Regarding rack use and 650b compatibility, Kona's response (didn't make it in time for the video): "In regards to the fork: Its designed around a light load on fork. Bottles / anything cages etc. And yes you can most definitely run 650b tires, they work just fine."
I've found that the TRP Spyres work very well for me. Prior to those I was riding TRP Hy/Rd and they too were very good and provided a bit more touch of modulation than the Spyres did. I went from a post mount frame to a flat mount frame is the only reason for the change. Nice review on the Kona Libre Russ.
I recently bought the 1x carbon Libre and have been enjoying it a great deal. I came from a “Big Rove” that they made a few years back - and it’s interesting to compare the geometry with the Libre, taking into account the flat bar/drop bar differences, there are a lot of similarities. Like you I had to change the gearing on the Libre, I live in BC so mountains are a thing - went for 11-46 at the back and 36 at the front - I am a bit ancient so my heart and knees are thanking me for 20 gear inches - and am happy with it so far. Luckily the Libre CR comes with a conventional 5-bolt/110 crankset so chainring options are easy and cheap.
I picked up the carbon Libre with 650b wheelset and shimano 105 2x last year and have been super happy with it for road, gravel, light singletrack, and bikepacking. Slap on 2.1 Thunder Burts, shred, repeat.
I use my carbon Libre as a rando bike and its brilliant at it. Loads of storage option and its comfortable if you're going to be spending the whole day pedaling on it.
Thanks for the review. I have to say, that the Spyre brakes that came on my Masi Giramondo are faultless imo. Very strong, do not need much hand/finger pressure to activate and are dead easy to adjust.
The Kona Libre AR rocks, but it ain’t nothin compared to its carbon siblings!! I definitely recommend checking to see if you can get on one of them!!! You’ll dig it!!! 5000 miles in on my 2019 Libre and I can’t get enough! Singletrack slamming or long brutal days in the cornfields, it is made for it!!!!Much respect to y’all for keeping it real since day one!!!🌹🖖🤟💯⚔️🙏
Unfortunately with Apex 1 the smallest chainring is a 40 tooth but you can get a 38 oval from Absolute Black and it works well. For countries with lots of big climbs or shorter steep climbs these ratios are hard work especially on single track.
Awesome review! I finally got my hands on the 2022 Kona Libre AL (my first gravel bike) and I'm very happy with it. I test rode it along with the Rove AL and I felt quite a difference with the positioning. I feel more upright on the Libre vs the Rove which makes it more comfortable. The hy/rd brakes are definitely something to get used to coming from being used to hydraulic brakes.
i got the Rove NRB DL, mostly from your review, and i gotta say it's what i would call a gravel bike. its plenty fast, nimble, compliant, and with a simple wheel swap you can speed up your commute, but i'm keeping the 650b suppleness because toronto roads are cracked and full of potholes. i wonder if libre is sort of the new rove, since the 2021s are all steel now.
I've got a Sutra Ltd. 2020. Don't have a ton of experience riding different bikes, but man, do I love the thing. Would definitely come back to Kona for me next bike.
I enjoy the channel and love hearing you espouse the virtues of the Libre. It is a great all-rounder. The bottom three bolts on that fork are three-pack-mount compatible. It’s low and almost interferes with the axle, but works.
Does it have internal routing for a dropper? Also, I'm with you on the feelings of the spyer brakes. I've got a 2018 Rove NRB that I love, and first thing I did was change brakes on it. The difference between hydros and the spyers are night and day.
@@themoodyteam not really a big investment. Biking is expensive in general, but I picked up a set of take off brifters for $200 on ebay. Not any more expensive than buying different cable actuated brakes.
TRP Spyres work fine with good quality casings and cables. Swap out anything with Jagwire written on it, and get shimano sp41 on. Difference is massive.
Your the only person, I have seen that rode both this bike, Libre, and the Vaast A1. Please give your comparison on the two. I am looking for which is faster on pavement, better handling, and value of each? Would be totally awesome to hear your reply. I am sure that others would be interested as well. LBS in Hawaii is pretty empty. Having not heard much about these brands would be very helpful. Yes, I did watch your videos.
