cyclpsych

I am new to this forum and new to cyclocross. I am a long-time road rider who wishes to try cyclocross this season. I have been looking at the 2013 Kona Jake, Masi Comp CX, and the Jamis Nova Sport as entry level bikes. Today, at a local EMS store, I came across a 2012 Kona Jake (sans disc brakes) that was significantly reduced in price ($325 less than the 2013 model that retails for $1149). Should I jump at the 2012? From everything I've read on this forum, many people really like their older Kona Jake bikes. Are disc brakes that big of a deal? Thank you

majwell

I think this post is relevant:

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=#post15593845

Andy_K 

This post might be helpful too: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...2012-Kona-Jake

I've got a 2013 Jake, but I race on a 2008 Major Jake with cantilever brakes, so obviously IMO disc brakes aren't that big of a deal for racing. A lot of people had problems with disc in extremely muddy and/or sandy conditions last year, but a lot of other people raced with discs and loved them. I guess it depends on course conditions.

CX Magazine reports that only 6% of the people who responded to their survey used discs at Nationals last year. That was one of the places where people using them had problems, so maybe those not using them that day knew something. In general, US pros seemed to like them last year, European pros not so much.