akaio

Okay, first off I know there are a bunch of threads about budget complete bikes. And I've read what I can of them. But I have found it hard to compare these two bikes in particular and im in between them. So first my situation, im (admittidly) a newb to FG, but gotta start somewhere. I have a 4-6 mile commute (with a good sized hill on one end of that commute), and I like to go joy riding on the weekend of course. I have ridden on an 80's Cannondale SM500 for the last 6+ months, but I should give it back to my father. So now im looking for a bike that is fast, light, and simple. Originally I had wanted to go with the Jamis Sputnik, but now it has a downfall that they are unavailable till some undetermined time (all they could tell me 'this winter'), and I was hoping to get the hang of it well before the rains really hit in OR. The IRO was kind of my second choice for two (minor) reasons, 1) I coulnt find much a review to save me besides a few people loving theirs on here, and 2) the stock bike is listed as 2 lbs heavier.

So my question is which do you guys recommend? People who own each seem to be pretty damned happy with them (anyone happen to try them both?). Should I wait it out for the Jamis or ditch them and go for the IRO?

For IRO are there any upgrades that I should do if I go this route? I def want a front brake added. Are the deluxe wheels worth it? Anyone go for the carbon fork? How are the components overall? I happen to know next to nothing when it comes to components, so how do they compare to the Sputnik?

Im sure they are both great bikes, and its pretty much a win-win situation but I figure before I plop down a few bucks I wanted to get the best idea of what will fit me best.

Thanks in advance to any and everyone for their advice, its greatly apprecieted.

spud

sputnik is a better bike with a slightly higher price tag. get it, ride it, have fun.

trons

sputnik if price isn't an issue. iro if it is.

veggiemafia

Did anybody else see that the MSRP of the Sputnik was listed on jamisbikes.com as $700 this year, not $825? I read that and it's making getting a Sput when they get the 2007s in REALLY tempting.

SingleSpeeDemon

https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/...s/sputnik.html

Yep...sweet deal although the '06 looks prettier with the TruVative polished crank.

littlefoot

+1

I don't like the RPM crank either

Falkon 

eck, they had an RPM crank on the thing? Changing from an RPM crank alone is bound to drop a pound.

Aeroplane

No brakes now, and an RPM crank instead of Truvativ. That's some of the money.

bbattle

Different saddle, too. If that matters much.

shapelike

*sets down booking notes for 2007 Jamis bikes for a moment*

... alright, enough sitting on the fence. Do people actually want this bike or not?

Ken Wind

I hope so. The Fizik Pave that came on the 06 is the worst saddle I've ever had. Mine didn't come with brakes Aeroplane. I don't think that was stock.

There is a different seatpost, stem, handlebars, seat, tires, and crank on the 07 model. This could have have brought the price down, and/or they could have ordered more frames because they were just testing the waters last year.

akaio

Yeah. Im on a list at my local shop. But would take one from anyone who could get one in stock.

dogpound

my gf has one and loves it.

veggiemafia

I figure I'd upgrade to Sugino 75s and a Flite and still be less than or around $1000.

Of course I may just buy a Rush and 75s and a Flite because I love building up bikes.

spud

yeah brakes were extra when i was looking last year. i'd totally buy a sputnik this year (07 model) if i didnt already have my fuji.

Aeroplane

Booo! I hate it when they don't provide brakes. Removing them is trivial if you don't want 'em, but getting a set of aero levers and dual-pivot calipers will run you $40-$50. Booo!

spud

yeah i know, but you can probably sweet talk the price of the brakes down if youre not already getting some sort of discount on the bike.

Aeroplane

My lady can attest to my sucking at sweet talk...

Scooped

i was looking at the iro angus & the sputnik. my '80 conversion is all steel. the carbon fork on the sputnik is a big +. also 2# lighter i think the wheel base is also slightly longer on the sputnik. i ordered mine & a front brake from my lbs who will give it to mefor $700 . i have also bought my road bike from him last yr.
wait!!!