The Rove thus far....

I first met the Rove at Kona’s 2013 product launch in Bellingham WA. What drew me to this bike were four things; 1) steel 2) disc brakes 3) the geometry 4) the tire width that it could handle.

At this time, I was looking for a cross style bike that was all of these things. It’s like the fine folks at Kona were reading my mind (enter in spooky music). So after I got myself checked out for a chip in my head, and got over my paranoid delusions (or are they?) I took a test ride on the Rove at the demo and immediately fell for this bike.

Why did the four for mentioned things intrigue me? Well; I am one of “steel is real” kind of guys. I’m picking steel if I have a choice. I love the feel and how it responds. Disc brakes for stopping power. There’s a reason why the motto for canti’s is “can’t stop, won’t stop”, because they don’t. Canti’s are great for racing cross, because you don’t want to stop; but not when you’re commuting. The geometry is that of a gravel grinder bike.  The handling was just what I was looking for. It was quick and responsive, yet stable and predictable. Finally some big fat tires that would still take a fender.

I received my Rove at the end of February 2013. I threw some fenders on it, and a Portland Design rack on it right away. The Rove has become a staple in my quiver. One of my go to bikes. I use it mostly for commuting and exploring. There are times that my commute asks more of me than just getting to work. There are times that that dirt path calls me, or the gravel road, or the brick road. The Rove is all up for whatever I throw at it.

The Kona Rove has not only gotten me through many, many miles of commuting and exploring (though all weather conditions, summer & winter with studs on); it has also helped me get through a few Cleveland Cobbles, and one Funk Bottoms Gravel Race (Ohio’s toughest Gravel Race. If you are not familiar with it…look it up, or click -- http://funkbottomsgravel.blogspot.com/   ), and it will help me this year at the race as well.

I have had zero issues with this bike. With all that I put it through, I take really good care of it; especially in the winter. Keep the frame and drivetrain clean of the harshness of winter. I’ve had to change a chain or two and some cables, but that’s really it.

Kona did an amazing job with the design and set up for the Rove, this is a bike I will not be parting with any time soon. Kona meant this bike to be the “do all machine”, from commuting, gravel grinding, and even to cross; and they have achieved that with this bike. Check out one of Kona’s videos here: https://vimeo.com/77090243

And if the Rove is a bit out of your price range; they make the Big Rove & Rove Al that is a little friendlier to your wallet. Found here: http://konaworld.com/freerange_rd.cfm

Thanks, and enjoy the journey.