Geometry/sizing is a funny thing. If you get a chance, side by side this 52 geo with a 56 warbird and they are very, very close. Similar to sizing up to achieve a less aggressive position. Makes more sense now that salsa can say a 56 fits from 5’7” to 5’11”.
It may be ‘better than the Rove’, but I’ve just checked UK prices and the Rove is a lot cheaper. Albeit, from comments below, the Rove is now only available in steel frames.
There is an aluminum Rove. www.konaworld.com/rove_al_650.cfm I wouldn't say the Rove is a lot cheaper in compairable specs. The Libre AL and Rove DL seem to be compairable as far as the parts that come on them and they are $1799 for the Libre and $1599 for the Rove. I am betting the price difference is largely due to carbon fork versus steel fork. The other Roves don't have nearly as nice parts.
How do you like the catalyst pedals? I use em on all my bikes and obviously love em. (all alu frames are stiff,Ive tried believe me,its the tires that have the supple)
I have a Marin Gestalt 2 and it also has TRP brakes. I hate them!!! They just do not stop, so thanks for calling them out. Do you have any recommendations if I were to upgrade? I'd love hydro 9 (SRAM or Shimano 105), but then I'd also need new levers, so I'd be better off buying a whole new bike for the price.
Thanks for the review. I am considering pre-ordering new Libre AL 2021 from my local shop, but since they don't have any models at the store yet, I'm on the fence about the frame size. I am 5' 8in (175 cm) tall with 30 in inseam. Not sure if I should go with 52 or 54 size. I noticed you tried out the 52 frame. Considering my height, would you reckon I should go with that?
Nice bike...just needs 5 more mm on the bb. Yeah I know, that playful bike aspect gets shoved right out the door or whatever (and it's no longer a super cool monster cross) but now it can more easily clear a 29er tire. Sorry bout your Q factor. Sizing matters.
Hey, I know this is not a timely comment, but do you have thoughts on aluminum FORKS for Gravel bikes? Here in Brazil all the entry-level bikes sport aluminum frames and forks, but my gut feeling says for forks it might not be a good idea. I was hoping this video would dispel this feeling by showing a full Al bike, but even it has a carbon fork.
I got the X10, it's a great bike. I would love to know what is the max tire size on that? I got 38c on right now, marin says 700x42c is the maximum (maybe they're being conservative?).
I am running the WTB Resolute 42. No issues, though I think that is as big as you can go in the rear. You can probably run a 50 in the front. 650b is an option too. You can 45c both front and rear.
@@garytash That's great. Did you put those Resolutes on stock wheels? Honestly 42c sounds like the perfect middle ground for speed and reliability. Thanks for the reply!
Yep. Stock Marin wheels. You will need to tape the wheels, but no issues. I have about 2000 miles on my current set of tires, which is all I am going to get out of them.
Just picked up a '21 Libre AL as my first gravel/road etc bike (come from the bmx world)... I originally went in to a not so lbs (pandemic shortage) to pick up a revolt 2 and saw this Beauty sitting in the racks. I had no knowledge on this bike because there are almost no article reviews on it and haven't seen one come out in any "top gravel bikes..." reviews so I debated for a good 30 minutes but ultimately the Libre just felt way smoother and it just felt right so I took the $1899 hit on my cc 😭. Since I'm a complete newb to road/gravel cycling I can't really give a constructive opinion on the bike, but I will state my gripes; for $1899 this bike should come with hydraulic brakes, a low end grx drivetrain, and for the love of god...all cables should be internally routed, why just one!? Smh. Why did I buy it you ask? I called 43 shops, found 7 gravel bikes I didn't like or couldn't afford. I really like this bike but should be priced as spec'd for $1600 max.
GRX is far from low end. Hydros are pretty overrated in a gravel bike. External cabling is much easier to work on when things go wrong. All your issues are IMO are actually virtues. Your expectations for a bike at that price point is a little high in the spectrum of what bikes cost.
I wonder why they would set up the fork mounts that way. Is there any advantage to that placement? I love my sutra and the fork mounts on that are super flexible.
