Kona Sutra
BikeRide finds and shows you the best prices of the bikes you want to buy. Prices constantly change and it’s impossible to compare them all yourself.
We search for prices on over 120 bike retailers to guarantee that we find the lowest prices – to save you time and money.
It’s a promise we stand behind: If you find a lower price on a bike elsewhere, we will sell it to you for 10% less. For example, if you find a bike for $480 that we have listed at $500, we will offer you to buy it for $432 through BikeRide. The bike must be the same color and size, sold in the US and not include the use of a coupon.
If you find a lower price, email us at [email protected] with documentation of the price. We’re committed to making sure that the cost of a bike does not keep you from cycling!
Facts
Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the Kona Sutra. In summary, this is what cyclists think.
13 reasons to buy
- Testers agree the Kona is a comfortable long-distance touring steed that can handle bumpier surfaces.
- Experts appreciate the compliance of the chromoly steel frame.
- The Kona is available in six sizes for riders from 4'10" to 6'5".
- This is a “fast-rolling” bike that climbs “comfortably.”
- The Kona has fenders, a Tubus Tara front rack, and the venerable Brooks B17 leather saddle.
- This bike has an impressive number of mounts on the frame and fork for bottle cages, bags, racks, and other accessories.
- The cable-actuated brakes and external cable routing make maintenance easy.
- The high stack, relaxed head tube angle, and neutral seat tube angle provide a relaxed position. The bike can also be adjusted for a more “racy” position.
- Reviewers relish this bike’s sturdiness and stability when loaded with touring gear.
- There’s clearance for tires up to 50mm without fenders fitted.
- Experts appreciate the Shimano 2x10 drivetrain’s wide gearing range.
- The power and modulation of the TRP hybrid cable-actuated disc brakes impress testers.
- Testers say the Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tires are excellent for commuting and paved-surface touring.
4 reasons not to buy
- The included plastic fenders are too “floppy” and unreliable, according to testers.
- Reviewers say the Kona can handle light gravel but isn't suited to technical gravel or singletrack, especially on the stock tires.
- The Kona is designed to carry a lot of weight durably. The knock-on effect is a relatively high weight of 32lb.
- The Kona’s durable build and stable geometry rob it of the “spirited” character that some riders prefer from dedicated gravel bikes.
Bottom line
Since its launch in 2005, the Kona Sutra has developed a cult following and legendary status as a solid, comfortable, and reliable long-distance touring bike that can handle ‘a bit of rough.’ The latest iteration is no different. Experts and riders enthuse about the riding position, mile-munching nature, and ability to adapt to everything from commuting and touring to bikepacking and a little gravel. Granted, it’s no race bike, but the Sutra can be a faithful friend on everything from local jaunts to expeditions to the other side of the planet. Buyers and experts agree that it’s good value, too.
