For the past 10 years I have been riding an Aluminium track bike, so for me the Rove is in essence a full suspension comfort bike. That flat tire event was like blaming the bike for hitting a tree.
I'm not a "biker" by any means so take this with a grain of salt. I bought the 2023 aluminum version for 1000$ CAD which was $900 CAD less than the chromoly version. I've only ridden it once for 25km but here is what I have noticed. I definitely need to make some upgrades. The seat and handlebar grip tape were almost unbearable comfort wise. I'll be changing these right away. The brakes aren't the greatest but you can live with it. The stock tires are good on the road but kinda bunk on gravel. I found the shifting pretty good. In my area the next level up for this style of bike is like $2000 CAD more than what I paid. I think for a few hundred you can make some minor mods and make this a pretty decent ride. I like that its not super flashy so it doesn't draw a ton of attention. If I were to recommend this particular bike to a specific individual it would be as a daily commuter 10-15km from your destination. Wicked entry level bike 100%.
Bought the first rove 10 years ago. Still going like new. Ok, maybe mechanical brakes are not the best… so I changed these, but for the rest it’s a beast.
Nice review. I have a 2021 shop build, in the steel frame. I really enjoy the ride of the bike. The price points on the Rove are good values for how they are equipped. Where I live the gravel bike is great option. I put a slick on the rear in the winter and ride it on the trainer. Way more comfortable than my road bike.
I miss my Kona major Jake , it was my daily commuter adventure race machine, been looking at it for a decade to poor to fix, ide out gatorskins on, rarely get flats, like them a lot
I just bought a Kona Rove LTD and overall impressions, love it. It doesn't feel too heavy when riding, pretty solid and planted. I do feel it's smoother than the other bikes I had. Great fun on single tracks! I agree 110% with the stock tires being thin... the day after I bought the bike, I commuted to work, on the way back from work I ran over a sharp rock or glass and pop... it was a bit of walking to get to a pickup area. Learned from my mistake... I am now always carrying an extra tube, patch kit, and pump. Anyone running 700c with this bike? Interested in how much the ride changes... curious whether if the smoothness comes from the steel frame or extra tire thickness of the 650b
What tires did you replace with? I've a 2021 KONA ROVE steel and want a beefier tire than the stock wtb 47 venture which have more tread, probably slower. I put tire liners with tubes and haven't had a flat since. Weight added of course.
I know what you about riding high quality steel bikes. They are awesome and muting the bumps. Converted my 1999 Kona Explosif to a monstercross bike and it is great having Reynolds 853 steel tubing
That aluminum vs chromoly frame comparison on bumpy road is quite exagerated, if not totally untrue. I ride both Rove AL and a steel Rove. They're both smooth, or both rigid, however you want. It's the tires and their pressure that make a difference.
Great review. I have the 2020 version which has wtb ventures. Steel combined with the 650bx 47 tires makes for a beautifully supple ride. Tires are the best suspension. By the way who is that jazz pianist in the 1st half of the video? Really cooking. Has some BlueNote sound in the recording.
I agree. I love the bike, but the tires are too thin. I've had four flats (2 front, two rear) due to tiny pieces of glass in city riding in only 6 months.
Absolutely! I test rode an aluminum Rove for quite a bit before I tried and bought the Chromoly ! After a bit of time I could actually feel my wrists hurt on the aluminum. Another contributing factors may have been the tires too. The aluminum one had narrower 700c tires.
Yes, I do. I bought the Rove DL a month ago and have been super happy with it. Like you stated, the big difference is the 1X with the Sram Rival group set. Excels at gravel and good on pavement/road. I am curious what it'd feel like with smaller tires on it, like 43 or 38? Should be good for the light bike-packing I will do this summer. I didn't test the Rove AL but test rode the Kona Libre AL, and didn't like it that much.
I bought a 2021 Rove in Jan. for $1300 because I wanted a steel frame and the geometry on this was just right. I love this frame but I'm a 1X man so the first thing I did was strip off the entire drive train and put a SENSAH SRX PRO 1x11 Speed with a 9-50 tooth cassette from Ali express for 200 bucks. Then I bought a SRAM 38 tooth single crankset for 110 dollars and popped that on. So far this set up is working great. Then I threw all that shimano sora crap in the trash. Next, I'll replace the brakes (still deciding on which ones) and add a dropper post (I'm 6' 4" so a must for going downhill) and I'll be good to go. Sure is fun to ride once you get it set up right. It's great on single track or just as a commuter. Very happy with it.
I’m thinking about getting the base Rove. A do it all bike is exactly what I’m looking for. The two things bothering me are the Tektro mechanical breaks that have terrible reviews, and the 2x groupset. I’m guessing both can be upgraded but then the cost isn’t as attractive. How are the breaks on the base model?
setting up mechanical brakes: take some time to wear in the disc pads then pull the inner cable through and tighten, then squeeze the brake levers to compress the outer cables, then pull the inner cable through again and re tighten, after this the brakes will work just fine and in my experience with loaded panniers on a downhill descent, the brakes are now finger tip sensitive. In short: you don't need to upgrade, just set them up well.
