Well, I finally got my Jake in about a week ago. I've got 75 miles on it now, so thought I'd post some photo's. Sorry about the shadows and the mud on the bike





My 1st impressions are:

• I really like the bike. It fits me well and feels very sturdy.
• I'm surprised at how well the Tiagra stuff works, definitely better than I expected.
• I really like the stock handlebars and tape. REALLY like them.
  

• [*]
• [*]

A few notes on additions to the bike

• I was worried that the Aluminum frame would be harsh after riding steel and carbon the last few years, but it isn't at all. It may be that I bought Schwalbe Marathon Supremes in 32, and they are smoothing out the ride, but it is a very smooth combination I would recommend.
• I love my OMM Red Rocks Rack. It is long enough to be able to accommodate a large pannier and not have heelstrike with my size 13/48 shoes.
• I love my Arkel Utility Basket. I started with a Bug backpack, but it wasn't big enough. The Utility Basket is big enough for my large laptop, clothes, a thermos, tools, phone, wallet, keys, etc. With more room to spare!
• I haven't yet made up my mind on the Crank Bros Pedals. The are quite bigger than the Shimano 520SPDs I used before, which is great for mashing at lights, but they are harder to get into. Several people have recommended that I cut part of the tread off my shoes to make clipping in easier, but I really don't want to take a knife to my expensive shoes. Maybe I'm just too stubborn...the are easier to clip out of than the SPDs though.
• I replaced the saddle with a Fizik Arione. My saddle of choice on all my bikes. I like it to point up a bit, but these pictures make it look more drastic than it really is.