wunderkind

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!

Andy_K 

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.

wunderkind

Hmm... this one is a 06 one. Still worth $350 (talked him down). It has the less quality Sora parts instead of the Deore and Tiagras.

zzyzx_xyzzy

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.

knucklesandwich

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.

bautieri

For 350 I'd say go for it!

Jakes are very nice do-it-all rides.

M400

I have the 2007 Kona Jake [the blue one]. It's been a great bike. I use it to commute and for recreational rides. You can put a rack on the back. I swapped tires to put on slicks. I am preparing to sell it now to move to a dedicated road bike. Sora shifters are fine. If you are strong rider, I think a double or compact is better than the triple.

Regarding price, it depends on what shape it is in.

M400

pharding

Kona Major Jake gets great reviews.

wyborowa

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.