Jamis Customer Service, etc
 

I've been out there trying to buy a Jamis Aurora in the Seattle area for a week. Nearly all the dealers claim that the bike was short on production and won't be available again in the 2005 model. Still, a fair number of those same dealers claimed that they were soon discontinuing Jamis due to poor customer service (to the dealers). My question is, what's up with Jamis?

I'm bummed because I test rode the Aurora in a 57 cm model (I need a 59 cm) and apart from the discomfort of the size, it was such a sweet ride, I'm practically ready to drop the cash to the first dealer that has it in my size. None of them do and none can get them!

By the way, any suggestions on a road bike under $850 that has decent components, steel frame and preferably disc brakes- in other words, a good stable bike built for lots of hilly commuting and the occasional long ride (150-200 miles, roundtrip).

Thanks!

You might want to try Copelands down in Portland...Jantzen Beach. I havent been there in a while but I know they sold Jamis and they guys said that they could get anything. You might want to give them a try if nothing else.

Thanks for your suggestion, TLN- alas, I have no way to get out there (currently car-less). *sigh!*

Performance is a big Jamis dealer. You might want to give one of their shops a call and ask them to check stock on all stores across the country, not just their store. It's easy for them to do. If they have a size, they will ship it to the store at no extra cost. Plus, you might get lucky and get a last year's model on the cheap.

It does appear that Performance is not carrying too many of the Jamis road bikes anymore. Sad that people can't get beyond Trek/Specialized/Fuji/Giant names and buy a better bike (Nova, Quest, Aurora, etc.). I'm sure that's what's happening. Can't compete on the marketing level.

Too bad this one doesn't fit. Another bike bought but not ridden:

http://denver.craigslist.org/bik/80850736.html

Another possibility. I think the first week of August Performance has a double points weekend. You could get into the Jamis Nova for 20% off in store credit. Will put that bike in the $900s. More, but way more bike. Finance it for free for a year and it will cost you $80 a month.

it might be Performance the OP mentioned as dropping Jamis.. that's what the shops I talked to around here (SF Bay Area) said when I was in the exact same position. There was some kind of bad blood between Jamis and the national PBS headquarters, from what I could glean.

Don't be discouraged though Skinny Knees -- I had to travel a little bit to find a locally owned shop that had just started carrying Jamis bikes (Spokesman in Santa Cruz, highly recommended). They ordered me that exact bike, 59cm Aurora, it arrived within 2 weeks and I am totally happy with it after 3 months of daily commuting. Good luck! :)

Thanks ahpook (and others). I hope you're right. The other problem is that apparently, it's just not being produced and I fear what may have been available three months ago is not out there now. I may try to call Jamis myself and see what I can find out.

Pays to do this in mid Spring, not early Summer... *sigh*

Jamis is a good bike and don't give up hope. Press on your lbs that you really want it and ask them to have their rep see if they can find one in a store nearby that they can get for you. Jamis may even have some of the 04's left over. I have an 04 and its a great bike, I will be selling the wheels soon on ebay and maybe the frame (want to get a long haul trucker for really no reason, the aurora is great). The parent compnay of Jamis, Johanu (spelling?), is not always the easiest to deal with and this is probaly those dealers are refering to.

Even though it doesn't look as nice as the 2005s, I'm pretty sure that Rapid Transit in Chicago has a 2004 59cm Aurora

Amtrak goes between Seattle and Portland both ways every day. Not sure where Jantzen Beach is though.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1766+J...0.120352&hl=en

try that link :)

7 Miles from the Amtrak station from my research.
http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=45.61...OR+97217&hl=en

If you are looking for other road bike suggestions, check the road bike forum. There's a great sticky thread over there for $750 and under road bikes.

I've been happy with my 2003 Jamis Nova bought at Performance in Portland, especially since they were clearing it out last year for $549. List was something like $1049 so, needless to say, I'm actually very happy.

Jamis sells out quite often and ordering one may not be an option for your LBS. The Aurora was one of the bikes I was considering a few weeks ago and it sounded like the OEM only had one or two available in my size at that time. I kinda wish I'd bought one. I ended up w/ a Jamis Quest which is sweet but a little too "ambitiously" geared for my current, pathetic fitness level.
As for Jamis's cust svc, I found it weird that there is no contact info for the company itself on their website. A little spooky, IMO.
My LBS owner told me that his Jamis rep is extremely overweight and looks like he never rode a bike in his life while the Kona rep was a rider. Not that that really means anything about the bike or the company's service level. Just a tidbit. I still bought a Jamis. I feel they're great value and I love steel!
CPW

You might keep an eye out on eBay. I picked up a new old stock Aurora frame awhile back and was able to build it up with low gearing for a commuting (lots of hills) and touring. Good luck.

Even weirder, is there is insufficient company information on their website. I was all ready to buy a Jamis, but switched after thinking about the lack of company disclosure. I'm not convinced they want to be a bike supplier for the long term.