum: Touring
10-04-21, 10:47 PM
Replies: 18
Views: 4,671
Posted By AlanK

I compared the 2022 SE, 2021 Sutra, and 2020...

I compared the 2022 SE, 2021 Sutra, and 2020 Sutra below. Since there were no changes between the 20 and 21, I incorrectly assumed the 22 SE has the same geometry, but it doesn't. The difference is...
Forum: Touring
10-03-21, 03:07 PM
Replies: 18
Views: 4,671
Posted By AlanK

The LTD geometry is different from others, with a...

The LTD geometry is different from others, with a more sloping tt. As best I can tell the Sutra and SE have the same geometry. Again, the SE is intended mainly for all road touring, the LTD more...
Forum: Touring
10-02-21, 11:02 PM
Replies: 18
Views: 4,671
Posted By AlanK

I don't know the story, but you're right. The...

I don't know the story, but you're right. The "Sutra" and "LTD" appear to have 32h while the "SE" has 36h. The SE seems more intended for fully-loaded touring, while the Sutra and LTD are more...
Forum: Touring
10-02-21, 01:29 PM
Replies: 18
Views: 4,671
Posted By AlanK

I agree, the lineup covers just about everything....

I agree, the lineup covers just about everything. The standard Sutra and SE are well suited for all-road touring and the LTD looks great for trails and other rough surfaces, so there's a model for...
Forum: Touring
10-01-21, 09:49 PM
Replies: 18
Views: 4,671
Posted By AlanK

2022 Kona Sutras.

I'm surprised no one else seems to have started this thread. There are 3 Sutra models. Interestingly, the "Sutra" has a GRX drive-train and a front rack, but somewhat puzzlingly no rear rack. The...
Forum: Touring
06-25-21, 12:28 AM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

As might be expected with a touring bike, I think...

As might be expected with a touring bike, I think it feels more stable loaded with gear, though it rides great either way.
Forum: Touring
06-05-21, 07:40 PM
Replies: 56
Views: 5,083
Posted By AlanK

I'm currently using One Components composite...

I'm currently using One Components composite pedals, and am very happy with them. They have a large platform and grip very well. So far I don't miss SPD footwear at all.
Forum: Touring
05-26-21, 12:45 AM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

:( Yikes! Sorry to hear that. I'd guess I have...

:( Yikes! Sorry to hear that. I'd guess I have about the same mileage on mine and it seems fine. Hopefully it's not a consistent issue. I think BB failure is uncommon, so yeah, maybe it was...
Forum: Touring
05-23-21, 03:54 PM
Replies: 56
Views: 5,083
Posted By AlanK

Yeah, I know it's not a methodical scientific...

Yeah, I know it's not a methodical scientific poll by any means, and just reflects the preferences of this forum. Even considering these limitations, it tentatively indicates a fairly even...
Forum: Touring
05-22-21, 06:33 PM
Replies: 56
Views: 5,083
Posted By AlanK

I'm just getting back into cycling after a long...

I'm just getting back into cycling after a long hiatus; about a decade. So, yes, I'm re-familiarizing myself and figuring things out.

I think I was more of an enthusiast when I was younger. Now I...
Forum: Touring
05-22-21, 12:40 AM
Replies: 56
Views: 5,083
Posted By AlanK

I haven't done any long tours yet. Maybe I'll...

I haven't done any long tours yet. Maybe I'll feel differently afterwards...

Are you stalking me?!? :eek:

I still have them, but after using the for a few weeks I'm more inclined to just use...
Forum: Touring
05-21-21, 02:53 PM
Replies: 56
Views: 5,083
Posted By AlanK

Yeah, that's how I feel. I was just curious what...

Yeah, that's how I feel. I was just curious what others think. I understand some situations cleats might be beneficial like racing or trails, but for general riding on mostly paved surfaces to me...
Forum: Touring
05-21-21, 01:30 AM
Replies: 56
Views: 5,083
Posted By AlanK

Cleats, Toe-Clips, or Platform Pedals with Standard Footwear?

I'm somewhat surprised there don't seem to be many threads discussing pedal and footwear options. I'm curious what the preferences are. I preferred SPD shoes/cleats when I was younger, but now I...
Forum: Touring
05-01-21, 03:31 AM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

Agreed. And if I ever need to rebuild the wheels...

Agreed. And if I ever need to rebuild the wheels with a better rim, 36 is stronger with minimal weight penalty.

