Cyclocross - Kona Jake the Snake - differences between 2010 and 2011, 2012 frames

My JtS 2010 has developed a cracked frame which will hopefully be replaced under the 4 year frame warranty provided by Kona, but after looking at the specs for the 2011 and 2012 frames, they seem to no longer have the mounting holes for fitting mudguards or a rear rack (I also use my JtS as a commuter/tourer) and the chainstay is 1cm shorter. Can any 2011 or 2012 owners confirm that?

I'm concerned that is Kona cannot replace my 2010 frame with like for like then they may offer a 2011 or 2012 frame which may be no use to me.

I would weld it.

It's an alu frame so not an easy job and also the frame is cracked flush with the seam of the weld between the seat tube and bottom bracket so would be very difficult.

For the purpose of this thread, I'm more after information about the JtS 2011 and 2012 frames, but any further suggestions would be gratefully accepted.

I'm pretty sure you're correct. About the chainstay length, anyway. No idea about the mounting thingies. I got a 2010 Jake (not JTS) because I wanted the longer chainstays, for panniers. Honestly, I think the newer frame might be more responsive, and feel quicker. You may need to get a different rack, but who cares? If it doesn't have provisions for mounting the things you need, though, that would be a deal breaker. I'm pretty sure (though not entirely sure) the Jake frame still has the mounting thingies. Don't know about the JTS.

My 2011 JtS doesn't have mounts for racks.

Thanks for the confirmation, just as I suspected. Just out of interest, are there mounting lugs for mudguards?

For some reason, I seem to recall that some of the 2011 Jakes and JTS did not have provisions for racks/fenders, while others did. As if the frame was originally spec'ed incorrectly, or the manufacturer messed up. The pics of the 2012 Jake and JTS seem to have braze-ons on the seatstay for racks, judging by the pics on their site. The Major Jake does not appear to have them.

You should probably ask Kona this question, if you want a definitive answer.

My 2012 JTS has mounts for a rear rack.

For some reason, I seem to recall that some of the 2011 Jakes and JTS did not have provisions for racks/fenders, while others did. As if the frame was originally spec'ed incorrectly, or the manufacturer messed up. The pics of the 2012 Jake and JTS seem to have braze-ons on the seatstay for racks, judging by the pics on their site. The Major Jake does not appear to have them.

You should probably ask Kona this question, if you want a definitive answer.This is correct. The 2011 JTS was changed mid-year and some have them and some do not. I have an early-2011 model that does not have them, but I saw some 2011s at the shop later in the year that did. As far as I know, all 2012 models have the eyelets.

For some reason, I seem to recall that some of the 2011 Jakes and JTS did not have provisions for racks/fenders, while others did. As if the frame was originally spec'ed incorrectly, or the manufacturer messed up. The pics of the 2012 Jake and JTS seem to have braze-ons on the seatstay for racks, judging by the pics on their site. The Major Jake does not appear to have them.

You should probably ask Kona this question, if you want a definitive answer.
Just checked the hi-res pic (http://files.konart.net/2k12/bikes/hires/jake_the_snake.jpg) of the JTS 2012 and it does appear to have the necessary mounts for rack and fenders. I'm not very happy that the chainstay is 10mm shorter though, I had enough trouble getting a pannier that would work for me without the problem of heel-strike.

I'm praying that Kona will be able to replace my JtS frame with the exact same model and size. I'll post a question in the Kona tech forums.

Thanks all

hey guys i got a JTS2010 practically brand new from one of my neighbors who was moving out and had never really used it. i am brand new to biking i am 5'9" and the frame on the kona is 56. i have about half an inch stand over with shoes. anyways it feels a bit big but i figured it would be perfect since i had knee surgery last year and i am still working on my mobility so bending the knee wont hurt too much. okay so here is the dilemma... i got it for 250 and someone is offering me 750 to buy it should i sell it or keep it?

hey guys i got a JTS2010 practically brand new from one of my neighbors who was moving out and had never really used it. i am brand new to biking i am 5'9" and the frame on the kona is 56. i have about half an inch stand over with shoes. anyways it feels a bit big but i figured it would be perfect since i had knee surgery last year and i am still working on my mobility so bending the knee wont hurt too much. okay so here is the dilemma... i got it for 250 and someone is offering me 750 to buy it should i sell it or keep it?

If it fits you, keep it. You'll never be able to replace it for anywhere near that price, and it's a great bike. If it's too big, sell it, and put that money toward something that fits.

FWIW, I have a 2010 Jake (Not JTS), and love it. I am 5 11, and mine is a 54. They run big. I thought the 56 was too big, based on measurements, but I didn't get to ride one, so I can't say that for sure. A 56 sounds big for someone 5 9, but everyone is different. If you can stand over it ok, and you feel comfortable on it, I'd keep it. Fantastic bikes.

BTW, I have no idea what you mean when you say "bending the knee won't hurt too much". Do you mean because it's big? If so, forget that, because you need to adjust the saddle to the proper height, relative to the pedals, no matter what size the frame is.

Frame size will affect how stretched out or upright you feel, and how easily you can stand while starting and stopping, but not how much you bend your knees while riding, unless the frame is WAY big or small.

Yeah that's what I thought. 250 seemed like a steal, I used to use the lean on one side method but since i havent ridden in a while im not sure how that will pull in SF streets...

I'm 5'9" and have both a 52cm 2008 Jake and a 54cm 2008 Major Jake (same geometry as the 2010 JtS). The 54 fits me perfectly, but with the right stem I can get the same fit out of the 52. Likewise, I'd imagine that with a stem swap you could get your 56 to fit more or less like a 54. If standover height isn't a problem, I would guess you can dial it in pretty well. Of course, you've got the bike already so you can figure out whether or not you are happy with the size. How it feels to you is really the only thing that matters.

I agree, BTW, that you would have to do a lot of shopping to find a better-or-equal replacement for $750.

I've looked at an actual JtS 2012 frame and is does have the necessary mounts for a rack or fenders, but only one threaded mounting hole on the rear dropouts. This is surprising given that my 2010 frame has two pairs of threaded holes on the rear dropouts.

Rack and fender should be able to share, I think, if need be.