Bianchi Axis vs. Kona Jake the Snake

Ok, so I test rode both of these bikes today. It was hard to get a really accurate feel for either one because they were both 55cm and I usually ride a 49, but there are things about each that I like. Unfortunately, I'd have to pay a deposit for the shop to order either of them in my size for an accurate test ride. I'm still curious, though, whether any of you ladies can give me feedback on either of them.

2007 Bianchi Axis. I think the model I rode was actually a 2006, because it was a darker grey and had a triple chainring. It looks like the 2007 has a double (which I prefer). From what I could tell, it's a pretty fine bike with either chainring.

2007 Kona Jake the Snake. This one actually has a gear range very similar to my TriCross, but I was amazed at the difference it made to ride a 10-speed 12-25 cogset as compared to my 8-speed 12-25. It was "like buttah". And, of course the funky green color appeals to me :D

Anyone ridden either of these? Any comments?

Hi Kalidurga,
I've been watching this thread and til now haven't piped in, because I'm not sure I have terribly useful info, but since no one else has answered I'll offer what I can :) .

I bought a Bianchi Axis last year and I really, really like it. Scratch that, I love it. I bought it for commuting, though, not for racing, so take that into consideration (though I do harbor some closet desires to cross race... but that's another story!).

I was pretty sure I wanted a cross bike. Other bikes I tested included the Redline Conquest Tour (heavy, and had sluggish handling -- I tested this mainly because LBS had a killer clearance price on it), the Bianchi Volpe (other people love this bike -- but it wasn't what I was looking for, it handled well and is pretty but was too heavy and not as snappy feeling as I wanted), the Lemond Poprad (I tested the non-disc version, in that beeyoootiful orange color form 2006. Before my test rides I had my heart set on this bike. Before riding the Axis, I also had my heart set on it -- it's a lovely ride, quite light actually, with a yummy steel feel, and balanced, smooth handling). After testing the Axis I knew it was the right bike for me, even though I still lusted after the Lemond for its looks, because the frame had a much stiffer, snappier, faster feel and the handling felt quick and exciting to me. I wouldn't say the Axis is necessarily nicer than the Propad (from 2006 -- I believe the newer models ONLY come with disc brakes, making them substantially heavier and non-compliant with race regs), just a different, racier, more dirt-bikey feel. That I happened to prefer :D .

The gearing is SUPER low. I think my model has a 48/38/28 triple with mountain bike rear der. & cluster. This is great when I'm commuting with a loaded pack (and slow knobby tires), but when I threw road tires on it and took it out a few times (sans cargo) this summer, I found it difficult to find the right gear, partly b/c the gears are SO low and partly because the rear cogs are fairly widely spaced. I don't know how this gearing would work for racing, I think if I decided to race it I'd probably want to throw on a double or compact double anyway (I think Bianchi made a good call to change that spec on this year's bike).

I haven't tested a Jake The Snake. It was one of the models I was quite interested in when I was looking, but that year, it came in orange -- online, I thought it would be a nice tangerine like the Lemond... But in person, it was flourescent traffic-cone orange. I just didn't think I could live with that so I didn't even try it :D ! I also wasn't sure what to think about a steel fork on an aluminum frame -- but that may have changed in this year's model?

Anyway good luck! I hope this was a LITTLE helpful at least.

Thanks for the input, Liza.

Actually, as much as I love to watch 'cross racing, I don't plan to do it. I bought my TriCross purely for the versatility of it, and that's still my reason for looking purely at 'cross bikes. I love the TriCross and am considering a newer, upgraded model of it, but I still want to try out other brands/models just in case.

I also had the same problem with the gearing of the Axis I rode. I'm so not used to a triple chainring anymore. My legs like the expanded gearing, but my brain just can't handle it ;) I want a larger granny gear in the rear cogs, but if I end up choosing a bike with a triple chainring I'm planning to have it swapped out for a compact double.

I haven't ridden either bike, but thought I'd chime in to say that Axis sure is purty! Jake's a little too bright for me. ;)

Good luck with your decision.