Advice please

[Johnny Fox]

Hi there,
Right some details about me,
5' 10" tall, some what over my ideal weight (just under 14 stone).
I am looking to change from car to cycling into work.
journey is a hilly 9 miles each way (one side of Stoke on Trent to the other side of Newcastle under Lyme) and this will be my only form of transport to work so i am looking at a reasonably efficient bike.
Now I am considering a Kona Sutra.
Could some of you kind ladies and gentlemen advise if this is the right machine for the job.
Reason for choice - I have a mountain bike that i use occasionally and it is not very good for long distance on the road, the Kona seems to be the best in my humble (non-expert) opinion on offer in my local bike shop (Syinnertons) to suit my requirements (have to lug bits and pieces with me to and from work).

 

[jig-sore]

don't really know about the bike you have suggested but it seems to be decent.

a few things i would advise a new computer (commuter )...

try not to carry things on your back. it may work for some people but i found it to be a pain, literally. looking at the bike you have chosen it seems you have this idea anyway.

get yourselves some good lights. i've just bought a hope vision one for commuting on un-lit roads and i doubt you can get more light on the road for each pound spent. everyone who's buying them seem pleased. also get some good quality batteries as recommended in the instructions. i posted some lighting photos in the kit section a while back.

take it easy, commuting is not a race, this is the mistake i made last year, thinking i could maintain the kind of speeds i do at the weekend. you have to pace your self for the whole week, not just the 10miles your riding

good luck

 

[accountantpete]

That's a relatively heavy steel bike - 30lb unladen - for the hills round Stoke.

Have you had a look at Longstaffs in Newcastle to see what alternatives they have got?(don't try the website -it's crap).

 

[addictfreak]

Why not put slicks on your MTB to start with, it may save you money in the end

 

[Johnny Fox]

Thanks to you both,
Lights and Hi Vis is one of my priorities, don’t want to become a casualty just a healthier person…
Jig-sore, you had me worried for a moment when you suggested a new computer!
I thought, first post and what had I done wrong!
Accountantpete, I know the bike is heavy but I’m choosing the steel frame over the lightweight alternatives for robustness . Also I intend to try to use the canal for part of the journey so feel that the strength will help out there. But I will visit Longstaffs to see their bikes as they are only local (in my opinion like before I upset any local shop users) shop that I did not visit. All the local shops seem to be very Mountain bike orientated and not offering much for the commuter.

 

[Johnny Fox]

Why not put slicks on your MTB to start with, it may save you money in the end

Unfortunately it’s a Barracuda dual suspension and really struggles on the road.
Off road it’s an ace bike, hydraulic disc breaks, 24 gears, dual suspension….
Really love it up on the hills but not on the road….

 

[potsy]

Welcome to the forum johnny and congrats on wanting to join the gang of cycle commuters
I started last year and was about 1 stone heavier than you,on a 15kg hybrid(trek7.1fx) and it is hard work to begin with,9 miles each way fairly flat with 1 big(to me)hill in each direction.It does get easier with time but I suggest you start by doing 2-3 days per week at 1st then work your way up to 5 days.
If I knew then what I know now would have gone for a much better/lighter hybrid maybe a 7.5fx or sirrus elite.
Good luck with whatever you get in the end and keep us informed of your progress.

 

[Muddyfox]

I would love a Sutra

its a big investment for commuting ... do you have good safe storage at work for the bike ?

Simon

 

[Johnny Fox]

I would love a Sutra

its a big investment for commuting ... do you have good safe storage at work for the bike ?

Simon

Yes, fortunately work for Broxap who manufacture street furniture.
One of their product range is cycle parking so we have a few scattered around the site for our use.
They also encourage cycle to work scheme and provide the facilities at work to change when you arrive.
Home I have a secure motorcycle cabin that the bike will go into that.
So, hopefully that side is sorted, it’s just the bike type that I am dithering on.
Decided it has to be a tourer so I can also use it at weekends.
The Sutra seems to be the answer but I am keen to look at any suggestions made.
It’s a lot of money so I need to be sure I’m making the correct choice in bike and accessories.

 

[jig-sore]

Thanks to you both,
Jig-sore, you had me worried for a moment when you suggested a new computer!
I thought, first post and what had I done wrong!

ha ha , sorry i got it wrong. it's supposed to say "new commuter"

 

[Arch]

Yes, fortunately work for Broxap who manufacture street furniture.
One of their product range is cycle parking so we have a few scattered around the site for our use.

Hee hee, I have a vision of a site littered with random bike racks, bus stops and signs, like a giant kids road layout playmat....

Can't say much about the Sutra, but welcome to the world of commuting! (and I see, you maybe have touring in sight too?)

 

[Johnny Fox]

Hee hee, I have a vision of a site littered with random bike racks, bus stops and signs, like a giant kids road layout playmat....

Can't say much about the Sutra, but welcome to the world of commuting! (and I see, you maybe have touring in sight too?)

You’re right across the front it’s littered with all sorts from bike shelters to children’s playground stuff.
And yes, touring is on the agenda, do a lot of camping so the bikes go with us. Will upgrade the wife’s bike to a tourer as well

 

[Ivan Ardon]

Don't forget to budget for a pair of mudguards . How Kona can sell a tourer without 'guards baffles me!

 

[HJ]

Don't forget to budget for a pair of mudguards . How Kona can sell a tourer without 'guards baffles me!

+1

My thoughts when I first saw a picture of the bike.

 

[Johnny Fox]

This bike has mudguards and pannier racks front & rear as standard!
Also gear selector is non gadget type mounted on end of the drop bars!
Don't know if it is the 2009 or 2010 spec...