forte9528

I haven't ridden either yet, but have ridden a ton of other similar. I'm able to get pretty good deals on both. I know that the giant has sram and a less harsh gearing, but I can always change out the cassette on the jamis for an easier time on climbs. I'm going to be doing some tris, road races, crits.

I'm slightly concerned that the Jamis is used, which is theoretically much more risky than a new Giant? I do like SRAM as well as the idea of a new bike better, but the Jamis is looking like a deal.

Let me know your thoughts!

Here's the specsheets:
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/....1/9006/48837/
https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...xenithteam.pdf

Vlaam4ever

Depends on the prce of the Jamis. If the price on the Jamis is <$1,800 and is in mint condition go for the Jamis. Else, go Giant. You mentioned similar price. The Jamis should be much cheaper.

I just picked up a 2008 Giant TCR Advanced Dura Ace 7800, All it for about $1,500 mint condition.

forte9528

I forgot that I had edited my original post. The Jamis is ~2k, giant ~$2.5k

Vlaam4ever

Giant is worth the extra 500 being new. That is a good deal and a great bike. I'd try to negotiate on the used bike, because the Giant deal is a nice alt.

neneboricua

Personally, I like the Jamis. The Xenith Team is their pro level frame. It also has top end components (Dura Ace 7900 shifting is much nicer than Force, imo), a nice crank and a very good wheelset. As long as it's in very good condition, seems like a nice deal.

Maybe if you could get a couple of hundred bucks off the price you could use the savings to take it to a shop and have them rebuild it from the frame up and service all of the components, replace cables, etc...

milkbaby

For the $500 difference, I'd choose the Giant TCR for the warranty and having the shop as go-between for any potential problems. I only know a couple people who have one, but they love it as a race bike.

I have the lower level Jamis Xenith Race frame and it is a very nice race bike too (very stiff, a little harsh, but feels great when you jump and mash the pedals), and I'd imagine the Team/SL frame would probably terrific too, but I would hesitate to buy used at that close a price point between the 2 bikes.

forte9528

Is the warranty really that worth it? I feel like it'd just protect me against a happenstance crack in the frame, but not much more. Am i missing something?

mikeE46

Jamis? hum, not my cup of tea because I don't see a lot and doesn't look good.

Giant TCR advance? it is the top model and I'm very happy with what I have now(TCR Advance ISP SL).
I will go with Giant for sure if I have to choose between.

forte9528

how valuable is having a warranty really?

neneboricua

Depends on the details of the warranty. If the warranty offers crash replacement on good terms (like free or some kind of reasonable fee) then that would be awesome. However, most warranty's don't cover accidents; usually only if a crack develops in a seat tube or something from normal riding around.

Some companies have a crash replacement policy where you get something like a 30%-40% discount on the price of a new frame. Neither Jamis nor Giant have one, though.

If the Jamis was gonna crack, it would have done so by now. As long as you get the frame checked out, it should be fine.