Salsa Vaya vs. Kona Jake the Snake

[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!

[IBrakeforPastry]

velo - does your LBS have the Salsa in stock? They seem to be hard to come by this "late" in the season. I went shopping last week and there were about 5 available (worldwide) in the small size that I would have needed. The bike shop guy said they always have problems with availability. I hope you find one - they look really nice.

[velo]

velo - does your LBS have the Salsa in stock? They seem to be hard to come by this "late" in the season. I went shopping last week and there were about 5 available (worldwide) in the small size that I would have needed. The bike shop guy said they always have problems with availability. I hope you find one - they look really nice.

When I was in and looking, they were still available. Thanks for the head's up... maybe they're not available any longer, as it's been a few weeks or maybe even a couple of months. I do need the small size. That could definitely be a game-changer! Well, I guess I need to get going on this.

[velo]

I do too, which is why I was looking for steel, disc brakes, unusual brand. The reality is no one in my area carries cross bikes, except for a couple shops geared more to race cross, and I can't order without at least trying a bike, even if it the wrong size. The closest Salsa dealer is two hundred miles away, and even they don't have any Vaya's, I checked. Same with Raleigh. Didn't like the ride of the Bianchi Cross I tested.

Loved the looks of the Vaya. Enjoy!

LBS stock can certainly be an issue. I know with your Pinarello you had to travel a bit to buy, even with that being one of the better-known Italian manufacturers. I think you make a good point that sometimes you are limited to what is available to you. I wish that bike shops could just order whatever the customer wants and not be like a car dealership where you can choose only from what they "peddle"! (yes, pun intended )

[velo]

I guess that although the Vaya is more a touring bike (I am looking for an all-purpose), I may do some more research to get a true CX bike that will accept fenders. Now I'm on the fence again. Argh! Having disc brakes is important, though. I didn't realize before that they were, so this has been helpful.

[Velocivixen]

I have a 2011 Surly Cross Check, which is a steel CX bike outfitted with bar end shifters. Unfortunately it's not available with disc brakes. I have 700x32 tires with full fenders and its great as a commuter. I live in western Oregon and it rains a lot. Cantilever breaks are alright, but would have liked disc. Great price too. Many of the bike shop mechanics around here (Portland has something like 78+ bike shops in metro area) own Cross Checks and say they're "bomb proof". Good luck.