After a fair amount of thread trolling here on bike forums, I've come across a decided majority of positive comments about the Jamis Coda line as a superior hybrid option relative to comparable lines from trek (Trek 7.x fx, Specialized Sirrus, Giant FCR and others). The main selling point appears to be the steel frame which absorbs road bumps more effectively than an aluminum frame with carbon fork and seatpost. The componentry is roughly equivalent at their pricepoint, possibly even a little more bang for the buck.
So here's my dilemma. The Jamis dealers around me all don't carry the Coda line. But they're more than willing to order it for me. The risk in going that route is to risk a restocking fee of 15% if I don't end up buying the bike. The good news is that they're having a 10% off '07 models sale in July so I have some incentive to act now.
The Coda Comp lists at $724 so a post sale price is roughly $640. The Coda Sport lists at $544 on sale for roughly $500. The Comp features a carbon fork (on its steel frame) a Shimano R500 wheelset, and a Deore LX rear derailleur. At the sale price, I'm attacted to the Comp specs but without riding it, I'm risking a steep "rental" fee if I don't end up liking it. I've riden the treks, specialized and giants out there and I'm very intrigued about the ride of a steel frame - its unique in the marketplace. Too bad more stores here in Denver/Boulder aren't carrying it in stock.
Any advice out there?
George
07-22-07, 08:31 PM
I'm always looking at other bikes, but I think with the Jamis you get more for your dollar. I have close to 2000 miles on mine. I did have to change out the headset, I don't know if it was put in wrong or what. The wheels had to be redished as well. After I got all the bugs out of it, it seems to be ok now, good luck.
tjeff
07-22-07, 09:20 PM
I wouldn't buy anything without testing it first.
We just tried out a few this weekend and what a difference between them.
I tried a Trex 7300, Trex 7.3, Giant DX, Marin Larkspur?, Marin San Rafael, Marin Sausalito, and Marin Fairfax.
Each one was different from the other.
On paper, I would have gone for the Sausalito or the Fairfax, but I'm leaning towards the Rafael because it felt the best of them all.
Sci-Fi
07-22-07, 10:05 PM
The Coda Comp is a nice bike. Know it's hard to order without riding it first but if that's what you want, then make sure you get the right/correct frame size. The LBS should be able to help you there or test ride other Jamis models in different frame sizes.
Aaron in Denver
07-31-07, 08:27 PM
I was searching for posts on the Coda and happened across your post. You mentioned being in the Denver area. The Salvagetti bike shop at 12th and Speer downtown has the Coda and Coda Comp. I was just there today. They are a small shop, so not sure if you can get a deal off msrp or not. But, at least you can ride one before buying anything.
I like the look of the Comp and plan to go back by there and ride one this weekend. Hope this helps if you didn't already buy something.
Underworld
08-02-07, 03:47 PM
I did find Salvagetti and was considering a visit. I'm in Westminster. They told me they don't carry the Coda, just the Coda Comp. I didn't get the feeling they'd mark off from msrp. But I'd be very interested to hear back from your experience if you do test ride them. I've ridden the comprable Trek and Specialized bikes and am curious how a steel bike compares. The fact that the Comp has carbon fork and stem seems like extra luxury given the steel frame should ride smooth already. And is itnoticeably heavier than its aluminum cousins?
good luck
LastPlace
08-02-07, 04:07 PM
I bought my Jamis Coda Sport without ever having ridden a Jamis before. The closest shop that carries Jamis is about one hundred miles away and to be honest they were not terribly helpful.
It is my commuter and I couldn't be happier. I do transfer my road bike seatpost/saddle back and forth between it and my road bike and am getting ready to get the bike its own Brooks saddle.
Mine was $403 for a 2006 model delivered to my office from 'The Bicycle Shop' in Windsor Canada. The folks there were very helpful and I will consider dealing with them again, especially if I am looking for a bike that is last years model.
Their site seems to be down but here is the link. If I recall I dealt with Les Budoin.
http://www.thebicycleshop.ca/storeClosed.asp
Good luck, but remember to be very careful about sizing if you order something from a distant shop. Also, it means that I have to do my own work or take it to a lbs.
anubee
08-05-07, 04:07 PM
Where can you get a 10% discount - I dont see that on the Jamis website.
I am also considering a coda - thanks.
ff72lamb
08-10-07, 11:40 PM
You definately need to ride all the bikes you are interested in. My wife & I both have Codas and like them very much. The major upgrade to the Sport is the wheels & drivetrain (shifters etc). Luckily I had already built some 9 speed wheels so I swapped out the shifters and put a shimano drivetrain on the wife's as well. The SRAM trigger shifters are quite clunky (lack of a better word). The bike works great for fitness, commuting, & child trailer hauler. It has a very similar fit to the Trek. Steel bikes tend to have a "softer" ride than aluminum, but will be a little heavier. I can tell you that right now Jamis has no Codas & very few Coda Sports in stock until the 2008's come out. So if a local shop doesn't have them in stock, they probably won't get them.