TAs are another reason I went with the Sutra. In the long run they're probably...
Forum: Touring
04-29-21, 01:32 PM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

Still, the Sutra set has 36-spokes, while the...

Still, the Sutra set has 36-spokes, while the Giramondo has 32. I agree, neither rims are exceptional, but the Sutra gets this edge for the additional spokes.

So in sum, the Sutra has a better...
Forum: Touring
04-29-21, 12:09 AM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

While QR are fine, the TAs are durable and...

While QR are fine, the TAs are durable and simple, which I prefer. Sure some of it is marketing, but QR were originally designed for racing so wheel could be changed quickly. That's obviously not a...
Forum: Touring
04-25-21, 10:39 PM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

I don't think that's the stock rack. The pic on...

I don't think that's the stock rack. The pic on the Kona site looks like the same rack it's had for at least a couple years. The one in these pix is definitely better.

I just did about a 40-mile...
Forum: Touring
03-27-21, 02:48 AM
Replies: 45
Views: 14,446
Posted By AlanK

I'm glad my Sutra has 36 spokes. 4 additional...

I'm glad my Sutra has 36 spokes. 4 additional spokes doesn't add much weight and more spokes means less stress on the individual spokes. Unfortunately it seems 32 is becoming standard for almost all...
Forum: Touring
03-27-21, 02:40 AM
Replies: 25
Views: 4,862
Posted By AlanK

I have a Shimano SPD sandals. I got them for...

I have a Shimano SPD sandals. I got them for longer rides and touring. I haven't used them much yet, but they seem fine so far. As others have said, the sizing seems a bit larger than usual. Sandals...
Forum: Touring
03-02-21, 12:08 AM
Replies: 45
Views: 7,109
Posted By AlanK

Mine is 3x10: 26/36/48, 11-36. It works fine, but...

Mine is 3x10: 26/36/48, 11-36. It works fine, but honestly 30 gears seems like redundant overkill since several gears are practically duplicated. A 2x10 setup like 26/46, 11-36 would be a little...
Forum: Touring
02-07-21, 03:49 PM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

That's probably a smart backup esp since I'm...

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...
Forum: Touring
02-05-21, 10:31 PM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

Yeah, the weather here in the PNW has been...

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...
Forum: Touring
01-17-21, 11:10 PM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

Forgive me I'm a bachelor. :p

Forgive me I'm a bachelor. :p
Forum: Touring
01-17-21, 03:26 PM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

OK, I'll give it a try. It might be low def, but...

OK, I'll give it a try. It might be low def, but here you go. Please don't judge my messy living room... ;)...
Forum: Touring
01-15-21, 11:18 PM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

I Finally Got It!

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...
Forum: Touring
12-21-20, 12:11 AM
Replies: 50
Views: 12,762
Posted By AlanK

In terms of performance I actually think V-brakes...

In terms of performance I actually think V-brakes perform well but of course they'll still wear out your rims like any rim brake. To me the main advantage of disc brakes is rim-preservation. A good...
Forum: Touring
12-19-20, 02:05 AM
Replies: 50
Views: 12,762
Posted By AlanK

I think this is spot-on, though I'd also like to...

I think this is spot-on, though I'd also like to give accolades to the Kona Sutra as another updated modern touring bike.

As you mention, disc brakes enable the use of either 650b/27.5" or 700c...
Forum: Touring
12-14-20, 11:49 AM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

That may well be the case. The LBS here is about...

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...
Forum: Touring
12-09-20, 10:27 PM
Replies: 40
Views: 4,661
Posted By AlanK

That seems ridiculous to me. I doubt there's any...

That seems ridiculous to me. I doubt there's any noticeable difference at all.

The only relatively minor disadvantage of 36-spoke wheels is a modest weight penalty, which isn't really a concern...
Forum: Touring
12-06-20, 04:39 PM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

Yeah, I'm getting antsy and I found a shop about...

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...
Forum: Touring
11-29-20, 01:47 PM
Replies: 50
Views: 12,762
Posted By AlanK

I've heard that as well, but I asked my LBS, a...

I've heard that as well, but I asked my LBS, a Kona dealer, about it and he said Kona hasn't told him that, so as with all rumors don't assume it's true until it's confirmed.

Thru-axles are much...
Forum: Touring
11-28-20, 01:37 AM
Replies: 50
Views: 12,762
Posted By AlanK

Assuming this is true I don't think it's so bad....

