Overview
The Rove has become the go-to bike for people all over the world that are itching to just… go! It’s spec’d just right, is easy on the eyes, the Rove makes quick work of the commute, gravel trail, or the after-work fitness lap on your local hill. The Rove is the elusive 650x47c steel bike that you can afford. It’s at home in an alley cat race, on the commute, as a messenger rig, or as your only bike. It was cool before cool was cool. It is a bike that wants to ride anywhere YOU want to ride.
Geometry & Ride Characteristics
The Kona Rove’s geometry longer top tube allows for a more stretched-out riding position, which is beneficial for long-distance comfort and efficient power transfer, especially when carrying a loaded bike. A slack head tube angle contributes to stable handling, a crucial feature when navigating uneven or technical terrains often encountered in bikepacking adventures. This stability is further enhanced by the lower bottom bracket, which lowers the bike’s center of gravity, making it easier to control when loaded with gear. Lastly, the chainstays are designed to provide enough clearance for larger tires while also being long enough to offer stability, yet short enough to maintain agility.
Riding the Kona Rove feels like a blend of comfort and performance. The bike’s geometry allows for a responsive yet stable ride, making it easy to maneuver through tight corners and technical sections. At the same time, the lower bottom bracket and slack head tube angle provide a sense of stability, making long descents and high-speed sections feel less daunting. Whether you’re on a gravel path or a technical trail, the Kona Rove offers a ride that is both exhilarating and confidence-inspiring.
- Top Tube Length: The top tube length ranges from 515mm to 598mm across sizes. This longer top tube allows for a more stretched-out riding position, which is beneficial for long-distance comfort and efficient power transfer.
- Head Tube Angle: The head tube angle varies slightly from 70.5 to 71.5 degrees depending on the size. A slack head tube angle like this contributes to stable handling, especially useful when navigating uneven or technical terrains.
- Bottom Bracket Drop: The bottom bracket drop is consistent at 74mm for smaller sizes and decreases to 70mm for larger sizes. A lower bottom bracket drop enhances stability and control, particularly when the bike is loaded with gear.
- Chainstay Length: The chainstay length is consistently 435mm across all sizes. This length offers a balance between stability and agility, a feature not commonly found in pure touring bikes.
- Seat Tube Angle: The seat tube angle ranges from 75.0 to 72.5 degrees across sizes. This angle is designed to position the rider in a way that allows for efficient pedaling while maintaining comfort.
- Wheelbase: The wheelbase ranges from 1016mm to 1068mm. A longer wheelbase contributes to the bike’s stability, making it well-suited for long rides and varied terrains.
- Reach: The reach varies from 372mm to 400mm across sizes. A longer reach can offer a more performance-oriented riding position, beneficial for long-distance riding.
- Stack: The stack height ranges from 532mm to 626mm. A higher stack provides a more upright riding position, which can be more comfortable for long rides.
vs. the Kona Rove AL
The Kona Rove AL serves as the base model to the more performance-oriented and slightly more expensive Kona Rove. While both bikes share the same frame, the primary differences lie in the drivetrain and brakes as follows:
- Groupset:
- Kona Rove AL: Features a Shimano Claris groupset, an entry-level option that is reliable but less refined compared to higher-tier groupsets.
- Kona Rove: Comes with a Shimano Sora groupset, which offers better shifting performance and durability, making it a more suitable choice for extended use.
- Brakes:
- Kona Rove AL: Equipped with Tektro Mira CX Mechanical brakes, which are functional but may require more frequent adjustments.
- Kona Rove: Features Tektro MDC550 Mechanical brakes, known for their robustness and more consistent stopping power.
vs. the Kona Rove DL
The Kona Rove DL is a performance-oriented and slightly more expensive version of the Kona Rove. While both bikes share the same frame, the primary differences lie in the drivetrain and brakes as follows:
- Groupset:
- Kona Rove DL: Features a SRAM Apex groupset, which is known for its smooth and reliable shifting. This groupset is generally considered to be more performance-oriented.
- Kona Rove: Comes with a Shimano Sora groupset, a durable but less refined option. While reliable, it doesn’t offer the same level of smooth shifting as the SRAM Apex.
- Brakes:
- Kona Rove DL: Equipped with TRP HDC711C Mechanical/Hydraulic brakes, these offer superior stopping power and better modulation, making them more reliable in varied conditions.
