Cyclocross - Kona Major Jake or Gary Fisher?

So I am getting a cross bike, and I've got it nailed down to either the Kona major jake and the gary fisher Presidio. I don't have a final price on the fisher so that will help me decide but i thought i might consult you guys to help me make up my mind.

I'm starting to lean towards the fisher because of the Sram Rival kit, personally i don't like shimano shifters, and the fact that the Fisher runs sram shifters is a big plus, also the fact that it's a steel frame. But conversely i've heard a few downsides to the sram. I've heard that the durability of the rival rear deraileur might not be unto par with the ultegra that adorns the major jake. Also that the cables are difficult to replace due to the internal routing, that does not seem like a big deal to me as i only replace the cabling on my road bike every few years. But it's my understanding that replacing the cabling is required frequently on a cross bike what with the mud and all.

The major jake is lighter, and IMO has a better wheel set fork and frame. But i just hate shimano shifters so much. i've been told if i intend to race(and i do) that the major jake would be the one to have. And would be an easier bike to live with when racing. further more that the weight difference is not to be discounted in cross racing. But i'm interested in owning a scandium frame, as i've heard they ride similar to cheaper(straight gauge 4130 or butted 520) steel bike, because the tubing does not need to be nearly as thick in the weld areas compared to a normal 6061-T6 or 7005 series frame.


Any how any input you have to offer would be appreciated.

Have you given any thought to buying a Major Jake frame, and building it up?
You could have it shipped to gvhbikes and have them hang a Rival group and the wheels of your choice on it.

I will order the bikes whole, cost me too much to build it up from a kit. I don't hate Shimano shifters enough to have to spend a few hundred extra $

What specifically do you dislike about the Shimano shifters?

Have heard/read nothing but positives about SRAM Rival. Poor durability of a rear derailleur? Non-issue, they don't cost much, for one, but I also doubt the charge.

MJ owner here. I absolutely LOVE my bike. Consider buying the frame you love and selling the parts. If you really love Sram, an after market swap should not cost you that much more.

If you really love Sram, an after market swap should not cost you that much more.That's if you can finding someone with whom to swap.

The full bike package will almost always give the best bang-for-buck, by a significant margin.

If you were going to swap out a significant percentage of the bike, you might as well build up from a frame.

That's if you can finding someone with whom to swap.

The full bike package will almost always give the best bang-for-buck, by a significant margin.

If you were going to swap out a significant percentage of the bike, you might as well build up from a frame.

Agreed, but I meant actually selling and then buying the parts rather than swapping with a partner.
I have just been struck lately by the importance of riding the frame you love. Parts come and go but that frame really is the soul of the bike.

dont get a lemond.

Get a major - or look at the van dessel hole shot (that comes with rival and it is not that much...)

dont get a lemond.

Get a major - or look at the van dessel hole shot (that comes with rival and it is not that much...)


Care to give any reasoning for that statement? It only helps me if i can understand why you said it many people have given me such advise one way and the other but so far no one can really back it up.

And thats a nice bike unfortunately i can't get a deal on one.

And as far as picking a frame i like i don't know which i will like better as I've never ridden Scandium, i do like a nice steel frame but on the other hand it's heavier and I've heard scandium has a ride something in between steel and Ti. Even if i could test ride both in my size i belive to takes at least a few hundred km before you know if you really like a frame or not. I think getting the major jake and swapping the dérailleurs and shifters over to campy or sram is what i will end up doing. Unless i can get the Fisher for a few hundred less.

As far as Shimano shifters go its a matter of preference, i don't like the amount of play in them and believe whoever though it was a good idea to put braking and shifting on the same lever probably never rode a bicycle.