Manitou’s advanced Swinger Air SPV 4-way gives the XLT 2.0 5 inches of plush travel that’s immune from pedal-bob. With a Manitou Minute 2:00 fork you can use the TPC Lockout and Rapid Travel Wind Down to go from 130 to 100mm of travel for serious climbing and XC work, without giving up big-hit capability. Deore XT derailleurs and Deore Rapidfire-SL shifters make gear-picking easy, with a TruVativ FireX SL crank to get your power to the ground via Hutchinson Spider 2.30” rubber.
Submitted by
jimboard
a Cross Country Rider
from medford, ny, us
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2009
Strengths: affordable and gets the job done well
Weaknesses: not durable at all
Bottom Line:
Was a great bike, loved it like a child, lasted four years, light local riding with the ocasional weekend trip to something epic. Have 04 model which had weak chain stays, Jamis replaced when snapped with beafier o5. Had very low miles for 4 year old bike, my local trails require my hardtail, twisty and mellow. The down tube snapped in the main triangle riding in the Catskills mts, NY. Jamis claims 5 year warranty, hope they honor it. You get what you pay for is the bottom line.
Submitted by
ja-red
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenville, nc
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2008
Strengths: bomb proof! Incredible spec for the money, fork and rear shock are awesome
Weaknesses: weight, wheels
Bottom Line:
I picked this bike up new in the box 2 years ago and rode it for 1 year. I sold it to get a 2008 epic because I had got into racing and lets face it racing a 30lb bike you are at a disadvantage. for racing i'm glad I sold it but I really wish I still had the bike It rode like a dream!
The wheels are junk! I had to adjust both hubs almost every ride. but for $2300 you cant have your cake and eat it too.
The bike descends like a bomb on rails. It is much more forgiving and stable than my 08 epic. and really for the weight, it doesn't climb that bad either. with my racelite wheels tubeless and specialized captain tires it weighed in at about 29.5lbs
Similar Products Used: spec epic, stumpjumper, GF hifi, cake
Bike Setup: stock w/ bontrager race lite wheels
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Sven Harsgaard
a Cross Country Rider
from Tahoe City
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2008
Strengths: Value (a lot of bang for your buck), suspension, geometry and its ability to almost out-shine most other "boutique" bikes that cost twice as much in tight & twisty-single track.
Weaknesses: Weight. It's a tad heavy (mine is around 31lbs), but still climbs well and feels light in the air.
Bottom Line:
Although I was really bummed about losing my Ellsworth, the Jamis has filled in nicely (especially since I couldn't afford another Truth) and the extra 1" in travel comes in handy. For the price, I really don't think you can find a better bike.
I've been riding this XLT for over 3 years now (it's a 2005) and have not been disappointed, but pleasantly surprised at the quality of bike I got for $2300. It can hang with the best of them, and may even excel when the going gets twisty and technical (those east-coast guys know how to ride that tight single-track), so I'm going to give it 5 chills for value and 4 over-all due to the rear suspension firming up under heavy breaking. Other than that, it's flawless.
Similar Products Used: Ellsworth Truth (Rode it 2 yrs, then it mysteriously disappeared), hence the Jamis...sad for the loss, but more than satisfied with the replacement.
Bike Setup: Stock, except for the Maxxis Ignitor 2.3 tires and Oury grips.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Sven Harsgaard
a Cross Country Rider
from Tahoe City
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2008
Strengths: Value (a lot of bang for your buck), suspension, geometry and its ability to almost out-shine most other "boutique" bikes that cost twice as much in tight & twisty-single track.
Weaknesses: Weight. It's a tad heavy (mine is around 31lbs), but still climbs well and feels light in the air.
Bottom Line:
Although I was really bummed about losing my Ellsworth, the Jamis has filled in nicely (especially since I couldn't afford another Truth) and the extra 1" in travel comes in handy. For the price, I really don't think you can find a better bike.
I've been riding this XLT for over 3 years now (it's a 2005) and have not been disappointed, but pleasantly surprised at the quality of bike I got for $2300. It can hang with the best of them, and may even excel when the going gets twisty and technical (those east-coast guys know how to ride that tight single-track), so I'm going to give it 5 chills for value and 4 over-all due to the rear suspension firming up under heavy breaking. Other than that, it's flawless.
Similar Products Used: Ellsworth Truth (Rode it 2 yrs, then it mysteriously disappeared), hence the Jamis...sad for the loss, but more than satisfied with the replacement.
Bike Setup: Stock, except for the Maxxis Ignitor 2.3 tires and Oury grips.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2008
Strengths: The frame/suspension set-up rock. (I have the 2005 XLT 2.0)
Weaknesses: The rear triangle. The 2005 and older XLT's had problems with the rear chainstays breaking, and I actually cracked my seatstay at one of the upper pivots. Jamis sent me an entire rear triangle from an '06 and no probs so far. It is the GTO orange color and it suprisingly looks pretty cool with the anodized red frame.
