My 2016 Kona Sutra Ltd....is here

 
Just picked it up today from my lbs. Zero miles done but a brief spin confirms that I love it!

I'll be back with a report once I get out on it properly.

New bike feeling can't be beat....

Nice looking steel ride.

That's a beauty.  And you're going to love it.  I test rode one briefly last fall - mostly around a dirt parking lot.  I hate to admit it, but I loved the color the most.  That and the fact that you can put huge tires on it.  I've got a Niner RLT Steel coming soon, also SRAM 1x - can't wait.

Nice one! What size is it?
I like the color too, #43 Petty blue. More pics when you can.

It's a small/medium, RoverAl. Feels almost exactly the same size as my HonkyTonk which is a 53.

Heading out for a ride in the morning on the mtb trails at Derroura, out in Connemara. Not exactly what the bike was designed for but if it can handle that it'll do just fine at everything else....

Pics and words to follow...

I ordered a Med/large from Bend Cyclery.. Really looking forward to riding the bike!! I hope I made the right decision..

I doubt you'll regret it. I'm very impressed.

I took it around a 22km loop of pure mountain bike trail last weekend, expecting it to be fun but probably a bad idea.
I rode clipless for the first time in months and clipless off-road for the first time in 8-10 years. in fact, the last time I rode clipless was on these trails on another entirely unsuitable bike and I broke my wrist!

These trails are roughly cut out of the side of a West of Ireland mountain, rocky singletrack contouring climbs that can be tough going even on my fatbike. Some gravel fireroad links, some boardwalk, one rocky downhill technical singletrack section of a couple of kms.

The Sutra was a revelation. it climbs like no bike I've ever ridden. Even over wet rock, it just keeps going.
Amazingly compliant, almost softtail-like feel.
Not as happy going downhill but these trails are rough as a rough thing. baby head sized rocks everywhere and I wouldn't be that skilled at descending, in any case. 
It likes to jump too and it'll rail a bermed corner as good as any bike.

I'm beyond impressed with it. I gave the bars another wrap of tape last night for a bit of extra cush and I'll covert the wheels to tubeless once I'm certain the tyres are good.

other than that, another great Kona bike that's a little leftfield but all the better for it.

Thanks for the report!! Sounds like you're very happy and I made a good choice.. My bike should be arriving this week.. Super excited!!!

My Med/Leg being assembled.. Only able to do a ten mile ride so far and I love it!!

I tried some Maxxis Icons.. REAL close fit.. Looks and rides nice!!

Wow, that's tight! Did you mount those up on the OEM rims?
I was thinking of trying the Rambler but a skinny true XC tyre would be a great option...

Yes they will fit on the oem rims.. I'm thinking that a 2 inch tire is max.. These 2.1 Maxxis have little room for mud.

Hello! You sound very impressed by your bike. Could you tell me what is the weight of the bike without pedals? Thanks

Can you please share some experience with Sutra LTD? I am considering one to be used as a poor weather commuter, mostly on city roads. I really like steel frame and clearance for large tires. How do you like bike handling? Do you like 1x drivetrain? Are jumps between gear ratios too large? Many thanks in advance!