Submitted by
Alex P
a
from Hingham, MA Date Reviewed: July 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Wompatuck state park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$678.00
Purchased At:
the bike shop at killington, vt
Strengths:
The disc brakes were a pleasant surprise, as was the xtr rear derailler. The tires are good, but they aren't stock.
Weaknesses:
the fork is simply not very good. the rear shock works well but it is just plain fox float, not rlc or rl. The lx front derailer, however, is a never ending source of problems... sometimes it takes a couple minutes to switch, sometimes it just doesn't switch the gears at all and i switch the gear manually.
Similar Products Used:
demoed trek fuel, g.f. sugar, cannondale jekyll
Bike Setup:
manitou x-vert fork, fox float shock, mavic rear rim, wtb front rim, kenda front tire, irc rear tire, titec seatpost, trans-x seatpost clamp, wtb speed disc xc front hub, shimano xt rear hub, syntace stem, syntace handlebar, wtb grips, hayes hydraulic disc brakes, aheadset headset, xtr rear derailer, lx front derailer, lx cranks, ???unknown flat pedals...unknown cassette???, sdg saddle, sram chain, shimano mega 9 components on all other drivetrain pieces.
Bottom Line:
I had some trouble the with the chain and derailler hanger early on but no trouble since, even after downhilling with it at killingon. climbs as well as it should (and it should climb well). I was dee-lighted by the price for this all around great bike. Between 3 and 4 chilis overall, 5 chilis for value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DJ Travers
a Downhiller
from Hopkinton, NH United States Date Reviewed: July 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
rattlesnack mountain
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Cyclesmith
Strengths:
great front and rear suspention!!! extremely light!!
Weaknesses:
gearing needs improvement
Similar Products Used:
GT mountain bike
Bottom Line:
I love this bike!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Flanagan
a Weekend Warrior
from Salem, Oregon USA Date Reviewed: July 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Dechutes river trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$388.00
Purchased At:
Supergo mail order
Strengths:
Stiff, climbs well, descends great, goes where you point it.
Weaknesses:
PIVOT BOLTS!!! Lame bushings, newer models get upgraded cartridge bearings, stupid 22mm Hayes rear disc mount, not a superlight by any means- extremely hard to build into a sub-30 lb bike...I tried.
Similar Products Used:
none- this is my first full suspension (though I test rode a ton of bikes)
Bike Setup:
Manitou sx-r, cane creek headset, thomson stem, easton monkey lite carbon bar and carbon seatpost, Shimano XT disc brakes, XT drivetrain, mavic 317 rims w/XT disc hubs, Hutchinson alligators, time pedals
Bottom Line:
This is a good frame that can be bought alone for CHEAP, or as a complete bike for an affordable price. I lost a pivot bolt-the one that connects the chainstay to the dropout/Horst-link. Jamis sucks to deal with as a company if you are a consumer, and I am not sure how they are if you are a retailer. Supergo was awesome through this, and is getting me a new pivot bolt. The bushings are sticky, and I haven't figured out how to make 'em slide more freely yet, fortunately newer models (post 2k) now have bearings. Rear disc adapter to go from 22mm Hayes to international standard is $50. remember tis if you are going to use, or want to upgrade to disc brakes in the future, unless you want Hayes brakes, then don't worry about it. The ideal buyer for this bike is someone who badly wants a full suspension bike but does not possess the cash to go buy a $1200 bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony B
a Cross Country Rider
from Strafford NH USA Date Reviewed: July 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
local stuff
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
gift
Strengths:
solid and nice lookin
Weaknesses:
soft
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
X-vert shock, XT group, Titec bar, stem, seatpost, panracer and michelin tires, time pedals (ouch)
Bottom Line:
not sure if I have the 98 or 99 version of this bike, So far so good, I also have a trek 7000 and this is my first time with full suspension. Not used to the bounce but on the downhills I'll take the tradeoff. Bike is comfy once I dial in. COnsidering I paid $600 when it was all said and done this bike is great. You can get these frames dirt cheap and they not too heavy, My trek was about 25 and this one is close, I plan on racing it this weekend...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Miguel Mora
a
from Monterrey, México Date Reviewed: February 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
El Pinar
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Local shpo
Strengths:
Good component selection, strong yet ligth enough to climb almost anywhere, good suspension combo.
Weaknesses:
Weak tires.
Similar Products Used:
Cannodale V 2000
Bike Setup:
As purchased except the tires (michelin hot s rear comp front)
Bottom Line:
I'veen looking to change for F/S almost a year before i bougth this bike. Is definitly the best desicion i´ve ever made. I'm 200 lbs. plus rider and this bike made the ride much more comfy and enjoyable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dom Poirier
a Weekend Warrior
from Quebec Date Reviewed: April 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ste-Anne
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Very good handling, good uphill and downhill capabilities. The bike can handle any situation, just aim and it will ride over anything.
Weaknesses:
The rear suspension pivots came loose very often. I once lost the dropout pivot('Horst link') on the derailleur side, very bad thing to happen but I managed to ride back to my car( thanks to the good rear suspension design).
I custom build it, so it goes like this(I've buyed a X-vert like the original spec); World Class and White Industries hubs w/ Sun CR17A rims and Control Tech Ti Race Allen axles,ESP 7.0 Rear der./shifters/brake levers,XT frt. der./BB/Cass., Caramba Sidewinder Crankset w/ rings, Kore stem/seatpost, White Bros. Ti Riser, Precision Billet Proshift Brakes, FSA Headset, Azonic Head-lock
Bottom Line:
One of the best frame I've tried, except for those pivot problems (ride a lot like a FSR!), sure not as good than the Outland VPP5 I had (damn I miss that bike, how could I sold that beauty). If you're looking for a good overall bike, give it a try.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Newburgh,New York Date Reviewed: March 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
MTA aka The Buffer Zone
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Excellent components for the $. The progressive suspension is awesome for climbing,(used to own a Cannondale hardtail)even though its FS. The overall frame strenth...I beat the hell out of this bike for the past two years(mine is actually a 98) and only snapped the rear derailleur.
Weaknesses:
None!
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Level Betty, Trek VRX 400,
Bike Setup:
Stock....Jamis got it right from the factory! Although all "XTR" would be nice :)
Bottom Line:
To anyone who loves to ride for the ride. Nuf said..........THIS BIKE IS SWEET!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Racer
from Blacksburg, VA Date Reviewed: February 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Brush Mountain Trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Nice components, Tough rims, rides high off the ground (don't have to worry about pedals hitting as many obstacles). Love the Titec Hell Bent riser bar and Titec stem - good control. Excellent Urban Assault bike!
Weaknesses:
Frame flexes under extreme pedal pressure - haven't had any problems though. I don't like the Avid 40's quite as much as I like my XT's but they work well and are light. Heavy overall (the 2000 Expert is a little lighter) although weight is not a big factor for downhill.
Similar Products Used:
-96 Gary Fisher Y (tested 20 miles): awesome bike, feels like you're riding on a Lazy-Boy recliner -- comfy! -98 Jamis Eureka (Hardtail)(1.5 years): my cross country race bike -97 Jamis Durango AL (Rigid)(3 years): good feel for the trail!
Bike Setup:
230 psi in Fox Float rear shock; Upgrades: XT crankset; 2000 Manitou X-vert Super Front shock (awesome!); Shimano M-636 pedals; Cog Hog; Aluminum derailleur pulleys; Cateye Adventure Computer (w/ altimeter!);
Bottom Line:
I love the bike! I didn't like it so much after just a demo but after owning it and racing it, it kicks *ss! Awesome for doing urban assaults: dropoffs, stairs, curbs (they're a joke), 2' tall walls, etc. are all a breeze on this bike! On the trail, the bike downhills very quickly and with minimal effort. The bike climbs beautifully too. The suspension plants the rear tire firmly into the ground and it stays there without losing traction. It's much easier than a hardtail to just lift the front end off the ground and over obstacles so that the back can roll right through it. You can literally ride this bike up tough inclines with the front tire inches off the ground providing killer traction...it's that easy to control! I wouldn't mind having a bike that is a little lighter but then I'd just break it into pieces. 4.5 Stars (I haven't ridden any 5 star bikes or any other 4.5 * bikes for that matter). BUY ONE TODAY! The 2000's are lighter and have disc brakes (I have no problem stopping it)!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KEVIN ADAMS
a Cross Country Rider
from PHENIX CITY,ALABAMA,US Date Reviewed: January 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
trail of tears - phenix city alabama
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
mine is a '96 dakar team bike so i may be cheating here. same suspension concept though. my bike is full xtr and wieghs 24.5 lbs. which is a definate strength. bike feels very normal when climbing. descends with the best.
Weaknesses:
still tring to find one. well the syncros stem makes a cracking sound. not the bikes fault though.
Similar Products Used:
y-bike (yuck) gfisher y-bike (yuck)
Bike Setup:
full xtr, manitou fs ti ('96) syncros stem,post,barends. time atac carbon pedals. (all on the bike when i bought it)
Bottom Line:
i bought this bike in '97 as a dealer closeout. got a trmendous deal on a great bike. i weigh about 200 lbs. there is still no slop in the pivots. this is a very very good bike. happy trails yall
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Ward
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ashland OR Date Reviewed: January 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Toothpick, Alice in Wonder Land, 2060 Rd.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Excellent overall value. Neutral, predictable and trustworthy handling characteristics. Climbs realy well on rough, steep and loose ground for 3 rear travel. Fun on descents. Tracks well thru sketchy high speed turns. Responds well to body english. Laterally stiff vertically plush.
Weaknesses:
Initially the darn bell crank pivots were prone to mid ride squeeking and cinching on one side and loosening on the other. Jamis was politely responsive, returned my calls more than once and provided a solution. They even tossed in a few free parts that I told them I messed up. The solution does involve some tinkering during srevice intervals. I live in a decomposed granite (gritty sand) area which requires frequent pivot cleaning (for all similar bikes). Pivot service down to about 15 min every 15 to 30 riding hours. P.S. Do not oil pivots they will collect more crap and squeek. The bushing is dry lube impregnated and designed to function dry. Bike is a bit heavy but the weight is well applied in the frame construction and does show up in the non-whippy handling.
Full XT (11-32cass), Mavic 517, WTB SST, Gore RideOn, bar ends, IRC Mythos 2.1. Ran Vanilla Float at 190psi (my weight 180lbs)until last downhill and then a very quick pssst to 170psi revealed a really plush and active tail. Shock psi is a trade off between smooth climbing and sprinting terrain and descending plushness. I really would like to try the Float RC with compression damping lock out. Fork - Initially I cranked the compression damping but it was not enough. I needed the stiff replacement X-Vert-E MCUs which were cheap and required about 15 min. to upgrade. . . much better. The X-Vert-E also needed the bottom out preventr kit.
Bottom Line:
Including upgrades and shipping I spent $1610. Nice a combination of freeride and XC performance. A great distance trail blaster. Even though I added 4.4lbs over my hardtail my ride times went down! I guess the bike looses a little on the long climbs but seems to more than make up for it in the rough and steeps. From a target market standpoint Jamis has a winner. Yee Haa!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Racer
from Blacksburg, VA Date Reviewed: September 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Beast on Brush Mountain
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Nice components, Tough rims. Excellent Urban Assault bike: nice up and down stairs, hops easily onto and above anything.
Weaknesses:
Feels loose on the tough downhills. Squirms all over the place underneath you. Heavy. When sittig still and brakes are locked, pressure on the right pedal forces the front, left side of the rear triangle to flex significantly. Seems as if the bike would break easily.
Similar Products Used:
-96 Gary Fisher Y (tested 20 miles): awesome bike, feels like you're riding a Lazy-Boy -97 Jamis Durango AL (3 years):good rigid
Bike Setup:
Stock setup with 200 lbsof air in the rear shock (too springy for my 175lb body). Front shocks tightened up all the way. Shimano SPD pedals instead of Time Alium pedals
Bottom Line:
I want a FS bike so that the extreme downhills are more bearable than on a rigid. This bike worked my forearms. Felt as if I had to hold the bike together under me. Not nearly as comfortable as the Gary Fisher Y that I tested. I've owned a Jamis for over 3 years now and have raced with it plenty and never had any complaints. This FS Jamis needs to be refinedsome more though. Needs to lose some weight too! May still buy it if my boss (local bike shop) will give it to me for what he paid (a Steal!)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jo Jo
a Cross-Country Rider
from Maryland Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
ones around loch raven
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Nice componets, very good front shocks, up-gradeable to lock-out.
Weaknesses:
It seemed to go up a little slow, but i really wasnt trying, and the hills wernt taht big where it tried it, other than that, none that i picked up on when riding for about 30 minutes
Similar Products Used:
DBR X-2 Schwinn Mesa GSX
Bike Setup:
N/A
Bottom Line:
Nice, while i only demoed this bike, it perfromed very well, and shifted like i was running though oil...the shocks were fine, i didint really notice the curbs anyway, and when it all comes down, the bike looks pretty damn good.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dino
a Cross-Country Rider
from T.O. CA Date Reviewed: August 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
big sycamore cyn.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This bike is quick and agile. Decent componentry for the price.
Weaknesses:
Short (relatively speaking) travel.
Similar Products Used:
GT RTS 3, '97 Gary Fisher Joshua XO
Bike Setup:
RST MXO fork, Cane Creek AD10 rear shock, Bontrager wheels
Bottom Line:
With the changes in components (fork, rear shock,wheels too), the bike is at 27.0 lb. Not light, but not bad for a FS. My Fisher XO is about 4lb. heavier, but has 4 travel front and rear. The Dakar has 3 front and rear, but I prefer a litle stiffer ride on this bike, so probably don't get the full 3 benefit.Bottom line is, it's quicker going up, slower going down than the Fisher (that's probably a function of my age, however). It also took a lot more money for me to get the XO to where it is.I think this bike is a good deal for the bucks.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cameron
a Downhiller
from Littleton Colorado Date Reviewed: August 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Apex park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
awesome bike, plush suspension the fox air changed my whole opinion on air shocks I said I was a downhiller but I slalom and freeride.
Weaknesses:
none besides lack of travel in the rear but the shock is still awesome which I can live with
Similar Products Used:
zzyzx original
Bike Setup:
same as new. (xvert e, sun rhino lite, lx/xt)Titec everything else (bars, stem, seatpost)
Bottom Line:
A very awesome bike a good climber and awesome for jumpin around at home and awesome comin down. The best bike out there for $1300
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
I.M.SQUID
a Weekend Warrior
from COLS.,OHIO Date Reviewed: August 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
ALUM CREEK
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Good group of components as packaged
Weaknesses:
Better set up instructions with bike.
Bottom Line:
Great handling,great over all package,great looks
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mitch
a Weekend Warrior
from Snohomish, WA Date Reviewed: July 14, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
stiff, light
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Kona manomano Kona Stinky 5
Bike Setup:
Although mine is not a 99 model, it is almost identical. (It's a 97) Rockshox Judy XL, Cane Creek AD-8, XT components
Bottom Line:
This bike is a great bike and I feel that it deserves a better overall rating than people are giving it. I've had mine for a while know and I like it more every time I ride it. No complaints from me.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TF
a Racer
from Marion NC Date Reviewed: May 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
the dakar climbs well and decends with very good control.The suspension is balanced,making the bike good in single track.
Weaknesses:
at 1399.00 I cant really find a weakness. I dont really like riser bars though.
Similar Products Used:
Proflex/Litespeed/ Gt/Haro
Bike Setup:
I Changed a few items to shed weight. raceface cranks/bars/stem/bottombracket/gripshift/esp levers/sun 0 litew/xtr hubs/thompson post/frogs
Bottom Line:
I up graded my Dakar,but kept the stock fork & shock. My hard tale weighs 22.5,the Dakar is down to 26.5.I've raced cross country with good results.I'm very pleased.Jamis builds very nice bikes for the money.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Livy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Yakima Washington Date Reviewed: April 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Bowl & Pitcher, Spokane
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Half decent components. Thats about it.
Weaknesses:
VERY inactive suspension. The thing barely moves! You could get a very good hardtail better than this for the money you spend on this 1399 paperweight.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Kona, G. Fisher, Mtn. Cycle, Barracuda, Trek, ect.
Bike Setup:
Stock, had to replace everything though.
Bottom Line:
Don't waste your money. All your buying is a paperweight that can't descend, climb, ect. Get a G. Fisher or Mtn. Cycle instead.
Overall Rating:
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