JAMIS vs. TREK
 

Hey Everyone...I am making an addition (not transition) to MB with road cycling being first and foremost.

After much research in the brands, I narrowed my choice down to the Jamis Dakar Xam 2.0 or the Trek Fuel EX-8.
Well the Jamis won in a landslide over the Trek in almost every category. The Jamis Dakar's spec's are by far better than treks with suspension on the Jamis being top-O-line Fox Talas 32 RLC front fork with Fox DHX Air 5.0 rear, XTR/XT drivetrain and full hi end Easton cockpit w/ monkey stuff, Hayes El Camino brakes and WTB saddle and grips. I upgraded the pedals to platform crank bros. 50/50 XX red/blk and grips to Ergon w/ mini ends. All for <$2000.00

Trek had SLX front D, XT shadow Rear D, SLX shifters and their usual slew of Bontrager stuff (no X lite anywhere). $2300.00

You must be looking at an old Xam, b/c they come with a 36...not 32mm Fox.

Sounds like a closeout 2007 which was a 5" Jamis Stumpy Trance. The 2008 and 2009 are more of a 6" Jamis Enduro SX Reign.

If it's the '07, I'd go with the Fuel EX 8. Otherwise, the 2008-9 XAM's are pretty flippin tight.

2007
http://www.productwiki.com/upload/im...ar_xam_2_0.jpg

2008
http://www.ykkbikes.com/files/08_DAKARXAM2.jpg

2009
http://jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/f..._dakarxam2.jpg

/\ /\ Your right, it is a "07".
Still thought it to be better than the trek ex-8.....although opinions appreciated.

The Trek design and geometry is better then the Jamis. Both very similar bikes componentory wise so its best to test them both out.

Agreed.....give them both a ride if you are able to. But - If it were me, I'd go with the Jamis. They offer more value for your money. The Trek doesn't come with a Fox does it ? That would be the goodie that tips the scale toward the Jamis

The EX8 does have a fox. But honestly, if you're just adding mountain biking to road riding and not getting into AM riding, the XAM will probably be overkill. The EX8 is a solid bike, easily upgradable.

Thanks everyone. The components on the Jamis are XTR/XT, High end Easton stuff and tops in suspension, Fox Talas RLC 32 front and Fox DHX 5.0 rear.
The Trek EX-8 is mostly SLX and Bontrager house brand stuff (not necessarily a bad thing) w/ fox mid grade suspension.

Is the frame of the Trek really that much better?
Please keep in mind this bike (The Jamis) is a brand new 2007 model, and I bought it for $1850.00 with minor negotiating. Trek was $2150.00 w/ a better front D (SRAM X-9).

It does have Fox's mid grade stuff.
Trek left a bad rap decision for me by; cheaping components, NOT made in USA anymore, rather Asia, and raised pricing considerably.

I will only be riding trails and woodland paths. NOT racing or downhill banzaing. A complement to mainly road riding....but I am finicky about components, relaibility, feel and precision, and looks.

To me, XTR/XT takes the lead.

Ride them both out and choose which one fits your needs. Jamis would be my pick.