Mountain Biking - jamis dakota xc vs marin eldridge grade

hey everyone,

i'm trying to decide between a jamis dakota xc and a marin eldridge grade. the marin is slightly down-spec compared to the jamis, but there is deal going on them at the moment (aussie$400 less than the jamis with a pair of shoes included).

i know from research that they are both great steel h/ts, but i would appreciate any comments anyone may have on either bike. oh, and unfortunately i can't test either one as no lbs has them in stock at the moment.

cheers,
tt

i have a eldridge grade and i absolutely love this bike... i rode this bike on some of ugliest trails i could find and it never failed i even did a 4-5 foot drop (by accident) on that bad boy... at the time i weighed 195 too..now 20 pounds lighter and conciderably more graceful :) it doesn't see much use, i have too many other bikes that get priority. i upgraded the bike to the hilt with xtr cranks, derailers, and brakes, easton carbon bars and seat post. i see if i can post a picture later

oh i forgot to mention the sizing on the bike is alittle off as i believe all marins are. mine is a 16 and i normally ride a 17 1/2 -18. the standover is high i have 1 inch of clearance for my boys i have a 30.5 inseam but the TT length feels perfect

i have a jamis ht and i love it

hey rockstar,

thanks for the info mate. i think for the deal, the marin is v attractive. you've got me a bit worried on the sizing now though. my fuel 90 is large (19"), and i feel it's a bit big for me, so i was going for a 18.5" Marin frame.

i'm 78kgs (170-180lbs?), 6' - would a 17" frame be a better fit?

cheers,
tt

I'm also 175 lbs and ~6 feet and ride a 17-inch 2002 Eldridge Grade and a 19-inch 2003 Jamis Exile- they have different geometries and both fit well. The Marin with WTB Moto Raptor 2.1 tires on Mavic wheels excels when riding over baby heads. The Jamis with Continental Vertical Pros also on Mavic wheels is more of a finesse machine and is better at single track. So tt, get both these tough, superb, steel bikes ;-) Also look into Cane Creek's Thudbuster seat post and Brooks' Conquest saddle.

:roflmao: :roflmao:

hey everyone,

i'm trying to decide between a jamis dakota xc and a marin eldridge grade. the marin is slightly down-spec compared to the jamis, but there is deal going on them at the moment (aussie$400 less than the jamis with a pair of shoes included).

i know from research that they are both great steel h/ts, but i would appreciate any comments anyone may have on either bike. oh, and unfortunately i can't test either one as no lbs has them in stock at the moment.

cheers,
tt

Marin Eldridge - I have two and there is no better ht in the price range trust me.