finsfree

I am going to buy my first road bike soon and I wanted to know what you guys think is the better choice.
These are both entry level bikes that I can always upgrade later.

*The Trek looks cooler but the Jamis cost less*

Click Here to check out the Trek Series 1.1

Click Here to check out the Jamis Ventura

</intolerance>

I have a Jamis Satellite, which I like, but I've gone though two frames, both of which have cracked. The last time was at a weld, so I question their workmanship. The Satellite is steel and shouldn't be cracking at all let alone twice.

finsfree

I understand and thanks for the info.

jasonrobo02

IMO, there is no reason to buy an entry-level Trek. If you wanted a Madone or something, that's cool, but entry Treks are bleh and pricey. I don't see anything in the specs to warrant a higher price except the Trek name.

To defend Jamis' honor, I owned a Jamis Quest before and it was a great bike.

NormanF

Stay away from the ones with racing geometry. 99% of road cyclists will never enter a professional racing competition. Get one with a relaxed or endurance geometry and you should be fresh even after a long recreational ride.

coffeehaus

I might be biased...I had an '07 Jamis Quest. I now have both an '08 Jamis Quest and Aurora Elite. I also have an '09 Sputnik. Jamis gives you very good bang for buck and, if I liked aluminum, I'd have gotten the Ventura.

wirelessness

Having a budget and sticking with it is a good idea when looking for a first road bike. That said, I would not consider either one of those two bikes in that MSRP price range. Unless you are getting them for much less than what is listed on those two websites.

I just checked REI and they have several bikes that are equipped better for similar price. One thing that I think is important and niether one of your choices have is a carbon fork. In the low $600 range there are two bikes on rei.com that have carbon forks with fairly similar Sora 8 speed setup.

If you can step up to the $700 range you could get a lot better bike. The Scott Speedster S40 would be a great choice imo. High quality AL frame with CF fork and full 9 speed Tiagra which is miles ahead of Sora. After the REI 10% cashback the bike should be $720. Just a thought.

zozo

My wife has the Jamis and has enjoyed it. Either bike is fine.

IMHO your decision should be based entirely on the quality and service of the available dealers. A well built, well maintained bike with proper fit is a GOOD bike; a poorly built, poorly maintained bike with improper fit is a BAD bike. This is one reason to steer away from REI and other big boxes for an entry level purchase. I have never seen a big box perform a proper fitting or offer really personalized after sales service.



Sean

FlatSix911

I you are looking for the best value - check the web ...
You will find a significantly better bike with better components for the same price range plus no tax/S&H.

Go to you local bike shop and find out exactly what fits you and then order the same frame geometry.
You can even have your LBS do the assembly if you are not comfortable with basic tools. Good luck!

$699.95 Carbon Fork and Aluminum Frame ZEROLITE Wheels
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ventnoir_x.htm

$699.99 Full Aero Frame, Carbon Fiber Fork Shimano 105
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/aerott.htm

NathanC

Yes.

Grasschopper

Nothing against Jamis as a whole but I would NOT buy a bike that has a full AL fork. My Marin has one and the ride is less than forgiving, its saving grace is a long wheel base and fatter tires. If you go Jamis at least get one with a CF fork.

helmut

Cheaper and better looking than both:

zozo

The Trek posted has an aluminum fork as well. I think the difference--in comfort--is generally overstated between an entry level carbon fork and an entry level aluminum fork.

And +1 to the steel allez - a nice option

Sean

tsohg

I wouldn't get a bike with an AL fork. Any way you can muster up a few more bucks for something with a carbon fork and maybe tiagra level components?

My advice is to go to some LBS and see what they have on end of year clearance.

Downtube shifters? You don't want that Allez.. blah.

looie

I think the carbon fork advice is good. Or go all steel.

My wife and I each have Jamis bikes from about 10 years ago. Hers hasn't seen that much use, but mine held up well. I was told mine was a prototype welded in the US, so not a useful data point on overseas manufacturing. Generally, though, I think highly of Jamis. I think they've done a good job of building their brand on solid bikes for reasonable prices.

droobieinop

If you like the jamis, spend the $800 for the comp model with the carbon fork https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...nturacomp.html. The overall upgrades are more than worth the extra money now, even without the a female specific design

Or you could jump in with both feet and get a ventura race https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...turaracef.html.

At any rate, shop around, Jamis has end of model year closeout prices and some great new 2010's coming out. Like the Xenith Endura 1 on page 65 https://www.jamisbikes.com/catalog_ar...IS_CATALOG.pdf.

joe_5700

You have already answered your own question. Now you have to decide whether looking cooler or getting a better value is more important to you. One thing that the Trek will have over the Jamis is resale value!

NormanF

I ended up buying a country bike. The weight weenies will scoff but the Schwinn Super Sport DBX is is bike that got rave reviews. If you like a more upright position and don't mind disc brakes, its good way to ride the open road for pleasure. You can upgrade components as your budget allows.

WhiskeySmack

For what it's worth, there's a lot of 2009 closeouts right now. A local trek dealer is selling 2009 1.2's for $699 which may allow you to trade up a bit. Whatever you go with, look at the close outs at various shops.

CameronC

I think the Jamis looks way cooler then the Trek.
Just my opinion.