Commuting - Kona Jake Durability?

I'm in the market for a new commuter/lite road bike so I mentioned it to my shop guy. He told me the Kona Jakes may have pretty paint jobs, some of the work or components aren't great. I'm wondering if this is true, or if it's because he doesn't sell the brand. Anyone have experience?

I don't have any personal experience with the Kona brand, but I know others that ride them and they are fine. I visit all of the shops in town and some of the guys talk down a little on the brands that they don't stock. As long as the shop that stocks Kona's can guarantee that Kona will stand behind their bikes if something goes wrong, you're okay. Components are easy to swap out if they are not up to the task.

I'm at almost 2 years on my 2006 Kona Jake. The only problem I had was the Truvativ Elita crank not being torqued correctly, which I fixed myself, but my shop said would be fully covered if it was damaged. 2007+ uses an FSA crank that is less fussy. I have one paint chip on the chain stay. Paint seems to be no better, no worse than other brands. Bianchi seems to be worse. Components are decent for the price, and I've had no issues with reliability or performance. I ride in all but salt on this bike.

This bike fit me great and felt great, and was $720 at the time. I didn't find anything comparable that I liked as much. The biggest plus for this bike is the fork. Although it's a bit heavier than alloy, the ride is very nice and it can take some big hits (potholes, that is).

My situation is the same as legot's...almost 2 years on my 2006, something like 4k miles.
The shop replaced my Truvativ crank that worked its way loose (mainly due to error by the assembler).
I lock mine up with a u-lock 5 days a week and have no noticeable paint nicks.
No other quibbles w/ parts spec- every time I find myself w/ extra cash and think about upgrading, I end up leaving all as is, and continue to ride along happily.

I have an 05 JTS, which is the same frame. (or used to be anyway). Lots of miles, lots of weather, no issues. I do have a few paint chips, but no corrosion, even with salty slush. I've swaped out almost every component on it, so I can't speak to component durability of anything but the seat post and handlebars, from which I've had no problems.

The frame is solid.
Everything else is just a collection of parts - the same parts as many other brands.

I had a JTS, and don't remember the component difference between it and the Jake.

I know a couple who bought 2 of them. No troubles at all!

I have a JTS. 14 months in there's a couple of paint chips and some rubbing from the cables...it looks great, still. Just like a used bike that's loved.

Differences between JTS and Jake -- aluminum grade for the frame, 105s vs sora, wheels (open sport). Geometry on the JTS is more aggressive and it has a more lively ride. Jake is a triple.

They tend to run big if you're sizing one -- mine's a 58 with a 58 top tube -- equivalent to a 59 or a 60 for many other makers.

I have a 2000 JtS, and have used it on singletrack trails, as well as use it for winter commuting
in MN for the last 5 years and it still looks good, and is rolling fine. They are built really well.