First and foremost: focus on Laura; we all understand, and we'll all still be here. That being said: I've previously commented some time ago that you frequently push out a couple of videos a week; space it out Russ. If you burn out, so does this channel. We don't need a few videos a week from you, we need heartfelt content. I'm not saying your content isn't heartfelt, but if you push your heart so hard, you're going to miss a beat. Love you two; still remember the random time you came to the cafe I worked at in Sacramento (and spotting you on the street on my ride in to work beforehand). PS: is it bike fly fishing season yet!?! You got me hooked on that last year, ordered a bunch of gear, but with the pandemic, all that gear is only just now starting to get to me
I can tell there's more positivity and joie de vive cycliste in this video than of late. Something about getting your feelings of frustration out (like your last video) always benefits the Outlook going forward.
Love my Sutra ULTD. I swapped my tires for WTB Riddler 2.25" on front and back. Contemplating on going back to stock tires. Super comfortable bike and numerous mounts. Nice video.
Sending good vibes to your wife , hope recovery goes quickly as it can . Bought my first gravel bike because of a few youtubers, you being one of them 🙂 (surly straggler)
Wow I can so relate to the burnout of which you speak - covid has killed my passion a bit / the winter was frigid too. How inspiring it is to hear your honesty and life experiences. I pictures you as someone immune to bike burnout . I’m restarting my love of riding this week 15,15,25,25 miles to restrike the flame .
thanks for shipping the watercolor print! super high quality, and reminds me of awesome days on the bike. Check out russ's watercolors if you don't know what i'm talking about, link the description above
I monstered my 2018 Sutra LTD as soon as I got it. Let's just say I wasn't surprised to see Kona sell another bike package that I put together. After a full rebuild 2.35s went on, regearing, add dropper, upgrade cockpit and HS it just felt so good everywhere
I watched this and enjoyed it. But I also looked up your 2015 Gear Review: Rok Straps because I could remember you had found something better than bungees. It was useful. But I really noticed how much more comfortable you are on camera now. Your growth is impressive. Carry on!
So great to see you try a Kona Sutra ULTD. I have the LTD and love it’s versatility. I’m looking forward to your thoughts on the bike after a bikepacking trip. I’m also waiting to get your review on the Thule rack. I’ve eyed them for a while to use on a full suspension MTB, but felt like Old Man Mtn would be a better option. Thanks for the content.
Great stuff Russ, you are a bloody inspiration, honestly. Sending you and Laura lots of positivity from Australia. Come on down and ride with us some time when life returns to kinda sorta normal!
Can't wait to hear more about that Thule rack you mentioned. None of my bikes have more than the std bottle cage mounts, so never really gave bags a chance, despite watching your channel for so many years now.
Hey guys... wishing Laura the best recovery. People often talk about the deadly wildlife in Australia. But I'd take our snakes, spiders, jellyfish and sharks over the likelihood of running into bears any day!
😂. Having lived in both western Canada and Australia, there are way more snakes and spiders in your neck of the woods. Can go for weeks without seeing a bear; can’t go for a day without see one of one of your creepy crawlers.
Ooh, was that the Jack Supply Co. Little Slugger? Or is it an regular Slugger on a really tall reach setup? Looks like you have tons of space between bag and tire. I'm so excited cause I just got the email saying my regular Slugger has been shipped!!! Can't wait!
Great commitment! I have to do a 2 hour ride here (Phoenix) to get 1000' and that's mountain biking. A 20 mile gravel loop is only 300' :-( I'd dig the Kona if it wasn't so heavy... Thanks!!!
Russ, great timing… Long time bicyclist but thinking about doing some long tours, interstate , possiblely even a section of Tour Divide. I’ve been looking at the Surly ECR, Salsa Cutthroat, and the Kona Sutra Ultd. Any feedback on these packed would be greatly appreciated. I know you’ve spent a lot time on a Cutty so would be interested if the carbon is enough of a benefit on a packed bike. I already have a 3T Exploro and Cannondale Topstone for days or short overnight rides, but being 225 and 6’2 I need something that can handle the my extreme weight as well overnight bags for multi week adventures.
Interested in hearing what you say about the Thule rack; I had looked at it (and a similar Topeak) one a while back but didn't find a whole lot of anything people had spoken on about them.
Can you review the Rocky Mountain Solo? I absolutely LOVE mine, and I imagine other viewers would too. Would love to have a point of reference to see where this bike fits relative to other bikes using your language and sensibilities.
