Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Jamis Sonik on the streets?

Hey guys,

Thinking of pulling the trigger on the Jamis Sonik.... I don't mind a rough stiff ride on the road, just need some 'outside the box' experience or thoughts.

I'll mostly be using it on the streets with the occasional velodrome stints. I'd say about 70/30 street to velo ratio use.

Moving to SSFG from Track.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6210/6105916814_a80ec389e9.jpg

A buddy just got one in town. He kind of looks like this (http://cdn3.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/jim-gaffigan.png) guy, except a little younger and black belt. Either way, I say do it.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6210/6105916814_a80ec389e9.jpg

I know right,

http://lawhaha.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Nike-1.jpg

So, did you get it? What year? That fork isn't conducive to a front brake, are you planning on riding brakeless?

That is a very stiff frame, and not ideal for the street. I only ride mine on the street if I have an ultra clean route. That stiff frame can will beat the cr*p out of you. You can do it, but the rake of the front fork is not conducive to any bumps, and the responsive acceleration comes from a rear triangle that is as stiff as possible. That means every minor imperfection in the road will go straight to your spine. It’s not very pleasant on the road. I ride mine about 80% on the track (well, 100% track in season), and on the road tend to ride with 28mm tires at 90psi to put a little compliance into what is a very very stiff ride.

conducive.

Oops, late reply :(

I've contacted my LBS, and they found me a 2010.... 3lbs lighter than the 2012 and way better parts. Not a fan of the color scheme though, too busy. I prefer a more minimalist color combo, but that could be fixed later on. They'll confirm with me either today or tomorrow if they are able to get it.

As far as stiffness, I know it's not directly similar, but I do have quite abit of tolerance with stiff rides. I rode my track car around for a few months when my daily broke (it had a cage and 600lbs springs) and I also do endurance karting....by endurance I mean 14hours (2hr stints on a kart with no suspension).

Thanks for that input! I've recently moved outside the city in a very open area with new roads (5yrs) Routes are clean for miles! On top of that, the velodrome in DC is about to open up... bikeshops in the area expect it by fall.

bike in question:
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/images/bikes_enlarged/10e_sonik.jpg

edit: if confirmed, thinking to get a black seat instead, black tape on the bars, and maybe find an AC substitute with more dominant black color to subdue the flashing red.

Well, the components on that bike are way better that the 2012 model. The wheels and carbon crank would cost you $1400 right there if bought separately. At the velodrome, that set up accelerates hard, and handles wonderfully. It will stick to the black line like it’s on a rail and smoothly change lanes. I’ve known people to trade in Felt TK2s for the Sonik – that is quite a statement. The 2012 model stripped all of the good parts off of it.

I believe the bikes before 2011 had forks drilled for brakes, which would be good for the 70% street riding. I’m not sure if the quit putting the brake compatible forks on the bikes in 2010 or 2011 though.

From your description you’ll be fine with the stiff rear triangle. With that crank, those wheels and the stiff rear triangle, the bike accelerates very well.

I understand about the color scheme. Enjoy the new velodrome, that is way cool!

P.S.: Those tires are velodrome only, you’ll need something else for the street.

I know right,


a little different than jumping into a tunnel...

I wouldn't feel right riding that nice of a bike in my area. It's overkill, like driving a race car around town. But it's a sick bike, nice parts.

Iif you got it, flaunt it.....another warrant.....two of America's most...

First post to let you know that it's a fine bike for the streets. I live in Florida, about 120miles from the nearest velodrome and I ride mine practically everywhere. The harsh ride is only noticeable at first, and when paired with a padded pair of bibshorts I have done plenty of long rides, most recently my longest on the sonik was 100 miles.
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Not the best picture, but proof none the less! (I believe mine is a 09 or 10, it's drilled for front and rear brakes surprisingly)

Wow, thanks for sharing M! Based on the color, I assume an 09. Glad to know some first hand experience on long distances with this frame. I'm getting antsy for its arrival! I'll definitely ***** out pics once it gets here as I have gotten confirmation it is on the way to the shop - ETA Thursday!

Btw - not clipless it looks like, what kind of pedals are you running?

@chas - def swapping out the tires for something that's more suitable for the street - I'll save the stock ones for the velo. Also thinking of going clipless with this but Rapha's GT shoes don't go back in stock for the next few weeks :(

Not yet, that's going to be my next purchase whenever I can decide on which to go with. They are MKS track pedals with Cinelli double straps.

I was just as skeptical as you were, I spent quite a while looking for anyone else who has used theirs on the street and it turns out it works just fine. I look forward to seeing yours.

I wouldn't feel right riding that nice of a bike in my area. It's overkill, like driving a race car around town. But it's a sick bike, nice parts.


Yeah, I have a car that is set up for the track, and a bike set up for the track. I don't use either one of them every day, but when the conditions are right, they are a lot of fun around town. Still, nothing is as fun as a track day (for both).

Ian - you are going to love that bike. It handles well and accelerates wonderfully. Glad you didn't get the new one (with the crappy components). Its fun around town (if the roads aren't too bad) and a ball at the track. Hope you get a lot of track time with it!

