Touring on a Kona Jake

Jimfrandisco
Jimfrandisco Posts: 210
edited July 2009 in Road buying advice
Hi all - i'm looking for a bike that will handle road riding, dirt tracks, tow paths, gravel etc but also touring duties...it seems the Spez Tricross and the Kona Jake tick all the boxes for most things but interested to hear from anyone that has done any touring on either - leaning towards the Jake as there's a lot of poor reviews of the Tricross brakes but tempted by the front rack possibitlities...

anyone any personal experience?

cheers

Jim

Comments

  • 100%
    100% Posts: 236
    If you're planning touring, I wouldn't have thought a cross bike would have low enough gears for climbing hills with loaded paniers.
  • owenlars
    owenlars Posts: 719
    Dawes Galaxy with 28mm Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres. That'll do the job for you. Bombproof!
  • Jimfrandisco
    Jimfrandisco Posts: 210
    The Dawes Galaxy is a great bike but not looking to spend that much, but would if looking to do a long distance tour...i'm just after something for light touring that is happy off-road.
    It's the geometry of the Kona Jake and Spez Tricross that i'm really interested - not too worried about gear ratios as i can easily change that...no experience of cyclo-cross bikes or dedicated tourers so all advice welcome :)
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    You could also look at a Planet-X Kaffenback - limited sizes available at the moment - steel frame is tough enough for touring and yet is surprisingly fast handling. Make sure your choice has bottle cage bosses and rack mounts. I wouldn't let brakes put you off a bike when replacements are only £30-40.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • rob_spedding
    rob_spedding Posts: 442
    Jim - next issue of Cycling Plus we use a Tricross as a tourer....
    Rob Spedding, Editor, Cycling Plus
  • Jimfrandisco
    Jimfrandisco Posts: 210
    Great - thanks for the tips...Rob, when's the next issue of Cycling Plus due out/in the shops.
    I'll keep an eye out for it.

    The Kaffenback looks ideal - although only available to buy as a complete in a flat bar version or frame only...will bear it in mind though

    cheers

    Jim
  • Don't rule anything out with Planet X the guys seem to be very accomodating if you pick up the phone, thats based on my dealing with them this week.

    I'm very much in the same predicament as you at the moment and the Kaffenback looks like the bike I'll be plumping for at this rate.