otg 

I'm kind of undecided between the Jamis Coda Comp and the Jamis Coda Elite. I'm going to a bike shop on Friday to talk with the owner about which one suits me better. The 2012's are not in yet, but they have a couple of 2012 Coda Sports in stock. I'm right in between a 17" and 19" frame, so I'm going to ride both of them and then decide which size to order. I like the Elite because of the upgraded drivetrain and disk brakes. My question is, is having the upgraded components and disk brakes worth the extra $250.00 or so to get the Elite. Anyone have any input for me?
Thanks.

Wake

Carbon forks are definitely nice for the smooth ride and disks are the best for wet weather. I like to have good components, but I'm not sure you could justify it from a financial perspective unless you plan to put a ton of miles on it.

Nonetheless, I'm opting for the Elite. It's shipping in the CA area now, and I think we'll get them here in KY in a few weeks. $250 is not a lot if you spread it out over a few thousand miles.

4.11

My road bike and mountain bike have v-brakes, my commuter has discs. The discs look incredibly cool however the bike always stops regardless of which one I'm riding, depending on the type of riding you do there is little difference in performance between the 2 types of brakes.

What will really come into play is if you decide you want to upgrade to discs at a later date, this $250 will look like a downright bargain. So if you are smitten with the disc brakes get them now.

niccig

Oooh, good choice. I recently got a 2010 Jamis Coda (just regular ol' Coda, which I don't think is part of the lineup anymore). I agree go for the Elite if you're undecided and can afford it now - in the scheme of things it's not really that much. If it helps though, here are the reasons I went with the base model instead of the sport/elite.

It's a starter bike for me - my first non-thrift-store bike purchase, so I'm suspecting I'll either upgrade or add additional bikes within a couple years.
The other models that the LBS had in stock had something suspension (either seat post or fork, or both - can't remember) and I didn't like it. Not saying the components were bad, I just prefer something with out suspension at the moment.
The upgraded models weren't too much more expensive, but I was also setting up my first commuter, so the total with all the accessories I needed (fenders, light, etc etc) was more than I wanted to spend.

FWIW though, I have no complaints about the components on the base model so far. I've only had it about 4 months though.

otg 

Well, I had my last final today, I'm finally a college grad at the young age of 56. The bike is my gift to myself. I'm still undecided which way to go, but I am leaning toward the Elite. I've been sitting at the computer for too long reading reviews on the different brakes and crank sets. I probably won't decide until I'm ready to make the deposit tomorrow. I actually feel a little guilty spending the money on a bike, but that will pass.

Wake

The more you ride it the less guilty you'll feel.

Congrats on the diploma! It took me 32 years ('63 - '95) to get a degree, then I changed careers and wound up being able to save some money and retire last spring with a good pension and some $$$ in the bank.

cloud

congrats on college !! I have an 09 coda elite with about 6000 miles on it . I wanted a road bike so I bought a caad10 but still kept the coda . I still ride the coda a couple times a week it has been a real good bike . I would rather spend a little more money now than wish later on that I had . Go with the elite .lol

otg 

So I went to the bike shop this morning and rode 2 Coda's, one 17" frame and one 19" frame. I ended up liking the 17" frame better, so I decided to order a new bike. I ended ud up ordering a 2012 Coda Comp, saving a couple of hundred bucks. The bike shop owner called his rep and told me the Comp's will be aviailable around the end of January,and they are going to produce them in blue/silver, like they are showing on line, and also in black/silver. I ordered the black/silver combination, I think it's going to be a great bike. Really looking forward to getting it in. I also am going to have the tires changed out to 700x35 instead of the 700x32's that come stock. I enjoy riding on the dirt roads around here and thought the 32's were a little to skinny.

ciao_bella

Congrats on both the bike and the college degree! I hope you enjoy your Coda, I love mine!
Ciao

ducnut

I'm little behind the ball, here. But, I would've bought the Elite. You could probably still change your order.

I, too, ride a lot of gravel and dirt roads. The discs make a huge difference in dirty environs. I ride a 'cross bike with Avid Shorty Ultimate cantilevers and it's always covered in dirt. Brake pad maintenance is a given, every week. My MTB has discs and I never have touch them. They simply aren't subjected to all the dirt and grit that rim brakes are. Add in a little rain, with rim brakes, and you've got grinding and reduced braking performance. I'm in the process of finding a disc-brake, dirt road bike and have been looking at the Bosanova.

Like you, I find 32mm tires a little narrow. I prefer 37mm, as they have a little more float.

Wake

The Coda Elite I ordered came in this week. I'm going to put it together myself next week (I'm picky, and work at the shop in the summer). I'll be loading it up with some goodies, putting a Bob axle on it for the trailer, etc...

4.11

Oooh, will there be a short picture show of the unboxing and assembly Post some pics if you can.

Wake

I rode the bus to the shop...


and commenced the unboxing and assembly.



Ready to ride home. It was 4:30 and I had a 8.5 mile ride home against the wind and approaching darkness. I was glad to have the gears - usually I'm riding my SS. I like the PB Cascadia silver fenders with the paint job. The bike rides great and handles well. I'm very happy.


The next day I adjusted the rack and put some pedal straps on it.

ducnut

Me too!

a1penguin

Sweet looking ride. The fenders do match well.