Anyone upgrade components on a Jamis Satellite?
02-15-06, 07:35 PM
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Anyone upgrade components on a Jamis Satellite?
I'm considering getting two Jamis Satellites, one for myself, and one for my wife. The price is what I can afford right now, considering that I have to buy two bikes. That's why I can't really consider the Quest, especially that it is Bicycling Magazine's Top Value for 2005 and not discounted much.
What's getting in my way is that I'm concerned about the Shimano Sora components. I used to own a Giant ALR with Shimano 105 components, and I really liked the crispness the shifting. I'm afraid it will be hard to step down to the Sora, which has gotten some bad press here. I could probably put up with it for a while, but eventually I'll want to get something better.
I read somewhere that at minimum I'd want to upgrade to the 105 rear derailleur to get reliable shifting. To upgrade to Shimano 105 STI levers, I'd have to replace the chain, rear derailleur, STI levers, and the cassette. Or maybe I could find a good deal on an entire Ultegra group and put it on.
Has anyone tried out any of these options? Is it worth putting 105 or Ultegra components on the Satellite frame? Or is it just a dumb idea and waste of money?
Thanks for any advice.
What's getting in my way is that I'm concerned about the Shimano Sora components. I used to own a Giant ALR with Shimano 105 components, and I really liked the crispness the shifting. I'm afraid it will be hard to step down to the Sora, which has gotten some bad press here. I could probably put up with it for a while, but eventually I'll want to get something better.
I read somewhere that at minimum I'd want to upgrade to the 105 rear derailleur to get reliable shifting. To upgrade to Shimano 105 STI levers, I'd have to replace the chain, rear derailleur, STI levers, and the cassette. Or maybe I could find a good deal on an entire Ultegra group and put it on.
Has anyone tried out any of these options? Is it worth putting 105 or Ultegra components on the Satellite frame? Or is it just a dumb idea and waste of money?
Thanks for any advice.
02-16-06, 06:16 AM
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I've got a Sattelite and considered upgrading, but I came to the conclusion that the Reynolds frame wasn't worth the upgrade. For the money you'd spend upgrading you can probably buy a new 105 equipped bike.
The Sora group is fine. They might not be racing quality components, but they work fine. People's main issue with them seems to be that they have thumb shifters rather than sti shifters.
Actually I think the group & frame are a good fit. I use the Satellite for commuting/touring so it's a good match in my opinion. The frame is heavy and has alot of flex, so I can't really see the benefit in upgrading components.
The Sora group is fine. They might not be racing quality components, but they work fine. People's main issue with them seems to be that they have thumb shifters rather than sti shifters.
Actually I think the group & frame are a good fit. I use the Satellite for commuting/touring so it's a good match in my opinion. The frame is heavy and has alot of flex, so I can't really see the benefit in upgrading components.
02-16-06, 07:05 AM
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First off I would talk to your LBS...if you are buying 2 bikes you will have more price barganing power...maybe you can get one Satellite and one Quest. Then of course the question is will this be ok with your wife. Is she seriously going to be getting into cycling or is it that she is willing to try it. I used that in the past as a reason to get a lower level bike for my wife...and honestly it was both the truth and a good idea. In the end she did like riding and the bike we got was enough bike at the time. In the end we both prefer road riding though (those bikes were both MTBs and we have neither of them now), so now she has a nicer road bike.
On to the question about the upgradeability. If 2 Satellites is what you can afford, and the bike fits both of you properly (this is key) then buy them. If you like the bike enough upgradign to 105 is not a bad plan...I wouldn't stick DA on it but 105 isn't a waste of money IMO.
On to the question about the upgradeability. If 2 Satellites is what you can afford, and the bike fits both of you properly (this is key) then buy them. If you like the bike enough upgradign to 105 is not a bad plan...I wouldn't stick DA on it but 105 isn't a waste of money IMO.
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02-16-06, 07:20 AM
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You may be able to find some 105 compatible for the drive train on e-bay. I do second what Grasschopper is saying you have some more leverage with buying 2 bikes at one time. you my even want to see if they could upgrade yours to a tiagra/105 STI's and RD.
