“One of the best overall bikes on the market” wrote Mountain Bike in their review of last year’s Dakar Comp (05/02). Words sure to be written again when they see that the ’03 XC Comp features the same new lightweight frame as the twice as expensive XC Pro.
Submitted by
Michael t
a Weekend Warrior
from dallas tx usa Date Reviewed: February 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
LB HOUSTON
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
nashbar
Strengths:
I got the frame for $125. It has a fox float shock (very durable if you are not heavy and do not jump off of cliffs or ramps), low top tube, strong front triangle, and powder coating. Detachable derailleur hanger has saved frame twice.
Weaknesses:
Made by communist chinese. Shock requires shock pump, which is pain in the ass to carry for adventure rides, the shock bottoms out sometimes. The bottom bracket pivot point creaks no matter what I lube it with. The pivot point bushings must be secured with loctite or you will walk back!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Diamondback, gary fisher hardtails.
Bike Setup:
1990's dakar comp with fox float, mix of sram and xt shimano, custom built wheels from catalogue closeout parts. I want a moon saddle!
Bottom Line:
This is made for light energetic people who like hardtails but want better traction for singletrack cornering at high speed. I wouldn't buy a new bike for the prices they charge, but its a great ebay or nashbar deal. 4 flamin' turds.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jay moller
a Cross Country Rider
from ringwood NJ USA Date Reviewed: January 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
cannonball trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
piemont bike shop
Strengths:
nice light, fast bike, super smooth, awesome traction, sharp looking when it shines! great brakes, adjustable front shock is key for quick tunes on the go.
Weaknesses:
stock tires aren't the best, but i've seen worse.
Similar Products Used:
tried the xc pro and expert
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
i love the bike but i must sell it, i have a kid on the way and it's going for cheap, still in mint condition.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
B
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: May 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
used
Strengths:
Light, fast bike, great on light/moderate XC trails. Can take small jumps, 3-4ft. With new brake pads, stops on a dime!
Weaknesses:
Shocks are a little weak on jumps and downhill XC. Wheels become untrue too quickly. Saddle sucks, hurts after 30-45min.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized
Bike Setup:
Replaced derailleurs with XT, rear XT cassette, XTR chain, Shimano clipless, and Terry Fly Ti saddle.
Bottom Line:
Great value for a XC bike! This bike is great as a starter MTB or a light XC bike until you increase your skills and start doing heavier riding. Good frame, worth to upgrade parts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a
from Marietta, Georgia Date Reviewed: June 30, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Got from Boss
Strengths:
Crazy good for climbing. I took it up for a ride up at the local mountain bike trail to see what it could do. I was amazed at the agility. It doesn't boblike other full-suspention bikes that I have ridden. It climbs like a hardtail. For the first time, I was able to sit down on the climbs thus giving me good traction.
Weaknesses:
Creaks only because stem bolts are aftermarket and are: 2 aluminum/2 Titanium. The Aluminum ones creak
Similar Products Used:
Junk Walmart bike, Specialized Demo Nine (neither are similer....but....had to put something here.)
Bike Setup:
Far from Stock, prototype Rock Shox SID Race(very few made), LX crank with alloy chainrings that are drilled out to save weight, Alivio Rear Derailleur, Deore front, Deore shifters, Avid Single Digit 5 Brakeset, WTB Front wheel, Deore XT rear.
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Sadly, it is quicker than my road bike. I was on a paved bike trail and I passed my friend who was going 29 like he was standing still; and that was with knobbies. Very quick and no bobbage, but still soaks up the bumps and allows for great control in bumpy conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Niceville, Fl, USA Date Reviewed: January 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Timberlake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Alpine Bikes
Strengths:
Bike uses great componets to put together one fine Bike
Weaknesses:
Tires. Hutchinson Phythons dont do well in loose slippery conditions
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanch 2.0
Bike Setup:
Stock except WTB velociraptor tires and Ritchie peddles
Bottom Line:
Great handling fast bike. Soaks up the bumps without sacraficing power. Buy the bike change the tires and ride until you cant ride anymore. Purches it from your local shop because the shop owner here swaped the tires for me when I told him my problems with the stock tires and he also swapped the stock pedals for me so I had the same pedals on both my road and mountain bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Mission Viejo, CA Date Reviewed: January 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Majeska
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Pro RSM
Strengths:
Are you kidding, for the money and the components included, try finding a better deal. jamis changed their frame this year to make it even stronger. Try comparing other manufactures within the same price range. I doubt you'll find anything this nice. I love the new shifters from shimano, they take time getting used to but they are nice
Weaknesses:
Could have used hydraulic disk brakes Fork kinda mushy Wish back shock was lockable Kinda old style rear suspension
Similar Products Used:
Numerous Treks, Cannondale
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
try finding this bike before they sell out! I really love mine, take it several orange county trails and kill it. Very little bobbing feel on uphills
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Griswold, CT Date Reviewed: November 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Tom Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1199.00
Purchased At:
Providence, Bike
Strengths:
Excellent Frame, great components, price.
