I have a '04 Jake and I love it to death. I actually bought an older Jake so I could have the double drivetrain. The components aren't as good as the snake, but I use mine for a commuter and general beat up bike. So when I finally break my deraileur or shifters, it won't be as big of a deal. It feels really solid, and I don't feel like I am going to break the frame when I take it on some of the rougher offroad stuff or hop off curbs. They are somewhat tough to find online or used, but it's not impossible.
I say go for it