General Cycling Discussion - So now what?? Can't get bike!!

I called my LBS a week ago Saturday in hopes of getting Kona's "Jake the Snake".

I found out a week ago Monday that neither Snake or Dr. Dew (the other bike I was looking at) would be available for order (largest frame size available) until August :mad:

So now I'm stuck unless I want to buy a Trek, Cannondale, or Specialized. (the only other bike brands available up here).

I did so many hours of research and loved the Jake. I'm reluctant to order the Cannondale Cyclocross since it is more expensive than Jake.

Since I am moving in August, should I just wait to get the Jake then? When I won't have nearly as much time to ride it, but will get some use out of it as a commuter or buy another now?

Thanks
CranialCrusader

Try to find another Kona dealer in another city.
I have seen some of these bikes on eBay recently.
Kevin

You won't get any Cdale cross bikes until July unless there's a shop there sitting with one-they are out of '03s.

I was in the same position last year. Turned out to be a good thing. Check out the Bianchi Axis.
http://www.bianchiusa.com/site/bikes/road/12_axis.html

Originally posted by Dirtgrinder
I was in the same position last year. Turned out to be a good thing. Check out the Bianchi Axis.
http://www.bianchiusa.com/site/bikes/road/12_axis.html

I've looked at this bike, and if I had that much money to spend I would in a heartbeat! It's a sweet sweet ride.

The Jake is really at the top of my price window, so now I'm stuck. There aren't any other Kona dealers within HUNDREDS of miles from here. I've checked already.

CranialCrusader

I thought when I looked they were about the same price. What's the Kona's going for now?

Everything I saw said the Axis was between $1300 and $1400. I was going to buy Jake for $929.

I don't believe there is a dealer for the Axis in quite some distance either.

CranialCrusader

Have you called the other Kona dealers in the area? I see there are at least 3 in the metro Detroit area. I just looked for ones I knew around here but you can get the complete list of Michigan or Indiana from the konaworld website. Also there are many Bianchi dealers arounds so if you want to go with the Axis you
shouldn't have any problem with that either.

:beer:

I'm sure there are Kona dealers in Detroit, but that is 500 miles away!

I'll keep looking though.

CranialCrusader

Originally posted by CranialCrusader
I'm sure there are Kona dealers in Detroit, but that is 500 miles away!


Sorry, I went by the location you had listed. Your profile said you werea student so I figured Ann Arbor. My mistake!

I would wait, 'coz, if you buy a bike that you are not really keen on buying it, you will just say to yourself, "Why did I not wait for my dream bike"ahhh "I should have waited", so wait

Originally posted by MI_rider
Sorry, I went by the location you had listed. Your profile said you werea student so I figured Ann Arbor. My mistake!

It's cool. Thanks for the attempt! There are several colleges in MI that aren't UofM (Thank God).

Looks like I'm just going to have to keep my eyes open for the bike. I hope I'll find it eventually!

Dirtgrinder, how much were you finding the Axis for? If it's less than $1000 I would love to go for it.

CranialCrusader

Couldn't remember myself! Had to find the receipt. I paid $1200. for it.

kona has no more 2003 jakes. period. if you can't find one in your size at your lbs, they can't order one. you might consider the bianchi axis, the fuji cross and the k2 enemy, all fine cyclocross bikes with similar component specs and frames in the $900-$1200 price range.

the 2004 kona jake will be available in august.

Does anyone know if the '04 Snake will be similar to the '03?

There are no dealers for k2 within AT LEAST 100 miles of me according to dealer locater. There are several in the Detroit area, 500+ miles from here.

The closest Fuji dealer is 90 miles.

This of course makes getting service even more difficult.

Don't you wish you were in my shoes?!? :crash:

I'm thinking I should just wait until August and buy the bike in Indiana. Although, the time available to ride drops dramatically after I move, when the bike will take on more of a commuter role.


CranialCrusader

no news on how the 2004 jake will differ from the 2003 jake. it'll probably use the same frame, but there have been rumblings that it might be down-specced. on the other hand, the $1000 price point for 'cross bikes is pretty competitive these days, so i doubt it'll be down-specced much.

Go to the web site. Make a list of Kona dealers within a 500 mile radius. Call them. See if any of them have the bike. If so, see if they will hold it. They might even sell it to you by credit card, then UPS it to you. Otherwise, ROAD TRIP!

I've known people who have FLOWN to other cities to get particular bikes. Or watch Ebay. Or wait...but that is such a waste of a summer. :(