Weaknesses:
None yet!
Similar Products Used:
Giant NRS-1, Cannondale Jekyll, Specialized FSR, Gary Fisher Sugar
Bike Setup:
Completely stock
Bottom Line:
After a year of trying to decide which bike to buy to replace my aging Giant ATX 890 I narrowed my choices down to the Jamis Dakar XC, Giant NRS, Gary Fisher Sugar, C-Dale and FSR. I ruled out the Giant and FSR after a couple of rides. I found a shop who had my remaining choice all in stock so got to test ride them on the same terrain. The first bike I tried was the Jamis. I liked how it accelerated, climbed and absorbed the bumps. The second bike, the Sugar, wasn't has smooth as the Jamis and I didn't favor the Genesis geometry. The third I rode was the Cannondale Jekyll which was extremely smooth but was not a agile climber like the Jamis. Being an ex-cross country racer the Jamis gave me the ride quality I was looking for. It was smoother then the Giant over small and large bumps, climbed well and geometry fit me well.
Now with several rides under my belt I have to say this the Jamis Dakar XC has revived my interests in riding. The fun factor has definitely improved. The bike climbs as well as my hardtail yet gives me that extra comfort over the rocks and roots of New England. There are several obstacles I could not clear (or was nervious about attempting) on my hardtail. I can now clear these obstacles easily (one time I tried to unclip from my new Time Atacs but didn't disengage until after I had cleared the rock wall).
Happy Trails! Tom in CT
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark diehl
a Cross Country Rider
from Vista, CA, USA Date Reviewed: November 4, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
Reasonable price for decent components. No bob, can run low air pressure in the rear float shock.
Weaknesses:
Not big on Python tires for trail riding, need some knobies and air volume. Rear suspension damper is very stiff.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized stumpjumper fsr
Bike Setup:
Answer carbon bars, odi grips, avid mech disk, specialized enduro pro tires, spinergy fall freeride wheels, shimano 959 pedals, the rest is stock.
Bottom Line:
A solid bike for cross country to aggressive trail riding, a little to heavy for a race bike. No major problems so far, some stiction on the black elite fork if you dont grease it every other ride. Nothing sexy or pricey like a truth or spyder. The no bob supesion is great for uphill pedaling and the downhill feels a tad stiff but not like a hardtail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ollapod
a Cross Country Rider
from goatneck, tx Date Reviewed: October 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Cleburne State Park, Dinosaur Valley, Tyler
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
SW Golf and Sport
Strengths:
Excellent frame design. Very responsive, soaks up the bumps but still climbs very well.
Weaknesses:
None so far....
Similar Products Used:
GT I-Drive Team
Bike Setup:
Stock except for pedals
Bottom Line:
Much more responsive than my GT. Handles well in the technical stuff at my local trail, but then the only limitation in the climbing is my own.
The parts selection is great. I may eventually upgrade the wheels (go lighter), but they are working fine now, and haven't had any problems with coming out of true.
Took it out to Dinosaur Valley this morning to really see how much damage I could do to it and myself. I'm a little scraped up, but it handled it just fine.
It's a bargain at this price. Get it if you have a chance, you won't be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rod Larmour
a Cross Country Rider
from Brentwood,cal,USA Date Reviewed: August 31, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
Love the frame and rear suspension. Great none active climber. jamis where have you been all my life!!!
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Past Cannondale jekel rider
Bike Setup:
Race face next cranks, XTR drive train, Easton carb bars and seat post. Mavic UST rims, Hayes disc
Bottom Line:
Best bike I have ever owned. Its all about the frame.even though I have added several non stock items from a old bike. For the money and performance value you can not pass this bike up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tiffanie
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage, AK Date Reviewed: July 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Kincaid, AK
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle Dept. at the Motorcycle Shop
Strengths:
Fun to ride and race! Totally comfortable, solid and FAST! I feel no bob on uphills, but enjoy the very smooth ride on downhills. The black shock on front is great for bumps and roots. Shifting is SO smooth. Very lightweight for the price!
Weaknesses:
Just a little chain stretch so far
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rock Hopper
Bike Setup:
Stock plus Bontrager Race Lite wheel set & Butterfly seat
Bottom Line:
This bike is totally comfortable and it's very capable, tough and lightweight also. Perfect for me because I'm a puny (but tough) 105 lb. ALASKA BIKE CHICK!! It's so smooth and easy to maneuver over technical terrain. Much easier to bunny hop over roots and big rocks than my old bike because it's lighter weight.
