Jon Carson’s 2020 Super Jake popped up on Instagram and just plain stopped us dead in our tracks. The Super Jake only comes as a frame, so when you see one they are usually pretty special, but this one has something extra. It’s not one thing, this build really is special because of the sum of the parts.

I chose the Super Jake frameset when a previous bike of mine broke and being a longtime Kona rider (this bike is Kona number 7), I decided that I should simply jump back on my favourite brand and call it a day.

I race ‘cross locally here in Manitoba so first and foremost I wanted a bike capable of racing. As well we are blessed in my province with almost endless gravel roads, and I wanted a bike that could handle bigger rubber and still feel lively and quick when pushing gravel or pavement for long miles.

The drivetrain is SRAM Force 1, with an Absolute Black oval ring, which is both reliable and light.
The wheels are the excellent Easton EA90AX that are light and wide and set up tubeless very easily. I have used Teravail Sparwood tires on recent bikepacking excursions in Latin America and was impressed with the rolling speed and reliability (also tan walls were a must), so I went with the gravel-sized 700x38c Cannonballs.
For the cockpit I went with the ever-reliable and beautifully crafted Thomson for both the seatpost and stem, and super comfortable Easton EA70AX handlebars.
I recently switched to a Fizik Argo Vento saddle and Terra bartape which are beautiful and comfy touchpoints.
Overall, with pedals, cages and computer mount the bike comes in at 18.04lbs in a size 54cm which is wickedly light. The frame is stiff and fast and the handling is both race rocket appropriate and gravel road smooth. It is currently my everyday bike that I use for commuting to my job at Woodcock Cycle Works in Winnipeg, and for all of my gravel rides, long variable surface road rides and for ‘cross racing in the fall.

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