Kona Sutra Se

Congrats! I also got a kona sutra se as my first touring bike (and first bike in about a decade of not riding) and I've been enjoying it so far.

The usual suspects are the disc trucker, the kona sutra, or the surly Marrakesh.

I also really like the Fuji touring, which is honestly as well or better equipped for $500 less.

The Kona Sutra is a great all-around touring bike suitable for light gravel as well. Well within your price range and comes with a rear rack and Brooks saddle. However, there are a number of other similar bikes out there that are really good. I only mention the Sutra because that’s what I ride and it’s been excellent.

Hi i have the Kona Sutra and it really is an amazing bike. I used mine to cycle from the coast of Wales to London in mostly foresty trails, it did well though the rear derailer broke after a crash.

So Sutra uses a cable to actuate a hydraulic calliper, the Sutra SE uses a cable to actuate the pads directly. IMO the only advantage mechanical disc brakes have over hydraulic disc brakes is that basically all the maintenance can be done trailside. Hydraulic brakes however require maintenance far less often, the maintenance is easier and the **performance is so much better. ** Hydraulic disc brakes self adjust the pads - so (unless something goes wrong) there virtually no maintenance required for the life of a brake pad and the performance usually stays pretty consistent the whole time.

Plenty of options. Trek 520, Kona Sutra, Surly Long Haul Trucker and I am sure there are other touring bikes that will serve you will.

That's a great bike, had my Kona Sutra about 18 months and love it, done about 2500 miles to date and had no problems with it. Such a comfy ride.

That Fuji Touring looks pretty sweet. I don't have first hand experience withnany of these, but I bought a Kona Sutra a little over year ago, and it brings me so much joy.

If you've got the budget, and you're going to use it for years buy it.

I was waiting for a Kona Sutra SE, but ultimately went with the first bike I was able to get...Salsa Marrakesh Alivio. I don't regret it at all.

The 2x10 (46/30 x 11/36) has worse Shimano components than the 3x10. Has smaller gear range, with the worse low end gear inches (harder to climb). The only thing better (arguably) is the drifters instead of the bar end shifters (which many like).