Hey
I would like to hear your opinion (pros and cons) about Kona Jake '04 and '05 edition.
I've seen some positive comments about Kona Jake the Snake but in it's about $500 CDN more, at this time a bit beyond my budget.

Thanks a lot.

looks like a general component downgrade across the board. Its the same frame though so that is a plus. The stuff on the Jake will work fine, just might wear out a little faster.

Have a look on canadiancyclist.com as well. Depending what size you are looking for and where you are there a number of late model jts for sale which will of course be cheaper than buying a new 05.

looks like a general component downgrade across the board. Its the same frame though so that is a plus.

It's not the same frame.

Spec. on frame tubing at www.konaworld.com
Jake: Kona 7005 Butted Aluminum
Jake the snake:Easton Ultralite Race

If you not gonna race i think that Jake will fit you. I have a Jake the snake 2005 and is very satisfied with it. I've read somewhere (don't remember where) that the biggest difference between them is the weight that differs a lot. Jake can be a better choice for commuting, the snake has a race frame thats lighter and that's not always the best for daily use for many years. Jake have also 3 chainrings in the front, the snake have 2 and have gearing for cyclocross race.

Sorry for my bad english, i'm swedish...

I have a '04 Jake and I love it to death. I actually bought an older Jake so I could have the double drivetrain. The components aren't as good as the snake, but I use mine for a commuter and general beat up bike. So when I finally break my deraileur or shifters, it won't be as big of a deal. It feels really solid, and I don't feel like I am going to break the frame when I take it on some of the rougher offroad stuff or hop off curbs. They are somewhat tough to find online or used, but it's not impossible.

I say go for it :D

It's not the same frame.

Spec. on frame tubing at www.konaworld.com
Jake: Kona 7005 Butted Aluminum
Jake the snake:Easton Ultralite Race


My mistake, should have looked more closely.

Sorry for my bad english, i'm swedish...

Better than my Swedish...

Go for the bike with the better frame and components.

I commuted on a JtS for 4 years before getting my new crosser. Excellent bike.

I had the wheels rebuilt and replaced the saddle at the same time - no problem. Good handling no matter what the weather(ice, snow and rain) and a very comfortable ride.

The problems I've had with buying cheap is that the components tend to wear out faster than the more expensive option.

I can only suggest either bite the bullet and pay the difference or keep saving. I justified the extra expense by not having to pay for a tube(metro) season pass which saved me enough over 4 years to pay for the new bike.

Does the 2005 snake model have braze ons for a rear rack? I am looking for a general purpose road/commute/packed dirt trail bike, I am considering the snake along with the kona sutra model.

I´ve done 200 km on my new Kona Jake 2005 that arrived last week. I´m gonna use it as a dirt road training/light touring/winter bike. I wanted three chainrings in front - the gearing is good. No reason to upgrade the parts now, everything works great. I will upgrade when these parts wear out.

It's a lot of bike for the money, besides, the red/black colour of the Jake is so much nicer than on the Jake the Snake...:)

Robin