DK Drop

I'm looking at both of these bikes, what bike do you guys think is the better bike, the Jamis Durango SX Sport, or the Trek 4300? Thanks.

DK Drop

If anyone has insight on this I would apprietiate it.

Portis

I don't believe these bikes are in the exact same price category. Then again i didn't find the MSRP on the Jamis site. (didn't look to hard either)

I can tell you that the Jamis is spec'd quite a bit better than the 4300. Better: Wheels, Fork, Shifters, Rear Der. etc. Price would be the X-factor. The Jamis also appears to be a wee bit heavier than the 4300 but probably not much.

DK Drop

Now I remind you that I am talking about the Jamis SX "SPORT" the plain Jamis SX is quite a bit more money. Basiclly the Trek I can get for $740 CND taxes in, and the Jamis is $805 taxes in. From what I see the 4300 with Disc, and the Jamis "Sport" are pretty close. Yes? No?

Portis

I'm talking about this bike.



And like i said, the Jamis has the better components that i mentioned. Definitely a better deal if we are talking about the same bike. Also, do you need disc brakes? The discs in this category won't be the best and if you go with rim brakes you can up your component levels on a rim brake equipped bike.

iamlucky13

One of my housemates has a Durango, I forget exactly which model. I think it's the next one up from what you're talking about. It's a good ride. My gut says to go with the Jamis.

No you don't need the disc brakes. They may be nice in really wet, steep-hilled conditions, but in...hmmm, I just checked your location. I'm going to take a stab at the lat and long and say Nevada. Ok...I don't think they'll be critical in Nevada (or wherever you actually are). I've been riding with V's in Washington (lot's of rain) for several years. A good set of disc's would be nice, but I haven't needed them.

DK Drop

Ya that is the Jamis ride. I live in SK Canada, and do ride in allot of wet conditions. I rode both the Jamis, and the Trek tonight, and to be honest the shifting, and whole feel of the Trek was much better, I like the fact the Trek has a 2.20" tire, as appose to the Jamis 1.95" not to mention the price is $60 less, and the Trek dealer is right down the street form my work, and the Jamis dealer is like 2 hours away. So for service, or basically the whole convienence factor, I am leaning towards the Trek.

Portis

I won't argue with you. I have two Trek 4300's. I have put thousands and thousands of miles on them in the last couple of years. So I can safely say they are good bikes. I have also upgraded the bikes quite a bit. the first thing you will want to lose is the seat. It is painful!!!! I remember somebody telling me that when i got mine.

I also rember thinking, "yeah right." I left the OEM saddle on there for awhile and was always somewhat uncomfortable. I then broke down and bought a Brooks B-17. My life then changed forever. Of course i bought another for my other 4300. I kid you not, it will make the BIGGEST difference of anything you could do. Good Luck!

DK Drop

Thanks for the advice ranger, I'll ride the OEM saddle for a while to make me appritiate when I change, there are actually some really killer saddles at my local shop, looks like I'll be taken a closer look at some of them. Ranger did you leave the stock Forks? what do you wiegh? I'm close to 200lbs, so I'm thinking about taking the forks apart to replace with a stiffer spring.

Hunter

I would go with the Jamis. The Trek feels like a comfort bike. For MTBing the stem is just unacceptable, and for taller riders like myself the frame is just too compact.

iamlucky13

Getting a new stem and shortening the steer tube were only major changes I made when I got my 4500. Other than that, it's been a good bike and I like the riding position after the changes.

Portis

I am 6'2" and have ridden mine for over 9000 miles and am fine with the frame and stem.

Portis

I have the NSYNC fork on mine. I have the 03 and 04 Trek models. They are basically the same forks and have adjustable preload. You can tighten the spring to make it stiffer. I have each of mine tightened as much as possible because i like them stiffer. I weigh 150 lbs although i was closer to 200 when i started riding a couple years ago.