AlanK

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 "Sutra SE" seems to be the standard classic low-maintenance touring specs that don't seemed to have changed the last couple years. The rear rack looks better than the 2020 and 2021 models, but I don't notice any other differences. The third option is the "Sutra LTD". I didn't pay much attention to this model, so I don't know if it's changed.


There was a rumor on this board 2021 would be the last year Kona offered the "classic" touring Sutra with bar-end shifters. I'm glad it's still available as the "Sutra SE", though I'm curious why they added "SE" to the title while titling the higher-end GRX version "Sutra".
https://www.konaworld.com/platform_sutra.cfm

nomadmax 

That Sutra LTD would make a heck of a gravel bike.

djb

Pretty interesting lineup, they clearly are aware of the market, and still aware that a triple is still useful for long tours with more stuff.
neat of how the drivetrains cover just about every base there is!

a_d_a_m

The rear rack on the SE as pictured on their website is the same rear rack that came on my '21 Sutra.

Of course, the '22 Sutra has the BEST color scheme out of the entire lineup...I'd trade for a '22, but I like how it rides, the MSRP on the '22 is way higher than I paid for my '21, and the '22 doesn't have bar ends...so, pass.

AlanK

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 any need.

Unless I'm hallucinating, the SE has bar-ends, and yes, I like the color scheme more than my 20', but that's not important to me. The price increase isn't surprising considering widespread inflation of most products.

a_d_a_m

You are not hallucinating; the SE does have bar-ends. I was referring to the standard '22 Sutra, which does not.

djb

The LTD model reminds me very much of my troll, sloping frame, drops, ability to take wide tires. I see the stock tires are 2.25 on 27mm internal width rims, and a dropper post too, and obligatory one buy.
And speaking of buy, shheeeet, it's $3300 Canadian buckaroos, that comes to $3800 With tax--i find this bonkers expensive. No fd, no left shifter..... really?

price complaint aside, I've always found the sutra to be a classy looking bike. Colour schemes, paint job, general setup.

ndrose

Looking at the photos, the Sutra appears to have 32h wheels, while the Sutra SE maintains 36h. However, the rims are listed as the same. Looking at the WTB website, I’m only seeing 32h for that rim. But obviously Sutra has had 36h with that rim in the past. Anyone know what the story is?

AlanK

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 gravel oriented, but still, it's puzzling they wouldn't just spec all of them w 36h.

csport

Looking at the pictures it appears that only Sutra and Sutra LTD have a tapered head tube, and Sutra SE does not.

AlanK

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 for off-road and gravel, while the 'Sutra' sort of splits the difference.

a_d_a_m

What's curious is, before Kona announced the '22 Sutra models, there were actually geometrical differences between the '21 Sutra and the Sutra SE. Of course, Kona's website doesn't have (or I can't find) the '21 data.

AlanK

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 fairly modest, but the SE has a longer wheelbase and more upright position, so is more stable when fully loaded.
https://99spokes.com/compare?bikes=k...ona-sutra-2020.

nomadmax 

How far out is Kona on actual "we have it in the store"?

Whodat?

Mine has been on order for about a month and I am still getting sometime in the future.

pdlamb

FWIW, I walked into a Trek store last month only to find out I could order a bike now for delivery in late summer of next year.

I was able to buy a spare tube on the spot, though.

AlanK

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 I opted to look elsewhere. Fortunately I found a 2020 Sutra in my size about 300 miles away.

I'm really glad I got it and hopefully since parts and components are often warehoused locally they're easier to get than complete bikes which are usually manufactured, assembled and shipped from overseas via freighter. For anyone who might not know the ports are still a mess.

labondadosa

Hi! I am a new owner of a Kona Sutra, I am waiting now to receive it. Excited is an understatement! I was planning to add a rear rack, but I am not sure if they are compatible or not. I was thinking on purchasing a Tubus rack, but not sure if they will fit? These two I liked because of a lower center of gravity for side panniers (kindly let me know if I'm wrong here): Tubus Cosmo / Tubus Grand Tour (can't post links yet)



Thank you! By the way, I named my bike "La Bondadosa". 😜

StarBiker

Like the one I saw outside of the local REI I will admire it from afar. Gold Colored Version. Neat bike.