Cyclocross - 08 Kona Jake the Snake

I'm about ready to pull the trigger on an 08 Jake the Snake as my first cross bike but have a few questions. I've found a 58cm frame but I'm not sure if I'm a 56 or a 58. I've been to a few lbs and half have fitted my on a 56 (Trek, Specialized) and half on a 56 or 58 (Colnago, Scott). I'm a hair over 6' with a 33 inch inseam as measured by wrench science. There are no dealers in my area to try them out for myself. I would appreciate any and all advice! Thanks in advance.

When I bought my '08 Jake, the LBS told me that they run a little big. I bought a 52 (I'm 5'9"), which isn't bad at all, although I did end up having to put a stem with a pretty steep angle on it. I think I probably could have fit on a 54.

I told the local Kona dealer that I'm 6' with a 33" inseam, and asked them to check on any leftover '08 Jakes. They said Kona only had a 58cm JTS, but they recommended against me getting a 58. I still need a proper measurement, but they were pretty confident that a 58cm Jake/JTS frame is too big for someone 6' and 33" unless they have some freaky body proportions.

I would say go to a reputable expert for a fitment, and tell them to look up the '08 Jake series' geometry. If you're paying them for the service ($50 - $100), they shouldn't feel butt-hurt about you wanting a brand they don't carry.

standover is usually higher on a cross bike than a road bike of the same "size". Usually you will ride a size smaller

I'm 6'3 and change, and am comfy on a 58, with the seat abou 1.5 inches above the bars. They run on the big side.

5'11 and I ride 56 JTS with a 110 10 degree stem.

Not a lot of seat post showing. Great fit.

I know - at 6 foot that does not really help you pick between the 56 or 58. :) sorry.

if you have a road bike then just subtract 1cm from the top tube length and then run the same stem length. Also, make sure you can lower your seat post 1cm from where it currently resides.

Ideally you would buy your bike with with a 1c shorter top and seat tube.

Thanks for the suggestions! I was able to find a gently used 56cm 2007 Jake the Snake and went for it. Can't wait to ride the thing into the ground over the next several years!

How are you finding used Jakes? Craigslist and Ebay are turning up nothing anywhere near me on LI. Is cyclocross more popular by you?

I'd definitely prefer to buy used, if only I didn't have to drive 180 miles and pay $60 on tolls and gas for the nearest CX bike.

I was able to find this one on Ebay. I've been looking for a while and you are right. Not many Jakes out there. This one was owned by a guy who claims to have only used it on the road for a total of 280 miles, no scratches or dings. If he's even close to honest I'll be more than happy.

Cool. :thumb:

I'm kind of a big pussie about buying online. I bought a hybrid off the rack at my LBS on clearance, and it's a size too small. :bang:
So since I apparently don't know what I'm doing, I think I'll pony up and pay MSRP at a LBS so I can get measured/fit properly.

I'm always looking to save and buy online, but atleast until I've rounded out my experience a bit and know what fitments I like, I might need my hand held by a good LBS.

I picked up an '09 JTS frame off Ebay for about $350 NIB. I'm building it this weekend hopefully. I found an LBS w/ JTS in stock and rode theirs then bought the frame that I knew fit. I don't feel guilty. I spend a ton of $$$ there and they will continue to get money oup of my pocket.