Hi, I'm new to cycling except for some weekend rides with the family in my old mountain bike. Looking to upgrade and ride more often for greater distances, so I went to a local bike shop yesterday and tested out a Jamis Ventura Sport and Ventura Comp. I really liked the way the Sport felt, plus it was the right size. The Comp was one size up and I could tell it wasn't right for me, but I wanted to be able to try both to see if I felt a $200 difference. I liked the Sport better, but I'm thinking that's probably because the frame size was perfect for me. Any thoughts on these two bikes? I know the Comp has a carbon fork, but I'm not sure that model is worth the extra $200. Thanks in advance.

It would be really helpful for you to provide web links to the specifics of the bikes you considering as well as to list the actual prices you are looking at paying. You can't really expect folks here to know all this stuff by heart or spend a lot of time searching out information you already know the whereabouts of. Thanks.

I love mine

Thats why I was asking those people already familiar with Jamis bikes.

I have a Xenith Comp, my wife has the Ventura. I think her bike is a tad heavy but she loves it. Mine has been trouble free, very comfortable.

Thank you for the feedback!

I have Jamis Xenith Pro Great bike, not had any issues with it and great price.
Really comfortable to ride.
I would get another one without a doubt.
Allan

I have a Jamis Aurora touring bike, over ten thousand miles, no issues.

I was in my LBS when the owner was building an Icon Elite aluminum framed racing bike. When he finished, I helped him hang it up and went, WOW, super light. It was size 51 & barely weighed 16 lbs. Priced right at $2800.

I have a 2013 Jamis Ventura Sport. Very happy with mine so far, I bought it a couple months ago and have about 1000km on it with no issues so far. Replaced the stock tires and pedals but otherwise left it stock. Only thing I found was that I needed a little time to get used to riding a double rather than a triple. But now I actually like it more than the triple. The Ventura Sport is a bit heavier than average but I didn't find it a disadvantage and had no trouble keeping up with people on a couple group rides I've been on.

My wife's Xenith Comp is a solid bike. Very good bang for the buck.

Typically solid bikes for a very good value. I'd pony up the extra bucks for the carbon fork and drive train upgrades if it doesn't bust the budget.