A little different. And the Sutra is almost a mtb geometry. To be honest, with all of those Kona gravel bikes, you can tell they are made by a mtb company. And thats a good thing.there are more road-ish gravel bikes, but these are on the mtb-ish side, haha
I’m enjoying the bike so far ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA My only real complaints are the brakes and the pedals. I feel like a bike designed for bigger people should have much larger pedals and more heavy duty brakes. I’ve only gotten two really good rides out of it, minimal downhill action, and the brakes feel like they’re already going out. A larger person has more momentum, so I think this wasn’t thought through very well. Also, I wear size 13-14 wide shoes. My feet cramp up on these pedals that are clearly made for smaller feet. Since I’m not a pro rider (and I don’t think many are who purchase this bike) I don’t think that the straps on the pedal are necessary at all. None of this takes away from the enjoyment I get from riding, however. I’ll just head to a bike shop to improve on a few things.
Had my 2021 rove a year now, agree with group set. Over all it’s great! Excellent fun on mtb single track!
For the past 10 years I have been riding an Aluminium track bike, so for me the Rove is in essence a full suspension comfort bike.
That flat tire event was like blaming the bike for hitting a tree.
I bought this bike over a year ago and I absolutely love it.
I'm not a "biker" by any means so take this with a grain of salt. I bought the 2023 aluminum version for 1000$ CAD which was $900 CAD less than the chromoly version. I've only ridden it once for 25km but here is what I have noticed. I definitely need to make some upgrades. The seat and handlebar grip tape were almost unbearable comfort wise. I'll be changing these right away. The brakes aren't the greatest but you can live with it. The stock tires are good on the road but kinda bunk on gravel. I found the shifting pretty good.
In my area the next level up for this style of bike is like $2000 CAD more than what I paid. I think for a few hundred you can make some minor mods and make this a pretty decent ride. I like that its not super flashy so it doesn't draw a ton of attention.
If I were to recommend this particular bike to a specific individual it would be as a daily commuter 10-15km from your destination.
Wicked entry level bike 100%.
Bought the first rove 10 years ago. Still going like new. Ok, maybe mechanical brakes are not the best… so I changed these, but for the rest it’s a beast.
I have the blue one! Got it last month and been loving it so far.
Nice review. I have a 2021 shop build, in the steel frame. I really enjoy the ride of the bike. The price points on the Rove are good values for how they are equipped. Where I live the gravel bike is great option. I put a slick on the rear in the winter and ride it on the trainer. Way more comfortable than my road bike.
Good review. Swapping those tires out for a good set of Schwalbe tires might help reduce unwanted flats.
Great review! Short and Sweet.
I got the rove couple of months ago and i love it so far. and you are right, the tires are thin af!!
I miss my Kona major Jake , it was my daily commuter adventure race machine, been looking at it for a decade to poor to fix, ide out gatorskins on, rarely get flats, like them a lot
I just bought a Kona Rove LTD and overall impressions, love it. It doesn't feel too heavy when riding, pretty solid and planted. I do feel it's smoother than the other bikes I had. Great fun on single tracks!
I agree 110% with the stock tires being thin... the day after I bought the bike, I commuted to work, on the way back from work I ran over a sharp rock or glass and pop... it was a bit of walking to get to a pickup area. Learned from my mistake... I am now always carrying an extra tube, patch kit, and pump.
Anyone running 700c with this bike? Interested in how much the ride changes... curious whether if the smoothness comes from the steel frame or extra tire thickness of the 650b
So which one is it, thick or thin?
What tires did you replace with? I've a 2021 KONA ROVE steel and want a beefier tire than the stock wtb 47 venture which have more tread, probably slower. I put tire liners with tubes and haven't had a flat since. Weight added of course.
Nice review! I like the part where you are chased by a bear
I know what you about riding high quality steel bikes. They are awesome and muting the bumps. Converted my 1999 Kona Explosif to a monstercross bike and it is great having Reynolds 853 steel tubing
How are you finding it? I've got one of the same. Thinking a 700c wheelset to complement the 650b. Have you made any changes?
That aluminum vs chromoly frame comparison on bumpy road is quite exagerated, if not totally untrue.
I ride both Rove AL and a steel Rove. They're both smooth, or both rigid, however you want. It's the tires and their pressure that make a difference.
So are you saying you can't tell a difference between the frames if both the AL and steel had the same size tires and same pressure?
yes lowering tire pressure on rough terrain even with steel is necessary. Ive compared Kona Rove steel and aluminum steel is defiantly smother IMHO.
Great review. I have the 2020 version which has wtb ventures. Steel combined with the 650bx 47 tires makes for a beautifully supple ride. Tires are the best suspension. By the way who is that jazz pianist in the 1st half of the video? Really cooking. Has some BlueNote sound in the recording.