Bottom Line:
It's a great climber for a 5 incher and it absolutely shreds downhill. I love technical stuff and this bike has handled everything I've come across. The '06 rear takes care of triangle issues, so anybody out there who hasn't upgraded to the '06 rear should do so.
I love this bike, it is perfect for aggressive XC/Trail riding and looks kick ass too.
Bike Setup: Avid juicy 5's, Weirwolfs, Sram X-9 Deraileurs, Race Face Deus cranks, Mavic XC717's, Minute 2 fork, blah blah blah...
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rayn
a Cross Country Rider
from Kennett sq pa
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2007
Strengths: awesome components specailly for the price, avid juicy seven brakes are amazing
Weaknesses: Frame is a bit heavy, and jamis cheaped out on the cassette and crankset
Bottom Line:
i have to change my last posting for this bike. Admittedly i ride a little on the hard side, but also im riding XC trails, very rarely do i actually need the full 5" of travel offered by this bike. The downside i find with the bike is the climb rate is a little under my standards, but then again im used to riding a light weight hardtail. But on the other hand because of the 5 inches of travel you dont even need to realy pick a line on your decents, just bomb it and go. The bike is oodles of fun. Heres the thing that i noticed since my last ride, (which was ride #4 on the bike) the rear triangle is already broken, right above the pivot point. Again i stress the fact that the bike is considered an "all mountain bike" and i managed to brake the frame on my 4th ride on XC trails, im not sure if it was a manufacturing error, or if jamis is just cheaping out all together, but as a whole, i have never, i mean never broken a frame before. so keep that in mind when considering purchasing this bike.
Bike Setup: stock, with the the Cassette replace to a sram pg 990
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Kennett pa usa
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2007
Strengths: awesome frame, awesome components for the money
Weaknesses: Jamis cheaped out on the crankset and the cassette itself, but i cant complain for the price i paid. Also the tires that come with the bike are junk too narrow for the bike and too heavy.
Bottom Line:
this bike is great, its my first full suspension, and i realy thought that i would have alot of trouble climing. Fact of the matter is, i dont, furthermore if you dont like picking lines, dont worry about it, because frankly with the exception of massive drops the bike is able to take anything thrown at it.
Bike Setup: stock but with michelin all mountain tires and a sram pg-990 cassette
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Brad
a Weekend Warrior
from Greensboro, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2007
Strengths: 2006 orange monster model. Great all mountain bike for the buck. Excellent components, strong frame with good geometry. Jamis did a good job putting a great package together. Has stood up wonderfully to over a year of very regular 240-255 lb clydesdale abuse. Great front and rear shocks, brakes, deraileurs, shifters, BB, etc. If will fly downhill and climbs like a mountain goat. For an all mountain bike the center of gravity is low, which is great for turns etc, but it does decrease the clearance a little bit - small price to pay. Decent weight for a bike that will handle a bashing.
Weaknesses: Had some issues initailly with the crankset; it kept coming apart. It ended up being a common Truvativ issue with that particular model and they replaced it no problem. Had to upgrade the springs in the front fork, but that's because of my weight - not the bike. Tires are weak sauce. They drifted around corners more than I am comfortable with. I wore them out anyway and replaced with Kenda Nevegals. As with most bikes the seat post was a little weak - especially for a large rider. All pretty minor stuff overall.
Bottom Line:
Great bike that required only a few modifications to make it a phenominal bike. I would recommend it to anybody 10 times over. Can I give a rating of 6 chilis? As long as you understand that this is all mountain bike, not a superfast, superlight CC bike. I would especially highly recommend this bike to any clydesdale who is tired of breaking all the crappy components built for 120 lb'ers - no offense intended lightweights.
Similar Products Used: Trek hardtails - this is my first FS rig. I'll never go back now.
Bike Setup: Stock except for Nevegal tires, Thompson seatpost, and extra extra stiff springs in the Minute 2 fork. Took off the large chainring and added a bash guard making it a 2x9, because I rarely used those gears and it added a significant amount of clearance.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Carl
a Weekend Warrior
from Monroe, CT
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2006
Strengths: Bomb-proof, quick enough uphill and a rocket downhill
Weaknesses: Stock Hutchinson Spyder tires offer too little traction for all mountain riding
Bottom Line:
I purchased the 2005 model in Feb 2006 and have not been disappointed. This is an awesome bike for general all terrain riding. Adjustable fork makes for easy transition from climbing to descending, rear suspension sucks up the big bumps without affecting pedaling or braking.
