Did you ever get a chance to ride the Volpe? I'm curious compared to the JTS what you thought of the steel -v- aluminum. I've been very pleased with my JTS. I got a cool pair of Winwood Deckster Platform Pedal Inserts for my clips. I wanted something that would allow me to just jump on my bike and go for a quick run without having to change shoes. On paper one would think that an AXIS would have been the way to go for me, but it was actually getting on the bike that proved to me that the JTS fit me best. I asked H&S the same question regarding the fork. I don't remember exactly what Izzy said, but if memory serves me he said that I needn't bother with fiber... something about it not being as durable, more suited for road then off. Which is the reason I was going with a CX bike over a regular road bike. Of course, you can always upgrade at a later date. I've been really happy with the stock components on my Kona. From what I could tell it was the best value in all my research. Good luck!