Hey Russ! I’m looking at this bike and the renegade S3. As a short rider with shorter legs (5’7” with 30.5” inseam) I really appreciate the sloped top tube on the Kona, and it seemed like a reasonably fun and nimble ride in the parking lot, which was the only testing I was afforded. ;) (I think the 52 is a good fit, but I didn’t have a 54 to compare.) Because I enjoy a lot of gravel and trails mixed in my rides, and the awkward jump between the 51 and 54 in the Renegade, I’m leaning towards the Kona. Since uou just got a renegade in the office, is there anything that jumps out at you as major wins for the Renegade? And does the Kona seem lively “enough” on the road? You mentioned compliance in this review, and since I’m coming from an old steel poprad, I’m curious on the ride feel between these two. Thanks for all the great reviews, especially in this time where getting our hands on bikes before putting down a deposit is so hard!
I'm in the same place, thinking about a Rove or a Renegade. Couple inches shorter, though, so it would be a 50cm Rove versus 51cm Renegade. I'm coming off several years of a Crossrip Elite 52cm which was ridiculously oversized, with an almost 55cm effective top tube. Sounds like in terms of availability the Rove would be easier for me to get while the Renegade would be end of Summer. I dunno ... I might buy the Rove and then wait for a Renegade to come in. I've never ridden a 650b tire before. Trying to do my research. A friend has a Rove as well, a tried that out a bit but it's one size too large and she hasn't cut down the steerer tube (???????) yet so it was pretty awkward to ride.
@@qcriverrat fwiw, I chose the Kona Libre size 52. It’s shipping tomorrow. I tried the Rove also- nice bike! But the Libre is a little lighter and seemed a little more fun in the rough stuff.
@@allanpolicarpio1656 hi Allan! A year later and about 2K miles (winter is long in MN, and I’ve been using the fat bike a lot), I love it! I didn’t like the stock tires- the shoulder knobs grab awkwardly when cornering on pavement and they’re a little heavy- and the stock bars aren’t a good fit for me, I like more flare. I moved my cowchipper bar from my old bike (though I’m considering some PNW coast bars) and put on some ultradynamico 42mm rose tires, and it’s a wonderful bike. I’ve done several 60 -85 mile gravel rides in adverse conditions. a few bikepacking overnighters, plenty of loops on my local singletrack, road rides, and days that combine them all and been ready happy. The sloped top tube suits my shorter legs, the reach is comfortable with wider bars, and the ride quality is solid for what it is. The fit for my 5’7” 30” inseam self is better than any bike I’ve owned. Happy to answer any specifics if you have concerns. Do I dream about the carbon version? Of course I do. 🤣 It’s a little bit heavier than my old steel poprad. But it handles sfuff my poprad didn’t, and 3 pack mounts on the fork hsve proved useful for long days in addition to bikepacking (and the bike rides shockingly well lightly loaded!). But for the price and for what else is out there, it’s a great bike that doesn’t break the bank!
Sorry Russ, but we all know aluminium frames will rattle you to pieces because they have no compliance!! It cannot possibly be the tyres making it smooth, plush and comfortable to ride!! Plus aluminium frames crack everywhere!! 🤘🏼😁🤘🏼
how tall are you? i cant imagine the 52 is the right size for you, as the sizing is odd onthese. im 5'8 and ride the 49 frame and its almost to big. is the AL sized different then the carbon?
Does anyone make anything like this that’s budget but with greater clearances? Don’t care about the frame material. The Sutra LTD is beautiful but pretty pricey. A shame this can’t take 2.3s.
4th vote for the Sutra. I've got a 2018 Sutra LTD. Every time I start lusting for yet another n+1, I can't justify it because the Sutra already checks all the boxes.
Regarding rack use and 650b compatibility, Kona's response (didn't make it in time for the video): "In regards to the fork: Its designed around a light load on fork. Bottles / anything cages etc.
And yes you can most definitely run 650b tires, they work just fine."
What size 650b tyres?
@@themoodyteam It can fit 47c tires with ease.
The Kona journeyman...
That takes narrower tires...
I've found that the TRP Spyres work very well for me. Prior to those I was riding TRP Hy/Rd and they too were very good and provided a bit more touch of modulation than the Spyres did. I went from a post mount frame to a flat mount frame is the only reason for the change. Nice review on the Kona Libre Russ.
