Rupert2016

Hello Everyone

I知 looking for opinions on 3 bikes I知 considering purchasing:

Jamis Renegade Exile: I rode this one recently and I like it plus the dealer is close
renegadeexile

Specialized Diverge Subcompact: I plan to ride this one soon
Specialized Bicycle Components

GT Grade Claris: I can not find a dealer who has one in stock to ride so I may not be able to test ride it.
Grade Alloy Claris - Enduroad - Pavement - Bikes

If you have any other opinions on gravel/cyclocross bikes around the $850 price point please leave your thoughts/comments. I知 looking for the best overall bike for ride quality and comfort.

Thank You


Rupert

pressed001

I like GT bikes a lot but that Specialized looks better to me. All the bikes you listed look pretty similar component-wise. Maybe guarantee or price break will be the deciding factor?

Rupert2016

Thanks! I have a GT now and it's a great bike and I can get a really good deal online on a new GT but I'm leaning slightly towards the Specialized and supporting one of the local bike shops.

Falcon3

Specialized will have generally higher resale value if you end up loving it and wanting to upgrade.

GovernorSilver

Do that first before making a final decision.

I test rode at least 10 bikes before choosing my latest bike.

2wheelCambria

I considered variations of those three bikes when I was in search of a new steed a few months back. One thing I found during my search is that there is a lot of love out there for the Diverge E5 Smartweld, but not for its A1 little brother. I didn't end up riding one, but from what I've read, they are worlds apart in ride quality, though I do like the sub-compact crank on the A1 you linked. Not sure precisely what you have planned for this bike, but I am a big fan of a sub-compact crank for gravel/backroads bikes. It seems like a nice sweet spot between a 50/34 road compact and a 46/36 CX crank, but it seems like there aren't terribly many out there on stock bikes. Unlike the Diverge, the Grade has the same frame whether you spec it with Tiagra or Claris. I really like the Jamis philosophy of preserving a consistent range of stack and reach across their range of sizes, but if you're not a small or tall rider, that philosophy might not mean beans to you. Overall they are three nice bikes with slightly different strengths...you'll have to decide what's most valuable to you. Or maybe you'll test ride one and it will sing for you more loudly than the others.


You might also consider a Haanjo Tero...MSRP $900 but they're out there for $700 or less:
https://www.diamondback.com/bikes-road-alternative-road-haanjo-tero[/URL]


Happy hunting!

12strings

Look carefully at tire clearance on the diverge...35 may be it's limit...I think the Jamis goes to 40.

FLJeepGuy

I'm a big fan of both GT and Specialized and have been considering both the Grade and Diverge. I've found you get more for your money for the GT Grade at any trim and equipment level, and having owned several GTs in the past I'm really leaning toward the Grade due to the ride quality. I'm riding a Specialized right now, and have owned several, so I don't really feel you can go wrong on that front either.

Honestly, I'm not at a level where differences in equipment levels will make much difference in my day-to-day riding, so that does take some of that out of the equation. I do like the looks of the Diverge Elite DSW in orange so that might sway me a bit. GTs color combinations are underwhelming.

You really can't go wrong with either. I can't speak to the Jamis as I've no experience with their bikes.

Rupert2016

Thanks for your insight and suggestion of the Haanjo Tero-it seems right inline with the other entry level bikes Im considering and I can get a great deal on one and save a few hundred dollars that I could use toward some enhancements to the bike. Unfortunately I would have to buy it online and would not be able to test ride it- which I've done before and had great success buying my GT. I do mostly pavement riding but I've been venturing more off the beaten path to some light trails. Im a short rider so proper sizing is important and Jamis did seem to cater to that when I made the visit. Do you have any personal insight on the Haanjo Tero? I've read nothing but good things overall.

cleansheet

I was VERY interested in the Jamis Renegade Exile. Really liked the set up of the Renegade but was not willing to pay $4K. the Exile has a very nice set up still to get to a nice price point. I ended up going with a Jamis cyclecross bike because it had an even nicer price point (one year old model).

2wheelCambria

I haven't run across any negative feedback on the Tero so far. If comfort is your concern, you could always put the extra money saved toward a high-dampening seatpost and some bar padding or cushioned tape.

