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Submitted by
bob_fairlane
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas TX USA
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Dinosaur Valley SP | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | frame only nashbar.c | | Strengths: | simple and effective high traction design, looks good, Fox Air shock is durable. Bushings are strong. | | Weaknesses: | Not a "free ride" or "downhill" bike. Air shock requires air-pump. If you keep it clean, you only have to air/adjust between rides to suit temperature and conditions. Use loctite on the bushings! Short travel design. | | Similar Products Used: | carbon fiber conventional triangle frame, GT suspension bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Old Marzochi coil&oil 80mm, Shimano/Gripshift mix, austrailian deep dish wheels, cane creek "direct curve" brakes and levers. | | Bottom Line: | If you want a faster hardtail, there isn't one. If you want a cushy suspension bike, there are lots and this isn't it! brutal.conversions yahoo | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Businsky
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Susquehanna State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | JensonUSA.com | | Strengths: | $200 for the frame new in 03 | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bike Setup: | custom: duke xc front shock, avid single digit 7, deore shifters, deore crank, xt front/rear derailer, deor BB, sun rino light rims, aligator tires, crank bros candy pedals | | Bottom Line: | Anything looking for a solid bike for a great price. I bought my bike in pieces. Everything was so over priced. After doing some research and talking to different people and reading about them in various magazines I came across Jamis. I probably would have bought a full bike, but I couldn't get the parts I wanted in the price range I wanted. I just bought everything in pieces and took it to my LBS to assemble it. I love it. I will most likely be a Jamis customer forever. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray Evans
a Weekend Warrior
from Flat Rock N.C. USA
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Dupont,Bent Creek,Uwarrie | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1270.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Ways | | Strengths: | components,price | | Weaknesses: | spring rate in fork,bushings on frame,dated frame design | | Similar Products Used: | giant,gary fisher,trek | | Bike Setup: | was stock then i changed sping in fork rims ryno lites seat wtb tires wtb then panaracer fire xc pro[great tire]pedals crank bros egg beaters rear derailer LX XT broke [crashed] | | Bottom Line: | grat bike for the money i am 212 lbs so it takes alot of abuse and holds up good | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland Maine usa
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Rose Bicycles in Orono Maine | | Strengths: | Components are great stock. Hayes full hydraulic Disk Brakes, FS, clipless, Pro-taper bars, Thompson post,..Stock. yeah.
Rear suspension has useful adjustemnts that can dial the ride just the way you like it.
Most full suspension rides at this price point will come with full hyd. disks, you usually get the cheesy cable actuated disks with no-name components for stem, bars and headset. | | Weaknesses: | Fork Spring rate too soft stock. Why put medium rate springs on a bike with a 22in frame? I switched to the extra-stiff aftermarket springs and have not touched the fork since.
Be careful with disk brakes, any sort of oil contamination can ruin their performance requiring new pads.
I have managed to trash the clipless pedals that came stock. I have broken one side of each pedal so that the front part of the pedal where you clip in is gone. Suks because you effectively have one-sided pedals, good because you can at least clip in and keep riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Older Jamis dakar.
specialized enduro. | | Bike Setup: | Switched to Ritchey z-max 2.35 tires. These tires are great for trail riding. Combine the larger tires with full suspension and you have one smooth riding machine. the one downside to these tires is that they will roll on the rims when side loaded.
Swapped grips for ODI Longnecks (bmx grips), changed saddle to Bontrager berzerker DH because its longer and fits better.
