Mountain Biking - New bike: '04 Jamis Dakar Sport!

Just wanted to share my new acquisition with everyone...

After much research, deliberation and riding 15 or so bikes, I settled on the 21" '04 Jamis Dakar Sport (http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/spec_geo/04_dakar_sport_spec.html). It just felt right. The Fox Vanilla coil over in the rear is dialed in so I've got minimal bob (surprising for my size - 6'4", 240lbs) and still gives great support on the rough stuff. The Manitou Black front fork is fantastic, too.

Oh yeah, it was only $900 on sale and has a 90-day price guarantee. :D

I'm happy with the overall spec, though the handlebars are in no way intended for big guys and will be upgraded soon. Deore shifters/derailleurs ain't great either, but for now, they're fine.

The guy at the LBS also said I might want to upgrade the wheels on there to some RhynoLites - any other suggestions for wheels or other components?

Pics to come soon! :)

At 240 lbs, consider swapping out the springs for the rear shock and the fork. Stock spring rates are usually "mediums" you (and I) need "X-Tra FIRM".

Then your shock and your fork will really be "dialed-in".

Upgrading to Ryhno Lites is a good suggestion. Ride the ones you've got until they die.

Also, did you know that your bike has been voted one of the "Best Buys" in one of the magazines (MBA I think!)

You dun good!

L8R

Yeah, I saw it listed in MBA's top 10 list a couple months back I think but the feel of it is what sold me - it's one of those tough to quantify things.

I'll keep an eye on the springs - so even on a larger frame such as my 21" they'd be the stock "medium"?

Congratulations!

Yeah usually. Most comanies consider the average cyclist is only 165 lbs, regardless of height.

I'd check with the shop where you bought the bike and see if they can order some different springs for you. Figure the fork springs will be about $40. and the rear spring about $50. Sounds like a lot of cha-ching to spend on a brand new bike, but at your weight, the way the bike rides will make it worth every penny!

L8R

Thanks for the info - you're informative, as always, a2psyklnut. :)

Glad to help, plus us Clydesdales need to stick together!!!!

Did you hear that?

Ummm, a pizza slice and a New Castle was calling my name. (Wondering why I'm still a Clydesdale.....hmmm?)

L8R

It's a winning combo - ride to eat! :p

Glad to help, plus us Clydesdales need to stick together!!!!

Did you hear that?

Ummm, a pizza slice and a New Castle was calling my name. (Wondering why I'm still a Clydesdale.....hmmm?)

L8RMake it a Labatt and I'll come running

I'll bring some on Sunday if you show!!!!

L8R

I'll bring some on Sunday if you show!!!!

L8RAs long as the weather holds out I'm going.

Pics...

Pics...Nice you've got the self righting one I see.

Nice you've got the self righting one I see.

Of course. Only the best...;)

The platforms I threw on there make it easy to prop it on the curb like that - I'm not sure if the clipless it came with would have worked as well. Speaking of which...

What shoes would folks recommend for a clyde/clip newbie? I'll be getting them in a week or two...and falling down a lot, too. :D

Of course. Only the best...;)

The platforms I threw on there make it easy to prop it on the curb like that - I'm not sure if the clipless it came with would have worked as well. Speaking of which...

What shoes would folks recommend for a clyde/clip newbie? I'll be getting them in a week or two...and falling down a lot, too. :D<chuckles> It isn't the shoes as much as the pedals when your starting out as I learned not long ago when I was first starting on clipless pedals. As far as what I use: I've been running a set of Time Control Z's (http://www.timesportusa.com/zcontroldata.html) on my commuter bike for the last few months which I'm quite happy with hopping for curbs and stuff I just haven't moved a set onto the trail bike yet (soon very soon). On the off-road rig I'm just running a set of Odyssey Southgates (http://www.speedgoat.com/product.asp?part=42089&cat=240&brand=176) I know that both of these pedals are big and heavy but then again I'm not the lightest thing either

Well, I'm going to give the pedals it came with a shot - Wellgo WPD-823 (http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/Pedal/product_122795.shtml). We'll see how it goes...

I was just more curious if folks had recommendations on shoes that held up well under big guys and aren't too expensive for a noob to jump into. :)

Well, I'm going to give the pedals it came with a shot - Wellgo WPD-823 (http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/Pedal/product_122795.shtml). We'll see how it goes...

