Kona Ute

State the frame and fork material and method of construction. List the components used to build up the bike.

* Kona 7005 Aluminium Urban Utility Frame

* Kona P2 Disc Fork

* Shimano Deore derailleurs

* Shimano Alivio shifters

* Kona Engraved Wooden Platform Rack System

* Hayes MX4 Mechanical Front/Avid SD-5 Rear Brakes

* Smoky Mudguards

* Big Ute Bag

* Centremount Kickstand

* Continental City Contact 26x1.9 tyres

Tell us what the bike is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?

Say Kona:- "Bikes are civilization's perfect tool for transporting you and your stuff, and the UTE can do that better than any car, yak, buffalo, sherpa, or rickshaw. Buy a UTE and send it to your local congressman. Write us to let us know how it went.

The Ute is a well priced, versatile load hauler, striking the balance of being fun to ride unladen and stable-footed when lugging home the groceries."

I won't be buying one for my MP, he can claim one on expenses like anyone else. Otherwise, yup, that's what it's for alright.

Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?

It's a distinctive looking frame, what with it being longer than your average day-to-day bike. The overbuilt looks certainly inspire confidence. The chestnut paint job looks classy, in an understated sort of way although it chips rather easily, which might be a problem if you're not keen on the rugged and battle-scarred look. Kona's P2 fork is a tried and trusted friend on many a study workhorse.

Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?

It's made of 7005 aluminium, nothing terribly sexy but strong, stiff and relatively light. Which probably counts as sexy for a utility bike. The P2 fork is steel.

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

It certainly feels pretty relaxed, this isn't a race bike. For those who care about such things it's got a 71 degree head tube angle and 74 degrees on the seat tube.

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

The Ute only comes in two sizes, 18" and 20". I'm 5' 8" and the 18" model fitted me nicely, once I'd hoisted the saddle up to the correct height. It also fitted my wife, who is a more petite 5' 4". You get loads of standover room, thanks to the low slung down tube.

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

Sublime! Being so long and having road sized wheels with massive tyres it's amazingly smooth. I normally suffer with tingly hands on flat bars, but the huge swept back Kona Riser bars fell in exactly the right place to keep my hands and back happy. Even after a hundred mile ride I felt comfortable and ache free. It's a relaxing ride too, you just have to sit up and admire the scenery, which feels great.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

As it's a load bike you'd expect it to be heftily built and extremely stiff. The frame certainly delivers that, but the tyres and bars take the edge off as far as the rider is concerned. Loaded up I couldn't detect any nasty flex from the frame although you do get some sway. Only to be expected with a load of weight at the end of a long vehicle. The only quibble would be with the rear wheel which is only a standard 36 spoke design and flexed noticeably when put under pressure.

How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?

Yes, it's a stiff frame and picks up pretty well.

Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so, was it a problem?

There's a hint of overlap with the front mudguard, but not enough to be a problem. Clipless pedals would make it even less of an issue because riding on flats would bring your foot further back on the pedal.

Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?

It's a very different feel to any other bike I've ridden. It actually feels very relaxing to ride.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?

The bars are superb, I absolutely loved them. The saddle was less popular. It's far too soft and I'd swap it straight away if I'd bought the bike myself.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's stiffness? would you recommend any changes?

When the time came I'd swap the 36 spoke rear wheel for a stronger 40/48 spoke tandem wheel.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's efficiency? would you recommend any changes?

It's a load bike, not a road bike. I would fit better pedals though, the bog standard Wellgos that it came with were cheap, nasty and rough.

Tell us some more about the drivetrain. Anything you particularly did or didn't like? Any components which didn't work well together?

It worked well, the gears changed with a pleasing 'clunk' and it was the kind of kit that you'd expect on a bike at this price. Gearing is ideal for this kind of bike, 36/26 on the front and 11-32 on the back gives plenty of crawler gears for lugging weighty loads and the higher gears are plenty big enough for a fast cruise.

Tell us some more about the wheels and tyres.Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the wheels or tyres? If so, what for?

The Conti City Contact tyres are just brilliant. They roll way faster than such a fat tyre has right to and they'll cope with pretty much any surface. Riding the Ute unladen and without trying too hard up hills, the wheels are fine. Once you load it up or throw it about a bit on hills the amount of brake rub on the rear wheel would suggest that a tandem wheel would be more appropriate. It isn't a deal breaker by any means. Hubs are user serviceable so they should last a good while. Oh and you'll be needing a spanner because the front wheel isn't QR.

Anything else you want to say about the componentry? Comment on any other components (good or bad)

There's nothing flash here, the only carbon was in the designer's pencil, but it's all good quality kit. Looked after properly it should last years.

The cork bar grips are rather good, I liked them.

The pedals supplied were nasty and cheap. I'd swap them for some double sided SPD/flat pedals like these

The kickstand is a mixed blessing. Handy if you're completely unladen, but next to useless with anything bigger in the pannier than a hearty lunch. It simply isn't up the job and if I was Kona I'd replace with a longer, single sided stand.

The saddle is horrible. Soft, squashy saddles might seem like a great idea but once your butt cheeks have been ground against each other for a while you'll feel like you've been molested with a file. My personal preference would be for a sprung Brooks but anything would be better than the spongy horror that comes as standard.

The front mudguard is a little too short to be properly effective, you still get wet feet, and for some reason you don't get a rear 'guard, which means that the frame and underside of the deck get covered in cack.

Anything further to say about the bike in conclusion?

I absolutely loved this bike. It was great fun to ride and it's immensely practical, straight off the shelf. More luggage options would make it even better.