Salsa Vaya vs. Kona Jake the Snake

[velo]

Putting this here rather than CX due to higher traffic here. I've read reviews, test ridden, but want some final feedback from those of you who are experienced with CX, as I am not. I'm about to pull the trigger on the next bike. I have a hybrid with rack and panniers for getting around town, but want something for days when it's rainy - I don't mind getting wet out on the road, but need something more robust to ride, grippier tires, etc. I will do a couple of gravel events per year (maybe more if I have the right equipment) and live near double-track that is dirt and perfect for a cross bike. So, I'm not competing, will be using it as a utility bike sometimes, sometimes a bike for poor weather, and a little bit of gravel and dirt. Those of you in the know - which of these would you go for? I've ridden both in sizes too big for me (who in this world stocks a CX bike for a shortie like myself... nobody!). Would prefer disc brakes, but that's not a deal breaker. Open to other options. Thanks!

[indysteel]

My two cents: I sure which my own gravel bike had disc brakes. If I had to do it over again, it would be a deal breaker.

[indysteel]

My two cents...

Test ride a Cannondale CAADX. (Our road bikes are quite similar, I think. Who knows, you might like it).

What is your gravel bike like, Indy? I'm planning to upgrade my CAADX brakes, once I finsh lay-a-way, with some TRP's or similar. Read on one forum they stopped just as well as discs. Guess it depends which, of course.

I've ridden my Jamis Aurora touring bike on various gravel surfaces that were not quite full on gravel . More like crushed limestone. On the flat Katy Trail, they did fine...until it rained. And when we were riding off road in Maine, I would have felt much better with disc brakes given some of the elevation changes. I really wanted my mtb's brakes in both instances. So, while I wouldn't call it a true "gravel" bike, if I did have a gravel bike or had a chance to do over, I'd want disc brakes. I'd definitely want them if I expected the bike to be a inclement weather bike.

Edit to add: I have no idea what TRPs are so I have no idea how they compare to good disc brakes.

[indysteel]

We've put some mini v brakes on the Aurora, but I haven't had an opportunity to test them. The cantis on that bike suck, but even if they didn't, I'd still prefer disc brakes in certain situations.

[Owlie]

I'd want discs for anything I ride in the rain.

[velo]

Thanks for the replies. It sounds like disc brakes ARE a deal-breaker. I have not had enough experience on gravel (and those events that I did were on my hard tail MTB) or in mud to have made that judgement call, so this is truly a big help.

I did try the Cdale... even in my size. It just isn't for me. I would maybe buy one used, but if I'm going to put out the $$ for new, I prefer to go with foreign, smaller or boutique manufacturers. I know that is quite opposite of the majority of people, but I like unique, odd, different, etc. Just a preference. Sounds like I'll probably go for the Salsa. I still have a few weeks before I will buy it (need one more paycheck to have the cash). Thanks again, everyone!