THIS IS A SWEET BIKE FOR ALL TYPES OF RIDERS AND TRAILS!
Nice work JAMIS!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Monroe, Mi Date Reviewed: July 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Fort Custer
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Motorless Motion
Strengths:
Tested a ton of bikes but this got my money. This is the sickest xc full suspension bike I have ridden. It takes the hits and flys right over them. Very good ride, while being agile. Virtually no peddle bob at all, even when climbing. When climbing I am not reminded that I am not on a hardtail!
Weaknesses:
Minor Gripe: I bought the 21 inch frame and the black shock only came with the wimpy 170lb springs. I weigh 230, so I must put in stiffer springs. Do they think someone buying the 21 inch is only going to weigh 170?
Similar Products Used:
Specialized stumpjumper fsr, Kona Kahuna, Giant NRS
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Overall a great priced, high value xc full suspension bike that excels in everything a xc suspension should do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY Date Reviewed: July 1, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1150.00
Purchased At:
Brands
Strengths:
Light, sturdy with good combo of parts for the money. I have only test driven this bie so I will follow up, but witht he components for the money. I do not see where a novice to intermdiate can go wrong and as you grow a few upgrades should keep you gong on the track, if you desire. The frame is more than capable of handling a track.
Weaknesses:
Not yet found, will follow up.
Similar Products Used:
Treks
Bike Setup:
Stock for now
Bottom Line:
Overall great product for the money. If your looking for a bike and you're anywhere in the intermediate space of riding, this is it. You will find the bike is light and quick to provide you with the fun that started you off riding in the first place. I am giving it 4 for now, not enough use yet to go to 5.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Gagnon
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Clara, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Nisene
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Bananas
Strengths:
Done
Weaknesses:
Done
Similar Products Used:
Trek
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up post. Jamis sent me a new frame.. a pro frame to my delight (I know its just a paint job). The new frame is in spec and is excelent. I am tackling hill I had to stop time and time again on without hesitation. Bravo Jamis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Littleton, CO, USA Date Reviewed: May 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Climbs like a hardtail but is plush on the downhills. I love the Black in 100mm mode (even for climbing).
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
Old Caloi aluminum hardtail (race bike)
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
The bike: All the components feel very solid and smooth--shifting is accurate, brakes are strong, suspension makes the trail very smooth without sacrificing that hardtail feel when pedaling (I've never felt it bob under heavy pedal load). Since I like climbing, it could always lose a couple pounds; maybe a lighter wheelset, but that's really the only upgrade I can see in the very distant future. I'm very happy with the component spec--I even prefer the Avid SD7's over discs--they're lighter and stop just as well.
The ride: I'm an aggressive cross-country rider who actually lives for getting to the top first and I've had a blast on this bike! The bike climbs like a champ. It's also really smooth on the downhill (of course, compared to my old alum hardtail). I've ridden about 100 miles on it so far and every time I go out I have a lot of fun! This bike makes me much more confident on the downhills.
Recommendation: This bike seems ideal for XC riders who want to go faster on the downhill than hardtails allow (and who want a more comfortable ride than a HT) without sacrificing much climbing power.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacto, CA Date Reviewed: May 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Angwin (look it up)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1090.00
Purchased At:
PeRfOrMaNcE
Strengths:
Excellent bike for the money spent. This badboy descends like a champ and climbs competitively.
Weaknesses:
Not a big fan of the Answer Riser-bar...but then again...that's a personal preference.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR, etc...
Bike Setup:
Swapped 139's for 517's. Soon to swap for X-Max. Easton Ea-70 Seatpost and Specialized Ti Wedge Saddle (gotta protect the goodz)..
Bottom Line:
Took this little bad boy out on my favorite trail this past weekend for some cruising and mashing. This bike did not disappoint. It felt solid under me during the descents and climbed with little or no noticeable bob. It also felt like it had more travel than is really spec'd on the thing. What a killer ride for the money. The Manitou Elite did not let me down with its 80/100 combo. Although I was considering an upgrade to a SID Race, I'm seriously wondering if I should. If you haven't already, run out and test ride this bike! Hell, buy it. You won't regret it unless your ego is the size of Texas and you just have to have that full-carbon dualie!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood, CO Date Reviewed: May 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1060.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bikes
Strengths:
Great bike for the price, XT rear componet, strong brakes, killer front shock (Manitou Black Elite 80/100) Light weight for the price. Smooth ride.
