The Tour Divide, an almost three thousand mile mountain bike race from Canada to Mexico along the Continental Divide, begins today in Banff, Alberta. The replica Cartier watches race typically takes three weeks, with an average of 16 hours on the bike each day. Riders will climb about 200,000 feet of cumulative elevation. Read Outsides coverage of 2007s race here.--Sean Brander
By Stephen RegenoldExtend the frame of a fast commuter bike, add on anengraved acacia wood platform rack, tweak it with fenders and a kickstand, andyou have the Kona Ute, a load-friendly utility bike upgraded for2009.The Ute costs $899 and replica Omega watches weighs 37 pounds. It is fastenough for most commuters, rolling smooth on slick 700x47C tires. It stopsquick with a disc brake in front, and the ride is comfortable, as Kona includesa nice faux leather saddle and cork handlebar grips.But the real attraction with this bicycle is its haulingcapability.
Like other bikes in the utility category, the Kona can be loaded upwith groceries, gear, or items from the hardware store. Indeed, the Ute begs comparison to a family van. It iscapable of hauling more weight than most bikes on the market. (Kona does replica Tag Heuer watches notspec a weight limit.) The company includes a large pannier with the bike forstowing smaller items. With cord or bungee straps, you can attach big things onthe back of this bike that may otherwise necessitate a car.Kona () unveiled the Ute last year.