- Kona Rove: Features Tektro MDC550 Mechanical brakes, which are reliable but may not offer the same level of responsiveness or stopping power as the hydraulic options on the Rove DL.
vs. the Surly Straggler, 650b
The Surly Straggler, 650b and the Kona Rove differ in component choices and geometry. The Straggler employs a SRAM Apex 1×11 drivetrain and Avid BB7 Road brakes, offering a simplified shifting experience and consistent braking. Its geometry leans towards agility, making it versatile for both commuting and light touring. On the other hand, the Kona Rove, with its Shimano Sora groupset and Tektro MDC550 Mechanical brakes, is designed for stability and long-distance comfort, at a relatively affordable cost.
- Groupset:
- Surly Straggler, 650b: Equipped with a SRAM Apex 1×11 drivetrain, which simplifies shifting and offers a wide gear range. This makes it easier to tackle varying terrains without the complexity of a double chainring setup.
- Kona Rove: Comes with a Shimano Sora groupset that is reliable and durable. While it offers a more traditional shifting experience, it’s a solid choice for those who are accustomed to Shimano’s gear systems.
- Brakes:
- Surly Straggler, 650b: Features SRAM Avid BB7 Road brakes with 160mm rotors. These brakes provide consistent and reliable stopping power, giving the rider confidence in various conditions.
- Kona Rove: Equipped with Tektro MDC550 Mechanical brakes, which are functional but may require more frequent adjustments. They may not offer the same level of modulation or responsiveness as the Avid BB7 brakes on the Straggler.
- Ride Feel:
- Surly Straggler, 650b: Designed for an agile and versatile ride, the Straggler is well-suited for both commuting and light touring. Its geometry and component choices make it a good all-rounder.
- Kona Rove: Provides a stable and comfortable ride, particularly beneficial for long-distance touring and bikepacking. Its geometry is designed to minimize rider fatigue over extended periods.
- Geometry:
- Surly Straggler, 650b: Features a geometry that leans more towards agility and versatility. This makes it a flexible choice for riders who want a bike that can handle a variety of tasks.
- Kona Rove: Comes with a geometry that is more focused on stability and comfort, making it ideal for those who are looking for a bike that excels in long rides and less demanding terrains.
Features
Shimano Sora Drivetrain: Equipped with a Shimano Sora rear derailleur and Shimano Sora crankset, the bike offers a 34/50t chainring setup with an 11-34t 9-speed cassette. This provides a versatile range for tackling different terrains, a feature that stands out in its price category.
Tektro Mechanical Brakes: Features Tektro MDC550 Mechanical brakes with Tektro TR160mm rotors, offering consistent and reliable stopping power. The ease of maintenance and adjustment of these mechanical brakes adds an extra layer of practicality, especially for long-distance touring and bikepacking, making it a noteworthy feature in this price range.
Bag, Rack and Fender Mounting Points
Front and Rear Rack Mounts: These allow you to attach racks for carrying additional gear or luggage, useful for long-distance touring or commuting.
Down Tube Mount: This is the most common location to attach a standard water bottle cage. You can use this mount to hold a water bottle for easy access during your ride.
Seat Tube Mount: This is another common location for a standard water bottle cage. Like the down tube mount, it’s used to hold a water bottle within easy reach.
Under the Down Tube Mount: This mount can be used for an additional water bottle cage, especially useful for long rides. Alternatively, it can be used to attach a small tool or gear box.
Top Tube Mount: This mount is often used for a “bento box” style bag, which provides easy access to snacks, a phone, or other small items while riding. However, some riders may choose to mount a small water bottle cage here.
Fork Leg Mounts: These mounts can be used to attach additional water bottles or gear, such as small bags or cargo cages for carrying camping equipment or other items on bikepacking trips.
Fender Mounts: For protecting you and your bike from water and mud.
Kona Rove Featured in the Wild
Kona Rove Review by Bicycling.com
The Kona Rove is a bike that defies the norms of weight metrics, offering a ride that feels lighter than it actually is. Matt Allyn, the author of the review, states, “It felt like a bike that respected your effort.” The Rove excels on various terrains, from steep climbs to gravel trails, providing a stable and predictable ride. Despite its weight, the bike’s performance on challenging terrains overshadows any concerns about its heft. The review also highlights the bike’s durability and versatility, making it an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable all-road adventure bike.
