Originally Posted by
ericzamora
Nice looking bike PBass!
My main question.... the Sutra comes with 700c. The Rove is 650b. The Norco Search is listed as both 650b and 700c compliant. Does anyone have any experience with running the opposite factory spec-wheel sizes for the Konas? 700c on the Kona Rove, 650b on the Kona Sutra? Kona's web site doesn't mention that but it seems like it could be done.
Not sure about the 2019 Rove ST like mine running a 700c. However, the 2018 Rove ST comes 700c, and I was told by Kona that you
can run a 650B 47c tire on it. They said they tested it with the wheels/tires from an NRB and it fit fine. You can get the 2018 Rove ST for a great price right now. I was seriously considering that before I happened upon the 2019 in my size and just jumped on it.
http://www.konaworld.com/2018/rove_st.cfm
As for the pavement vs gravel factor, I dunno man, I've only been on a few rides with it but I'm lovin' the "road plus" thing on every surface I encounter. Been going out of my way to hit a lot of variety, from fast winding road descents to rocky singletrack. I'm coming from riding a gravel bike with 700x41c on it,
everywhere--from road to trails. I have a feeling I'm sticking with this 650B thing for the foreseeable future!