The Kona Sutra ULTD is the continuation of a dream to make a drop bar bike as badass as possible. The beloved steel chassis of the Sutra and Sutra LTD plays host to the next iteration of the lineup. A sleek colour scheme, thin tubes and a carefully selected set of components complete the latest of the Sutra range.
— HOW TO GET GOOD SLEEP FOR CYCLING AND A GREAT RIDE —
One of the most popular bikes we see at Cyclestore, we’ve been fans of the Kona Sutra for many years. Ideal for riding on the tarmac or the trail, this bike is versatile, stylish and reliable.
The butted Cromoly frame and Project Two Cromoly disc fork hold WTB KOM Light Team i27 TCS 2.0 rims on Maxxis Recon Race EXO TR 29×2.25” tyres. That’s right. 2.25” of earth-gripping rubber. When the descents get hairy, you can get low with a Trans-X +RAD dropper post.
— 6 COMMON BIKE PROBLEMS AND THE FIX —
SRAM Rival 1 flat mount disc brakes and drivetrain keep things moving (and stopping) nicely. This bike is as beautiful as it is beastly, with a gorgeous Prism paint job. Turn heads while you turn over the miles on the brand-new Kona Sutra ULTD.
It’s more of a rugged, mountain bike orientated gravel ride. Ready to adapt and improvise as the going gets tough, rather than rolling dirty roads or trails. Though if that’s what you’re in the market for, the Kona Sutra ULTD is entirely prepared.
— OVERTRAINING SYNDROME – ARE YOU DOING TOO MUCH —
Key Features:
- Kona Cromoly
Very few materials offer as much shock absorption, durability and supple-ride characteristics as steel. Kona have never strayed from cycling’s original material and have worked tirelessly to adapt, refine and innovate Kona Cromoly framesets as rider demands continue to evolve.
- Tapered Head Tube
More girth at the bottom of the head tube better distributes shock force, prolonging the bearing life of the headset itself and eliminating brake shudder, while providing confident steering performance. The inherent strength of its triangular design also means a stronger steering position and improved balance, giving the rider more control in rough terrain. A zero-stack, tapered head tube also puts strength where the load is going—into the lower headset cup—maximizing bearing durability where it’s needed.
— YOUR GUIDE TO CYCLING KNEE PAIN —
- Tubeless Compatible Rims
Tubeless rims allow for tyres with more puncture resistance; the ability to run lower tire pressure, which provides better tyre grip on the trail; lower rolling resistance; and weight savings over traditional tube and tyre systems. The bike comes fitted with Maxxis Recon Race EXO TR 29×2.25″.
- 12x142mm Axle
12x142mm, 12×148 and 12×157 rear axle standards provide two major advantages to the Kona rider: the 12mm diameter of the rear axle provides the rear hub and frame with a stiff interface, while the 142/148/157mm outer diameter of the hub allows the wheel to be quickly and properly positioned in the frame before the rear axle is inserted. For 2017, you’ll see the 12×148 Boost standard in the mix. Boost spacing provides more tire clearance at the chainstay yoke, while the rear wheel is stiffer and more durable relative to a 12×142 thru-axle.
Verdict:
What’s left is a gravel bike ready to take on some of the toughest trails. Aimed more at the MTB end of the range, the Kona Sutra ULTD is rugged and ready for whatever you throw at it. With a stylish aesthetic and one of our favourite colour schemes, it’s definitely work checking out!
-
Aesthetic - 94%94%
-
Value - 89%89%
-
Performance - 90%90%
-
Durability - 95%95%
