Overview
Picture sunny gravel roads lined with fields, pastures, fences, and views for days. That’s where this bike is home. The Rove LTD is everything you’d expect from a bike made for going the distance across mixed surfaces. This gorgeous Butted Cromoly frame features a tapered headtube, our Rove Verso Full Carbon flat mount disc fork with the ability to carry a host of gear. You can’t find a bike this pretty with spec this nice at this price.
It’s a bike afficionado’s value bike. The Rove LTD is the perfect blend of function and aesthetics and is ready for your next adventure.
Geometry & Ride Characteristics
The Kona Rove LTD has a moderate head tube angle and a slightly relaxed seat tube angle, the bike aims to balance stability and agility. 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.
When it comes to ride feel, the Kona Rove LTD offers a smooth and stable experience. The Cromoly frame material absorbs road vibrations, providing a comfortable ride even on rough surfaces. The bike’s geometry, combined with its full carbon fork, allows for precise steering without sacrificing stability. Whether you’re navigating through city streets or exploring gravel paths, the Kona Rove LTD delivers a ride that is both responsive and reassuring.
- Head Tube Angle: Ranges from 70.5 to 71.5 degrees across sizes, offering a balance between stable and responsive steering, which is a bit more relaxed compared to race-oriented bikes.
- Seat Tube Angle: Varies from 72.5 to 75 degrees, allowing for efficient power transfer while maintaining rider comfort. This is slightly slacker than what you’d find on pure road racing bikes, emphasizing long-ride comfort.
- Chainstay Length: A constant 435mm across all sizes, providing a middle-ground between agility and stability. This is longer than typical road bikes but shorter than many touring bikes, making it versatile for different terrains.
- Bottom Bracket Drop: Ranges from 70 to 74mm, affecting the bike’s center of gravity and stability. This is a moderate drop, not as low as some touring bikes but lower than most race bikes, contributing to a stable ride.
- Wheelbase: Varies from 1016 to 1068mm, offering stability especially at higher speeds. This is longer than most road bikes but shorter than touring bikes, aiming for a balance between stability and agility.
- Stack and Reach: Offers a range of measurements to accommodate various rider heights, with stack ranging from 532 to 626mm and reach from 372 to 400mm. These dimensions are more generous than those on race bikes, offering a more upright and comfortable riding position.
- Fork Offset: A constant 50mm across sizes, affecting the bike’s trail and steering responsiveness. This is a moderate offset, providing a balance between quick handling and stability.
vs. the Kona Rove DL
The Kona Rove DL is a budget-friendly counterpart to the more performance-oriented and higher-end Kona Rove LTD. While both bikes share the same frame, the primary differences lie in the drivetrain, fork and brakes as follows:
- Fork:
- Kona Rove DL: Comes equipped with a Kona Project Two Cromoly Disc fork. This choice in fork material adds to the bike’s overall robustness but may not offer the same level of agility as a carbon fork.
- Kona Rove LTD: Features a Kona Rove Verso Full Carbon Flat Mount Disc fork, which contributes to a lighter and more responsive front end, enhancing the bike’s overall agility and handling.
- Groupset:
- Kona Rove DL: The bike is fitted with a SRAM Apex drivetrain, which is a reliable but more budget-friendly option. While dependable, it may not offer the same smoothness in shifting as higher-end groupsets.
- Kona Rove LTD: Comes with a Shimano GRX 810 groupset, a higher-tier option known for its exceptional performance and durability. This makes it a more suitable choice for riders who are looking for extended use and more demanding terrains.
- Brakes:
- Kona Rove DL: Features TRP HDC711C Mechanical/Hydraulic brakes, which are reliable but may not offer the same level of modulation as fully hydraulic systems. They provide adequate stopping power but may lack the finesse of higher-end brake systems.
- Kona Rove LTD: Equipped with Shimano GRX 600 hydraulic disc brakes, these offer strong and modulated stopping power, giving the rider more control in various riding conditions.
vs. the Salsa Journeyer GRX 600, 650b
The Salsa Journeyer GRX 600, 650b features a Shimano GRX RX600 drivetrain and GRX RX400 hydraulic brakes, aiming for a stable and comfortable ride. Its geometry is tailored for long-ride ease and dependability. Conversely, the Kona Rove LTD is equipped with a Shimano GRX 810 groupset and GRX 600 hydraulic brakes, targeting a more agile and responsive cycling experience. Its carbon fork and higher-tier components position it as a more performance-focused option.
