Any Feedback/Opinions on Rove Women's Bike?

[BKinCO]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the forum and am about to buy a bike - haven't ridden in a while, but am in fairly good shape from other exercise.

Can anyone give me feedback on the Rove? Not the Rove 2, but the top-of-the-line Rove?

It's designed for a woman, so I think that's good since I am smallish (5'5" - 125 lbs).

It's a crossover that can also do trails, which I want (will not be doing any serious trails - just the occasional change in terrain to a packed mud road with a bit of gravel). And, it's supposed to be good at climbing hills, which is important for where I live.

The cost is $980, which I can swing.

Thanks,
BKinCO

[Wahine]

It looks like a very reasonable bike for that price. It is still more of a mountain bike than what I would consider a multi-surface bike. If you are only packed dirt with a bit of gravel, the front end suspension may be overkill and you might be able to get another bike in a similar price range that is more like a cyclocross bike. It would be lighter and faster and can handle gravel just fine. For example this bike which is just slightly more expensive and is also a WSD bike.

[BKinCO]

Hi Wahine,

I actually considered the Invite but decided I really need the flat bar rather than the drop. I feel pretty comfortable that I made the right decision. Down the road, I'd like to possibly get a road bike, but since I'm just getting into it all, I think the flat bar will make me more secure.

Really appreciate your posting, though. It's kind of amazing that people will essentially give their time away to help others find the right bike. Great, supportive place. So impressed at everyone's thoughtfulness and feedback. Hope I can do it for someone else "down the road" when I become more knowledgeable.

BKinCO

[Wahine]

You could still go with more of a cyclocross type bike, use 35 mm wide tires and a flat bar. It's not that unusual for a people to ride flat bar cyclocross bikes. Or I would consider a bike like the Rove but with a rigid fork, instead of a suspension fork. Suspension forks are heavy and require maintenance. With the kind of riding you're planning on doing, it's not really necessary. Though to be honest it might be nearly impossible to find a mountain bike type set-up with a rigid fork.

Though I loathe to recommend Specialized (for business ethics reasons), have you considered something like this?

[Wahine]

Here's Giant's similar model.

It certainly comes with a hill climbing friendly gearing set up.

[Wahine]

That Surly would be a great option.

And thank you for the compliment. It's very nice to feel appreciated.

[BKinCO]

Does it make a difference that the suspension fork on the Rove can be turned off when on the road?

The plush suspension fork can be locked out for smooth pavement or flipped open for off-road excursions.


Thanks for your help!
BKinCO