Kona Rove First Ride Review by BikeRadar.com
The Kona Rove is described as a “go-anywhere tourer” that is well-suited for both commuting and long-distance touring. The author notes that the bike’s frame “feels very much like an old-school mountain bike,” attributing this to Kona’s pioneering experience in the mountain biking field. The review highlights the bike’s versatility, stating, “If you’re looking for a tough commuter bike that you could use for weekends away then the Rove is a decent option – and if you want to take a trip-of-a-lifetime world tour then we would recommend it wholeheartedly.” The bike’s weight is noted as a limiting factor for those interested in cyclocross-style riding.
Kona Rove Review by Wiggle.co.uk
The Kona Rove is celebrated for its versatility and capability on both road and gravel. The author of the review describes it as a bike that “is all of them; all rolled into one,” emphasizing its adaptability for various riding conditions. The Rove’s geometry leans more towards endurance, making it ideal for long rides. Despite being a bit heavier than a dedicated endurance road bike, the author notes that the Rove is “still quick, and it is still comfortable for long miles.” Most importantly, the bike is described as incredibly fun to ride, holding its own on the tarmac while also excelling on gravel.
Specs
Build Kit
The Kona Rove is equipped with a Shimano Sora drivetrain, including crankarms, chainrings, and shifters, providing reliable gear changes. For braking, it uses Tektro MDC550 mechanical calipers with Tektro 160mm rotors, ensuring strong stopping power. The bike rolls on WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0 rims, shod with Maxxis Rambler EXO 650x47c tires for excellent grip and durability. The finishing touches include a WTB Volt saddle and Kona Cork Tape grips.
Frameset
- Frame: Kona Butted Cromoly
- Fork: Kona Project Two Cromoly Disc
Drivetrain
- Front Derailleur: Shimano Sora
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Sora
- Cassette: Shimano HG400 11-34t 9spd
- Crankset: Shimano Sora
- Shifter: Shimano Sora
- Chain: KMC X9
- Bottom Bracket: Shimano ES300
Brakes
- Calipers: Tektro MDC550 Mechanical
- Rotors: Tektro TR160mm (centerlock)
- Brake Levers: Shimano Sora
Components
- Headset: FSA No.1/No.10
- Stem: Kona Road
- Handlebar: Kona Road
- Grips / Bar Tape: Kona Cork Tape
- Seatpost: Kona Thumb w/Offset 27.2mm
- Saddle: WTB Volt
- Seatclamp: Kona Clamp
Wheels
- Front Wheel: Shimano or Formula 100x12mm (centerlock)
- Rear Wheel: Shimano or Formula 142x12mm (centerlock)
- Tires: Maxxis Rambler EXO 650x47c
- Spokes: Stainless Black 14g
- Rims: WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0
Frame Construction
The Kona Rove’s frame is constructed from Kona Cromoly steel, a material renowned for its excellent shock absorption, durability, and supple ride characteristics. The bike features a tapered head tube design, which enhances steering strength and balance, providing riders with more control in rough terrain. This design also helps distribute shock force more effectively, prolonging the headset’s bearing life and eliminating brake shudder. This design also allows for quick and accurate wheel positioning in the frame before the rear axle is inserted. The Kona Rove is designed for 650b wheels, which offer the same overall diameter as traditional 700c gravel or commuting tires but with a smaller rim diameter and a wider, taller tire.
Geometry
| SIZE | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 | 58 | |
| 1 | ST LENGTH | 480 | 500 | 520 | 540 | 560 | 580 |
| 2 | TT LENGTH | 515 | 531 | 546 | 562 | 578 | 598 |
| 3 | REACH | 372 | 378 | 383 | 388 | 392 | 400 |
| 4 | STACK | 532 | 551 | 570 | 588 | 607 | 626 |
| 5 | STANDOVER | 735 | 754 | 775 | 794 | 815 | 834 |
| 6 | HT ANGLE | 70.5 | 70.5 | 71.0 | 71.0 | 71.5 | 71.5 |
| 7 | HT LENGTH | 90 | 110 | 130 | 150 | 170 | 190 |
| 8 | ST ANGLE | 75.0 | 74.5 | 74.0 | 73.5 | 73.0 | 72.5 |
| 9 | CS LENGTH | 435 | 435 | 435 | 435 | 435 | 435 |
| 10 | BB DROP | 74 | 74 | 72 | 72 | 70 | 70 |
| 11 | BB HEIGHT | 268 | 268 | 270 | 270 | 272 | 272 |
| 12 | WHEELBASE | 1016 | 1029 | 1036 | 1048 | 1054 | 1068 |
| 13 | FRONT CENTER | 592 | 604 | 612 | 623 | 628 | 643 |
| 14 | FORK LENGTH | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 |
| 15 | FORK OFFSET | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Warranty
WARRANTY REGISTRATIONS
Registration is no longer necessary for your Kona warranty to be valid.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Kona Bicycle Company ( “Kona” ) makes the following limited Warranty:
ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON COMPLETE BICYCLE (USA, UK & CANADA)
Kona warrants to the original owner that this new Kona bicycle shall be free of defective materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of original purchase in the United States or Canada and operated under normal conditions and use. During this one-year period, Kona shall repair or replace, at its sole option, all parts that are found by Kona to be defective and subject to this limited warranty. The original owner shall pay all labor charges connected with the repair or replacement of all parts. On Kona electric pedal-assist bikes, the electronic system is covered by a two-year warranty, whereby accidents or consumer mistakes like shorting polarity are not covered. Warranty on the battery is for one year, at the end of that period, the battery is guaranteed to retain at least 70% of its original capacity.
TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON COMPLETE BICYCLE (EUROPE)
Kona warrants to the original owner that this newly purchased Kona bicycle shall be free of defective materials and workmanship for the two-year period stated under EU consumer protection laws, dated from the original purchase and subject to normal conditions and use. During this two-year period, Kona shall repair or replace, at its sole option, all parts that are found by Kona to be defective and therein subject to this limited warranty.
THREE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON KONA BRANDED BICYCLE FORKS.
LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY ON BICYCLE FRAME (USA, CANADA, UK & EUROPE ONLY)*
Kona further warrants to the original owner that the frame of this new Kona bicycle purchased from an authorized Kona dealer shall be free of defective materials or workmanship for the lifetime of the product. This is ONLY VALID ON NON-CARBON FRAMES. During this warranty period, Kona shall repair or replace, at its sole option, the bicycle frame if Kona determines the frame is defective and subject to this limited warranty. The color on the warranty frame may vary from the color of the original frame. The original owner shall pay all labor and shipping charges connected with the repair or replacement of the bicycle frame. This warranty is only valid in the UK, USA, Canada, and Europe.
*This is valid on all non-carbon Kona bicycle frames. CARBON FRAMES receive 3-year warranty.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
This limited warranty is made only to the original owner of this Kona bicycle purchased from an authorized Kona dealer, and it shall remain in force only as long as the original owner retains ownership of the Kona bicycle. This limited warranty is not transferable. In order to obtain service under this Limited Warranty, the original owner must deliver the Kona bicycle, and the bill of sale or other dated proof of purchase document identifying the Kona bicycle by frame number/serial number, to an authorized Kona dealer. This Limited Warranty does not apply to normal wear and tear, nor to defects, malfunctions or failures that result from the abuse, neglect, improper maintenance, alteration, modification, accident, or misuse (including without limitation bicycle racing, bicycle motocross, stunt bicycling, commercial use or rental use) of the Kona bicycle. Damage caused by transporting bicycle, especially across the tailgate of a pickup truck – even when a pad is used – voids warranty.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE ONLY EXPRESS OR LIMITED WARRANTY APPLICABLE TO KONA BICYCLES. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL BE LIMITED IN SCOPE AND DURATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. KONA SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES SUFFERED BY ANY PARTY. THE FOREGOING STATEMENTS OF WARRANTY ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER REMEDIES.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS; YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE OR PROVINCE TO PROVINCE. SOME STATES OR PROVINCES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES; SO, THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS SET FORTH IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
THE LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH HEREIN MAY NOT BE EXTENDED, ENLARGED OR OTHERWISE MODIFIED BY ANY KONA DEALER, AGENT OR EMPLOYEE, AND KONA DOES NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITY OR MAKE ANY WARRANTY EXCEPT AS STATED IN THE LIMITED WARRANTY.
WARRANTY ONLY APPLIES IN USA, CANADA, UK AND EUROPE. PLEASE SEE YOUR DEALER OR DISTRIBUTOR FOR THE SPECIFIC WARRANTY IN YOUR COUNTRY. WARRANTY VALID ONLY IF BICYCLE IS ASSEMBLED BY AN AUTHORIZED KONA DEALER.
NOTE:
Warranty is made only to the original owner of this Kona bicycle purchased from an authorized Kona dealer, and it shall remain in force only as long as the original owner retains ownership of the Kona bicycle. This limited warranty is not transferable.