Weaknesses:
Seat left me numb, tires lack great cornering grip
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 80, Specialized FSR, Giant NSR
Bike Setup:
Stock except seat swap off my old Cannondale
Bottom Line:
I have already done about 75 miles on this bike. Being my first full suspension, I am thoroughly impressed with this bike. It is lighter than my old school Cannondale M300 (rigid). Being on a limited budget (around $1000) this has the best componets out of all the other bikes I demo'd. (FSR, Fuel 80, NSR). This is a fun bike that rides smooth and climbs well, but decends even better with that adjustable 80/100mm front shock. The seat left me numb in the place you dont want to be numb. I should have taken it back to the LBS but just swapped it for the seat I bought last year for my old bike, which was lighter and way more comfy than this stock seat. Don't take my word for it compare and go ride this baby, that is what I am going to do now that I done this review.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hakan
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: May 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Many
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1090.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Great frame and suspension...plush, but no bob. Awesome "cockpit" and riding position Fairly light (<28lbs for the XL) Component spec...no weak spots! XT/LX drivetrain Crisp shifting (even with just Deore shifters) Wheels and tires good No need to upgrade saddle Manitou fork much better than Judy and Pilot
Weaknesses:
21" (XL) frame still ships with medium spring kit.
Similar Products Used:
Fuel 90, Fuel 80, NRS 3, Sugar 3, Sugar 4
Bike Setup:
Stock. Might get a stiffer spring kit from Manitou.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the price! Demoed the Treks, Giants and Fishers, but the Jamis just felt more solid and stable. Out on the trail, it did not disappoint!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Riley
a Cross Country Rider
from Midway, UT, USA Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim/Germania Pass
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1290.00
Purchased At:
Highlander Bike (Salt Lake City)
Strengths:
Plush but not too much bob. Easy lockouts/adjustments on front and rear shocks. Lightweight bike @ 27.5lbs makes for easy climbing and control. Jamis has put together a great bike at a great value. V Brakes offer plenty of braking power without the hassle of discs. Love the 4-Link suspension system/frame.
Weaknesses:
Shifting isn't the smoothest, but may need to just do some minor adjustments. Tires don't have much tread on sidewall, unsure around sharp turns at high speeds.
Similar Products Used:
Upgraded from Schwinn Mesa, demoed Sugar 1.
Bike Setup:
all standard
Bottom Line:
Incredible bang for your buck. I still don't understand how Jamis makes any money when they spend $90 on something like a seatpost. I've ridden about seventy miles this spring so far and bike has exceeded my expectations.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven Denfeld
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, OR Date Reviewed: April 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lookout Mountain/Independent Mine
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1359.00
Purchased At:
Century Cycles
Strengths:
By far the best value in a full-suspension out there. Only Kona (Kahuna Deluxe) came close, but the Jamis just felt right. The components are first-rate, particularly for this price-point. Solid feel. Manitou Black fork is super-easy to adjust. If the suspension is tightened down just a bit, there is virtually no bounciness. This bike is one great ride!
Weaknesses:
I could have wished for disc brakes, but the V-brakes are plenty strong.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Kahuna Deluxe (does have disc brakes and was $100 cheaper)
Bike Setup:
Stock. Really, unless I was racing, what needs to be upgraded?
Bottom Line:
Feels lighter than my ten-year-old steel Mongoose, and is very solid. The components are very smartly compiled, and the overall bike is just what I was hoping for. I hate bouncy bikes, and was not convinced I was going to get a full-suspension, but this bike changed my perception and my mind.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a
from Montclair New Jersey Date Reviewed: April 5, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Strengths:
Light, very plush for a 4 inch travel bike, not much b.o.b If you want a XC race bike or you're strict XC this is perfect
Weaknesses:
Lack of travel, to put disc brakes on it is at least $200 (depending on brakes, hubs, and cost of labor). However the V brakes are powerful (as far as V brakes go) For 1350 it isn't very flashy
Similar Products Used:
Giant Ac Air (2002 see other reviews)
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
very good for XC, lightweight, feels like it has more travel then it really does
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Gagnon
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Clara, CA, USA Date Reviewed: March 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Nisene
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Bananas
Strengths:
Good stiff frame feel, light for its price and stiffness, easily adjusted fork between 3" and 4" of travel.
Weaknesses:
Head angle and Wheelbase out of spec. Makes for akward turning and unsafe on slow and tight turns. Have't heard from their warranty department yet.
Similar Products Used:
nothing too similar...
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Make sure the head angle isn't screwed up... I am unsure if I can really recommend the bike until the issue has been resolved. I hope Jamis is an honorable company. I will post new review later on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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