Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: 2013 Trek 520 or 2012 Kona Sutra for commuting and loaded touring?

« on: May 28, 2013, 11:58:05 am »

I have a 2009 Kona Sutra and love it for both commuting and touring. Heavy for sure, noticeably so compared to the LHT. It is absolutely bomb-proof, however. I've never had a part fail on me even with several crashes along the way.

My main problem with the 2009 model (a rack/brake caliper/hub configuration that made brake adjustment a pain and required an insane number of spacers on the rack bolt) was resolved in later years. My other problem is that the bottom bottle cage (under the down tube) can't accommodate a normal sized water or fuel bottle because the geometry is so compact. The bottle ends up hitting the front wheel.

2

Routes / Lewis & Clark vs. Northern Tier in mid June. Which is wetter?

« on: February 06, 2013, 10:16:36 pm »

Hi all -

I'll be starting a trip from Seattle east around June 15th. My first goal will be, roughly, western Montana. I'm debating between taking the Lewis and Clark route or the Northern Tier. Both sound great but I'll break the tie if one is more likely to have better weather in the the first week or two. Living in Seattle I know June is no guarantee of sun and that Portland often has better weather than us.

Much appreciated,
-Andy