Gravel Grinder Gear: Kona "Rove" Prototype

At one time a lot of folks were opining the loss of Salsa Cycles La Cruz disc cross bike. it was a perfectly spec'ed gravel grinder with classic looks. Well, maybe the just announced Kona "Rove" will make you take notice if you are one of those that misses the steel, disc brake equipped La Cruz.

Kona "Rove" Proto: Image courtesy of Kona

The Rove will debut later this summer as a 2013 model. It is purposed to be an all-arounder- suitable for commuting, touring, and gravel road events.

Image courtesy of Kona

The Rove will feature mechanical disc brakes, and these will be provided by Hayes. They look pretty slick, with a high polish finish. The brakes will sport 140mm (!!) rotors front and rear. The rear rotor will be on the chainstay, which should work well if you use panniers with a rack.

The Rove's fork is a straight blade, uni-crown affair with a mid-blade eyelet for mounting a low-rider rack.  The fender mounts are there on the fork under the brake caliper mount. It may take a bit of creative stay bending to get full fenders on there!

The geometry is standard fare here, nothing unusual. 73 degree seat tube, 72 degree head tube, 435mm chain stays, and Kona claims the Rove will swallow 45mm tires without fenders- 42mm with fenders.

Image courtesy of Kona

Look for the bike to be supplied with 35mm Freedom Ryder tires, a SRAM Apex group with 46/36T crank, and 11-32T rear cassette.

Kona is setting the MSRP at $1699.00 USD.

Once again- the bike should become available in late summer. For more on Kona bikes see www.konaworld.com