The Kona Sutra SE is the legendary "Special Edition" of Kona’s flagship touring bike, built specifically for riders who plan to cross continents. Unlike the standard Sutra which has moved toward more modern "all-road" gravel components, the SE remains unapologetically focused on traditional, heavy-duty world touring. It features a robust Chromoly steel frame that provides a "forever" ride quality—stiff enough to carry a full load of panniers without swaying, yet naturally compliant to soak up thousands of miles of road vibration.
The "SE" build is famous for its Shimano Deore 3x10 drivetrain and Bar-end shifters. This setup is chosen for ultimate reliability; in the event of a crash in a remote area, bar-end shifters are nearly impossible to break and much easier to repair than integrated road levers. Finished in a classic, understated Dusky Purple, the Sutra SE is a functional masterpiece designed to be ridden until the wheels fall off—and then rebuilt to do it all again.
Frameset & Geometry
Frame: Kona Cromoly Butted Steel, 12x142mm Thru-Axle, Flat Mount Disc
Fork: Kona Project Two Cromoly Disc, 12x100mm Thru-Axle, Triple-Pack Anything Cage Mounts
Handlebar: Kona Road (Specifically shaped for long-distance comfort)
Stem: Kona Road
Seatpost: Kona Deluxe Thumb w/Offset, 27.2mm
Saddle: Brooks B17 Leather (The industry standard for long-distance touring; moulds to your body over time)
Drivetrain & Brakes
Shifters: MicroShift Bar-End (10-Speed)
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore SGS (Long cage)
Crankset: Shimano Deore, 26/36/48T (The triple-ring provides an incredibly low "granny gear" for loaded climbs)
Bottom Bracket: Shimano 73mm
Cassette: Shimano Deore, 11-36T, 10-Speed
Chain: KMC X10
Brakes: TRP Spyre C Mechanical Disc (Dual-piston design for easy roadside maintenance)
Rotors: TRP 160mm (Front & Rear)
Wheels & Tires
Wheelset: WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0 (Tubeless Ready)
Hubs: Formula, 12mm Thru-Axle, CenterLock
Spokes: Stainless Black, 14g
Tires: Schwalbe Marathon Mondial, 700x40c (The gold standard for puncture protection and high-mileage durability)
Max Tire Clearance: Approx. 700x45c or 29x2.0" (without fenders)
Key Technologies
Steel is Real: The butted Cromoly frame is world-renowned for its durability and repairability; if a frame failure occurs in a remote region, steel is much easier to weld back together than aluminium or carbon.
Brooks B17 Saddle: Includes a genuine leather Brooks saddle that requires a "break-in" period but eventually provides unmatched custom comfort.
Full Touring Kit: Comes stock with full-length mudguards and a heavy-duty Tubus Tara Big Apple front rack or Tubus Logo Classic rear rack (depending on specific regional stock).