Thoughts on a Kona Jake?
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Thoughts on a Kona Jake?
Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with the Kona Jake. How is it in terms of reliability, comfort, speed and quality? I'm thinking to get a used one for $400. Is that a good price? Anything to look out for? thanks!
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You can find my thoughts, along with those of a few other people here:
https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/450604-kona-jake-lovefest.html
The only complaint I've had is with the brakes, and I've fixed that to my satisfaction recently (see the more braking power thread).
I'd say $400 is a great price if all the components are in good shape. Make sure you can shift well through all the gears (STI shifters are expensive to replace if they're broken).
Ask if it's been used for cyclocross racing -- that's not necessarily a dealer breaker (I use mine for that and it's still in great shape), but it's rougher treatment than most bikes get. If it has, take a close look at everything to make sure nothing's broken. Make sure it shifts cleanly through the full range of gears. If it doesn't see if you can have a mechanic look at it before the sale is final to make sure it's nothing major.
https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/450604-kona-jake-lovefest.html
The only complaint I've had is with the brakes, and I've fixed that to my satisfaction recently (see the more braking power thread).
I'd say $400 is a great price if all the components are in good shape. Make sure you can shift well through all the gears (STI shifters are expensive to replace if they're broken).
Ask if it's been used for cyclocross racing -- that's not necessarily a dealer breaker (I use mine for that and it's still in great shape), but it's rougher treatment than most bikes get. If it has, take a close look at everything to make sure nothing's broken. Make sure it shifts cleanly through the full range of gears. If it doesn't see if you can have a mechanic look at it before the sale is final to make sure it's nothing major.
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The rear wheel and Truvativ crankset on the '06 were trouble spots (ask me how I know.) Ask if the cranks ever came loose, and if it's the original rear rim check for uneven spoke tension or bulging/cracking around the eyelets.
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Ditto here. Rear rim cracked after about 2K miles, and crankset had to be warrantied around the same time. Other than that I had no problems with my '06. Just now took off the drivetrain in favor of singlepseed after maybe 11K miles and it was still working fine.
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For 350 I'd say go for it!
Jakes are very nice do-it-all rides.
Jakes are very nice do-it-all rides.
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re: Kona Jake
Regarding price, it depends on what shape it is in.
M400
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I have 2006 Jake. Use it daily to get around the town as well some evening joy rides. Awesome bike. The back rim (sun) felt apart after first season. And I have to replaced some used parts such chain, chain ring and freewheel and brakes of course. Other than that, no problems.