If you are one of those commuters who make use of their bike for almost everything like grocery shopping to dropping kinds in school, the cargo bikes are no doubt your cup of tea! Kona Ute is just one such cargo bike that you will like to own! Compared to other cargo bikes, the longtail Kona Ute is definitely a cheaper deal. Though priced low, this cargo bike has wonders which call for praise.
Like every other cargo bike, the Kona Ute comes with fenders and double kick stands. The platform is made of wood and has a pannier which is bright orange in color. While riding, you will find it stable as well as comfortable but the acceleration takes some time (why will it not for it weighs 40 pounds!) but when the speed is attained, cruising along with the bike becomes easy. The flaw that haunts is that the bike is not at all compatible with the Xtracycle cargo accessories and is suitable only for medium loads.
This long tail bike comes with 700c wheels, capable of 29er tyre clearance up to 2.2in. The Ute features the 47mm City Contacts from Conti which are fast rolling providing ample comfort. Though rolling of the bumpers id far better and easier with 29er wheels, the lateral strength of the bike decreases which is a definite negative for the load hauler. It is because of this 29er wheels, that the toe gets overlapped with the fitted mudguard. Since the bike gets taller because of the large wheels, the loads get a higher lift from the ground and becomes unstable.
The Kona Ute has a set-up of double chainring which is simple. A low gear range of 22-88in is offered by 11-32 cassette. It is because of this suitably low gear range that the bike had no problem moving up the steep streets. The best feature of the bike is its wheelbase frame which is long and made of aluminum. The frame has a top-tube which is heavily sloped. This makes mounting as well as dismounting easy even when the bike is fully loaded with cargo. The availability of only one size (18 inches) gives clearance to a large number of riders.
Because of the long frame, the bike is supposed to have a flex which is reduced by the over sized down-tube and a triangulated top-tube. The platform at the back end is quite generous and measures 83x15cm. There are cutaways available on the platform for straps and even bungee cords. Bungee eyelets are also available which can be found on the frame. Mudguard is absent for the rear wheel. The platform works as mudguard and protects your back from road curd but, the bags are not spared by the curd. A kickstand is also integrated.
Though there are some shortcomings in Kona Ute, it still makes a lovely cargo bike. Hopefully, the later editions will get rid of this shortcoming giving you a perfect and serious load hauler.
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