Hybrid Bicycles - 2012 Coda Sport ... or 2011 Coda Sport?

So, I'm new to the biking world, but plan to begin with a commute to and from work each day. I was able to test ride a 2012 Coda Sport and really loved it, but I'm trying now to decide whether to have my LBS order one in my size, or buy a 2011 Coda Sport online.

From what I understand, things like the Deore derailleurs on the 2011 are great (better components overall), as well as the carbon fork. But, I also read that the SRAM cassette to the Shimano shifters don't always play well together.. that I might experience some popping when shifting. That was from a post 3 years ago, however.. so I'm not sure if that still might be an issue. Anybody have a suggestion regarding the two? Or does anyone have a 2011 Coda Sport that can let me know first-hand?

Thanks!

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From what I understand, the Jamis Coda Sport 2011 is better equipped than the 2012 model. Ordinarily, I would suggest purchasing the 2011 online model. The only problem there, is that I am not aware of any online outlet currently selling Jamis.

Which online outlet is currently selling the Jamis Coda Sport?

Thank you,

- Slim :)

PS.

I've personally ridden the Jamis Coda Comp and I never noticed any shifter problems. Everything was smooth in transition...

I too thought you could only buy Jamis bikes from a dealer, I've got a 2012 Coda Sport and the ride is very nice, not really sure what the "carbon fork" will do, possibly make it lighter?? Still it has the "bosses" for the putting panniers on the forks and personally, I like the idea of a "Cro-Mo fork" handing the "load" over a carbon fork, ymmv. LOL, it would have been better if Jamis had left the "name change" alone but I noticed they did the same on the "Allegro" line up too. I've had Deore components on other bikes and really don't feel and real "difference" of shifting on my 2012's Acer drive train, jmho.

LOL, my wife has a KHS vitamin A and vitamin B, the A has Altus and the B has Alivio drive trains and she too says she can really not "FEEL" a real difference in shifting on either machine. If the bike is properly adjusted and running smooth I don't think most folks could honestly tell the difference, again, jmho. The upgraded components might be lighter or just more "robust", have more "metal than plastic", etc. I doubt there's any HUGE jump in performance, utill you get up to or close to the "top of the line" and you pay dearly for that, imho.

2011 Jamis Coda Sport in a 19" frame are available from Bicycle Bananas for $599.99. 2010s are $445.99. The 2010 has better components, EXCEPT it has the chromoly fork and the 2011 has the carbon fork. The ride on the bike with the carbon fork is much better.

The 2011 Jamis Coda Sport got an Editor's Choice from Bicycling Magazine.

But, I also read that the SRAM cassette to the Shimano shifters don't always play well together.. that I might experience some popping when shifting.

This is absolutely not true when it comes to chains, cassettes and cranks. They are completely interchangeable between 8/9/10 speed stuff.

Some SRAM shifters are not compatible with Shimano deraileurs (and vice versa) since the amount of cable pull per gear change is different. But an OEM would never sell a brand new bike with incompatible gears/shifters.

Thank you all for your responses. This makes me more inclined to go for the 2011. With me being a very heavy, overweight guy, do you think the wider tires of the 2012 would be better? 32 rather than 28

With me being a very heavy, overweight guy, do you think the wider tires of the 2012 would be better? 32 rather than 28

I'd go for the 32's but don't decide based on the stock tires. They are the cheap $10-15/ea variety and are easy to swap.

Ah, thanks so much!

Vittoria Zaffiros are a $13 tire, but I'd put them up there with many that cost three times as much. I'd stick with the 2011 and the 28s and see how they work for you.

Vittoria Zaffiros are a $13 tire, but I'd put them up there with many that cost three times as much. I'd stick with the 2011 and the 28s and see how they work for you.

I'll second that opinion. I have a 2011 Coda Sport with Zaffiros 28s and I really like the tires, ride, and the shifting. Great bike. The 28 size seems a good compromise to me, kinda in the middle between skinny, fast, but unforgiving road and fat, slower, and cushy mountain. ( I weigh 159 #).
Ok,--I weigh 160, but the rest is true.

Vittoria Zaffiros are a $13 tire, but I'd put them up there with many that cost three times as much.

I had them on my 2009 Coda Sport and they ride fine but they don't have much puncture resistance. I would not choose a bike based on which <$15 tires come stock.