A bit lost here...
 

I'd first like to apologise if this is in the wrong area. I'm new here, as is evident, and I couldn't find anywhere else to ask this.

I'm looking to get into cycling first by commuting every once in a while and taking recreational rides--no more than 10 miles at a time. The problem that presents itself is that I have no bike.

So I've spent a few weeks looking around at local shops and I've narrowed it down to these choices (both from local shops) that are right about the amount I'd like to spend:

Jamis Ventura Sport: $650
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...port_spec.html

Scott Speedster S50: $700
http://scottusa.com/us_en/product/82.../speedster_s50

Now I don't want to seem like I'm trying to elicit a decision out of other people, but I admit that I haven't the slightest clue, even after much research, as to which bicycle I should go with. I haven't had a chance to test out the Scott as it needs to be ordered in, but I have tested the Jamis and it appears to be a sturdy ride.

Any opinions and justifications would be much appreciated--thanks in advance.

Either bike should be fine. They are both similarly low-spec bikes, not much difference there. If you can't tell the difference then go with the cheaper one, especially since they have it there and you can ride it. The single most important thing is to make sure you get the correct size.

Thanks for your input. It looks like this one is going to be a coin toss, then. An educated coin toss, I mean.

I dunno, sounds like a no-brainer to me.

Test ride lots of bikes and get whichever fits and feels the best. Consider getting a less expensive "first" bike, or even borrowing one if possible. You'll have a better idea of exactly what you want only after you get some miles behind you.

Less expensive than what? Unless you get a wallyworld or target bike (or bikesdirect), that's pretty much as low as they go.

Honestly, at that level it really doesn't matter much. Like I said, just make sure it fits. If you can find a shop that does a real fitting, that's best.

A 700 hundred dollar bike is not needed for the above. Plenty of riders prove this every day.

The Jamis looks a bit more relaxed. The distance between the handlebars and the saddle is a bit shorter.
The bike is also just a bit longer. If there are no problems getting a good fit, I'd pick the Jamis if I was limited
to those two.

Neither is designed with commuting in mind. A commuter will take a larger tire, have fittings for racks.
Cyclocross bikes and touring bikes are popular with commuters. The wheels and tires will be more rugged and reliable.
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...rora_spec.html

I know you have your mind set on a new bike, but have you considered a used one, may be off Craigslist? But then again, you would likely need a cycling friend to give it a good once over.

Ah, you are off to a good start. Four years ago, I was in your shoes. Except I had an old crappy hybrid bike in the garage, which was the perfect bike for getting over the "sidewalk and MUP phase" of a new commuter and rider. It didn't take long to graduate to road bikes. Spend as much as you want to on a bike, but do your very best to get it to fit correctly. If that means paying a bit more, it will be worth it. The fit will be more important than the purchase price.

It appears that you have singled out road bikes as your preferred tool. Therefore you are in the correct form, and I commend the choice. It will not be long before you are taking the long way to and from work, and riding even when not going to work. The commuter forum has lots of info in it, but the atmosphere is decidedly different in that forum.

I presume you have determined the route you will be using to commute on? No point in getting a road bike with narrow wheel clearance if you have to go long distances on gravel roads or trails, where a wider tire would be beneficial. You should also determine what you need to carry with you to commute. If it is just yourself and some water, any bike will do. Need to carry a laptop, lunch, clothes and other supplies? Then make sure your bike frame is drilled to bolt on a rack. Sure, you can use a backpack, but racks are better.

Need ideas on how to split up a commute between rail and bike, bus and bike, or strategies for commuting in the dark, securing your bike while you are at work, or situations where work has no lockers, showers, cafeteria, or when cycling attire won't be acceptable? Check out the commuter forum.

edit: FWIW, I commute on my Specialized Roubaix. I have an entirely paved route, and I only have to transport myself and water. Lockers, showers, food, secure bike storage, and clothing are provided at work.

On the other hand the Scott has a triple which might be more useful for both commuting and getting into riding more regularly. For me I also like the look of the Scott a little more - that's entirely aesthetic though.

You'll probably find that both bikes are equally reliable, so beyond riding them and seeing if one seems right for you, I'd look at gearing and wheels. I think that the Scott's gearing is more versatile, and it seems that the wheels may be similar in quality (both Alex rims) but the Scott has a lower spoke count. If you're more towards the heavy side, that might steer you back towards the Jamis that has a higher spoke count - the wheels will be less likely to go out of true when you hit a pothole on your way to work.

Good luck with your choice.

I had about the same exact post this time last year. I really did not think I would ever go beyond "commuting every once in a while and taking recreational rides--no more than 10 miles at a time" phase. I just wanted to drop a few pounds and save some money on gas. I had a friend talk me out of buying the $700 abc bike because he said I would either totally hate it and lose interest quickly, or become obsessed with it and then wish I had more bike then the $700 bike could offer me. So I ended up buying a used but very capable bike from the mid '80's. After a few rides, I could tell this was something I was going to stick with. I've put over 2,000 miles on that bike in the last year. Now I am ready to move to the next level as far as the bike is concerned. For me, I am glad that I only spent $300 on a bike a year ago then $700. It makes it easier to justify a new bike to myself and the CFO of my house (my wife).

Another thing that I did not consider is the amount of money that I would spend on equipment, clothing, gear, etc.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Welcome to the addiction.

dont do it! (or if you do, ensure you're happy with toe over lap with front wheel). CX bikes are dm confortable though (due to fatter tires). but between my rb and cx bikes, I pick the rb as much as possible.

Thanks for your help, everyone. I've taken everything into consideration and will probably be going with the Jamis mainly because the bike shop will provide me a decent fitting. As far as commuting goes, I'll be able to chuck everything I need into a small backpack, so that should do for now.

I'll likely be spending increasingly more time on here in the future--thanks for the warm welcome.

Excellent choice for the right reasons, well done.
Taking wagers on when "no more than 10 miles at a time" makes the OP laugh.

i always wonder why newbies never post their location in their profile area?

where do you live nick? depending on that, make sure you have a good understanding on what types of clothing you may want to consider for the commute/ride. dont forget lighting, very important if the commute takes you out in the dark.

agree with the others that either of those two models is a solid starting point. good luck!

My good friend raced for many years, had a beautiful Italian race bike. Then he stopped, as a very strong Cat 3, at maybe 25 yrs old, for about 10 years. He smoked, drank, and got fat (240-250 lbs, from 155 or so). Then he decided to get back in shape. He got an intro level Jamis a couple years ago, now down to 180 or so (he's 6' and change). Okay, fine, he wore out the drivetrain in a year. The frame/fork is fine.

Ironically I just did a post on "cheap" race bikes, but I started at $875.
http://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.co...team-bike.html

I think you'll be fine on the Jamis, and I think you'll have a blast riding.

cdr

It takes a while to discover the bells and whistles.

I have a 2007 Jamis Ventura Sport, and if I had the choice whether to buy it again or not, I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. I have well over 2000 miles on mine and here are a few weaknesses I have observed. Keep in mind that all bikes in this price range are going to have some compromises to keep the cost low.

Tires-cheap, heavy wire beaded. Front tire junk after 1000 miles with cut in sidewall
brakes-cheap pads that do not stop very well
Fork-non carbon which results in a somewhat "buzzy" ride
Wheels-cheap Alex brand, broke 2 spokes (1 at 1500 and 1 at 2000 miles) and I weigh 170 pounds.

Even with those compromises, it is a more than capable bike that I used in a Duathlon.