Hola people! I'm buying a bike for touring around the globe – next year I'm gonna do smaller tours, but then probably a big one. So, after I checked all things online, I decided to go for the KONA Sutra as I might be carrying stuff, and I need to be sure on the road that nothing breaks. Well… I got totally confused with these KONA options and prices. Here are the links from the shop:
https://ciklo-centar.hr/katalog/bicikli/ekspedicija-putni/kona-sutra-bicikl-satenska-ponoc/
https://ciklo-centar.hr/katalog/bicikli/ekspedicija-putni/kona-sutra-se-bicikl-plavi/
Also, I'm not a fan of SRAM, never used it so might be sceptic, and in the LTD version, I might have a bit of a problem with that… Same works with 3×10 vs 2×11… Not sure if 2×11 is gonna be a problem on some long journeys and mountains, especially with the LTD version… Firstly, I was considering buying the Trek Checkpoint ALR5, but then after I tried it and made some calculations about my luggage, I realized that I need a steel frame just to have one problem less in case I end up in some rough nature for days with food on my bike… Next to that, I might take my camera with me, so lenses, batteries, etc. will add some extra weight… And in this case, I feel Kona would be better. Maybe I'm wrong, don't know…?
Here's a link to a shop with the TREK Checkpoint ALR. https://www.rog-joma.hr/hr/bicikl/checkpoint-alr-5-2024-lava-37498/
In any case, I'm more for Kona, and have some feeling that I will end up buying the Kona Sutra SE version, but I'm curious if the right decision might be the Kona Sutra – the other version, not the LTD one. Also, I can see myself doing some repairs on the road, so the more mechanical it is, the better. Just thinking about a problem with hydraulic, etc., and what might go wrong on the road… Any experiences?
I appreciate any opinion and advice. It means a lot to me, and I want to get my wheels on the road again with a smile on my face and without any worries that my bike is going to turn its back on me.
Cheers, and thanks!
by LMrki
1 Comment
Just go to Ciklo Centar and talk to the guys. 🙂 They’re mostly great (it depends who’s there, some like to chat more than the others).
I wouldn’t get the LTD for world touring. Between the SE and “non SE”, not an easy choice.
I love my 3x setup. Such an amazing granny gear 26-36. A bit better components on the “non SE” version.