BICYCLES 2023

At the beginning of 2022, after cycling with our MTBs across the Canary Islands, we decided to purchase two steel all-rounders, with which we could bikepack all (unpaved) trails. Harry opted for the Kona Sutra LTD 2022 and Roelie eventually opted for the Kona UnitX 2022. The color of these two bikes is the same and they are both equipped with countless options to carry your luggage and they are both so-called hard-tails, but for the rest they are quite different from each other.

 

KONA Sutra LTD

General:

The Sutra LTD is one of those bikes that just changes everything. You thought you were a mountain biker, but you find yourself sneaking out on an adventure and enjoying the drop bars on the LTD. You thought you were a roadie, but you find yourself secretly enjoying singletrack when no one else is watching. And suddenly you just want to be able to cycle just about anything with your bike! That's the best thing about the Sutra LTD - it's everything and can do everything a bike should be and do.

 

Specs:

  • Kona Butted Cromoly Frame
  • Kona Project Two Cromoly Disc Touring Fork
  • WTB KOM Light Team i25 TCS Wheelset
  • Sram Rival 1 11 speed Groupset
  • TranzX Dropper +RAD Internal 31.6mm Seatpost
  • Maxxis Recon Race EXO TR 29x2.25" tyres
  • WTB Volt Saddle


Adjustments:

The TranzX Dropper had Harry immediately removed, because it is not useful with a large saddle bag.

The cassette Harry later changed and put on a larger blade (46). As a result, the front cover has also been replaced by a smaller one. It turned out that he could no longer turn the pedals on climbs of well over 15%, while Roelie still had at least two gears left.

The pedals have been replaced with Rose flat pedals.

The Maxxis 2.25" tyres are replaced by the same one but 2.4" width.

And finally, from our friends at the PilotCycles Distribution Group, we received a Kinekt suspension seatpost to try during the rough work through Eastern Europe.

At and on the bike:

  • Saddlebag (seatpack): Revelate Designs Terrapin System 14 liter
  • Handlebar bag (handlebar bag): Blackburn Design Outpost elite + drybag
  • Frame bag: Blackburn Design Outpost elite size L
  • Snack pack (for water bottle): Agu Venture
  • Fork bags (fork bags): Ortlieb fork pack 5.8 liters

For longer trips of more than a week, we exchange the saddlebag for two panniers on a rear rack:

  • Panniers: Ortlieb gravel pack 25 litres
  • Rear carrier: Old Man Mountain Divide

KONA Unit X

General:

If the UnitX posted a personal ad for its ideal rider, it might look something like this: "Cromoly, single-speed badass is looking for someone to go on an adventure with. Some people call me rigid. I guess I'm just classy . I like long rides in the sun (or mud or snow), I can carry all your stuff, because I have bolts everywhere, I will last forever and stay loyal to you just as long. Together we can tackle the steepest slopes Let's party!"

 

Specs:

  • Reynolds 520 Butted Cromoly Frame
  • Kona Plus Fork
  • WTB ST i30 2.0 TCS 29" Wheelset
  • Shimano Deore 12spd Drivetrain
  • Kona Thumb w/Offset 31.6mm Seatpost
  • WTB Ranger TCS 29x2.6" Tyres
  • WTB Volt Saddle

 

Adjustments:

The pedals have been replaced by (initially) flat pedals from Rose. These did not last long at Roelie on the European Divide Tral and somewhere in Germany they were replaced by pedals (with old-fashioned reflectors) of which we cannot trace the brand.

From our friends at the PilotCycles Distribution Group, we received a Kinekt suspension seatpost to try during the rough work through Eastern Europe.

 

At and on the bike:

    • Saddlebag (seatpack): Revelate Designs Terrapin System 14 liter

    • Handlebar bag (handlebar bag): Blackburn Design Outpost elite + drybag

    • Frame bag: Blackburn Design Outpost elite size S

    • Snack pack (for water bottle): Agu Venture

    • Fork bags: Blackburn Design Outpost cargo cage with 2 drybags Sea to Summit Big River 8 liter drybag (not pictured)

    For longer trips of more than a week, we exchange the saddlebag for two panniers on a rear rack:

    • Panniers: Ortlieb gravel pack 25 litres

    • Rear carrier: custom-made rack from/by TimTas+Rek