Flash

Well, of course not. But it is to me. I had an Iron Horse HT and wanted to go to FS, so bought a used 2005 Dakar frame on the bay and transferred the components etc. Building up the bike was an enjoyable experience, had to add new front der, der hanger, headset, seatpost, cables etc.

I ride this bike all the time, commuting to work 7 miles both ways and on the trails. I read this forum mostly in the warmer months and, like many, I am impressed by the wonderful pictures and reviews of gorgeous lightweight bikes.

But, no matter how much I think about upgrading to a brand new bike, I can't justify it because the Jamis works for me. It must weigh 34 lbs, it's got deore all over it, I love the way it rides. the shock is basic and classic -- sure it would be nice to have propedal, but I can adjust as needed. my fork is pretty plain, some might even say it's a POS -- manitou axel comp -- but it works as designed. The seatpost is scary, I may replace that.

Something about putting the bike together yourself and knowing exactly how all the parts will respond creates something like a permanent bond between rider and bike, hard to explain. Even the ugly zip ties represent my personal stamp.

So, I'm ready to go as the new season approaches. Here's wishing everyone a thrill-filled, and safe, spring/summer.

cheers

kenhill3

Nothing feels better than the feeling of 'being one' with your bike. Good on ya.

BFG

Yeah, having little things on your bike that are your stamp, making it your bike is great. thats why getting a new bike sucks. There's no "Ph i remember how i got that scratch" or "Oh, i replaced that part because of XXXXXX" or any little niggling things you like about a bike that make it yours. And i love seeing it too.

troie

How much did you pay for the frame?

ed 

Lordy, you KNOW I had to reply to this one.

I feel the same way, man. My XLT is still running strong. I've built sooo many "dream bikes" on paper and in my head. I usually start out with this-or-that ultra-light derailleur and then I tell myself "That's too light...it'll break" then I write down XT. I jot down an RP23 rear shock...but then I end up crossing it out in favor of a Van R due to the set-it-and-forget-it factor as well as the extra buttery coil.

At the end of the build...I'm usually back to the almost identical build that I ride. Occasionally I think about swapping the XLT frame for a Heckler or Scirrocco...but at the end of the day I'm still happy with the old Jamis.

ZeCanon

working/building your own bikes is good for more than keeping some cash in your wallet. Nice bike, glad to hear you enjoy it so much

mazdaspeed

That's what it's about, enjoying your bike and not feeling the need to compare it to other ones that are used for different purposes.

Also, if your bike is a POS, I don't want to know what mine is..

Slow86prix

Im just finishing my build up this weekend, hope it lives up to everything i hear from you guys !

chicobiker

I just picked up a 2005 Dakar XLT 3.0 a couple weeks ago and couldn't be happier with it. The frame looks just like yours chelboed but is a dark blusish/pewter color. Has a Fox TALAS front fork and a TALAS rear shock, i've always had coil forks/shocks and I love the feel of the Fox all air suspension. Also all Truvativ team and WTB components, Avid juicy seven hyd brakes, man I love this bike. Not really a lightweight but feels like a feather compared to my Kona lol. Works perfect for the terrain in Northern CA where I ride, Kudos to Jamis for making such an awesome frame.

ed 

+1

It's only getting better too. The XAM is a great replacement for the XLT. The burlier "Parker" is more reminiscent to the XLT, yet it's 1" less travel and new geo make it a great "fun bike" that's prob. less all-day oriented.

The XLT 3.0 was a mad beast, man. Great factory build for the money. I think with your air suspension and XC wheelset...you're pulling about 1/4lb less than me even. (which is good for a decent AM bike) I'm right at 32lbs and the factory 3.0 was right around 31.75, I believe.


BTW...where the crap are the pics???!!!