Spa Rove dual purpose adventure bike

[Paul_in_France]

After a discussion on the Cycling UK forum, I am finally ready to start assembling my Spa Rove adventure bike, that I hope will replace my Decathlon cross-country MTB and my Raleigh Royal tourer:

There will be a second pair of 700c wheels shod with a suitable “gravel” tyre for touring, along with a rack and mudguards.

 

[ianrauk]

I love the colour. Look forward to seeing the build.

 

[Drago]

Build it quick and ride to the shops for some decking oil.

 

[wiggydiggy]

I just read a review of that this morning, CyclingUK seemed to like it.

 

[T4tomo]

Appears to be an "Elan" frame not a "Rove" or are they the same?

 

[Paul_in_France]

Appears to be an "Elan" frame not a "Rove" or are they the same?

You have keen eyes, sir !!
I believe that Spa mistakenly applied the wrong stickers to this frame. The Elan doesn’t have the sliding rear drop outs of the Rove, nor is it available in lovely “burnt orange” ;-)
I maybe the owner of a unique RovElan !!

 

[T4tomo]

Was it cheaper to get it in jigsaw kit form? Don't they normally preassemble them.

Defo a Rove, as wel as the drop outs, the Elan has a significantly taller head tube.

 

[Paul_in_France]

I just read a review of that this morning, CyclingUK seemed to like it.

Thanks for the link - there is surprisingly litte in the way of review on the 'net about the Rove, and I had not seen this article.

I compared the geometries of various frames, including the Bridge Club, before deciding on the Rove, and geometrically speaking they look to me as though they should handle very similarly. The only noteably differences are that the Rove has a slightly longer wheel base, and a higher headtube, so getting a good "fit" should be just a question of selecting the appropriate stem and bars.

And yes, just like Ikea, Spa's self-assembly kits are cheaper !
(especially for those who, like me, live on the other side of the Channel)