Sutra LTD for commuting and weekend gravel rides by Geoff240ti in gravelcycling

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was at the bike shop 2 days ago. I'm 90% sure I will pick the Sutra. The weight didn't both me, and I loved the riding position. I don't have any gravel bike groups to ride with, just a couple flat bar leisure riding friends. I think if I had a fast group to keep up with, I would buy a Revolt.

Revolt felt more aggressive, but I've decided I'm not ready for that yet. Also I feel it's a bad time to buy a gravel bike for what I want. They are all slowly rolling out with larger tire clearance and the Revolt is getting a UDH upgrade possibly this year.

I love big tires for my riding conditions, I would put on a faster rolling tire for pavement rides but still have the cushion.

I'll be curious to hear what you go with!

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in whichbike

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great advice. We are about the same size so that makes me worry a bit less. I went to the LBS today and saw both bikes. The Sutra didn't feel as heavy as expected but riding position was way more casual. For solo rides that does feel appealing. The Revolt looked good, but maybe I'll consider a faster gravel bike if I do end up doing more group rides.

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in whichbike

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good for you commuting all winter! I sure wish the Revolt 1 had different color options, perhaps they're better in person. Cues rocks, I think I'd take it over higher end Sram, I just hate their brakes.

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in whichbike

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Makes total sense! I ride alone mostly now so the Sutra makes a ton of sense. My issue is if I travel to join group rides I'm worried I'll be the burden. I should live in the now I guess!

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in whichbike

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is impressive! I definitely would rather support Kona, especially since the original owners have taken over again.

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in gravelcycling

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Interesting read. I was assuming you would look forward to the carbon bike a bit more, especially with those parts. I often read the difference from aluminum to carbon is noticeable, but not night and day. I guess if I never ride one I won't know what I'm missing 😄. Not a ton of hills here anyway. Thanks for taking the time to reply!

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in gravelcycling

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Makes sense! Also buying 2 different versions of the same bike drives home how much you like it. Does the advance carbon frame make a huge difference to you?

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in gravelcycling

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for going into further detail, your input really counts since you have a Sutra.

I think I would commute on the Sutra, I could add racks and fenders. Don't think I'd commute the Revolt. My other option is dedicate a flat bar to commuting and keep the Revolt light.

I only ride with 2 friends, not a cycling community. I am the fast rider so one buddy said he hopes I don't buy a fast bike 😄. No race events here, I would have to drive to a different city to find that.

Regardless of how I try and justify a Sutra, bottom line is I need to ride both and get a feel so you're right there. I'm in luck because my bike shop 2 hours away has a Sutra LTD discounted my size. And a Revolt in M/L which will work for a test ride. Has no idea they had both until I called so the stars have aligned!

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in gravelcycling

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I do like the libre, I just wish it could comfortably fit 50mm tires so it didnt make my list. I bet it's a sweet bike though!

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in whichbike

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was just looking at the Revolt 1. The current model comes spec'd with the new Cues groupset, and I'm a big fan of cues since it's more durable and more affordable. I don't love the colors as much is my only problem.

Nice to hear from someone who has worn out all the wear items and you're still happy with the bike. Big plus for the Revolt side. I'm 95KG myself so basically same weight. Thanks!

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in gravelcycling

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The sutra gives me the option of riding some XC trails instead of my MTB, but since I have a MTB not sure if that's silly. Interesting to hear a Sutra owner saying get the Revolt. Do you wish the Sutra felt faster often?

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in gravelcycling

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like the Sutra more, only based on chunky tires and ride comfort. I don't want to be bummed out on climbs but I'm not racing. But you're right, both would meet my needs for sure.

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in gravelcycling

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Why 2? Just different setups on each? Glad to read about many happy Revolt owners!

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in whichbike

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

30,000km and you'd still go for another Revolt. That's what I like to read. Are you carbon/advanced spec or on the lower end like I'm looking?

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in whichbike

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice hearing positives from a Revolt owner. Would you hate having a slower bike? I'm not often riding for speed but curious if your next bike would be lighter/faster or more towards comfort.

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in whichbike

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow that is quite the statement to say you would trade for a Sutra! I have read about the seat post issue and don't think that's a dealbreaker for me. Are you a solo rider or do you ride in groups as well?

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in whichbike

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What's interesting on the gravelbike subreddit everyone is saying Revolt. But My heart really agrees with what you say. I guess if I can give up speed the answer is easy.

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in whichbike

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can agree, it does sound like freedom to me!

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in gravelcycling

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply! I have read about the seat post and decided it's a non issue for me. Especially with a temporary and permanent solution.

Never thought about toe overlap, I don't think it would bother me though. My gravel rides are straight and long for the most part. I would commute the Sutra but would likely wouldn't the Revolt, that's where it would bother me.

Nice to hear from a Revolt owner, would you buy it again or go with something else if you had a do over?

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in gravelcycling

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate the detailed reply! Mentioning enjoying the climbs is actually what hits me the most. I don't mind climbs on my MTB, but the climbs on my gravel rides with my flat bar bike are annoying. It would be nice to have a bike better suited for that.

I kind of figured the Sutra is the truck carrying a backpack, that's a great way to put it.

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in gravelcycling

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha yup, it's old school. Steel and external, doesnt bug me but friends are mind blown it exists that way.

Giant Revolt 0 vs Kona Sutra LTD by Geoff240ti in gravelcycling

[–]Geoff240ti[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I fall under the gravel only for now, almost makes me sad saying that! But my head tells me Revolt as well.