Hybrid Commuter to Gravel Conversion

Hey everyone,

I'm excited to share my bike conversion journey! I bought this Kona Dew Deluxe almost 10 years ago, originally using it as a flat-bar hybrid commuter in downtown Toronto.

The Original Spec:

• 3×11 drivetrain
• Hydraulic brakes
• 33mm tires

Fast forward to today; I've since moved to the trail capital of Canada. After attempting to ride local trails with the Kona in its original state, I realized I needed something more capable of handling rough terrain.

Inspiration struck when a friend cycled from Toronto to South America. I set a goal to ride the Canada Rail Trail from my house to my cottage. This led me to discover gravel cycling and bikepacking.

Upgrades:

1. Redshift Kitchen Sink Gravel Bar (birthday gift!)
2. Microshift brifters (mechanical disc)
3. HYRD brakes (replacing hydraulic)
4. 40mm Bontrager GR2 Team Issue tires
5. Lezyne Side Load bottle cages

Wish List:

1. Suspension stem
2. Suspension seat post
3. Possibly swapping Kitchen Sink bar for Surly Corner Bar

Lessons Learned:

• Hydraulic brifters are scarce for 3×11 setups
• Mechanical disc brakes require adjustment
• This won't be my forever bike, but it's a great learning experience

It's been a blast upcycling my Kona. While it's not perfect, it works for me. Cycling's about the journey, not just the destination.

Would love feedback, suggestions, or shared experiences!