Keeping with their Sea Otter tradition, Kona had a few bikes on display that hint towards their new line up which will be released later this year. Technically, they are still pre-production samples, but the bikes are a great indication of what’s to come. Namely, Road Plus from the Rove line. Moving away from traditional road, Kona is focusing their energy on all around road, gravel, adventure, and cross depending on the model. Given the brand’s reputation for dirt fueled fun, that seems like a smart move.
Like a lot of dirt road adventure bikes, the Roves are moving to 27.5 x 2.0″ tires with options for steel or aluminum frames with loads of clearance and fitments for all the accessories you may need…
Built from Reynolds 853 steel, the Rove LTD combines a carbon fork with 12mm thru axles front and rear to keep the Road Plus wheels in check. Equipped with the same geometry as the Rove NRB DL below, the Rove LTD will clear 27.5 x 2.0 or 47mm tires with fenders as well as 700 x 40mm. Possessing the LTD badge means this is how Kona employees might spec their own Rove, which is why it has an upgraded parts spec including a 1x drivetrain.
Called the NRB DL for Neo Rando bike, this Rove is an aluminum framed version that is a bit lighter than the steel. Featuring a longer TT than a cross bike as well as a lower stand over, the frame also features internal shift housing with external brake routing and will have full rack and fender mounts for production. Also thru axle front and rear, further details include a threaded BB, flat mount disc brakes, and the ability to run a double if desired.
For the upcoming cross season, Kona has made some changes to their Major Jake carbon CX platform. Geometry is now a bit slacker with a 70/70.5/71.5° head tube angle depending on the size, as well as a 425mm chainstay length. Front derailleur compatible with a BB86 bottom bracket, the frame is also dropper compatible – but only without running the front derailleur. The housing gets moved over from the front derailleur port into the dropper port allowing you to get that seat out of the way for whatever reason you see fit.
And then there’s the e-bike, called the Remote. To be honest, the way Kona had it built up is actually pretty cool. Loaded down with all the heavy tools needed for real trail work, the Remote will get you and your chainsaw, McLeod, and all the gas, bar oil, and refreshments out to remote sections of trail with ease. The Remote will ship with the rear rack, though all the accessories are sold separately. Based on Honzo geometry, the Bosch CX motor equipped bike runs 27.5 x 3.0″ tires.
