Thread: Old but New
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Old 12-13-12 | 07:53 PM
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Bill Kapaun
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Mid Willamette Valley, Orygun

Bikes: 87 RockHopper,2008 Specialized Globe. Both upgraded to 9 speeds. 2019 Giant Explore E+3

I don't think you would go wrong with any of those choices.

I personally don't like shocks (I don't need them or their extra weight) or disc brakes (don't need them either in my flat terrain).

I DO like the 9 speed drive trains vs a lower number.
In disc brakes, I see a potentially expensive repair in my future.
IF you plan to ride in wet conditions or STEEP downhills, the discs may be useful.

Of the 3, I kind of prefer the Jamis.
YOU have to decide what feels best for you though. There should be one of them that simply "talks" to you a little sweeter than the others. More of an extension of yourself, rather than something you have to adapt yourself to.

BTW, if the gearing choices don't quite match your riding needs, you can do a cassette swap rather inexpensively.
Both my bikes have been "upgraded" to 9 speeds. For my flat conditions, I use 12-21 & 12-23 cassettes. That gives me lots of closely spaced gears to keep my cadence at an optimum (for me) RPM. This greatly assists my "cruise speed", since I have emphysema.

All opinions expressed are from an old codger!
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