I have a 2020 as well. Not only do they have the Ventures, the drivetrain is 1x which eliminates the front derailer
I agree. I love the bike, but the tires are too thin. I've had four flats (2 front, two rear) due to tiny pieces of glass in city riding in only 6 months.
Nice bike I have a tubeless giant
Hey, what size is your frame and can this Rove frame fit 700c wheels? Thanks
Do you think the chromoly steel frame is worth it?
Yes. I have a rigid steel bike and an aluminium hard tail, and the steel rigid actually feels significantly smoother even with no front suspension.
Absolutely! I test rode an aluminum Rove for quite a bit before I tried and bought the Chromoly ! After a bit of time I could actually feel my wrists hurt on the aluminum. Another contributing factors may have been the tires too. The aluminum one had narrower 700c tires.
Yes, I do. I bought the Rove DL a month ago and have been super happy with it. Like you stated, the big difference is the 1X with the Sram Rival group set. Excels at gravel and good on pavement/road. I am curious what it'd feel like with smaller tires on it, like 43 or 38? Should be good for the light bike-packing I will do this summer. I didn't test the Rove AL but test rode the Kona Libre AL, and didn't like it that much.
@@kirkl1057 what didn’t you like about the libre vs the rove?
@@Kidsandthekooks it didn’t feel as good. I tried an aluminum one. My friend has an older Libre with a carbon frame and loves it.
You seem to have alot of front tyre toe overlap .....Is it a very small frame?
How does it compare to the Marin Nicasio 2?!
I bought a 2021 Rove in Jan. for $1300 because I wanted a steel frame and the geometry on this was just right. I love this frame but I'm a 1X man so the first thing I did was strip off the entire drive train and put a SENSAH SRX PRO 1x11 Speed with a 9-50 tooth cassette from Ali express for 200 bucks. Then I bought a SRAM 38 tooth single crankset for 110 dollars and popped that on. So far this set up is working great. Then I threw all that shimano sora crap in the trash. Next, I'll replace the brakes (still deciding on which ones) and add a dropper post (I'm 6' 4" so a must for going downhill) and I'll be good to go. Sure is fun to ride once you get it set up right. It's great on single track or just as a commuter. Very happy with it.
Next replace the frame and rider and you're about good to go!
@@falsemcnuggethope...spot on😂😂😂
great review
I’m thinking about getting the base Rove. A do it all bike is exactly what I’m looking for.
The two things bothering me are the Tektro mechanical breaks that have terrible reviews, and the 2x groupset. I’m guessing both can be upgraded but then the cost isn’t as attractive.
How are the breaks on the base model?
I have those breaks on a marin and they fucking suck, you will be replacing with TRP
setting up mechanical brakes: take some time to wear in the disc pads then pull the inner cable through and tighten, then squeeze the brake levers to compress the outer cables, then pull the inner cable through again and re tighten, after this the brakes will work just fine and in my experience with loaded panniers on a downhill descent, the brakes are now finger tip sensitive. In short: you don't need to upgrade, just set them up well.
Love the dirt roads, what town and state ??
Someone knows what is the weight of this bike ?
I like the plushness of the 650b but it’s slow, not as efficient as a road bike with 700x25
porfect video and bicycle bro...
Is this Edmonton?
hi, what saddle is that?
the smoothness of the steel vs aluminum bike is more down to the volume of the bigger tires on the steel bike. not the actual frame material.
Well, it can be, but steel is way better at absorbing vibrations. I like steel frame AND bigger tires. That is the best combo
Heavier bicycle and thicker tires is always better. Light bicycle and thin tires not good.
That aluminum vs chromoly frame comparison on bumpy road is quite exagerated, if not untrue.
"It is the lowest price that you can get your hands on chromoly steel"
Me: *laughs in 300€ used market"
Is Libre better?
A little different. And the Sutra is almost a mtb geometry. To be honest, with all of those Kona gravel bikes, you can tell they are made by a mtb company. And thats a good thing.there are more road-ish gravel bikes, but these are on the mtb-ish side, haha
@@komoonkh good point!
get one if you can find one
4:00 initially looked like you were being chased by a bear
I’m enjoying the bike so far ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA My only real complaints are the brakes and the pedals. I feel like a bike designed for bigger people should have much larger pedals and more heavy duty brakes. I’ve only gotten two really good rides out of it, minimal downhill action, and the brakes feel like they’re already going out. A larger person has more momentum, so I think this wasn’t thought through very well. Also, I wear size 13-14 wide shoes. My feet cramp up on these pedals that are clearly made for smaller feet. Since I’m not a pro rider (and I don’t think many are who purchase this bike) I don’t think that the straps on the pedal are necessary at all. None of this takes away from the enjoyment I get from riding, however. I’ll just head to a bike shop to improve on a few things.
0:20 that's the worst pronunciation of shimano i've ever heard lol
You couldn’t pay me to have a gravel bike. Utterly pointless.