I was just more curious if folks had recommendations on shoes that held up well under big guys and aren't too expensive for a noob to jump into. :)
Answer Speeders

Answers are very good as Raiyn mentioned. Also check out Specialized shoes. They're well made for the money and if you go to their website, they are usually clearancing (sp?) out their older models.

L8R

oooh, nice jamis

As long as the weather holds out I'm going.

I've got 4 LaBatt's in the fridge with your name on them. I had 6.... but...... well, you know!

Sunday in the parking lot at 10:00 a.m. Gonna be HOT and HUMID!!!!!!

You can test ride my new Enduro SX!

L8R

I've got 4 LaBatt's in the fridge with your name on them. I had 6.... but...... well, you know!

Sunday in the parking lot at 10:00 a.m. Gonna be HOT and HUMID!!!!!!

You can test ride my new Enduro SX!

L8R:roflmao: It's ok A2 you bought 'em you're entitled. As I said as long as the weather holds I'll be there. My better half is on board for this one too (maybe she'll last longer this time) :D

Dude, I'm bumming about the loss tonight. So close, yet so far away! They'd better step it up Sat. night.

L8R

Dude, I'm bumming about the loss tonight. So close, yet so far away! They'd better step it up Sat. night.

L8R They will. It's their turn. Game 7 at home - just to be dramatic.
I believe they can do it. I believe just as I did when I asked about playoff considerations when I bought my first set of season tickets 3 seasons ago and the representative gave us a funny look. Winners or not they are my team and I'll back them to the end just as I did whenever they were a sub .500 team

Me, I'm more of a fair weathered fan, but I am enjoying the games. Maybe I'm just more receptive to actually sitting down and watching them for once.

L8R

Me, I'm more of a fair weathered fan, but I am enjoying the games. Maybe I'm just more receptive to actually sitting down and watching them for once.

L8RI'll have to see if I can snag an extra seat for you next season for a game or two. I just hope the League and the NHLPA can get the new bargaining agreement hammered out in time. Being without hockey for too long makes me twitchy. Thank goodness for EA Sports NHL 2003 it and it's predeceesor NHL '99. They have kept me sane (?) through many a long off-season. Not to mention ESPN Classic. :D

I wonder if we can get Rower down to hit some of the local trails?

San Diego to Tampa is one hecka lot of driving!

But heck, why not?

Open invitation to all riders near and far!!!!

l8R

I wonder if we can get Rower down to hit some of the local trails?

Sure. Sarasota's just a short drive from San Diego...:p

I did San Diego to Austin last summer (2 days, 3 drivers) and that was "less than fun".

Fly, I've got a spare bike and an extra room!

My bike isn't a new Jamis, but what the heck!

Who knows what I'll buy with the next year?

L8R

Hehe, you guys are a trip - sorry, but my dance card is full this summer. What little vacation time I have is going to the honeymoon. :D

And don't feel bad that you don't have a new Jamis, a2, your fleet ain't too shabby from what I've seen around here. ;)

Hehe, you guys are a trip - sorry, but my dance card is full this summer. What little vacation time I have is going to the honeymoon. :D

And don't feel bad that you don't have a new Jamis, a2, your fleet ain't too shabby from what I've seen around here. ;)There's always next year. We Clydesdales need to stick together,

Hehe, you guys are a trip - sorry, but my dance card is full this summer. What little vacation time I have is going to the honeymoon. :D

Como se dice, DisneyWorld?

Besides, summer in FL is too dang hot! Our "season" is late fall (Nov, Dec.) through mid Spring (April).

Does your fiance ride?



And don't feel bad that you don't have a new Jamis, a2, your fleet ain't too shabby from what I've seen around here. ;)

I wasn't talking about "MY" bike. I was talking about my "Spare" bike. j/k.

L8R,
I'm going to bed now!

Update!

Finally got the shoes - Pearl Izumi Vagabonds. It really came down to what the LBS had in my size (13) that I could try on. The Vagabonds felt pretty good and were only $50 on sale.

It's a trip riding clipped in - I went on a quick ride with my riding buddy immediately after getting the shoes on Monday. I didn't fall, but I was being extra cautious, getting out of the clips way before coming to a stop. I had one close call at a spot where we moved off the singletrack to let some folks coming downhill through. I got my right foot out and down but then overbalanced back to the left and almost fell into the trail right in front of oncoming traffic. Luckily, I got my left heel down and twisted my foot out just in time to avoid catastrophe.

I'll do some tweaking with the spring tensioners to see if I can give myself some more leeway for practice. I have to put quite a bit of pressure on the clips to get in right now.