I recently bought the 1x carbon Libre and have been enjoying it a great deal. I came from a “Big Rove” that they made a few years back - and it’s interesting to compare the geometry with the Libre, taking into account the flat bar/drop bar differences, there are a lot of similarities. Like you I had to change the gearing on the Libre, I live in BC so mountains are a thing - went for 11-46 at the back and 36 at the front - I am a bit ancient so my heart and knees are thanking me for 20 gear inches - and am happy with it so far. Luckily the Libre CR comes with a conventional 5-bolt/110 crankset so chainring options are easy and cheap.
I love my Big Rove! Great for touring, commuting, gravel... It's the best bike nobody talks about!
I picked up the carbon Libre with 650b wheelset and shimano 105 2x last year and have been super happy with it for road, gravel, light singletrack, and bikepacking. Slap on 2.1 Thunder Burts, shred, repeat.
I use my carbon Libre as a rando bike and its brilliant at it. Loads of storage option and its comfortable if you're going to be spending the whole day pedaling on it.
Thanks for the review. I have to say, that the Spyre brakes that came on my Masi Giramondo are faultless imo. Very strong, do not need much hand/finger pressure to activate and are dead easy to adjust.
Could not agree more! They are excellent.
The Kona Libre AR rocks, but it ain’t nothin compared to its carbon siblings!! I definitely recommend checking to see if you can get on one of them!!! You’ll dig it!!! 5000 miles in on my 2019 Libre and I can’t get enough! Singletrack slamming or long brutal days in the cornfields, it is made for it!!!!Much respect to y’all for keeping it real since day one!!!🌹🖖🤟💯⚔️🙏
I have the same bike: carbon 650b 2by with clutched ultegra in the back and couldn't agree more. Just about perfect.
Great bike and review! I bought Rove al few months ago and I'm enjoying it a lot. Kona have great bikes.
Nice review! I like Kona bikes in general as someone else said, generally well priced for what you get.
Unfortunately with Apex 1 the smallest chainring is a 40 tooth but you can get a 38 oval from Absolute Black and it works well. For countries with lots of big climbs or shorter steep climbs these ratios are hard work especially on single track.
Awesome review! I finally got my hands on the 2022 Kona Libre AL (my first gravel bike) and I'm very happy with it. I test rode it along with the Rove AL and I felt quite a difference with the positioning. I feel more upright on the Libre vs the Rove which makes it more comfortable. The hy/rd brakes are definitely something to get used to coming from being used to hydraulic brakes.
Great review! You talk about relevant issues and things that I want to know. ☺️
I've always thought Kona has a great cost to value ratio. Good bang for the buck. And I think they have lifetime frame now too? Thanks!
i got the Rove NRB DL, mostly from your review, and i gotta say it's what i would call a gravel bike. its plenty fast, nimble, compliant, and with a simple wheel swap you can speed up your commute, but i'm keeping the 650b suppleness because toronto roads are cracked and full of potholes. i wonder if libre is sort of the new rove, since the 2021s are all steel now.
The new steel with carbon fork rove is calling my name...
I've got a Sutra Ltd. 2020. Don't have a ton of experience riding different bikes, but man, do I love the thing. Would definitely come back to Kona for me next bike.
Worth noting Apex cranks use asymmetric 110bcd chain rings which have very limited sizing options.
Aware of that. Had to go to Absolute Black ovals to get to 38.
Agreed. Big dislike on that crankset.
Any other options out there besides going oval? Just took my 2021 Libre AL out for my first big ride, and the 40t is killing me on the 12% grades.
My LBS found a SRAM 34t that is supposed to be compatible - should be in by end of week. Hoping that will get me up those monster climbs.
Does anyone know the aluminum frame weight? Apologies if this has been covered. May pick one up if not as heavy as a Salsa Journeyer.
Are aluminum gravels good for short bikepacking trips? How much weight can aluminum handle?
I enjoy the channel and love hearing you espouse the virtues of the Libre. It is a great all-rounder. The bottom three bolts on that fork are three-pack-mount compatible. It’s low and almost interferes with the axle, but works.