Recently got a Michelin rear tire, so far so good. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great performing CC and trail riding full suspension bike. Its a little too mello for racing (Depends on how serious you are) and now quite enough for true Free Riding but the brakes are excellent, the rear suspension is air so you can make it as soft or as firm as you need. ONce the rear is dialed its wicked supple and doesn't bottom out. the damping adjustments on the rear shock work well. The Manitou Black fork works well once the spring rate is dialed for you weight. Compared to my old Judy and Marzocci Bomber its far more compliant and has needed zero bs. I do think that the Marzocci was more rigid and it was an air fork so you expect that it wouldn't be as good on little hits. This bike has lots of nice details that combine to make it a pleasure to ride. For instance the bars are Answer Pro-taper bars that have held up well, and have a nice bend to them. The headset is by Cane Creek and has shown zero problems. The component spec is also very effective and has given me no problems except for the rear free-hub body which recently broke a pawl causing the cassette to drag when free-wheeling. But that can be attributed to normal wear and tear (plus its by shimano and is no fault of Jamis) because I'm a big guy (6ft 5in 220+lbs) and when i stand on the cranks i can really torque the drive train. I had doubts about the 9spd setup but it has worked as well as my old 8spd setup in terms of durability and it shifts far better than my old 8spd gripshift/shimano franken-drivetrain BS that I used to run. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | jumpingpound/cox | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1533.00 | | Purchased At: | singletrack cycle | | Strengths: | I upgraded the shifters and the rear derailleur and the bike shifts infinitely better than my Rocky Oxygen Race ever did. I've abused this bike and never had to fix a thing on it yet. Price was right. Disc brakes with Panaracer Fire XC Pro's stops in a hurry. | | Weaknesses: | suspension, weight, rims | | Similar Products Used: | trek fuel 90, khs fxt, rocky element, kona, specialized | | Bike Setup: | stock except xtr rear derailleur, xt shifters, maxxis larsen tt rubber | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great when the suspension is set up stiff and you find a long downhill (Skogan) that you can do 36 mph+ on. The bike just floats along. The harder I ride the more I bottom out the shocks though, most of this is probably due to rider error though. I've raced this bike and it's on the heavy side for racing especially going up Jumpingpound Ridge and Cox Hill. Bike is a gas on Sulphur Springs, especially at high speed.
I've raced on the stock Hutchinson Python's and like them except they don't corner well at speed. The Panaracers Fire XC Pro's are too heavy, they feel like you have a flat rear tire on long climbs, even at 45 psi. I've also used Geac's on the bike and they are fast and light but unless it's concrete they don't offer much grip.
I'd love to replace the front shock with a Rock Shox World Cup Sid shock to shave 2 lbs off but I think I'll save my money for a new Jamis Dakar XC Pro or the Specialized Epic.
Overall, this is a bike for semi-aggresive trail riders not for racers. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
clay
a Weekend Warrior
from orono, me
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | good xc racer feel. Nice specs for money. | | Weaknesses: | i'm posting this for andrew in an earlier posting. The crooked chainline is actually the chainstay starting to bend/break. That happened to me too. It will get worse until it's so bad your stay will break or it will start shifting up to the third ring by itself when you put power on the pedals. | | Bottom Line: | so so, too many flaws though even for the cheap price. Fork sux, stays suck, very flexy, choppy suspension feel, junk tires, rims and hubs and pedals. You get what you pay for. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LAM
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Dagmar | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Good geometry for trail riding, Fox Float Rebound is excellent, four bar linkage is very plush, removable der. hanger is a must! Integrated headset is trick. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found any yet, but I would have put sealed bearings all around on the rear linkage. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized bikes, Giant NRS | | Bike Setup: | Magura discs, LX shifters, XT derailleurs, Oury grips, low-riser bar, specialized 5 degree stem, LX cranks and casette, IRC Mythos tires, Marzocchi Z5 bomber fork, Kalloy seatpost, and Selle Italia X0 Saddle | | Bottom Line: | The bike is perfect for singletrack riding. The four bar is smooth without bobbing. The travel is right between stiff XC and plush trail bike. Only thing I would wish for is a higher bottom bracket height, you smack the pedals and chainrings alot on technical trails.
Good value for the money. High-end bike ithout breaking the bank.
I bought the frame separately and built it up with the parts from my old Giant hardtail, which was very modified.
