Please help me choose a Jamis
 

Hello Everyone,

First poster here! I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on choosing a Jamis bike? I am basically a newbie in biking, although I used to own an entry level Shwinn mtb a few years ago.

I am currently looking at two Jamis models:

2007 Dakota Sport (964 USD)
2007 Dakota Comp (1306 USD)

The stupid thing is that I mostly need the bike to ride around the paved city tracks with occasional shortcuts to gravel. I wanted to get a Trek Soho but I could not find any reviews or convincing opinions, and I can't justify the heavy price tag. It also looks kind of fragile for my weight (198lbs). I heard about the popular Jamis' city bike (can't remember the name now) but it's not available anywhere around here. I want the bike to look good, to be light and confortable, although the main criteria is probably reliability.

Any suggestions? Thank you in advance. :)

Advice on Jamis? Don't do it. They've got a bad rep for broken frames. Go to a real LBS and test a few rides before you buy.. at $1000 you can buy nearly any hardtail you want.

I've heard nothing but good things about Jamis. Some of their bikes are a bit heavy, but haven't heard of breaking.

I don't know much about Jamis, but I do know that you are about to throw away alot of money plus taxes.
" The stupid thing is that I mostly need the bike to ride around the paved city tracks with occasional shortcuts to gravel."
Indeed that is fairly ridiculous, you can probably buy any crap bike and do that. Unless you are serious about moutain biking and are planning on hittin trails at least every other day, don't buy such an expensive bike. Buy something midrange, focus on comfort and stability, and looks if that's important. But if you are riding road with occasional gravel, there is no way in heck your components are going to break, especially not your frame. Even if you are planning on getting into mountain biking, buy something mid range, see if you like it, then upgrade your bike or buy something more serious, at this point it seems to me you've listened to alot of hype and think that you need to spend alot to get something good, don't fall into the trap most newbies do, I alomst did. Best of luck with your new aquisition, whatever it may be.
Ciao

Yep, you're probably right, Cusco. Thanks for your advice. Thanks guys for your input.

I too, am leery of Jamis.

My buddy has a Dakar 2.0. We are both bigger riders, 240 lbs. That said, I have had zero problems, while he has had a ton with his Dakar.

Blown rear bearings, cracked chainstay, and THREE broken frames. They have been good about it, he has gone through the channels and gotten a new frame each time at no cost, but lots of dialing. Also broke his rear dropout, etc.

Now, he is a big dude, and rides the bike VERY hard, but is not hucking 5 foot drops. If you are more average size, you may be just fine, but I question the builds.....

I'm below 200lbs and I bet I will not ride the bike hard or anything close to that.
So should I go with a cheaper option? Like Jamis Cross Country or smth?

They had an issue with their factory in the 2004-2005 time frame. Chainstay welds did not hold on a good number of the XLT's and Jamis is making good on the warranty. I went through it and got mine replaced. I've broken frames from other manufacturers just as well. Heck, since I broke my Gary fisher HooKooEKoo frame, should I tell someone "Don't do it. They've got a bad rep for broken frames"? No. There is nothing wrong with Jamis frames. The Dakar is especially nice. The Dakota line is great as well.

Don't let a few "bad apples" steer you away from such a good bike. If you did that, you'd have to stay away from every manufacturer, hehe.:D

I do somewhat agree with these posters that you're going a little overboard for gravel paths, but I say if you have the $$$ then go for it. You will eventually get hungry for more of an "off road" experience. If you buy a Hybrid then you'll just have to sell it later to buy a real MTB that will handle some trail.

I've had a great experience with my 2003 Jamis Eureka. Jamis has a great reputation for value on their specs. I haven't had any problems with the frame but it is a pretty heavy duty hardtail. If you're not opposed to getting a used bike, there always seems to be good deals on Jamis's on Ebay (where I got mine for $340). Good luck.

I have a custom built 04 Jamis Dakota. I got the frame NOS for about $200.

It is an all aluminum frame (some now have CF stays which do not interest me). Overall I am happy with it. I'm not sure about the new ones, but mine has v-brake and disc brake mounts which was important to me.

I have only put 500 miles on it so far this year and have no complaints. Nicely built and cleanly put together.