Lol, long cold winter isn't over yet... My MT rides are a bit brutal, I do switch to the hardtail in the heart of winter. Spring and summer I carry something a bit more effective than bear spray! Another name for bear spray is yummy human seasoning
1000 feat is pretty much my hardest ride when I want to climb in my neighborhood I live in a lowland close to a rivers so I must of the time go ride by it
I have the ULTD and my spouse has the Fargo. The main difference is the components. The Fargo has no dropper, and no internal routing for one and mechanical brakes. The Fargo has a slightly slacker HTA and a carbon fork. The ULTD has hydrolic brakes, internally routed dropper, steal fork and nicer drivetrain. After seeing the price tag to upgrade the Fargo to be a comparable bike component wise, I am so glad I got the ULTD. It's cost over $1k to make those changes. I don't think a carbon fork is worth giving up all the other better features the ULTD has. They are both great bikes, both handle incredibly well. I thought the dropper was a little ridiculous at first, but after my first ride, I was so glad I have it. If you come from a mtb background and are use to using a dropper on descents, it's an awesome feature. I take the ULTD on singletrack and have had a blast.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Gotta watch out for mountain lions in Missoula too! Where is this ride? Looks familiar but can't quite place it. I'm going to be up there in a couple of weeks and would love to throw it on a list of rides.
Shout out to Laura! Hang in there girl. The fight is long and hard, but you have a lot of love coming your way. 😘❤️❤️❤️‼️
First and foremost: focus on Laura; we all understand, and we'll all still be here.
That being said: I've previously commented some time ago that you frequently push out a couple of videos a week; space it out Russ. If you burn out, so does this channel. We don't need a few videos a week from you, we need heartfelt content. I'm not saying your content isn't heartfelt, but if you push your heart so hard, you're going to miss a beat.
Love you two; still remember the random time you came to the cafe I worked at in Sacramento (and spotting you on the street on my ride in to work beforehand).
PS: is it bike fly fishing season yet!?! You got me hooked on that last year, ordered a bunch of gear, but with the pandemic, all that gear is only just now starting to get to me
Glad to see you back on a bike Russ. Praying for Laura's speedy and successful recovery.
I can tell there's more positivity and joie de vive cycliste in this video than of late. Something about getting your feelings of frustration out (like your last video) always benefits the Outlook going forward.
All the very best to Laura! Glad you're using the bike for fun, helps give your mind a break from life's demands at the moment. Hugs to you both!
Love my Sutra ULTD. I swapped my tires for WTB Riddler 2.25" on front and back. Contemplating on going back to stock tires. Super comfortable bike and numerous mounts. Nice video.
Sending good vibes to your wife , hope recovery goes quickly as it can .
Bought my first gravel bike because of a few youtubers, you being one of them 🙂 (surly straggler)
The fact that you are getting out everyday is fantastic. Add 1000’ of up - that should get your stoke back! Good luck to both of you.
Wow I can so relate to the burnout of which you speak - covid has killed my passion a bit / the winter was frigid too.
How inspiring it is to hear your honesty and life experiences.
I pictures you as someone immune to bike burnout .
I’m restarting my love of riding this week 15,15,25,25 miles to restrike the flame .
thanks for shipping the watercolor print! super high quality, and reminds me of awesome days on the bike. Check out russ's watercolors if you don't know what i'm talking about, link the description above
I haven't taken my ULTD out on anything significant yet but so I've been super-impressed, especially with the speed even running on WTB Ranger 2.4s
I monstered my 2018 Sutra LTD as soon as I got it. Let's just say I wasn't surprised to see Kona sell another bike package that I put together.
After a full rebuild 2.35s went on, regearing, add dropper, upgrade cockpit and HS it just felt so good everywhere
Nice ride and review. Sending prayers for a good recovery. Take care and stay safe, Al
I watched this and enjoyed it. But I also looked up your 2015 Gear Review: Rok Straps because I could remember you had found something better than bungees. It was useful. But I really noticed how much more comfortable you are on camera now. Your growth is impressive. Carry on!
So great to see you try a Kona Sutra ULTD. I have the LTD and love it’s versatility. I’m looking forward to your thoughts on the bike after a bikepacking trip. I’m also waiting to get your review on the Thule rack. I’ve eyed them for a while to use on a full suspension MTB, but felt like Old Man Mtn would be a better option. Thanks for the content.
Great stuff Russ, you are a bloody inspiration, honestly. Sending you and Laura lots of positivity from Australia. Come on down and ride with us some time when life returns to kinda sorta normal!
Hey Russ! Great to see a new video, and you! Loads of good energy to Laura:)!!
The music’s back! ❤️
Hey Russell, was wondering if this bike could handle a 300lbs load on that kind of trail ride?
All the best to Laura on her recovery. Hoping to see her on a bike a video soon.....
Can't wait to hear more about that Thule rack you mentioned. None of my bikes have more than the std bottle cage mounts, so never really gave bags a chance, despite watching your channel for so many years now.
Look forward to more content on the ULTD. Thankyou
Great vid, love the vibes and the music. Thanks for sharing.
Hey guys... wishing Laura the best recovery. People often talk about the deadly wildlife in Australia. But I'd take our snakes, spiders, jellyfish and sharks over the likelihood of running into bears any day!
😂. Having lived in both western Canada and Australia, there are way more snakes and spiders in your neck of the woods. Can go for weeks without seeing a bear; can’t go for a day without see one of one of your creepy crawlers.