No worries on the chainstay. Haven't had a failure yet, but I have a spare in case it does go. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Anderson
a Weekend Warrior
from Whitefish, mt
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Daves dive | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | Glacier cyclery | | Strengths: | It was a good riding bike with great brakes (I had the same ones Jamis spec'ed on the dakar. | | Weaknesses: | Maybe no longer a weakness but something to be looked at ocassionally: the seatstay weld nearest to the disc brake. | | Similar Products Used: | Many | | Bike Setup: | The $1650.00 Price that i came up with was the price of the frame, (which was $390.00) plus the cost of all the components on the bike. | | Bottom Line: | I am writing this review because of a candid discussion I had with the owner of my former bike shop in which was pointed out to me some of the flaws in my reveiw. It should be known that I was not very happy at the time I wrote that review. That same day I had found yet another crack in the chainstay and was perturbed to say the least. But for the sake of future buyers who are looking to recieve an accurate description of what the bike was like, I'd like to clarify a few matters.
1.The bike i bought was a 2001 model, not a 2002. I was in the wrong place to submit my reveiw. Sorry. In 2002, Jamis put square tubing on the seatstays which they say added quite a bit of stength. I believe this to be true.
2.I have actually cracked 3 chainstays and bent a fourth.
3. The first break did not occur at Fernie B.C. but 3 days before the trip, after hitting a curb. The replacement Seatstay lasted all through my fernie trip.
4. Also, Jan, if your wondering about that whole "never left the ground" statment, Ask my friends about my short-lived, non-existant jumping career.
I would like to note that although my experience with this bike was not a good one, Jamis and my local bike shop did all they could to make me happy. I apologiize to any who I may have offended or detoured from purchasing this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jan Brunk
a Cross Country Rider
from Whitefish, MT
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Trail 800 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Glacier Cyclery | | Strengths: | One of the best values for your mountain biking buck out there. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Many, I own a bike shop | | Bike Setup: | As good as the mechanic who assembled it. | | Bottom Line: | As a Jamis dealer, I can say that this particular model of Jamis over the years has delivered some of the highest value, durability and ride qualities in its price range. As the shop from which Ben Anderson got his bike, it is important for you mtb review readers who use other consummer's comments to make an informed purchase, to know the facts. The customer did not buy a full bike rather a frame set only, for $390 dollars, not $1650. It was not a 2002 model, but a 2001. He did not break 6 chainstays. He had two chainstays crack, both of which were replaced at NC. After the second crack, the entire bike was replace for him. He then returned with a bending stay at the same point, at which time the shop refunded Ben the full amount of his money. The first break occured at Fernie, British Columbia, the most extreme riding area in our region, whether the bike "never left the ground" is questionable. When considering purchasing this bike we believe the other 20+ readers' reviews above most accurately reflect what you can expect from the Dakar Comp. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Toddy Hotty!
a Cross Country Rider
from VA
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Components for the cost, looks cool, love how it handles, it does NOT weigh 29.75, it weighs 28.75. | | Weaknesses: | Chain broke within 200 miles, and the rear hub may have too. The Mavic 223 rims are weak, and need truing alot (though my riding may contribute a lot to that). Love-Hate relation ship with the Hutchison Scorpions | | Similar Products Used: | test rode Giant NRS2 and Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC | | Bike Setup: | Time Atacs, SRAM PC-99 chain, soon to have an XT rear hub and likely Panaracer XC Fire Tires | | Bottom Line: | A little about me first so you know my perspective on this bike. I am 5'11' and about 175 lbs. I rode a completely rigid bike before buying the Dakar Comp. I test rode a Giant NRS and a Specialized , but never got to take them on the trail, so I do not have a great deal of experience with full suspension bikes to compare this one to.
This is a great buy! There are some good components for the price on this bike. I was looking for a full suspension bike, but didn't want to pay more than $1500. After reading bike mag reviews, and checking out this site it became apparent that this bike and the Giant NRS2 were the best choices in this class. I test rode them both, and really liked the Dakar Comp.
One problem I had that others have had is the chain braking and a crap load of pinch flats. The chain breaking is a good excuse to buy a SRAM powerlink chain. The pinch flats were a bit of a mystery. I tried raising the pressure, even up to 50 psi, and stayed off of rocky trails, but I still got them. Eventually, they stopped. I now ride between 35-40 psi, ride both really rock and smooth trails and do not get them anymore. I guess my riding improved, but don't know for sure. A few others have experienced this too with the Comp.