Great stuff. Any plans to review adventure touring bikes? They are supple, I think.
Does it have internal routing for a dropper?
Also, I'm with you on the feelings of the spyer brakes. I've got a 2018 Rove NRB that I love, and first thing I did was change brakes on it.
The difference between hydros and the spyers are night and day.
Don't know if it has internal. I'm a fan of external posts for the ease of maintenance and moving from bike to bike.
‘Night and day’… what? the expense? Big investment
@@themoodyteam not really a big investment. Biking is expensive in general, but I picked up a set of take off brifters for $200 on ebay. Not any more expensive than buying different cable actuated brakes.
What hydros did you get for it? I'm not liking the responsiveness of the spyers
TRP Spyres work fine with good quality casings and cables. Swap out anything with Jagwire written on it, and get shimano sp41 on. Difference is massive.
👌🏻
Nicasio+ is more value on a budget but this kona is REAL nice.
Your the only person, I have seen that rode both this bike, Libre, and the Vaast A1. Please give your comparison on the two. I am looking for which is faster on pavement, better handling, and value of each? Would be totally awesome to hear your reply. I am sure that others would be interested as well. LBS in Hawaii is pretty empty. Having not heard much about these brands would be very helpful. Yes, I did watch your videos.
If you want fast on pavement get the Vaast.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Awesome. Thanks for the help. You riding and showing us the bikes really helped. I just started watching your videos 2 days ago.
Geometry/sizing is a funny thing. If you get a chance, side by side this 52 geo with a 56 warbird and they are very, very close. Similar to sizing up to achieve a less aggressive position. Makes more sense now that salsa can say a 56 fits from 5’7” to 5’11”.
ua-cam.com/video/xciHoxCJyms/v-deo.html
It may be ‘better than the Rove’, but I’ve just checked UK prices and the Rove is a lot cheaper.
Albeit, from comments below, the Rove is now only available in steel frames.
There is an aluminum Rove. www.konaworld.com/rove_al_650.cfm I wouldn't say the Rove is a lot cheaper in compairable specs. The Libre AL and Rove DL seem to be compairable as far as the parts that come on them and they are $1799 for the Libre and $1599 for the Rove. I am betting the price difference is largely due to carbon fork versus steel fork. The other Roves don't have nearly as nice parts.
How do you like the catalyst pedals? I use em on all my bikes and obviously love em. (all alu frames are stiff,Ive tried believe me,its the tires that have the supple)
brad sanders I LoVe the Catalyst pedals too! Just bought another set for my commuter bike.
I have a Marin Gestalt 2 and it also has TRP brakes. I hate them!!! They just do not stop, so thanks for calling them out. Do you have any recommendations if I were to upgrade? I'd love hydro 9 (SRAM or Shimano 105), but then I'd also need new levers, so I'd be better off buying a whole new bike for the price.
Yokozuna Ultimos.
Thanks for the review. I am considering pre-ordering new Libre AL 2021 from my local shop, but since they don't have any models at the store yet, I'm on the fence about the frame size. I am 5' 8in (175 cm) tall with 30 in inseam. Not sure if I should go with 52 or 54 size. I noticed you tried out the 52 frame. Considering my height, would you reckon I should go with that?
I'm 5'8, 29 inch inseam and it fit me pretty well in a more upightish position.
@@PathLessPedaledTV thank you so much for getting back to me. An uptightish position is what i'm looking for :)
Nice bike...just needs 5 more mm on the bb. Yeah I know, that playful bike aspect gets shoved right out the door or whatever (and it's no longer a super cool monster cross) but now it can more easily clear a 29er tire. Sorry bout your Q factor. Sizing matters.
Question: The bottom bracket, is it press-fit or threaded ?
Curious where you would place a Trek Checkpoint on the gravel spectrum. Any chance of a review of a Checkpoint?
Definitely falls in the Cross/Road end fo the spectrum.
Hey, I know this is not a timely comment, but do you have thoughts on aluminum FORKS for Gravel bikes? Here in Brazil all the entry-level bikes sport aluminum frames and forks, but my gut feeling says for forks it might not be a good idea. I was hoping this video would dispel this feeling by showing a full Al bike, but even it has a carbon fork.
