Kona Rove NRB

Any thoughts on this bike?   As a first time buyer of a drop bar gravel bike I am wondering if this is for me.  Maybe 50/50 paved trails vs. dirt.  

Are the 47c tires gaining popularity?  

http://www.konaworld.com/rove_nrb.cfm

The NRB DL looks like the better buy.

Thanks.  

All that aluminum and a carbon fork seems like it will be unbearably stiff. What where you riding before? The Rove ST is all steel will probably ride better on the rough stuff. Also 47mm tires will maybe be overkill for a 50/50 bike. But having extra clearance is good for when you are doing more trails. \n \nI ride a Black Mountain Cycles monster cross frame that can clear a 2.1 WTB nano when I need it but i usually run 44mm Compass tires for my 50/50 stuff. But anything from 32-45 is sufficient depending on terrain and road/gravel conditions. \n \nI tend to recommend steel bikes for gravel/mixed surface riding. It will soak up the chatter much better than aluminum or carbon. I honestly only ride steel for everything.

http://www.konaworld.com/sutra_ltd.cfm. Just saw this while reading blogs this morning.... Kona Sutra LTD \n \n \nTakes up to 700x2.3 or will also fit 27.5x2.8!!! \n \nIf I were to buy a new bike right now this would probably be it . 2099 for the complete with a real good build kit for the price.

See my impressions of my NRB here :

http://ridinggravel.forumchitchat.com/post/show_single_post?pid=1302827323&postcount=15&forum=323916

Thanks guys, good stuff.  I have only ever ridden mountain bikes and I own a Salsa Timberjack + bike.  Love it.   I want to expand my riding and don't like road riding so looking at a gravel bike.  I have about 100 miles of paved trails taking off right from my house.  Plus I can drive 45 minutes to a couple of long gravel trails, plus light single track.  

Its all about the fun factor for me.  I am not a racer or an overnight tourer (at least not yet).  I test rode a Jamis Renegade expat, quite nice.   But these 650B x 47c bikes look very interesting to me and I did read those reviews.  

Only question to me about the Rove ST is the steel fork.  I read a lot and seems a carbon fork is much preferred.  

I have a 2014 Rove.  I don't mind the steel fork, and I think it is even beefier than the current P2.  I ride pavement, rail trails, and single track, some rather technical.  I am not sure where you are, Sparty...but WI is for Wisconsin I am guessing.  Maybe you know these places where I ride this bike:  Military Ridge, Badger, Glacial Drumlin, Badger Prairie, Quarry Ridge, Seminole, and paved roads.  The bike is not stock but still has frame and fork, bars, stem, and post.  Not really what I would consider a nice or high end bike, but FUN FUN FUN.  Probably can't go wrong with either one.  

Thanks Knl2stl.   Yup, in Milwaukee.   Typically I drive out to Kettle Moraine South John Muir trails.  Fantastic mountain biking.  

Glacial Drumlin is pretty close.   Amazingly I cannot find a Kona dealer in Milwaukee, so I have to drive to Green Bay to check out the NRB.

I will have to find a Rove ST and test ride.    I love the looks of the 1 x 11 drive train and the Rival components - seems like solid deal for $1500.  

I know Kettles well, but have not been out for a few years, as domestic bliss is really limiting my ride time, and mandating more local rides.  Both the NRB and ST seem like solid deals....but I kneel to steel.