which one?? help
 

I am looking around for a commuting bike for a while now.
I narrowed it down to
Jamis Coda or Avanti Blade Sport (both 2006).
Which one would you recommend?

Thanks!!!

The answer is yes. Why bother choosing?

I've heard good things about the Coda, have not seen teh Avanti.

Test riding at length will tell you so much about how a bike fits you. Some bikes are well reviewed but I am just not comfortable with them.

I like the coda. It's a good steel hybrid. I test rode at length three of the levels that the coda comes in but in the end I decided on a touring bike from the same bike shop. Not familiar with the Avanti. I am wondering if you have test ridden these bikes. What did you think of each bike? What do you think of the bike shops in your area that these bikes are sold? When you need service will they be friendly, helpful, and convenient? On some level this isn't a stress decision. You will get a bike and enjoy it and the benefits that come.

My vote is for the Coda. The Avanti is just like every other aluminum hybrid out there. I have one (alu hybrid) sitting in the basement right next to a new Coda. I originally looked at an alu hybrid and a Coda 3 years ago and made the mistake of buying the alu. The Coda is so much smoother.

The only time I'd recommend the Avanti over the Coda is if you have to store your bike outside and it's going to rain on it every day (bad idea with any bike, but hey, sometimes it has to be done). That's aluminum's only advantage-no rust.

Yeah I rode both of them.
I like how you sit on the Avanti a bit better, as you lean more forwards. I do not know much about it, but I think the gears are better too?
Avanti: Shimano Sora, Coda: SRAM SX4
I do prefer the steal frame though and the coda bike shop.
The avantishop feels a bit like a rip off.
The Coda has a good deal now. I actually wanted to buy the Coda Sport, but that sold out before I made the decision unfortunately.
What do you recon about the components?

I guess I'd go with the SRAM again. It's 9 speed, which means that your upgrade path is perfect. All the high end mtb shifters and derailleurs are 9 speed. Sora is 8 speed if I recall correctly, and there is basically no upgrade path should you decide you want better shifters or derailleurs. The next step up, Tiagra, is 9 speed which is not compatible. Not that you'll need them on either bike

On the fit, you could probably just adjust the stem down on the Coda so the bars were closer to the ground. I think it has an adjustable stem. Also, you could have the shop swap the spacers so that they are above the stem instead of below. If like more than 1 spacer above the stem, have the shop cut down the fork for you.

I think they both do rear racks and can take tyres at least 28-32mm

The coda gearing is gentler, much easier for hills. It would be better for carrying shopping etc if that is what you want it for.

The blade sport is a bit sportier, on the down side this means less gear range for hills. Yeah aluminium will give a harsher ride but on the other hand will be marginally lighter (the coda steel is good quality).

Which feels nicer to ride? Do you want it for commuting/shopping or for road and bike path riding?

Avantis are available heaps of places, similar ride from bikes like Merida and Norco and Specialized. Shop around and look at other flat bar road bikes if the price is the only issue.

Also, Avanti makes the Sub Zero and Blade bikes which are nice (even sportier if that's what you want) as long as you don't want to carry heavy loads.

That makes sense...
I am going to ride the bike every day. So would the Coda still be good enough, as I do not want to upgrade in the next future?
But I like the option...

Cheers!

I would use it mainly for commuting and longer rides on the weekend. Would not do to much shopping.
I think the Avanti is a bit speedier than the Coda. For the Coda I needed more strength to ride fast.

Hi Guys,

Had my first commute with the CODA today, it does not feel very "sporty" what is a bit unusally for me, but its mine know. Hopefully I grow on it.
CHEERS

Good choice. Please post pictures when you can.