rumrunn6

I test rode a couple of entry level Jamis and Schwinn road bikes. Sorry didn't write down the model names. they were at a LBS not a dept. store so i figure they are decent models. They each weigh about 22 lbs (I was told). The Jamis felt like a long stretch and the Schwinn was more comfortable. Both only had a double crank. The front chainrings looked like cheap pressed metal, or just cut sheet metal (I'm used to old school '70 era steel 10-speeds).

I know this doesn't identify the bikes too well, but can anyone share comments on entry level Jamis and Schwinn road bikes?

rumrunn6

The bikes are:
- Jamis Ventura Sport
- Schwinn Fastback

KiuBWhy

What's your budget? And have you checked out CL?

rumrunn6

Just looking for opinions on these two. I can get either one of these for just under $400. Been looking on CL for over a year and haven't found a good bike my size. Been riding older steel 10-speeds and want a modern light bike for joy rides on nice roads or paved trails. Was hoping to get a triple crank though. Wonder if these double cranks have a low enough gear for hill climbing.

KiuBWhy

If you're not going to get into really serious road riding, the Schwinn wouldn't be a bad choice. If its the one I'm thinking of, it'll have Tiagra STI shifters, which is definitely a plus.

How hilly is Boston? You could always go with a compact Crank if you needed to. Doubles are supposedly smoother on shifting.

rumrunn6

Boston itself is not hilly but I live in the suburbs and sometimes ride 30 miles into NH, and I'm thinking of riding out to and up Mt Wachussett. I have a triple on a hybrid I converted for the road with drops; slicks, and road saddle and it does a fine job, even staying with others on road bikes at a good clip. But I want a genuine modern road bike to add to my stable, you know? My season is almost over - I'll stop riding probably in September.

mtnwalker

I bought an entry level '06 Schwinn Fastback back in '07. After 6800 miles of commuting and group rides I'm still very happy with it despite its Tiagra+105 components. I've taken it up Mt Tam, Mt Diablo and Mt Hamilton here in the Bay Area without any problems and have been able to keep up with most of the strong riders. Then again I have a triple on it. The only things I've changed on it are the saddle and the seat post with a Specialized Phenom and a ritchey post. Great all around bike.

jmsmke

I don't know what the exact specifics on the Jamis ventura sport you're looking at are, but I've put about 3000 miles on the 2007 version of that bike.

My likes/dislikes:

- I like the overall 'feel' of the frame and bike geometry- to me it accelerates quickly and climbs well, just feels fast overall.

- Mine has sora components and I'd say they are just okay. The shifters and rear der. work fine but the front der. is very finicky, can't ever seem to avoid chain rub no matter how its setup.

- The wheelset that came with mine was absolute garbage. They were alex dc19 rims w/formula hubs. I don't know if it was a poorly built set or just lousy stuff to begin with but I had spokes breaking almost every ride, even after having my lbs rebuild/retension both wheels. I eventually replaced the wheelset with something much better.

jmsmke

Oh and mine also came with a 50/34 compact double crankset which works very well on hills for me, I'd say stay with a compact double over getting a triple.

Overall the Jamis seems like a quality frame with some lowend/questionable components and wheels to keep the price down.

joe_5700

I also have the 2007 Jamis Ventura Sport. It has been a great bike so far. I have had zero problems with the wheelset and I weigh 175 pounds. jmsmke, how much do you weigh? I agree that the shifting of the front der. is finicky (after all it is a 2200). After a shift from the 34 to the 50 chainring I can hear clicking and I have to push the left thumb shifter with a light push which causes a click sound from the button and it clears up the clicking. This occurs about 1/2 the time when I upshift to the 50 chainring. Aside from that little quirk, the bike is worth every single penny.

Wested

I'd look harder on craigs list personally. There is usually something if you are willing to drive a little

jmsmke

I weigh 165 lbs. Maybe my wheels were just a lemon set or whatever but man they were frustrating.
I eventually ordered a set of dt swiss rr 1.1. rims/ultegra hub/dt swiss comp spokes from bicycle wheel warehouse and the have been good so far.

joe_5700

I bet my wheels are probably a rarity given the price point of the wheel set. I have 1300 miles on them and so far no broken spokes and often times my route goes through a portion of the original Old Lincoln Highway which is a rough brick road.

rumrunn6

I think I'm gonna pass on these bikes. I test rode the Swchinn again Friday but I felt a little discomfort in my left knee. Some mentioned that that Schwinn model had a compact geometry, and I think even with the "XL" size the frame is not suited for me.

The Jamis wasn't comfortable and felt like a long reach altogether.