Kona Rove AL 650 (2022)

Kona Rove AL 650 - The new Rove AL Gravelbike

The bikes of the Canadian / American manufacturer Kona are considered among connoisseurs as very high quality manufactured machines that, in addition to a high individuality, also convey a pleasant degree of lifestyle and emotion. In other words, exactly what is missing from many faceless series bikes today. Despite their unmistakably classic character, however, they rank technically on a modern level. With the new version of the Rove AL, the cult forge thus fully meets the nerve of the current gravel bike trend. In the frame, the developers have reflected on the excellent driving and damping properties of the material aluminum. The almost filigree-looking frame is completed by a slim rigid fork, also made of indestructible aluminum. And in view of the 27.5-inch wheels, equipped with fat 47-mm tires, this gravel runabout moves quite close to a trail MTB. A concept that has long since made school on the flow trails of the American West Coast, where you meet more gravel than mountain bikers today. However, the range of use of the Rove AL is even more diverse: namely from sporty training rides on asphalt and gravel to multi-day bikepacking adventures.

Classically modern aluminum frame with numerous mounting options

The experience of the Kona crew, who sits in the saddle themselves every free minute, is in every detail. A closer look reveals clever features that no all-rounder should be without. For example, threaded eyelets for rear luggage rack and mudguards or flanges for a lowrider carrier on the fork. Also mandatory is the option for two bottle cages in the frame triangle. Handlebars and stem offer enough variation options for the seating position, from comfortable to sporty. Other highlights of the equipment: a reliable Shimano Claris drivetrain with classic 2 x 8 gradation. At the wheels, stable thru axles ensure that the frame remains free of braking force influences. The wheels themselves come from the renowned manufacturer WTB. And the TRP disc brakes work with the help of low-maintenance Bowden cables.

Highlights

• Versatile gravel bike for gravel and asphalt
• Numerous options for attachments
• Reliable Shimano 2 x 8 drivetrain
• Sturdy 27.5 inch WTB wheels with thru axles