Originally Posted by
Eggman84
Probably no. Your frame is spaced for a 130mm OLD (over locknut dimension) hub. I think 12 speed has moved to wider hubs to fit that number of cogs. In any case, the cassette you are referencing is a MTB, whose hubs were 135mm OLD, and many are wider today with thru axles, not quick releases. You realize you will need new shifters and derailleurs (and possibly new crankset). The 2009 Kona Jake was 3x8 Tiagra; not going to be compatible with 12 speed (you may not be even able to reuse the brakes depending on what shifters you use). Unless you know exactly what you want and why, it would probably be cheaper (not to say work better) if you just bought a new bike with the features you want.
9 speed (yes, I'm bored drinking coffee and waiting for the TDF stage to start.....;-)
as you say, unless he knows what he wants and why, and how much he wants to spend, he'll be getting into money parts wise with something that very well would be better to find a new or very new used bike that has more tire clearance or whatever.