I have used it for adventure racing, 24 hour races, and epic weekend rides and it keeps coming back for more. Components have held up extremely well under all conditions I have thrown at it. Other than the usual brake pads, shifter cables, and tires I am riding all the original parts. Not too bad for 1500 miles of mountain riding.
Bike Setup: Stock except for Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from harrisonburg va
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2006
Strengths: *Note this is for the 2006 model
-Frame has been redone for 2006 with a newly reinforced rear triangle and bottom bracket. (if you check out the new steastays it will put any questions about the frame's integrity to rest, this thing is solid as stone)
-Jamis is no frills no nonsense, their bikes aren't fancy and there are no gimmicks, instead the spec is the very best bang for the buck in the industry (seriously) and the ride quality is awesome
-Lots of adjustability
Weaknesses: Not a whole lot to speak of... the tires are pretty weak and they were replaced after one ride, the paint isn't bad compared to some but still comes off fairly easily with even a little cable rub... also, though the 4-way adjustment on the shock as been a blessing for me, some however may see it as a burden if they aren't really sure what they want (though most bike shops will help you set em up to your likings if need be)
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this, Jamis is an east coast company through and through and this bike is the proof in the pudding. Its got a pretty slack headtube (68.5) and a steepish seat tube (74ish) thus resulting in its relatively short top tube. All this addds up to the bike doing extremely well on very technical, tight, steep and fast singletrack. This thing climbs extremely well due to the SPV but this thing was born to go downhill, the faster you go the more comfortable it feels, its startling how normal it feels at speed. So, if you ride really slow twisty singletrack where there aren't any mountains for miles (this is no xc bike) or really wide open west coast stuff there may be bikes better suited to that terrain. If you are however looking for a bike to do the kind of riding I mentioned before at a damn good price I seriously recommend this bike.
Submitted by
kyle goodwin
a Cross Country Rider
from gainesville, FL. U.S.
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2006
Strengths: Looks like it won't break for some time. Handles great for a 5" travel rig. Makes me feel very confident, I go where I want! Red ano is sweeet! Great value-frame and shock set up. The Swinger 4-Way is a wonderful little diddy. Once I got it set up, I just go. Amazing up-hill and flats ability, then opens up when the time comes. The more I ride the bike, the more I'm loving it. Jamis has done a great job!
Weaknesses: I had to get used to the added 4-5 pounds of weight after my last, less burly FS. But, I don't mind, considering how quickly I snapped the last one. No complaints so far. I don't worry too much about weight anymore--I want strength!
Bottom Line:
After years of riding with a XC race ethic, and steadily branching out into more aggressive territories and style, I have dropped the race mentality(though I still go fast!). I want a bike that will take the abuse and keep me coming back to give it more. I don't want to worry. This bike, set up with the 130mm All Mtn.II, 32mm stanchions, has got me feeling more aggressive and confident than ever. It is a little sluggish in flat single track, compared to a short travel FS, or hardtail, but hey, this isn't a race bike, and those bikes won't take the drops with ease. I live in N.Fl., while no mountains, we have some very well designed trails into quarries, whatever, that will keep anyone challenged. I also travel frequently, and I don't want, nor can I afford a stable of bikes to fit different needs. I wanted a bike I can ride aggressive XC, do some urban assault, and then bomb a mountain when I head elsewhere. For the short time I have had this bike built up...it's fitting the bill. This is an all-mountain, all-trail bike. It looks tough, it rides tough, and it's just bad-ass!
Similar Products Used: Kona was all I rode for some time. Last frame was a King Kikapu-snapped it.Before that, Hei Hei, ti hard tail-loved it-sold it,before that, multiple steel hard tails-broke 'em all. Kona gave me a larger frame than I rode after the last break, they wouldn't exchange, so I moved on, and glad I did!
Bike Setup: Full XTR drivetrain. XT disc. Race Face parts up top. Ritchey wheels. '06 Marz All-Mtn.II. My frame is a 21". With the ultra light weight of XTR, etc. my bike weighs in at 28 1/2 lbs. I guess a little less than most.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Stuart Byrne
a Weekend Warrior
from Wellington, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2006
Strengths: value for money good componentry robust (ish) go anywhere, do anything
Weaknesses: swingarm (yawn) climbing
Bottom Line:
I'm a keen trail rider, mostly round the Wellington region and occasionally round NZ. Local trails are harsh, good mix of rocky 'fire trails', grass and bush single track, plenty of streams and mud esp in winter ! This is a great bike, and it has taken me on some of my best rides. Ever. I'd recommend this as an option to anyone thinking of going the trailbike route.