Quick photo guys... it's blazing hot here (supposed to get up to 105) and my airconditioning on the 1st floor of the house just broke, so I gotta stock up on ice and keep the unit on the 2nd floor blasting cold air, I'm staying indoors today.

More photos later, but for now: racecar, meet racebike :D
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/choonzAWR/racebikecar.jpg

EDIT: I got home fairly late from picking it up in Richmond but I did ride it for about an hour or two last night - this thing is SUPER FAST! The acceleration is just crazy. Very slight toe-overlap - could be avoided if I put my foot just abit back more. The handling is crazy! The input is minimal as well - like riding a shifter kart. I don't mind one bit the stiffness of it - in fact it's very reminiscent of riding a kart or a race car - I feel very connected to the road. We'll see how she does on longer rides though. One concern is that seat....my cheeks were abit numb after riding, maybe I just need to get used to it.

^image doesn't work

2010 sonik and rapha shoes? damn i'd love to be you right now haha

boom, edited!


hey, how did you know I have Rapha shoes?! i don't see it in the pic :(

I'm waiting for my clipless pedals to come in (Shimano PD7900) ...I've got some dopey looking cages for now

Though I've never ridden on a San Marco Ponza, it comes factory stock on many mid-high range bike models. It's a "step up" from the generic Velo saddles on more budget friendly options. The owners of said bikes usually replace the Ponza with one of their own preference though.

In your previous post you mentioned the shoes. I just assumed you were going to get them eventually even if they're not in stock at the moment.

ah yeah, forgot about that! I actually found Rapha SF stocked the last pair in my size, so it's inbound for early next week :D

Gonna research some seats for replacement in case I get fed up with these sooner than later.

You're making a lot on here people feel poor right now. Your shoe/pedal setup is already double what some people are willing to spend on their whole bicycle :lol:

:embarrassed: sorry!
Anyone could get them, I think we all just have different priorities.

speaking of the pedals - just checked in the mail and they're here :D
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/choonzAWR/666435bc.jpg

P.S.: Those tires are velodrome only, you’ll need something else for the street.

FWIW - Vittoria Diamante Pros are fine on the street.

Really? nice, that's good to hear - I've kept them to swap for racing but it's nice to know I can train on them on the street too. thx scrod

:embarrassed: sorry!
Anyone could get them, I think we all just have different priorities.
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+1

Groceries are over rated.

Looks awesome man, welcome to the family haha. The saddle is a tad uncomfortable, do you ride in bib shorts or any kind of padded bike shorts? I found that a pair made it quite comfortable.

That's a pretty bike. I hope you get a real thick U-lock for it. I'd hate to see it go...

Snapped a few pics this morning before it got too hot:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/choonzAWR/Cyclery/07-08-2012002.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/choonzAWR/Cyclery/07-08-2012003.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/choonzAWR/Cyclery/07-08-2012005.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/choonzAWR/Cyclery/07-08-2012006.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/choonzAWR/Cyclery/07-08-2012008.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/choonzAWR/Cyclery/07-08-2012007.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/choonzAWR/Cyclery/07-08-2012009.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/choonzAWR/Cyclery/07-08-2012004.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/choonzAWR/Cyclery/07-08-2012010.jpg

you summed up the handling pretty well. The acceleration is amazing.

Here is a closeup of my bike (with the track car in the background) on street tires and (mavic) wheels. Those light tires and wheels are saved for race day at the 'dome...
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ianGP - please swap that aluminum Formula lockring for something made of steel. You'll thank me.

Thanks Scrod - funny, I was just reading up on aluminum lockrings a few days back. I wonder if Phil Wood cogs/lockring will work with my setup. They look purty. Otherwise, according to AC's website, Campagnolo bits would work on them.


@MCosby - at the time of my initial thoughts I just rode in my regular street clothes. I did ride it again today with padded bibs and it's much more comfortable. But I'll still keep an eye out for a different seat.

@Chas - you race Spec Miata? I did a tidbit a few years back and then jumped to formula mazda before going back to karts. Nice setup there.

Nice Sonic. Specs on the Subaru?

Thanks :)

Engine is pretty much back to stock - gonna get her back on the streets and retire my 7series.


04 STi
ZeroSports intake
TXS downpipe and titanium catback (i forgot the maker)
TXS utec
RCE T2 coilovers with custom valving (550f/500r lbs)
I forgot who makes my front camber plates (I'll take a pic) but RCE rear plates
Brembo cross-drilled rotors
17x9.5 Rota Torques with Rays lugs

Kartboy shortshifter and all bushings

Bride zeta3 and brix2 seats
Autopower 4pt cage
Defi gauges

there are other bits but those are the main ones

Very nice, man. Looks sharp.

Phil Wood cogs/lockring will work with my setup.

Phil Wood cogs look nice but are loud as all hell.

I wonder if Phil Wood cogs/lockring will work with my setup.
They look purty.
Otherwise, according to AC's website, Campagnolo bits would work on them.


Phil lockring is Italian threading, pretty sure AC is not.