Assuming this is true I don't think it's so bad. I was initially tepid about disc brakes, but now appreciate that they are better in wet conditions and greatly extend rim life. 26" also do seem...
Forum: Touring
11-18-20, 10:00 PM
Replies: 35
Views: 21,962
Posted By AlanK

I think the stock racks are Blackburn. Certainly...

I think the stock racks are Blackburn. Certainly not Tubus quality, but probably fine for light to moderate loads. I agree that if you're doing an extensive unsupported tour with lots of gear a...
Forum: Touring
11-18-20, 11:08 AM
Replies: 35
Views: 21,962
Posted By AlanK

Hmm. How did you attempt to attach panniers to...

Hmm. How did you attempt to attach panniers to the lower rails of the rear rack? I'd think that'd be unadvisable on most racks, which is apparently the case.
Forum: Touring
11-04-20, 11:26 AM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

Yeah, even though I'm bummed about the delay, I...

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...
Forum: Touring
11-04-20, 01:06 AM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

Thanks for letting us know. I'm envious but not...

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.:twitchy:

As for the bar-end shifters, I've had them before and...
Forum: Touring
10-31-20, 05:43 PM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

Did yours arrive yet? It does seem Canada is...

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...
Forum: Touring
10-23-20, 11:53 PM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

Yeah, I figured it might be something along those...

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...
Forum: Touring
10-23-20, 10:07 PM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

Interesting. Did they say why it's being...

Interesting. Did they say why it's being discontinued? The Sutra has been highly regarded for a few years now, so that seems puzzling. My speculation is inadequate sales, but this is entirely...
Forum: Touring
10-10-20, 02:39 PM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

My LBS told me Kona now isn't expecting...

My LBS told me Kona now isn't expecting significant delivery until Spring. He said a few might trickle in a little earlier but I shouldn't expect it to arrive until then. :(
Forum: Touring
10-08-20, 10:14 PM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

Yeah, I actually think a double works fine for...

Yeah, I actually think a double works fine for most applications including touring. 20 gears is plenty.

Still no ETA. Hopefully Nov, but considering how screwed up the supply chain is I'm not...
Forum: Touring
08-21-20, 10:30 AM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

No, in the first post I typed 2-3 wks, but should...

No, in the first post I typed 2-3 wks, but should have typed 4-6. Hopefully sometime in September but we'll see. I haven't checked with them lately, but considering the supply chain is greatly...
Forum: Touring
08-04-20, 10:45 AM
Replies: 33
Views: 5,496
Posted By AlanK

I think my attitude stems mainly from backpacking...

I think my attitude stems mainly from backpacking roots. Carrying significant weight in a backpack is comparatively more demanding and uncomfortable so my minimalist tendencies transfer to bike...
Forum: Touring
08-03-20, 09:17 PM
Replies: 33
Views: 5,496
Posted By AlanK

We seem to have a different sense of what loaded...

We seem to have a different sense of what loaded touring is. To me touring with camping equipment is loaded touring, albeit if you aren't carrying much else it can still be pretty light. For me...
Forum: Touring
08-02-20, 08:29 PM
Replies: 33
Views: 5,496
Posted By AlanK

Probably not, though the LHT doesn't really...

Probably not, though the LHT doesn't really 'dominate' the way it used to. For awhile it was very much the quintessential touring bike but it doesn't seem to be anymore and since there are several...
Forum: Touring
08-02-20, 04:09 PM
Replies: 33
Views: 5,496
Posted By AlanK

Any bike designed for full-on loaded touring is...

Any bike designed for full-on loaded touring is going to slower than other light or general purpose bikes. Since you mentioned that Surly LHT we can compare it with their Cross Check. The X-Check...
Forum: Touring
07-23-20, 01:13 AM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

The Giramondo is also a really nice bike, but,...

The Giramondo is also a really nice bike, but, yup, you guessed it, I prefer the Sutra. While the Tubus racks on the Giramondo are first rate, the tire and wheels seem inferior because they only have...
Forum: Touring
07-19-20, 12:43 AM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

I could give half a crap about aesthetics. As...

I could give half a crap about aesthetics. As long as it's functional I don't care how it looks.


I'll ride the Mondials until they wear out and then get durable all-road tubeless tires.


...
Forum: Touring
07-18-20, 04:21 PM
Replies: 81
Views: 29,410
Posted By AlanK

While I haven't in about 7-8 years I used to...

While I haven't in about 7-8 years I used to cycle regularly. I know bikes have changed since, but they haven't changed that much so am pretty familiar with the fitting process. The first accessories...
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