Caliwild

I am also 5'9" and ended up going with a 51. It was more of a matter of standover height. The top tube was right up against my crotch on the 54 so the bike shop recommended a 51. I talked to Jamis and they said the same thing...

Aonex

Ha, okay thanks. Yeah my Surly has an even taller standover height so I'm guessing the 54 will be fine in that regard. That effective top tube on the 54 though worries me, since it's 55cm, close to the 56 on the Surly.

Aonex

Would you guys happen to know if Jamis is coming out with the 2018 models soon? Trying to decide if I should wait for them to come out... for either a better deal on the 2017 models or different color options on the 2018.

Jim53

I'm considering the Renegade Exploit. The Specialized Sequoia Elite appears to be a close cousin. Anyone test-ridden these two back-to-back? Any other thoughts?

shoota 

They’re both pretty straightforward steel gravel bikes. Can’t think of anything remarkable. Other than I’d rather give my money to a good company. I.E. anyone other than specialized.

Donsell

I bought an Exploit on Monday and asked the dealer the same question. He called and found out they're in production but didn't expect the new model to be available until October. He didn't ask when they'd release information on them because I'd already decided to buy the 2017 model.

ATPAH

I haven't gotten on the steel Renegade, so I don't have a fair comparison. I did get the Renegade Elite out on some trails and liked the general setup and handling, in addition to the extra snappiness of the high-end carbon frame, build kit, and wheels. The Sequoia was nice, but a bit sluggish, even in comparison to other mid-level cyclocross bikes. My LBS is going to set me up to test ride it with another wheelset next week, so I'll have a better perspective then, but that will make it more expensive than the Jamis. The trade-off will be some additional tire clearance, but I'm not sure how much that is worth to me with a 29er hardtail in the stable.

Donsell

I personally couldn't get as comfortable on the Sequoia as I am on the Exploit. Their geometries are different. But fit is a personal thing so if you want a steel bike in this price range the one that fits best is the one for you.

ATPAH

So, after test riding a couple Cannondales and Specialized, I jumped on my buddy's Renegade Elite on some singletrack again. He certainly doesn't ride it for all it's worth, and he might have gotten squeamish if he saw how hard I pushed it when I took it out for 5 minutes yesterday, but it's a ripper - super-precise and balanced. After our ride, I headed by his LBS, which I've visited before, and they had a Expert in my size with a paint issue that they were offering super cheap, so once they get it setup tubeless, I'll be next member of Team Renegade.

shoota 

YAY! Welcome aboard.

Explosive

I've been messaging jamis regarding renegades I'll see if anymore info comes from them all I got so far is expect Late fall for 18 models. Currently on boat from Asia but delays are common

scotch

I just got a 2017 Renegade Exploit. First ride on it was today. Absolutely beautiful ride. Gorgeous steel, super stiff carbon fork, super comfy geometry. A few pics here.

Caliwild

Scotch, nice bike!

Not sure if this is a thread hijack question or not, but I thought the other Renegade owners might like to know too... Which pedals would you recommend for this bike? I'm coming from road bikes (use SPD-SL) so thinking maybe XTR or XTR Trail? Thanks.

DanPLC

If you're going to use the bike off-road where you have to get off the bike, I would think MTB style clipless pedals would be better. But if you like the road style pedals and plan to stay mostly on the road, then stick with those.


I wouldn't think this is the best place to discuss the specific brand/model of pedal to get in a particular style. But personally I use Shimano Deore XT PD-M8020 pedals on my Trek FX and plan to use them on my next bike (which may be the Jamis Renegade Exploit).

Donsell

I use Shimano Deore XT PD-M8020 pedals on my Exploit as well. They're a great pedal.

twodownzero

The hydro brakes are a huge upgrade. My lady friend is riding the Sequoia and has no regrets. Hers is a 50 cm. Normally I ride a 50 cm in conventional road geometry but I think I'd be a 52 in the Sequoia; it seems small.

Caliwild

Thanks, guys. Went with the XT pedals as recommended...

ATPAH

Good call. I'll be putting the same pedals on mine. Actually, they're the 747s, which later were marketed as XTs, but which are still going strong after 16 years of rather abusive mountain biking use.

Caliwild

Shimano pedals are always bomb-proof... plus, I didn't see the point of the extra cash for the XTRs...

ATPAH

Just picked-up my Renegade yesterday. It's a leftover 2016 Expert that I got a killer deal on. Followed two buddies, also on Renegades around some Cape Cod trails, primarily singletrack with some washouts to navigate. The 40c Nanos were a great fit for this kind of riding, and the bike feels incredibly planted and nimble. I love how it responds to pedaling. immediately jumping forward, even when I was drifting downhill and sideways toward a tree. I'm sure that enormous bottom bracket has a lot to do with this. I love this bike already.

Donsell

I've had my Exploit now for a month. I took her on her first metric century this morning. I love how comfortable this bike is. My legs give out before my butt.

Now I need to get in the type of shape the bike deserves.

vwsswv

I picked up a Renegade Expat yesterday. I'm new to this and couldn't really tell the difference between the Expat and Exploit on my test ride. While checking the specs, I saw that the Expat was updated today on the Jamis website. Fortunately, the only change was the paint on the Expat. We will see what changes are in store for the other models in the Renegade series, but the new models are supposed to be arriving in October.

scotch

Different group set, no? Tiagra vs 105? Either way, congrats. I love my Exploit.

ATPAH

Yep. Welcome to the club of outbiked Renegade owners.

ATPAH

I continue to love this bike, but I'm definitely getting a 36-11t cassette for it. I had enough legs today to get over everything, but I was reaching for an easier gear on some of the singletrack climbs. I'd like to do some harder climbs, and for that, I'll need another gear.