Mountain Biking - Jericho Payback or...

Well...I finally saved up enough for my Payback frame, and now I'm having second thoughts. I could save about 800 bucks and get a less expensive (but still quality) steel frame.

So what should I do...buy the Payback or save some cash and buy a Cove Handjob or Kona Explosif (Which finally has disk tabs for 2003).

The Explosif frame is killer. I've already owned one and only got rid of it because it had no disk tabs. The Cove Handjob frame is comparible to the Kona...similar geometry and weight, both steel frames.

Money IS an object, but so is getting a ride I will be happy with. I know I like the Kona, and I'm sure I would like the Cove....but c'mon, they are not the Payback.

What would YOU do?

Oh yeah, links.

The payback: http://www.jerichobicycles.com/html/frames_payback.html

The Handjob:
http://www.covebike.com/article.php?itm=30

The Kona:
http://www.konaworld.com/2k3/2k3_explosif.cfm

I'm buying frame only...

if it were up to me i'd get the Jericho with out a doubt. The work and beauty in that frame far exceeds the others. Plus how many people do you know who have a Jericho?

Originally posted by PeterG1185
if it were up to me i'd get the Jericho with out a doubt. The work and beauty in that frame far exceeds the others. Plus how many people do you know who have a Jericho?

No doubt the craftsmanship is much higher than the others...and beautiful paint to match. And you're right, I've never seen anyone on a Payback :D

I could actually get a complete Kona or Cove for the price of the Payback frame...thats whats making me think.

I'll just sleep on it a few days :p But I am interested in what other MTB'ers would do...

I would get the cove or kona. Personally I don't care about handmade and I would dispute the whole 'quality' issue. Handmade does not mean a stronger tougher bike.

You do realize you are looking at two different geometries. The handjob is more slack and closer to the Kona Roast/Stuff than the Explosive.

Anyways of those bikes listed I would get the Handjob. Steel is wicked, the frame is tough and there is a lifetime crash replacement on it AND I know the guys the build the bikes and you can't get much more hardcore than that crew. :)

Originally posted by Maelstrom

You do realize you are looking at two different geometries. The handjob is more slack and closer to the Kona Roast/Stuff than the Explosive.


It's a bit more slack, but still a trail bike.

I'm starting to lean towards another Kona. They're put together very well, and I love the geometry of the Explosif. Laidback, but still fast...and you just can't beat 500 bucks.

Originally posted by palooka


It's a bit more slack, but still a trail bike.

I'm starting to lean towards another Kona. They're put together very well, and I love the geometry of the Explosif. Laidback, but still fast...and you just can't beat 500 bucks.

good call but also look at the warranties. The cove is lifetime and Kona is 2 or 3 years I think. Just something to consider...but either bike rocks :D

GET THE JERICHO!!!!

Originally posted by PeterG1185
GET THE JERICHO!!!!

Ok being serious here. What is the performance advantage of a 'handmade' bike (cove BTW is handmade in Canada in Vancouver). I am just curious as to why someone would spend far more for a bike that imo doesn't offer anything better than a good high end bike (I am not comparing it to say a low end Giant or Specialized)

OK my reasoning for saying for palooka to get the Jericho is that it's made of better steel, the geometry is more spot on for xc, and there's just somethng special in that bike that i dont see in the cove and the same effect but less of it in the Kona. Hell it's not my money but if i had some that's what i'd get

Originally posted by PeterG1185
OK my reasoning for saying for palooka to get the Jericho is that it's made of better steel, the geometry is more spot on for xc, and there's just somethng special in that bike that i dont see in the cove and the same effect but less of it in the Kona. Hell it's not my money but if i had some that's what i'd get

Sorry wasn't trying to be offensive but I hear people talking about handmade this, custom that etc...and I just don't see the reasoning. Maybe it is my value oriented personality...

now I have to say I love the look of the Goldrush...yummy :)

It's cool Mael. I get the same feeling when peolple try and review stuff they havent ridden or that they've ridden in the parking lot and feel they can now give a comprehensive review of it. Since you live in whistler and know the guys from cove i can see why you're partial to the Kona and Cove.

But you gotta admit any of those Jerichos are just too dam sexy:D

Originally posted by PeterG1185
It's cool Mael. I get the same feeling when peolple try and review stuff they havent ridden or that they've ridden in the parking lot and feel they can now give a comprehensive review of it. Since you live in whistler and know the guys from cove i can see why you're partial to the Kona and Cove.

But you gotta admit any of those Jerichos are just too dam sexy:D

I must say when I looked at the others they were pretty hot...I am not very partial to the xc geometry but that one ht looks too sweet. :)