Drivetrain: Is this upgrade worth waiting for?

[lindah]

Okay, I think I'm going to patronize my wonderful LBS (and simplify my shopping life) by buying the cross bike they swear is perfect for my budget and I: 2011 Kona Jake.

They have a 2011 built in my size (47), but the 2012's have just come out and I'm wondering if it's worth waiting for....according to Kona, the difference in 2012 is this:

"Finally, the entry-level Jake gains internal rear brake cable routing and moves from a nine-speed to a 10-speed drivetrain (Tiagra/105) but looks otherwise unchanged. The spec includes Kona own-brand cockpit kit and Maxxis Mud Wrestler tires."

Below are specs on the 2011 and 2012. Is the 2012 improved enough to wait for? I'm not sure what the price difference is, but I don't think it's much.

2011 KONA JAKE: http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=jake
Frame Material Kona Race Light 7005 Aluminum Butted
Sizes 47, 49, 53, 56, 59, 61, 63cm
Fork: Kona Project Two Aluminum
Crankarms: Shimano Sora
Chainrings: 50/39/30
B/B: Shimano Sora
Pedals: Wellgo LU-A9
Chain: Shimano HG53
Freewheel: Shimano Tiagra 12-25 9 spd
F/D: Shimano Tiagra
R/D : Shimano Tiagra GS
Shifters: Shimano Tiagra
Brake Calipers: Kore Sport
Brake Levers: Shimano Tiagra
Headset: FSA
Handlebar: Kona Road Bar
Stem: Kona XC/Road Stem
Seatpost: Kona Double Clamp w/offset
Seat Clamp: Kona Clamp
Grips: Kona Cork Tape
Saddle: WTB Valcon Comp
Front Hub: Formula
Rear Hub: Shimano Tiagra
Spokes: Sandvik Stainless 15g fr / 14g rr
Rims: Alex AT-450
Front Tire: Maxxis Mud Wrestler 700x35C
Rear Tire: Maxxis Mud Wrestler 700x35C


2012 KONA JAKE
http://cog.konaworld.com/archives/7986
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.

Spec Highlights:
• Kona Aluminum Butted 7005 tubing
• Shimano 10-speed Tiagra/105 drivetrain
• Kona Custom CX cockpit
• Maxxis Mud Wrestler tires

THANKS!!!

[HillSlugger]

Tiagra/105 vs Sora/Tiagra? I'd wait for the 2012.

[OakLeaf]

It's still a Tiagra crank from the pic - just a 105 RD. Not sure how much difference that makes. People have mentioned here that RDs are basically RDs, and it's common for the manufacturers to sell complete bikes with the RD one class up from the rest of the drivetrain, just for cheap bling. (Mine's that way, all 105 except for the Ultegra RD).

Internal cable routing is clean looking and functioning, but a real PITA when it comes to replacing them from what I've heard (and seems like it would be).

What's the price difference? Can you get a good deal on the leftover?

[SheFly]

What's the purpose for this one? If you will be riding/racing in wet/muddy conditions, the internal cable routing will be a God send for saving your cables! We race our 'cross bikes A LOT, and in the course of a season can ruin a complete drivetrain. Internal cable routing has helped us with that.

That said, if you AREN'T going to ride in these types of conditions, and are just looking for a commuter/recreational/training type ride, there is nothing wrong with the 2011, and you might be able to get a better deal on it now that the 2012s are already out.

SheFly