Comfortable, and can go more or less anywhere, uphill, flat or down :-) The Manitou suspension is *great*, SPV setup is a breeze, and it really works. Avid Juicy 7's are excellent, great modulation and power and quiet. The handling is easy and stable, especially at speed in rough conditions. Front end bite can be a bit iffy, especially in looser conditions like gravel (it's folded up under me a few times :-) Superb on technical terrain up or down, great grip when climbing. Do not really notice brake jack on descents. The XLT has opened up a lot of tracks I would not have attempted on other bikes.
Howevr, for me it is just not efficient on *steep* climbs; I always get there, it just takes a LOT of effort compared to similar bikes on the same trails. The front end does wander on steep climbs too - no suprises there. Move to 34t cassette helped, but still harder work than I think it should be.
It's great everywhere else and can stay with 'most anything.
I'm on my 3rd swingarm, 1st broke by left dropout after 9mths, 2nd went at weld behind chainrings after 8mths. Both replaced under warranty in less than a week - good stuff ! Have an 05 swing arm now, very different and no issues yet. Front caliper popped the seals one day (that was 'exciting'), manufacturing fault & replaced under warranty.
Moans and complaints ? It's not the bike; it's the components, they just wear out *all the time*. I'm only about 190lbs plus gear, and I like to think I maintain this thing - keep it clean and serviced - but in just under two years of owning it I've had to replace ..... 2 complete drivesets (front rings, cassette, chain) 1 freewheel 2 bottom brackets 2 sets of steering head bearings all the rear suspension bearings (some of them twice) rear wheel bearings & cones. Twice. 5 sets of brakepads (ok - they're consumables) 5 sets of tyres (ditto) Have lost count of the number of rear derailleur cables (ditto). Went to full length outer last winter, problem fixed.
Anyone else got comments about component wear and tear ?
Bike gets a 5 for value and a 4-great for overall - would have been a but for the climbing.
Bike Setup: 17" frame. Stock except for tires, 11-34 XT cassette, Time pedals, 185mm front rotor and (last 2 mths) 05 Pike Team fork & WTB laserdisc 20mm wheel
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
John Beaupre
a Cross Country Rider
from Boylston, MA USA
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2006
Strengths: Great componentry. A lot of bike for the money. Nice ride with the correct suspension settings. Good all mountain choice for short money when compared to other in the same category.
Weaknesses: Chain stay prone to breakage. Bearing pivot was defective. Bottom bracket is on the low side so pedal strikes are frequent.
Bottom Line:
Had a problem with a bearing pivot after two weeks of riding. Jamis had a new one sent to my LBS right away. It was determined that the seatstay had a problem and again, Jamis had a new one sent ASAP. Great service for Jamis. The bike is very good as an all around ride. It goes where you point it, climbs well for a 30lb bike and can run the downhills with gusto. Suspension takes a little time to set up but it works well when adjusted properly. SPV is nice. I am a happy Jamis customer. I wish it was a little lighter but what do expect from an all mountain bike.
Submitted by
Scott H
a Weekend Warrior
from Homeland CA USA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2005
Strengths: price, fully active suspension, stiff laterally, looks awesome.
Weaknesses: None to speak of
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks! I put my 2003 XLT2 frame on the shelf for 1 year. All the hype around the Turner Burner being blown out at Supergo, lured me in. Sure the Turner climbed great, but I was using all the travel quite often, and I felt I was starting to miss that extra 1.5" of travel. I put the Jamis together and got the shock dialed in right. The first ride was phenomal! I rode the same ride 4 days earlier on the Turner, and the Jamis was faster everywhere, except the climbs and the difference was barely noticeable then. Mine weighs 27.5 lbs (19")-about 1 lb. more than the Turner, but the weight is worth the extra travel. American frames are no better than Taiwan, just more expensive. Some people have had breakage probs. My 2003 is a warranty replacement for a broke c/stay on my 2001 Dakar Expert, so I've had my probs. as well. However, I have been hammering this frame for over 1-1/2 years, with no probs. Highly recommended alternative to EXPENSIVE American made frames. I don't miss my "made in USA" frame at all!
Sorry, I posted this same question about 6 months ago but I can't find the thread now. Yes, I did a search. Apparently they clear out old threads on this forum.
Can you all sug Read More »
Hello everyone, i'm building up a bike in the near future and was wondering which one of the frames stated above would be better for All mountain use with a bit of light DH/FR thro Read More »
I bought a used 2005 Jamis Dakar XLT 2.0 frame this winter with building myself a new bike to hit the forests hard, in mind. I figuered as the frame was stripped of parts I thought Read More »
I'm just wondering if its possible getting hold of new bolts for a 2005 Jamis Dakar XLT 2.0 frame? I'm thinking of the bolts, nuts, washers etc for the suspension... Read More »
Hey everyone! I'm a new member here on mtbr.com. I've been coming here for a few weeks to check out the reviews and forums and figured I'd become a member. I frequent a few auto fo Read More »
