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
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