Cyclocross - Jake the Snake on the Road

At the moment I have two bikes: a Bianchi road bike and a Surly Cross-Check. The Bianchi I use mainly for shorter road rides and fast group rides. The Cross-Check I use for EVERYTHING else (off road, light touring, cross-racing-hilarity). My problem is that I bought the Bianchi a few years ago when I didn't know enough about bike fitting to realize that the guy at my LBS also didn't know jack about bike fitting. As a result my roadie is one (possibly two) sizes too big for me, which is wreaking havoc on my body.

Recently I found a great deal on a used Jake the Snake frameset. Im considering snagging it and moving my 105 group from the Bianchi over to it. My idea is to then use it to race cross on and for my road rides. My question is: will I regret having a JTS as my primary road ride?

Well, the main issue would be your comfort level with canti brakes. If you don't mind them on your cross check, then I'd say go for it.

Interesting discussion. I have been having that same discussion in my head and online for the last 4 months and today I went to the LBS and ordered a JtS for my primary road bike because I like the geometry and the ability to jump off-road when an interesting trail presents itself here in the North-east Kingdom. The new bike will be here in a few weeks....cannot wait to get it rolling!

You'll be fine. I bought mine in October of 2006 and have over 3,500 miles on it -- at least 90% of which has been primarily road.

The brakes take some fiddling to dial in well (it can be done -- especially with Salmon Kool Stops) and it'll be 95% as quick as a proper roadie. Many folks (myself included) end up with two wheelsets with different tires -- in my case I have a set of deep Vs with ultegra hubs and 28 contis for road, and keep the stock set with knobbies for off-road (or for rides when there's snow).

I bought it mostly because I'm a clyde and tend to break things. Love it. Around here at least, they are somewhat rare -- I've only seen 3-4 others. There's an LBS that I stop in on one of my longer routes that carries Trek, specialized and Serotta...every time I stop in for something I end up with at least 3-4 of the wrenches coming to look at the ride because of its great reputation.

For an aluminum ride, it's very comfy. I did 50 miles Saturday with no issues.

Sizing is a little odd and Konas have a reputation for being big for their size. PM me if you have any questions.

They are definitely big for their size, let me explain...no, it is too much, let me sum up...

My cervy R bike is a 54, my Jake is a 52. I was initially concerned that the Jake would be too small, but it is actually one CM longer in the top tube, (than the VIRTUAL TT on the Cervy) and almost 2CM longer overall. I knew it would be higher given the higher BB location, but its actually pretty roomy, without being lanky. Kona seems to have that one figured out.