If you have a big tire it rides fine. They went with a carbon fork to save weight.
Could you review the Landyachtz AB1?
Yes please cool bike
Get your hands on the Marin Gestalt X11. Not the greatest 700c tire clearance, but should check all the other boxes (could use a few more mounts too).
I got the X10, it's a great bike. I would love to know what is the max tire size on that? I got 38c on right now, marin says 700x42c is the maximum (maybe they're being conservative?).
I am running the WTB Resolute 42. No issues, though I think that is as big as you can go in the rear. You can probably run a 50 in the front. 650b is an option too. You can 45c both front and rear.
@@garytash That's great. Did you put those Resolutes on stock wheels? Honestly 42c sounds like the perfect middle ground for speed and reliability. Thanks for the reply!
Yep. Stock Marin wheels. You will need to tape the wheels, but no issues. I have about 2000 miles on my current set of tires, which is all I am going to get out of them.
You should checkout the new Sutra ULTD for all the suppleness.
Can I use it for sprint triathlons? Only competing with myself just so you know. Need and want an all purpose bike.🤙
Probably better bikes for that.
@@PathLessPedaledTV
That was quick. Thanks for getting back to me. Does Kona make a road bike?
Just picked up a '21 Libre AL as my first gravel/road etc bike (come from the bmx world)... I originally went in to a not so lbs (pandemic shortage) to pick up a revolt 2 and saw this Beauty sitting in the racks. I had no knowledge on this bike because there are almost no article reviews on it and haven't seen one come out in any "top gravel bikes..." reviews so I debated for a good 30 minutes but ultimately the Libre just felt way smoother and it just felt right so I took the $1899 hit on my cc 😭. Since I'm a complete newb to road/gravel cycling I can't really give a constructive opinion on the bike, but I will state my gripes; for $1899 this bike should come with hydraulic brakes, a low end grx drivetrain, and for the love of god...all cables should be internally routed, why just one!? Smh. Why did I buy it you ask? I called 43 shops, found 7 gravel bikes I didn't like or couldn't afford. I really like this bike but should be priced as spec'd for $1600 max.
GRX is far from low end. Hydros are pretty overrated in a gravel bike. External cabling is much easier to work on when things go wrong. All your issues are IMO are actually virtues. Your expectations for a bike at that price point is a little high in the spectrum of what bikes cost.
I wonder why they would set up the fork mounts that way. Is there any advantage to that placement? I love my sutra and the fork mounts on that are super flexible.
Yeah. Not sure.
so the libre is more chill and relaxed than the rove? thanks
Any thoughts on the 2022 update?
Long live #storagethings !!
Hey Russ! I’m looking at this bike and the renegade S3. As a short rider with shorter legs (5’7” with 30.5” inseam) I really appreciate the sloped top tube on the Kona, and it seemed like a reasonably fun and nimble ride in the parking lot, which was the only testing I was afforded. ;) (I think the 52 is a good fit, but I didn’t have a 54 to compare.)
Because I enjoy a lot of gravel and trails mixed in my rides, and the awkward jump between the 51 and 54 in the Renegade, I’m leaning towards the Kona. Since uou just got a renegade in the office, is there anything that jumps out at you as major wins for the Renegade? And does the Kona seem lively “enough” on the road?
You mentioned compliance in this review, and since I’m coming from an old steel poprad, I’m curious on the ride feel between these two.
Thanks for all the great reviews, especially in this time where getting our hands on bikes before putting down a deposit is so hard!
I'm in the same place, thinking about a Rove or a Renegade. Couple inches shorter, though, so it would be a 50cm Rove versus 51cm Renegade. I'm coming off several years of a Crossrip Elite 52cm which was ridiculously oversized, with an almost 55cm effective top tube.
Sounds like in terms of availability the Rove would be easier for me to get while the Renegade would be end of Summer. I dunno ... I might buy the Rove and then wait for a Renegade to come in.
I've never ridden a 650b tire before. Trying to do my research. A friend has a Rove as well, a tried that out a bit but it's one size too large and she hasn't cut down the steerer tube (???????) yet so it was pretty awkward to ride.