RAD cycling have one!! Keep Safe and love to Laura !!!!! xx
Looks like a great bike for gravel, singletrack, bikepacking, etc
Best wishes to Laura 🤗
I like the harmonica on the downhills
Must be a great ride,everybodies reviewing it online with positive things to say!!
Lots of love coming your way! your fans love ya all :)
Hi Ross cheers from Ireland, what is the name of bags on your rack 😎please
Ooh, was that the Jack Supply Co. Little Slugger? Or is it an regular Slugger on a really tall reach setup? Looks like you have tons of space between bag and tire.
I'm so excited cause I just got the email saying my regular Slugger has been shipped!!! Can't wait!
I really like that bike! It's on my list of potential n+1's. Unfortunately there aren't any dealers close to me😕
Awesome looking paint job and chunky tires. You have me at hello!
Great commitment! I have to do a 2 hour ride here (Phoenix) to get 1000' and that's mountain biking. A 20 mile gravel loop is only 300' :-( I'd dig the Kona if it wasn't so heavy... Thanks!!!
Have you reviewed the Fargo? A cult classic bicycle. Thank you.
Russ, great timing…
Long time bicyclist but thinking about doing some long tours, interstate , possiblely even a section of Tour Divide. I’ve been looking at the Surly ECR, Salsa Cutthroat, and the Kona Sutra Ultd. Any feedback on these packed would be greatly appreciated. I know you’ve spent a lot time on a Cutty so would be interested if the carbon is enough of a benefit on a packed bike.
I already have a 3T Exploro and Cannondale Topstone for days or short overnight rides, but being 225 and 6’2 I need something that can handle the my extreme weight as well overnight bags for multi week adventures.
Interested in hearing what you say about the Thule rack; I had looked at it (and a similar Topeak) one a while back but didn't find a whole lot of anything people had spoken on about them.
Can you review the Rocky Mountain Solo? I absolutely LOVE mine, and I imagine other viewers would too. Would love to have a point of reference to see where this bike fits relative to other bikes using your language and sensibilities.
What is that glass-mounted mirror called? (Or where did you get it from?)
Take a Look Mirror
@@davidbonn8740 thanks
Keep on going! I like the 1000 for 30 idea.
I really need to get up to Missoula and ride !
Lol, long cold winter isn't over yet... My MT rides are a bit brutal, I do switch to the hardtail in the heart of winter. Spring and summer I carry something a bit more effective than bear spray! Another name for bear spray is yummy human seasoning
Beautiful video
What kind of mirror do you use? Do you recommend it?
How about a comparison with the Trek 520 Grand?. Hope Laura is recovering. Hang in there!
curious on position, assuming you are in a more upright comfortable position versus road style?
Yes.
What ride is that? I'm here in Missoula and didn't recognize...
Up Deer Creek Road and down Deer Creek Sneak.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Awesome, thanks!
Hi I am curious what you carry as in self protection? The videos of mountain lions and bears that I see look pretty scary are you worried about that?
Bear spray. I mention it in the video.
This is the kind of guy I'd go with on a group ride.
Pretty good value
What do you think about those 29'ers? Would you ever ride with them regularly?
are those Kenda Booster Pros?
1000 feat is pretty much my hardest ride when I want to climb in my neighborhood I live in a lowland close to a rivers so I must of the time go ride by it
hey russ, is ACN still a thing?
It’s on hold temporarily.
As an Aussie, I was wondering about bears and do you run into them :)
I live in the same town as Russ and have seen black bears on that road he was climbing. Not an uncommon sight in Missoula.
@@mancomb406 And they reckon Australia is a dangerous place with animals lol. The worse I have to deal with is an angry German Shepard lol
Is the Sutra ULTD basically a Kona “Fargo”?
Don't know. Haven't ridden the Fargo.
I have the ULTD and my spouse has the Fargo. The main difference is the components. The Fargo has no dropper, and no internal routing for one and mechanical brakes. The Fargo has a slightly slacker HTA and a carbon fork. The ULTD has hydrolic brakes, internally routed dropper, steal fork and nicer drivetrain. After seeing the price tag to upgrade the Fargo to be a comparable bike component wise, I am so glad I got the ULTD. It's cost over $1k to make those changes. I don't think a carbon fork is worth giving up all the other better features the ULTD has.
They are both great bikes, both handle incredibly well. I thought the dropper was a little ridiculous at first, but after my first ride, I was so glad I have it. If you come from a mtb background and are use to using a dropper on descents, it's an awesome feature. I take the ULTD on singletrack and have had a blast.
running 650's on this bike?
He mentions in the video he is running 29's as that's what the bike comes with.
How many bears have you run into in your cycling career?
About 10. Definitely one or two a year in MSO.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Gotta watch out for mountain lions in Missoula too! Where is this ride? Looks familiar but can't quite place it. I'm going to be up there in a couple of weeks and would love to throw it on a list of rides.
@@EDubCards Deer Creek Road and down Deer Creek Sneak.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Thanks!
Sending good karma Lauras way.