1st post here to kick off the still very much in design blog. I’ve had the URL for over a year now and just never got around to doing anything, figured if I start posting it will force me to start working on the design!

First up, the Kona Ute. Still recall the first time I saw it at the San Carlos REI store, thinking WTF is that thing, but being intrigued. Now that I’m starting to go towards a lifestyle less reliant on the car on a day-to-day basis I’m really starting to see the appeal of the Ute and similar (yet to be highlighted) bikes.

2009 Kona Ute

The Ute meets a lot of the criteria I’ve laid out for my next bike purchase, really only missing out on a biggie – no internal gearing. After borrowing a buddy’s bike with the SRAM internal geared hub I’ve fallen in love with the lack of derailleurs and don’t think I want them for my next ride.

Disc brakes – check

Kickstand – check

Fenders – check

Ability to carry above average sized loads – check

Rear rack made of wood for some eye candy – check (I love the contrast of organic and inorganic that wood details bring to a bike)

Kona Ute rear rack

Flashy colors – diggin’ the ‘chestnut metallic’, so check

Relatively affordable – at $899 v. the price of some of the Dutch bikes you can check that box twice

While I’m not sure how I’d like something like this as a day-to-day bike, and I question the quiver bike mentality for myself as I start to scrutinize my consumption and downsize/simplify my life, it’s definitely an interesting and attention getting solution to a problem that many will run into as they start to consider swapping out a few less rides in the car for a few more rides on the bike in their daily life. That being said, I’d love to take this one for a ride and report back to y’all, but for now I’ll leave you with a picture of a Kona Ute with a lustworthy beer rack.

Custom Kona Ute beer rack

UPDATE: Found another look and nice slideshow on the Kona Ute here