- Fork:
- Salsa Journeyer: The bike comes with a Waxwing fork, which is designed to provide stability and comfort on a variety of terrains, from smooth roads to gravel paths. It contributes to the bike’s overall robustness and versatility.
- Kona Rove LTD: Features a Kona Rove Verso Full Carbon Flat Mount Disc fork, which contributes to a lighter and more responsive front end. This enhances the bike’s overall agility and handling, making it suitable for riders who prioritize responsiveness.
- Groupset:
- Salsa Journeyer: The bike is fitted with a Shimano GRX RX600 groupset, which is specifically designed for gravel and adventure riding. It offers reliable performance and is well-suited for long-distance cycling.
- Kona Rove LTD: Comes with a Shimano GRX 810 groupset, a higher-tier option known for its exceptional performance and durability. This makes it a more suitable choice for riders who are looking for extended use and more demanding terrains.
- Brakes:
- Salsa Journeyer: Features Shimano GRX RX400 hydraulic disc brakes, which are designed for reliable stopping power across different terrains. They offer a balanced performance, providing the rider with confidence during descents or in wet conditions.
- Kona Rove LTD: Equipped with Shimano GRX 600 hydraulic disc brakes, these offer strong and modulated stopping power, giving the rider more control in various riding conditions, from steep descents to sudden stops.
- Ride Feel:
- Salsa Journeyer: The bike is geared towards providing a stable and comfortable ride, particularly on mixed terrains. Its component choices and geometry make it a versatile choice for different types of cycling, from long-distance touring to light trail riding.
- Kona Rove LTD: This model is designed for a more responsive and agile ride experience. The carbon fork and higher-end components contribute to a ride that balances both responsiveness and comfort, making it versatile for both long rides and more technical terrains.
- Geometry:
- Salsa Journeyer: The bike’s geometry focuses on long-ride comfort and stability. It offers a stable and comfortable posture, making it suitable for a variety of riding styles, from touring to gravel grinding.
- Kona Rove LTD: While it also focuses on versatility and comfort, the LTD’s geometry is enhanced by its lighter fork and higher-end components, offering a slightly more responsive and agile feel, especially in steering and handling.
vs. the Bombtrack Hook EXT
The Bombtrack Hook EXT is designed for rugged off-road adventures, featuring Columbus Cromor double butted tubing and SRAM Rival hydraulic disc brakes. Its geometry and 27.5″ x 2.0″ WTB Ranger tires are tailored for stability and control on challenging terrains. In contrast, the Kona Rove LTD is more versatile, leaning towards both gravel and road cycling. Its Kona Butted Cromoly frame and Shimano GRX 810 groupset make it agile and responsive. While both bikes are built for durability and performance, the Hook EXT is more specialized for off-road conditions.
- Groupset:
- Bombtrack Hook EXT: Equipped with a SRAM Rival 1 groupset, which is tailored for off-road and gravel riding. It offers reliable performance and is well-suited for challenging terrains.
- Kona Rove LTD: Comes with a Shimano GRX 810 groupset, a higher-tier option that is renowned for its exceptional performance and durability. This makes it a more suitable choice for riders who are looking for extended use and more demanding terrains.
- Brakes:
- Bombtrack Hook EXT: Features SRAM Rival flat mount hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm rotors. These brakes are engineered for strong and reliable stopping power, particularly in off-road conditions where control is crucial.
- Kona Rove LTD: Equipped with Shimano GRX 600 hydraulic disc brakes, these offer strong and modulated stopping power, giving the rider more control in various riding conditions, from steep descents to sudden stops.
- Ride Feel:
- Bombtrack Hook EXT: The bike is geared towards providing a stable and controlled ride, particularly on challenging terrains like trails and gravel. Its component choices and geometry make it a specialized choice for off-road adventures.
- Kona Rove LTD: This model is designed for a more responsive and agile ride experience. The carbon fork and higher-end components contribute to a ride that balances both responsiveness and comfort, making it versatile for both long rides and more technical terrains.
- Geometry:
- Bombtrack Hook EXT: The bike’s geometry is tailored for off-road stability and control. It offers a stable and comfortable posture, making it suitable for tackling uneven and challenging terrains.
- Kona Rove LTD: While it also focuses on versatility and comfort, the LTD’s geometry is enhanced by its lighter fork and higher-end components, offering a slightly more responsive and agile feel, especially in steering and handling.
