Can someone tell me anything about Jamis bikes?
Discussion
I'm looking for a hardtail for no more than £450- £500.
Just for riding out with the kids but I know if I buy a cheapo one I'll regret it as I'd also like to do a few trails sometime.
I've seen this Jamis bike but don't know much about them - quality, longevity, components etc... http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jamis/durango-...
Anyone give me a few pointers or even point me in the direction of any other bike in the price range?
Cheers.
Just for riding out with the kids but I know if I buy a cheapo one I'll regret it as I'd also like to do a few trails sometime.
I've seen this Jamis bike but don't know much about them - quality, longevity, components etc... http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jamis/durango-...
Anyone give me a few pointers or even point me in the direction of any other bike in the price range?
Cheers.
Jamis are an American brand, very popular over there but dont do much UK business, they have had fleeting UK presence but have had numerous UK importers over the years. they are good bikes for the money.
as for Felt, they are neither better or worse than any other brand at the same price point. Now they are becoming established in the UK, i dont think I would put them above others as an example of good value for money though.
There is a bike from the major manufacturers at pretty much every price point, they will share much of the same components as there are only so many groupsets around. If you stick to a brand that has a substantial range from say £300 to £2000, its really hard to buy a bad bike these days.
as for Felt, they are neither better or worse than any other brand at the same price point. Now they are becoming established in the UK, i dont think I would put them above others as an example of good value for money though.
There is a bike from the major manufacturers at pretty much every price point, they will share much of the same components as there are only so many groupsets around. If you stick to a brand that has a substantial range from say £300 to £2000, its really hard to buy a bad bike these days.
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 2nd April 19:55
Stu R said:
That looks good, thanks.WRT the forks - it doesn't say if the Felt's have a lock out option.
Also, are hydraulic brakes better than mechanical? (not sure of the differences).
Zyp said:
Also, are hydraulic brakes better than mechanical? (not sure of the differences).
Think of it as if it was in your car - do you want to apply the braking force by pulling on a cable, or by using the science of hydraulics to help you apply lots more force?Obviously on bikes it's nothing like as exaggerated as it would be on a car, but hydraulic discs will give you far, far more power (one of the other chaps who commutes into work by bike discovered on the way in this morning that people weren't winding him up when they warned him about the possibility of going over the bars the first time he did an emergency stop!
) and also far more sensitivity in how much or how little braking force you apply (aka modulation).The general wisdom on most bike forums tends to be go for hydraulic discs or stick with normal V-brakes.
I have no experience of their adult bikes, but I bought my daughter a jamis bike when we lived in canada. It is pretty well built with good finish and compared well component wise with other decent brands at the time. Importantly for a kids bike it is very light, although the tubing sustained a couple of dents on its transatlantic journey. My daughter has now grown out of it, so my wife uses it
Kermit power said:
I should explain, my 12 year old daughter is taller than her motherwow, Jamis is a name i havn't heard in a long long time... and theyre still using the durango model name
as other have said, they are an american company who make good bikes but arent that well known over here.
the spec on the durango is better than on the felt thats been posted, with the exception of the brakes.
cable discs are still pretty good though, and I often find that the only people who will tell you V brakes are better than cable discs just arent using decent cable discs, or arent setting them up correctly.
It is true that cheap cable discs are total w
k, but the Hayes units on that Jamis will be pretty good so long as they are well set up.
as other have said, they are an american company who make good bikes but arent that well known over here.
the spec on the durango is better than on the felt thats been posted, with the exception of the brakes.
cable discs are still pretty good though, and I often find that the only people who will tell you V brakes are better than cable discs just arent using decent cable discs, or arent setting them up correctly.
It is true that cheap cable discs are total w
k, but the Hayes units on that Jamis will be pretty good so long as they are well set up.Thanks for the replies.
After a long chat with a chap from Evans, I've narrowed it down to these 3 - (and upped the budget slightly)
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kona/fire-moun...
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/genesis/core-2...
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jamis/durango-...
The Kona is coming out slightly favourite due to the RockShox, although only being 28mm may be of concern (durability?).
It also has a slightly better quality alu frame than the others (although the colour's a bit insipid).
The Genesis seems to have better tyres (£40 a pop), but not sure about the XCR forks.
For some reason the Jamis appeals, but reading a few reviews of the RST forks, they don't appear to be a well liked make?
I guess the best of the lot would be the Kona with chunkier forks and the Conti tyres, but that'll push the budget way over!
Your thoughts on the above, Gents?
Cheers.
After a long chat with a chap from Evans, I've narrowed it down to these 3 - (and upped the budget slightly)
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kona/fire-moun...
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/genesis/core-2...
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jamis/durango-...
The Kona is coming out slightly favourite due to the RockShox, although only being 28mm may be of concern (durability?).
It also has a slightly better quality alu frame than the others (although the colour's a bit insipid).
The Genesis seems to have better tyres (£40 a pop), but not sure about the XCR forks.
For some reason the Jamis appeals, but reading a few reviews of the RST forks, they don't appear to be a well liked make?
I guess the best of the lot would be the Kona with chunkier forks and the Conti tyres, but that'll push the budget way over!
Your thoughts on the above, Gents?
Cheers.
I have recently bought my first road bike which was a Jamis. I admit I did dismiss it as soon as I saw it due to the name. But following some research I realised I was being unfair and judging a book by its cover.Further research showed the bike to be excellent value for money and spec I much prefered compared to the same level Specialized i.e. Tektro brakes but 105 shifters instead of Shimano brakes and Tiagra shifters.
I guess I am saying, learn from my mistakes and dont be so hasty to judge by name. Look at the componentry and work out whats best for you.
Have to admit, that Jamis hardtail looks very nice!
Im sure you will be happy with whatever you go for.
edit: I was recently in the same situation as your but my budget topped out at £450 and not a penny more. I ended up going for the Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 2012 here: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/ha...
Possibly another one to consider?
I guess I am saying, learn from my mistakes and dont be so hasty to judge by name. Look at the componentry and work out whats best for you.
Have to admit, that Jamis hardtail looks very nice!
Im sure you will be happy with whatever you go for.edit: I was recently in the same situation as your but my budget topped out at £450 and not a penny more. I ended up going for the Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 2012 here: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/ha...
Possibly another one to consider?
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff