Kona Sutra

91/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
31.06, 32 lb
Suspension
Frame Material

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.

Expert Reviews

85/100 based on 2 rated expert reviews
87
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This review has been given a score. Read more here
Bikepacking.com

Kona Sutra Review: Touring Revisited

If you plan to tour—not race—on mostly pavement and regular gravel, don’t foresee a need for fitting chunky mountain bike tires, and can see the allure of a front derailleur, leather saddle, and good ol’ rack-and-pannier setup, the Sutra is worth a closer look.

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84
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here

The Kona Sutra Is a Gateway Bike to Gravel Grinding

… this is a touring bike that is comfortable in many different environments, and could serve as a perfect gateway bike into gravel riding.

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Bananas for Bikes

Is the Kona Sutra a Good Gravel Bike?

[I] highly recommend going to your local Kona dealer and seeing if you can get your hands on test riding one of these things.

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Diogo Lopes

Kona Sutra 2022 | Bike Review | 4000KM

Do I recommend this bike? Of course.

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User Ratings

100/100 based on 4 ratings
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Bike Comparison

Kona Sutra in comparison to averages

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