The Rove AM’s chunky looks suggest plenty of metal and our test sample is no lightweight despite only being 70mm long. That said, the 174g weight isn’t excessive. It’s forged from 6066 aluminium and, aside from an easily remedied burr inside the steerer clamp, neatly finished.
Up front an extensively-windowed faceplate leads the way, secured by four bolts to the extension. Said extension has a hexagonal cross-section externally and is tapered both inside and out. Out back two opposing pinch bolts grip the steerer – M5 bolts rather than M4s, indicative of the Rove AM’s heavy-duty attitude.
On the trail the Rove delivers a reassuringly flex-free performance and it’s knee-friendly, thanks to well-recessed bolt heads. A pair of headset spacers, a star-fangled nut and a top cap are a bonus. The 60-90mm size range covers the most popular options although we’re surprised not to see a 50mm option.
This article was originally published in What Mountain Bike magazine.