Still looking for that Cross Bike ... Jake the Snake?

[Zippy]

I think I'm nearer finding that new bike that I really need. I got swept away in that initial MTB boom back in the day and I've been riding a Specialised Hard Rock with slicks ever since, but now I am getting to that seasoned time in my life it is starting to feel like less of a "proper" bike!

My lbs doesn't do Specialised so the Spec' Cross is out unless I want to travel further out. Not really happy that there are no braze-ons for mudguards on this.

They suggested Kona for a cross bike - Jake the Snake - silly name (but so is Hard Rock I suppose). Good reviews and it does have braze ons for mudguards so could be a better bet.

Does anyone have one and like it? Does anyone have one and hate it? I'd welcome your feedback.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

how about one of these? I've test ridden the '09 & '10 models. Lovely.

 

[Zippy]

My searches keep coming back to this machine, but I can't find one in Cornwall to try out in my size let alone buy one. It is very nice.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Well if you will live in Cornwall! Paignton and Exeter are the nearest dealers to you which is probably too far for comfort.

 

[lpjr]

Hello. On your original post I was able to recommend the Orbea Mud. Link on that post. Did 58 miles on it the other day. Loved it. You may get a deal on them now as the 2011 models have come out which look great but are leaving your price range.
Kona Jake was number one on my short list. I only did not get it as the listed local dealer had stop stocking Kona. They did have a Kona major Jake left in stock reduced from £1595 to £1100 but not my frame size. But it looked good. I think it was a 2007 model.
If you get a cyclocross you will have to enter a cyclocross race. They seem a good laugh. In my 1st race in 2 weeks time.

 

[u9ge]

Roadrat?

 

[Zippy]

Nearest Croix de Fer is a 2011 model in Taunton for £1100. Was really hoping for a 2010 model for that bit cheaper and Taunton is a bit of a drive.

My local stockist is calling me to a Specialised Tricross. I'm kind of tempted and its just inside the upper limit of the C2W we have of £1K. I think I'm going to be drawn to what's available really. Why do I think it is the poor relation of the two?

 

[Jezston]

Roadrat?

The road rat is just a frame. There is a shop that did make a hub geared bike out of it, but that's a special build with several months wait, and I don't know if view still do it and for under a grand.

 

[Matty]

The road rat is just a frame. There is a shop that did make a hub geared bike out of it, but that's a special build with several months wait, and I don't know if view still do it and for under a grand.

Well kind of, Cotic offer ready built single speed or hub gear or normal gear Roadrats. Cyclo-cross would be a custom build though.

 

[mooseracer]

My searches keep coming back to this machine, but I can't find one in Cornwall to try out in my size let alone buy one. It is very nice.

Who's your LBS? What do BikeChain in 'druth stock these days?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Nearest Croix de Fer is a 2011 model in Taunton for £1100. Was really hoping for a 2010 model for that bit cheaper and Taunton is a bit of a drive.

My local stockist is calling me to a Specialised Tricross. I'm kind of tempted and its just inside the upper limit of the C2W we have of £1K. I think I'm going to be drawn to what's available really. Why do I think it is the poor relation of the two?

nothing wrong with a tricross, but a kona or a genesis are a little less common.

 

[downfader]

I have a Kona Jake that I've upgraded. The top model has a special alloy frame that absorbs the road a little better than the 7005 alloy on the Jake and Snake.

The Snake is close in spec and feel to the Specialized Tricross.

I will say that if you've never ridden canti brakes then its preferable to make sure you try them. They dont offer quite the stopping power Vs, callipers or discs do. Cantis can be swapped out for miniVs I'm told, I have a set but I've yet to install them and test it out.

 

[Zippy]

Well yesterday i had a bit of a drive round the shops and i found a Specialised Tricross in Truro and a Kona Jake the Snake at the Bike Chain in Redruth.

Just a glance at the Jake the Snake told me the components are higher spec and quality compared to the Tricross.

The store guy told me Kona offers a lifetime warranty whereas Specialised do not. The Tricross comes with cheap and nasty plaggy flat pedals which I would want to swap out for SPDs (and the guy in Truro said he could dop this for £30); the Kona comes ready fitted.

So the Tricross comes at £850, but with extra cost of SPDs, compared to the Kona at £1000 with better specs. I calculate the extra £100 would be worthwhile for the array od components I would be getting.

I took my wife along, who does not cycle and hates the smell of cycle shops (new rubber and testosterone), who says the Kona is a "prettier bike, 'cos its blue" and looks more like the bikes she remembers; I thnk she means the tubing is less chunky.

It looks like I'm going for the JtheS with the Tricross as a close second.

 

[Jezston]

Apart from the now redundant 'rules' aspects of cantilevers, are there any advantages to such brakes?

 

[Matty]

Kona make excellent bikes in my view, doubt you'll be disappointed.