Rupert2016

I’ve been trying to do my due diligence, unfortunately I cannot find a GT dealer in my area with a GT Grade to test ride. I did however find last year’s GT online with slightly better components and about $150 cheaper than both the Jamis and Specialized but I would still have to assemble the bike and get it to my LBS for current and future adjustments.I’m also not certain I should purchase a bike without riding it. I'm also considering the Diamond Back Haanjo but Im also unable to ride it as well and it's also cheaper than Jamis and Specialized.


At the moment, I have narrowed my choice of bikes down to the Jamis Exile and Specialized A1 Subcompact. I finally rode the Specialized over the weekend and it’s really smooth and enjoyable ride for a base model bike.I enjoyed the Jamis ride as well and the guy at the Jamis BS was very thorough and paid close attention to detail.I plan to make a decision soon I can order my bike and be ready to rock soon.

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions.

3gun

ride the Jamis expat, cromo frame and 10 speed for a little more

OshkoshBiker

I just purchased a Haanjo Comp, I will let you know what I think when I get it. I bought it for my first Roubaix coming up in three weeks.

AgeOfEmpires

+1 on the Expat - if it's not too far out of your budget and you're open to steel. I rode this bike 3-4 times when shopping for my new bike. I wound up ordering the Renegade Exploit, based on the great feel and ride quality of the Expat. The Exploit was within my budget and I went into the hunt wanting the 105 group. The 631 frame vs. the 520 was also a plus for me.

While I wouldn't part with my Exploit (2.5 weeks and about 300 miles so far), for the shopper whose budget would be stretched by the Exploit, the Expat is probably the better value.

I did not ride the Exile so I can't contrast it with the Expat and Exploit. I did not want an aluminum frame, was specifically shopping for steel, and had a little larger budget.

Have fun with your search and good luck!

Rupert2016

Please let me know your thoughts on the Haanjo Comp..comfort?? weight?...ridge quality ? The Comp shares the same frame as the Haanjo Tero Im considering.

OshkoshBiker

I received the Haanjo Comp about a week ago and I have rode it for about fifty miles to configure it and work out any bugs it may have. After replacing the seat with a Planet Bike ARS and fine tuning the shifting, I absolutely love the bike. The Haanjo Comp is suprisingly light and very quick. Compared to my Trek 1.2 (road bike), the Haanjo takes off and is very responsive. I did not like the stock seat (too hard for me) so I replaced it. Probably the best aspect of the Haanjo is it's frame, I have the 56cm frame and I am 5' 10". I probably could have used the 54cm frame, however the larger frame works for me with the seat all of the way down. The Planet bike seat is a little taller than most.

Compare the differences between the Haanjo Comp and the Tero, because they are significant. The Tero is a a steel steerer and fork, whereas the Comp is aluminum and carbon. The brakes and wheels on the Tero are a step down and the group set is entry level, whereas the Comp is a 105. You might find, depending where you look, that it does not cost that much extra to get the Comp.

I am happy with my choice so far and I am looking forward to two Roubaix's coming up in the next couple of weeks.

Kind regards,

OshkoshBiker

Rupert2016

Thanks for the response. The Haanjo Tero is still in the running but the journey continues...

leftjohn

It might be a little over the $850 budget you mentioned but the Trek Crossrip is serving me very well. I got one late January and have put about 800 miles on it so far. I absolutely love the bike.

I wasn’t looking to set speed records or climb boulders on muddy root covered trails but I did want to log serious miles in a wide range of weather conditions and on a wide range of surfaces. The Crossrip has been perfect for me.

I can knock out 35 miles on asphalt in under 2hrs, grab a snack, then do another 10 miles with the wife taking over an hour down a mix of asphalt and trails.

I feel comfortable on that bike going 8 miles an hour or 20+ miles per hour.

rms13

That's interesting. I'm 5'10.5" and bought the Haanjo Trail in 56 and I have 6" of seat post showing and probably could go up another half inch to get proper leg extension. I am using a saddle with zero padding though

OshkoshBiker

Taking a second look, my seat post is showing two inches. This is where the bend starts in the seat post and it can not go down any further. The seat that I have is measuring another two inches tall.

So how do you like your Haanjo Trail?

OshkoshBiker

rms13

I'm enjoying it. I just wrote a semi detailed review for others that are looking at the Haanjo

https://www.bikeforums.net/recreation...il-review.html

OshkoshBiker

Nice review, I would concur with all of your observations.

Kind regards,

OshkoshBiker