i'm looking to buy a reasonably-priced bike for commuting (14 mi/day) and just bopping around town. i intend to rig it up with a rear rack so that i can pack on my work stuff, groceries, etc.

after a lot of test rides, i'd narrowed my decision down to the trek 7.3 fx wsd. but today, i tried out a jamis and kinda fell in love. it was the jamis coda comp - a little out of my price range - so i plan to get on the jamis coda sport soon. i liked the smooth ride (guessing because of the steel frame) and it's lower profile (seemingly more like a road bike than the trek).

i've been riding a specialized allez dolce road bike since 2003 and adore it. but the prospect of a steel frame to contrast my aluminum road bike is compelling. i want something that moves pretty quickly with good control.

any thoughts on trek versus jamis; on the trek 7.3 fx versus the jamis coda sport or coda comp; and in general, on steel versus aluminum for a commuter bike?

thanks!

I consider myself a member of the very vocal "Steel is Real" crowd. I just like the feel of a steel-framed bike over any aluminum bike that I've ridden so far. I noticed that you mentioned the FX is a WSD model; there is also a womam-specific Coda model - the Coda Femme. Unfortunately, the Femme model is only available as the base Coda and therefore has Acera components which are a couple of steps below the 7.3's Deore. I also noticed that the Comp model has a carbon fork so it will probably feel somewhat different than the Sport's full chromo frameset. Regardless I would suggest giving the Coda Femme a test ride - the Acera group works fine IMHO. I have an 8-yr-old Acera derailleur that works as well as it did new. Plus the $90 in savings could go toward those little extras that we always want for our new ride. Have fun and ride safe!

Buy the bike you enjoy the most. I ride a Jamis Aurora (which is drop-barred steel touring bike and does everything a Coda will do but faster, except its out of your price range).

I am a fan of the Jamis bikes. I have a 99 Jamis exile that I use as a commuter. I love mine. However as another poster mentioned, buy the bike you like riding the best. Component wise you may not even notice a difference depending on the riding you do.

As for steel vs. aluminum both of my bikes are steel (exile and LHT). I do think that the steel vs. aluminum is a bit overblown though. When looking for a touring bike I felt the aluminum Cannondale T2 was more comfortable than the LHT when I test rode both (although not by much). I've read that tires and geometry play a more important role in comfort than frame material (though I'm sure it does factor in). Hope this helps

I had a jamis coda sport and loved the thing. Threw on some albatross handlebars and wide tires and it was like riding a sporty cruiser. I rode that bike all over the place, commuting, getting groceries, recreational rides, and tours. Finally had to sell it since i was moving, and now i kind of miss it.

thanks, all. very helpful! sounds like there's a serious jamis contingent out there, and all i've read are excellent reviews. i'm also pretty interested in getting a steel frame to contrast my aluminum one...and wondering if this will be the beginning of never going back.

I can't speak for the trek.. but I love my Jamis. I did test ride a couple aluminum bikes before I bought mine. The steel will feel much smoother on bumps and potholes if you have to deal with any of those.

bhop: is that the coda sport that you have?

It's a 2008 Aurora. I think the Coda has more of a sloping top tube and flat bars.

Looks like an Aurora (name on toptube). Jamis makes nice bikes.

JAMIS.....................Steel frame, Quailty build, Excellent value, and did I mention STEEL FRAME. Ride the Jamis and feel the difference.

My Trek 520(steel) made a great commuter. I've test ridden a Portland and came away with an impression that it would make a fine commuter. I've also test ridden the Jamis Aurora and liked it very much. If you really like a more comfortable steel hybrid, look for a used Trek 7XX series. Last summer I picked up a mint '96 720 for my daughter for just $50 and she loves it. Here is an older pic.