You don't needTo drop big coinTo play withThe big wheels. Jamis has your back.The Exile delivers a 29-er specific frame design at aTasty price. You can buildThis up into a worthy 29'er cross-country bike easily. Swept-styleTopTube delivers a low standover height, whileThe specially shaped downtube eliminates clearance problems withThe control knobs on some 29'er forks. A well-thought out design. To complete your bike build, you'll need:
Submitted by
asuprice
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2011
Strengths: Hydro Brakes, Tora Fork, 9 speed components
Weaknesses: None I can see yet.
Bottom Line:
Love the low standover height and geometry of this bike. Doesn't feel enormous under me like the other bikes I tried did. this is my first 29er and I'm sold on them now. Riding trails has gotten much easier when it comes to rolling rock gardens, logs, etc. Try this out. You'll be very happy.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale Trail Sl 2 29er, Gary Fisher Mamba 29er, Specialized Rockhopper Comp 29er
Bike Setup: Stock
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Submitted by
barnettd
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Myers Florida
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2011
Strengths: JAMIS Exile II - Components (for the price) and frame design. For my preference it fit my riding profile the best.
Weaknesses: Still adjusting to it but I haven't noticed a weakness.
Bottom Line:
I rode numerous bikes from Giant, Trek, GF, Specialized etc... In the $1100 price range I did not come across any earth shaking differences except the frame of the Jamis. I think that the frame of the Exile series is a great shape for 29ers. It moves the seating position and top tube down significantly and thus makes it more comfortable on cross county type trails.
Similar Products Used: Trek 26 inch, Giant 26 inch
Bike Setup: 2011 Exile II model.
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Submitted by
wolfboy0000
a Weekend Warrior
from Searcy, AR, USA
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2011
Strengths: Frame design, better components than Exile I, for 200 dollars more you get upgraded BB, hydro brakes, shifters, front shock and seatpost, etc.
Weaknesses: Noticed after a couple of rides I found spokes loosened up on rear wheel, I rode hard and was sliding the rear wheel around corners, This was probably flexing the wheel sideways and loosened the spokes, front wheel was fine.
Bottom Line:
There are better bikes and worse bikes, but for the money this is one of the best bikes going. Components are great, frame is solid, looks of the bike are great, and it has a good feel to it, that was one of the selling points for me.
After riding several different brands and styles this one fit my riding style the best. One thing I suggest is getting a bike that is one step above your ability, that way months after you get the bike you'll feel better about your purchase, and you want have to start upgrading everything on it. Ride several, get some on loan, ride friends, but be sure before you spend the money, Nothing worse than buyers remorse.
Similar Products Used: 26 inch pacific mountain bike no shock, 26 inch Trek mountain.
Bike Setup: 2011 Exile II, tora front shox with motion control, pop lock remote,
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Submitted by
jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2010
Strengths: weight, comfort, components, geometry
Weaknesses: None so far
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike if you are looking for a 29er. i was skeptical at first to make the switch but after some coaxing from a friend i test rode the exile and then bought the exile 2 no regret here.
