Kona Rove ST build (2017 frameset)

Long story for how I ended up here, but I'm pretty excited about this. I grabbed a closeout 54cm Rove ST frameset last month and have been working on getting it together.

The build so far:
Chris King Jet black headset
Thomson X4 Stem, Dirt Drop bars and setback seatpost (from the previous bike)
Fizik Aliante VSX (ride this on all my bikes)
Shimano RS685 brakes/shift levers
Wheels: DT Swiss R500 rims, Competition Spokes, Shimano RS505 hubs, Ice-tech centerlock rotors

I considered getting the new 2018 complete Rove ST as it has thru axles and flat-mount brakes, but I went this way for a few reasons:

1. The paint! this paint job is awesome. And, it has a head badge.
2. I like certain components and I'd want to swap a lot
3. The closeout was a great deal, and 
4. Thru axles seem like the way things are going but I think QR is going to work well here as I've got forward-facing front dropouts, the dropouts are fairly stout, and I'm using internal cam Shimano skewers. 

As someone who suffers from frequent bike buy/sell, I think I've figured out how to slow down, and it's by slowing down the build process and making good choices. Rather than slapping it together the night I got it, I've taken time to prep the frame with rust inhibitor, had it chased and faced by the local top-notch shop (Vecchio's in Boulder), and waited on handbuilt wheels and a Sugino crank from Japan (any day, please!). Putting time in at the front should pay dividends down the road (I hope!). 

Here's some pics:

             

The bare frame:





After applying rust inhibitor (taped the vent holes, stuffed the bigger ones with paper towels).   

Thanks for letting me share!

Looks nice, did you get to ride it yet?

Almost done! Crank finally arrived (Sugino OX901) and got derailleurs hung. Tonight I'll put the chain and cables on, and hopefully take it out. 

Finally finished this and got out today for a bit!

Drivetrain:
Sugino OX901 46/30 crankset and new 5801 derailleur (this style is new to me, still needs some tuning).
5800 GS derailleur and 11-32 cassette.

This thing is really fun. Seems planted but easy to negotiate rocks and ruts, and (relatively) easy to go up and down steep stuff with the 30T ring for up and the wide dirt drops for going down.


       

Nice bell too!

brando wrote:Finally finished this and got out today for a bit!

 

Nice!

What size tires? We're looking for another all road bike and I'm not sure about the max tire size for a late model Rove ST. 

Thank you.

These are Panaracer Gravel King SK 700x38, which measure 41mm wide on DT Swiss R500db rims (22mm inner). There's probably 5mm clearance on each side of the tire at the chainstay, which is the narrowest clearance (seatstay and fork have more). I feel good with this and I want to try WTB Nano 40s and maybe even Resolute 42s, but I would probably only go wider on dry days, and might get some rub if I busted a spoke.

brando wrote:These are Panaracer Gravel King SK 700x38, which measure 41mm wide on DT Swiss R500db rims (22mm inner). There's probably 5mm clearance on each side of the tire at the chainstay, which is the narrowest clearance (seatstay and fork have more). I feel good with this and I want to try WTB Nano 40s and maybe even Resolute 42s, but I would probably only go wider on dry days, and might get some rub if I busted a spoke.

Thank you. That's very helpful because it's a minor road trip for me to get hands on with the 2018 model that's available.

Could you put fenders on with that setup?

I've not had a hands on yet, but the Rove ST checks off a lot of boxes. Tire and fender space along with would the 1x gearing cut it are front and center. I happen to love 1x for MTBs.

Thanks again.

I live in a pretty dry area so I just use clip-on fenders on this setup on wet days - the clearance is a bit tight at the bridge and fork, but I'm ok with it in that one spot. I probably want a bit more clearance on full fenders.

If you get a 2018 frame and run 650b, you should have plenty of tire width and fender clearance.