Features
Shimano GRX 810 Groupset: The Kona Rove LTD is fitted with a Shimano GRX 810 rear derailleur and can come with either Shimano GRX 810 or SRAM Apex crankarms. It offers a chainring setup of 31/48t or 40t with an 11-34t 11-speed cassette. This configuration gives riders a broad spectrum of gearing options, making it highly adaptable for various terrains, a characteristic that distinguishes it in its class.
Full Carbon Fork: The Kona Rove LTD is equipped with a Kona Rove Verso Full Carbon Flat Mount Disc fork. This lighter fork enhances the bike’s agility and responsiveness, a standout feature for riders who prioritize handling and control.
Shimano GRX 600 Hydraulic Brakes: The bike comes with Shimano GRX 600 hydraulic disc brakes, providing strong and modulated stopping power. These brakes offer excellent control in a variety of conditions, a feature that sets it apart in its segment.
Double Chainring Setup: The Kona Rove LTD offers a double chainring setup with options of 31/48t or 40t, providing riders with the flexibility to tackle a variety of terrains. This setup allows for a broader spectrum of gearing options compared to a single chainring, making it highly adaptable for everything from fast road rides to steep gravel climbs.
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 Ltd Featured in the Wild
Kona Rove LTD Review: Long-Term Roving by Joe Cruz on BIKEPACKING.com
Joe Cruz spent six months testing the Kona Rove LTD, taking it on multiple bikepacking trips and day rides. He found the bike to be purposeful and stable, particularly excelling when loaded up for bikepacking. Cruz notes, “It feels stable and planted, it holds tenaciously to a high-speed line, and it graciously copes with whatever rugged conditions thrown at it.” However, he also mentioned that the bike felt a bit stiff and less agile in twisty conditions, making it more suited for riders who prioritize bikepacking adventures over fast, unloaded gravel rides.
Kona Rove LTD 2021 Review by road.cc
The Kona Rove LTD is lauded for its exceptional ride quality and handling, particularly on gravel and off-road terrains. The bike features a butted steel frame and a carbon fork, offering a balanced and comfortable ride. The reviewer, Stu Kerton, highlights the bike’s versatility, stating, “The geometry is absolutely bang on for the gravel – and it’s no slouch when it transfers to the tarmac.” The bike comes equipped with a Shimano GRX 810 chainset and a 105 11-34t 11-speed cassette, providing a wide range of gears for various terrains. While it may not be the most competitively priced option in the market, its well-thought-out geometry and component selection make it a compelling choice for those looking for a high-quality gravel bike.
Kona Rove LTD Review by Road Bike Action
The review by Road Bike Action praises the Kona Rove LTD for its well-balanced ride and versatility. The author notes, “When it comes to just having fun on a bike and removing the labels and restrictions that many follow, the result is endless miles of joy. This is where the Kona Rove truly shines.” The Shimano GRX drivetrain is highlighted for its flawless performance, and the bike’s steel frame and carbon fork are lauded for their durability and design. The review concludes that the Kona Rove LTD is a worry-free, adventure-ready bike that excels on roads less traveled.
Specs
Build Kit
The Kona Rove LTD offers a choice between Shimano GRX 810 and SRAM Apex crankarms, with chainring options of 31/48t or 40t. The bike is equipped with either a Shimano 105 11-34t 11-speed cassette or its SRAM equivalent. For braking, it utilizes Shimano GRX 600 or SRAM Apex Hydraulic calipers, paired with 160mm rotors. The bike rolls on WTB KOM Team i23 TCS rims, fitted with Maxxis Rambler EXO TR 650x47c tires.
Frameset
- Frame: Kona Cromoly Butted
- Fork: Kona Rove Verso Carbon
Drivetrain
- Front Derailleur: Shimano GRX 810
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano GRX 810
- Cassette: Shimano 105
- Crankset: Shimano GRX 810
- Shifter: Shimano GRX 600
- Brakes: Shimano GRX 600 |160/160mm
- Rotors: Mechanical
Components
- Headset: FSA No.1/12B/44
- Stem: Kona Road Deluxe
- Handlebar: Kona Road
- Grips / Bar Tape: Velo Shock Proof
- Seatpost: Kona Deluxe Thumb | 27.2mm
- Saddle: WTB Volt
- Seatclamp: Kona Clamp
Wheels
- Front Wheel: WTB KOM Team i23 TCS, 27,5″ / 650B (584mm)
- Rear Wheel: WTB KOM Team i23 TCS, 27,5″ / 650B (584mm)
- Tires: Maxxis Rambler EXO TR | 650x47C
Frame Construction
The Kona Rove LTD’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.