General Cycling Discussion - Jamis Coda Sport or Specialized Sirrus Sport?

I've narrowed it down to these two bikes. The salesperson in the bike shop was recommending the Sirrus over the Coda because it has a carbon fork & seatstays. My intuition is to go with Jamis, and maybe even the Coda Comp, but I'm just not sure. Opinions anyone? TIA

Tina

here's a start: http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-103287.html

I don't see a Sirrus Sport in the USA 2007 range. Where are you? Are you buying from the 2007 range? Do you have a link?

What other differences in specs and price are there?

Did the salesperson tell you why carbon fork and seatstays are better? I wonder if people go for the bling bling without being sure whether it's better for them. I have carbon fork and seatpost on my Sirrus. The seatpost beats the hell out of the awful suspension post that came with the bike. As for the fork, I have never been able to do a comparison with another material fork on the same bike, so can't be sure whether it is better or worse than metal for me. It looks pretty cool though.

Overall, I don't truly understand the love of carbon other than as an unhealthy obsession with weight.

If you're in the US and got confused and are really looking at the Sirrus Elite, I have to say I think that white paintjob is SEXY.

Oops, I just got it. Must have been something funny going on with my browser. Yeah, ok, I found the 2007 Sirrus Sport - that's the white one.

Yeah.... that's one sexy machine. I'd hit it.

Sorry for the domino posting. I'll shut up now :)

Go for the Jamis, and if you can, get the Comp. Sweet bike. Almost got one myself...

I've narrowed it down to these two bikes. The salesperson in the bike shop was recommending the Sirrus over the Coda because it has a carbon fork & seatstays. My intuition is to go with Jamis, and maybe even the Coda Comp, but I'm just not sure. Opinions anyone? TIA

Tina
+1 on going with your intuition, Tina. The Codas are great bikes for the money, though admittedly, I`m biased since I own an `05 Coda Sport. Carbon forks and seatstays are often used to help smooth the ride of an aluminum-framed bike and do offer some weight savings. However, the Codas have Reynolds steel frames that provide a very smooth and comfortable ride with only a negligible increase in weight, and steel can`t be beat for durability. Plus Jamis is a smaller company, so you don`t see a lot of `em, which is kinda cool. Hope this helps. Good luck!

The Coda Sport is a marvelous bike. I prefer it even over its more expensive sisters (ie, Comp) because I love the durability and usefulness of the steel fork with dual eyelets.

The Sirrus is a good bike, but if your LBS recommends it over the Sport just because it has carbon, they are confusing bling with function.

The deciding factor should be: on your test rides (not just around the parking lot) which bike feels better? That's the right one.

Is the Coda steel? Get the Coda.

I'm currently yearning to return to a steel bike. Tired of Alu and carbon, myself.

I have an '04 Jamis Coda Sport and my brother has the '05 Sirrus.
Can't really make a comment about the carbon seat stays because neither has them.
I can make a comment about weight. The Sirrus is lighter but not by much.
I rode the sirrus once around the block and it was quick (like the coda) but I prefer the Coda in terms of comfort. I didn't like the compact geometry and felt a bit too upright. I would have had to exert more effort fighting the wind when going down the hill or head wind. As far as the bumps on the road, I can't really say much. I don't have much experience with bikes and still a newbie.
However, I'm still swayed into the steel camp because of its praises and durability.


In fact, I'm regretting selling my '06 Jamis Quest frame (reynolds 642) and swapping it to an aluminum frame with carbon seat stays. I was enticed by the whole carbon bling :)
From what I remember, they both rode similarly. The weight difference was not significant.
I basically spent more $$ to get back to where I had started :o

Steel is real. ;)

Is the Coda steel? Get the Coda.

I'm currently yearning to return to a steel bike. Tired of Alu and carbon, myself.

Thanks for your enthusiasm. Yes, the Coda is steel. I think the saleperson just wants me to buy the Sirrus because that's what they have in stock - and the Coda Sport won't be in until next month. He said the carbon will give me a smoother ride, but failed to mention the pros of steel (which I'm just learning from these boards). And yes, the Sirrus is sexy in white - but Jamis is always sexier, IMHO.

Get whichever feels better. If they feel the same, get the steel for durability and lack of bling to catch the eye of bike thieves.

I purchased my Jamis Coda for women back in January, and LOVE IT!

Durable and smooth....and comfy too.

I just ride for fitness reasons on a paved bike trail.