Kona Bicycle Co. Jake Cyclocross Bike

4.33/5 (12 Reviews)
MSRP : $799.00


Product Description

As one of world's more adept bicycles, the Jake is able to ride everything from pothole-ridden sub-Saharan highways to gravel commuter paths to mud-riddled cross courses. The Jake sees a newfound splash of cherry upgrades in 2012: new internal rear brake cable routing, the ability to step up from a 9-speed to a 10-speed Tiagra, a new Shimano Tiagra/105 drivetrain, and the same tires as the Major Jake. All at a great price that keeps the wind feeling free as ever.


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Reviews 1 - 5 (12 Reviews Total) | Next 15

User Reviews

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Lloyd Bray a

Date Reviewed: March 27, 2012

Strengths:    Decent components, 22.6 lbs with cage, bottle and pedals, comfortable for short upper bodied riders, 1149 price tag, great off road, 3 rings up front, decent color, good value

Weaknesses:    Mud tires (for road), weight (could be lighter) paying for the Kona name....

Bottom Line:   
I bought this as an entry into the world of road bikes. I also like trails and there is a lot of gravel around the Hat so I thought I'd try the xcross bike. I hate playing with flats and I thought this bike would be better for that problem. I'm primarily using this bike to commute and train on the highway. Supposedly this bike has a strong frame also (I weigh about 225) I guess we will find out. Once I put some k's on the bike I will do a follow up review, let you know how it's holding up.


Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Ambrose99 a Recreational Rider

Date Reviewed: March 30, 2011

Strengths:    Everything works smoothly

Weaknesses:    None

Bottom Line:   
The original tires wore out quite quickly. I agree with another reviewer who says to get quality tires.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Ride:   North Shore Nelson, B.C.

Price Paid:    $1100.00

Purchased At:   Gerick Nelson B.C.



Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Luc Mercier a Commuter

Date Reviewed: July 17, 2010

Strengths:    Extremely versatile. Great for long and short distances, with or without load and can handle potholes, gravel and other places that road or touring bikes can't take.

Shifting is almost spotless. Comfortable and feels good. The 2009 red and white model looks great.


Weaknesses:    You need very good tires! Most people don't take the original tires and go for something more slic. If you do this, make sure you get very resistant more high-end tires. The Jake can take a beating, but low-end road tires can't. I threw out my first pair after 1000km and about 10 flat tires.

The 2010 model, although that shouldn't change anything, doesn't look very good with its greyish paint.


Bottom Line:   
2009 Jake - 2000km. Bought it after researching for a long time. I was looking for something for (sometimes ruff) commuting but also for the occasionnal lond distance trip. I got exactly what I was looking for, for an undecent price.

I recently took it for its first long distance. Montreal - Ottawa in two 110km days, with full camping gear. It handled super smooth with a lot of weight.

I love this bike. It fits perfecly with "serious commuters" and for people who have versatile needs. What I wanted was a racing bike that could take a beating and load. The Jake is, considering its price, the best value out there for those needs.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Ride:   Jacques-Cartier bridge, Montreal

Price Paid:    $709.00

Purchased At:   Velodidacte, Montrea



Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by ambrose a Recreational Rider

Date Reviewed: May 18, 2010

Strengths:    Smooth ride, excellent gear change, reliable off road and on marginal road conditions.

Weaknesses:    The front gear downshifter--you need to check you are in the right gear as it doesn't always work smoothly.

Bottom Line:   
I have a 2010 Jake and I'm very happy with it. Everything works smoothly @ it is a comfortable and enjoyable ride. It performs well off-road and in the gravel. It also handles potholes and bumps smoothly. If like me you are a recreational rider, you won't need a more expensive model than Jake. Congratulations to Kona for an excellent bike.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Ride:   Jake

Price Paid:    $1100.00

Purchased At:   Gerick Nelson, B.C.



Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by kirbach75 a Commuter

Date Reviewed: May 17, 2010

Strengths:    Pretty happy overall. I will upgrade the seat for sure though.

Weaknesses:    So far It's solid for my uses. I wish the 2010 came with the top brake levers but that's my only gripe.

Bottom Line:   
I ride 14 miles a day to work and also use this bike for pulling my daughter in her trailer. It's been a really great ride. It handles well on fire roads as well.

I also think the Tiagra group is actually pretty nice. It shifts really well and feels very similar to 105 to me.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Ride:   Along the Columbia River in Portland

Price Paid:    $900.00

Purchased At:   Sellwood Cycle

Similar Products Used:   Specialized Tricross single. Lemond Poprad

Bike Setup:   Stock set-up



Reviews 1 - 5 (12 Reviews Total) | Next 15

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