@@qcriverrat fwiw, I chose the Kona Libre size 52. It’s shipping tomorrow.
I tried the Rove also- nice bike! But the Libre is a little lighter and seemed a little more fun in the rough stuff.
@@bbushman How did you find the size 52?
@@allanpolicarpio1656 hi Allan! A year later and about 2K miles (winter is long in MN, and I’ve been using the fat bike a lot), I love it! I didn’t like the stock tires- the shoulder knobs grab awkwardly when cornering on pavement and they’re a little heavy- and the stock bars aren’t a good fit for me, I like more flare. I moved my cowchipper bar from my old bike (though I’m considering some PNW coast bars) and put on some ultradynamico 42mm rose tires, and it’s a wonderful bike. I’ve done several 60 -85 mile gravel rides in adverse conditions. a few bikepacking overnighters, plenty of loops on my local singletrack, road rides, and days that combine them all and been ready happy. The sloped top tube suits my shorter legs, the reach is comfortable with wider bars, and the ride quality is solid for what it is. The fit for my 5’7” 30” inseam self is better than any bike I’ve owned. Happy to answer any specifics if you have concerns. Do I dream about the carbon version? Of course I do. 🤣 It’s a little bit heavier than my old steel poprad. But it handles sfuff my poprad didn’t, and 3 pack mounts on the fork hsve proved useful for long days in addition to bikepacking (and the bike rides shockingly well lightly loaded!). But for the price and for what else is out there, it’s a great bike that doesn’t break the bank!
I hope kona sends you a Sutra LTD
Is it possible to use 650b with 47 or 50mm?
Does it have any sort of warrantee?
I love my 2008 Kona 62cm that I rebuilt it because Kona doesn’t make a bike for tall people any more.
Russ, would you say that the 52 is the right size for you?
Its in the ballpark.
Sorry Russ, but we all know aluminium frames will rattle you to pieces because they have no compliance!! It cannot possibly be the tyres making it smooth, plush and comfortable to ride!! Plus aluminium frames crack everywhere!! 🤘🏼😁🤘🏼
I’ve got a Ragley Big Al and Nordest Sardinha hard tail and the alloy big al is more compliant then the steel nordest with same size tyres.
What are you talking here? Rubish… not all aluminum are made the same
I always hear you talkin about baby heads what in the world is a baby head? I tried looking it up online and I couldn't find anything.
It's a rock the size of a baby's head. www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Babyhead
@@PathLessPedaledTV I'm dumb...
Cobble
how tall are you? i cant imagine the 52 is the right size for you, as the sizing is odd onthese. im 5'8 and ride the 49 frame and its almost to big. is the AL sized different then the carbon?
Yes. Geo is different than the carbon.
I'm between 5"8" and 5'9" and ride a 52cm '21 Kona Rove LTD and its really comfortable for me.
Apparently, based on 99 Spokes.. The 2020 Libre's 49 cm bike is the same dimensions as the 52 cm on the 2021 and 2022
I love kona bikes.
I want a kona rove st ...
Noticed the Catalyst pedals.
Does anyone make anything like this that’s budget but with greater clearances? Don’t care about the frame material. The Sutra LTD is beautiful but pretty pricey. A shame this can’t take 2.3s.
Do they sell just the frame. I build my own bikes.
Only in the carbon fiber version.
I test road a lot bikes in this price range (diverge, renegade, jamis). I feel like I’m going to steer toward the supple Libre AL
Yes yes
What do you mean by “supple life” and “party pace”?
We have videos that answer those questions.
Can this bike run lowriders?
Prob not.
Five tens are more down hill not really XC
Just wanted to say "hello"
Drop bars , drop bars , why drop bars ! ..?
Slapped around the moment you touch a baby head 😳.
2k for a bike…
Me plisss
I think I'd still rather have a Sutra. #steelisreal
I think all of this years Roves (less the Rove AL) are steel too.
I have the 2020 sutra ltd. Looooooove it!
Oh and I have a 2019 sutra, absolutely the best & most versatile bike I’ve ever had.
4th vote for the Sutra. I've got a 2018 Sutra LTD. Every time I start lusting for yet another n+1, I can't justify it because the Sutra already checks all the boxes.