Re: Kona Rove Ti 59 -> Kona Vulcano adventure
Yes, TRP seemed to have nailed it (albeit there was a recall :facepalm: ) to actually get both pads to move unlike BB7. A bad thing with BB7 is you've pretty much got to use the correct Avid rotors due to the wider brake track.
Anyway, since you ask, these would be my mods to your build if I was doing it for my rides and aesthetics:
Tyres: Definetly no slicks!
A semi-slick like Schwalbe Smart Sam 35C for hard-pack or a Kenda Small Block 8. Something from Continental
for knobbies, as wide as I could go.
Seat-post: Sorry, the Thomson with a kink is in my opinion dreadfull (you did ask!) Something like an Easton carbon
if you are not going to be jumping on and off the saddle a la CX with a healthy set-back of around 2.5cm, or
even a Ti post like the Moots / Van Nicholas with a gentle curve which will add even more smoothness to
the ride.
Cranks: Far to modern looking and let's not forget about the Shimano reputation for hardwearing rings. I
would look into the new Middleburn Road crankset. Not cheap, but you would have every option for
hardwearing chainrings and set-up you could possibly imagine. Must be black of course.
Transmission: I would use Shimano 105 black parts instead of SRAM, and Ti looks best
with a strong contrast - silver or grey somehow blends with the frame. The price quality level of 105
is fine for a bike that is going to get some off-road riding where durability is more of a factor than lightness.
Hubs: I would have gone with tried and tested older XT centerlock with XT 160mm centerlock rotors. Not as
high end, but you know where you are with them and easily serviceable.
Dustcaps: This is very important....they need to be black of course.
Job well done replacing the seat-clamp with a plain one and getting a nice plain stem with no silly logos!
Your XT pedal choice was spot on, they are my favorite