After 200 miles into the bike, my rear Deore hub started making a clicking noise when I coasted on my bike. My LBS told me it was likely one of the palws (or paws) inside the hub snapped. They told me one day my rear hub would completely break and freeze up on me, or freeze-up and release constantly. I really don't want this to happen when I am way out in the woods, so I will likely have to buy a new rear hub soon...LBS can't replace it for free, because since it still works, Shimano will not pay for it:(
It is very important that before you buy a 2k2 Dakar Comp, you MAKE SURE the rear chain stay has been replaced. From what I have been told, there was a problem in the manufacturing of the frames that has lead to many cracked chain stays on these bikes. Jamis has sent out replacements to bike shops; Performance had already replaced it when I first looked at the bike. Not everyone who has bought this bike has been so fortunate.
I think the rims on this bike are really weak. They appear to be out of alignment all the time, and the reviews of the Mavic 223 rims on this site are not good. I would really like to upgrade these, but always spend the money on something else.
Bottom line: If you want a FS bike but do not have the cash for the top of the line, this is a bargain. If you have the cash, you likely could do better...but I am really happy with mine, and would buy it again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Laurel
a Weekend Warrior
from Coral Springs,Florida USA
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Quiet waters | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Jim's Cycles-Deerfield Beach | | Strengths: | Sturdy frame and overall awesome components. | | Weaknesses: | None! | | Bike Setup: | Stock with upgraded Fox Float RL w/lockout. | | Bottom Line: | After looking at and reading everything about FS bikes, this is the best bike with the best parts for the best price. This is my first FS bike and its awesome. Climbing is a breeze and downhill is even better. I have had no maintenence problems even with the "break in" period. The bike is light and handles well. It's a blast. The guys at Jim's are very supportive and stand behind everything they sell. You can't go wrong with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Nevrla
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bikes | | Strengths: | Solid performance for price-->Can't find a better deal! Great dualie suspension. The Black and Fox Float R are solid. Hayes Discs- Whew! They can shut you down fast when you need it. | | Weaknesses: | Tires (Hutchinson Scorps)- weak sidewalls and no lateral traction especially in the Front Range loose stuff- bagged them for some 12-year old Performance Ground Hogs...now Velociraptors.
Shimano chain- blew up just a week ago- replaced with a new SRAM PC-99.
Flats- 6 inside 5 weeks. Combo of tires and no rim tape. Easy fix.
Well-go pedals are adequate, but will upgrade to Time's in the winter. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocket 88 Stage 2 for ~1 month. Manitou Mars Elite on Rocket 88 kept blowing out. Shift problems on climbs. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Velociraptors and SRAM chain | | Bottom Line: | I am 6'2" and 200+. I am not a downhiller, but do enjoy the effects of gravity more often than not. I climb to go down...fast.
The Dakar Comp has shined on the Front Range trails. Both technical and XC. Rode Monarch Crest, bike was execeptional, except for 4 flats (tires and no rim tape).
I haven't had any trouble with the rear chainstay. I just examined it and found no problems. The biggest drop I've done is ~2+ feet.
Who should buy it? In my opinion, anyone who wants a solid dualie without taking having to take out a second on their mortgage. A couple minor upgrades and this bike will take what you give out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington, DC
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Great value; decent climber (not too heavy, no bob in rear suspension); responsive | | Weaknesses: | High-maintenance brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90; Cannondale Jekyll 700; Giant XtC NRS 1; Schwinn Rocket 88 | | Bike Setup: | Time ATAC pedals, Thompson stem, Easton composite handlebar; everything else stock. | | Bottom Line: | Definitely the best bang for your buck. My only complaint is with the brakes, where the calipers seem to get out of alignment too easily (one hard hit and I have to realign them). Otherwise, this bike has stood up well to quite a bit of abuse, including two 24-hour races in two months (Snowshoe and Tahoe).
It's definitely not the lightest FS bike out there, but I can't really call it heavy, either and the rear suspension stays nice and stiff on the climbs.
I did had a little trouble with the bike fit--I'm 5'7", but I guess I have short legs or something, so, while the 15" model gave me a decent amount of standover clearance, the cockpit felt a little cramped. Nothing a new stem couldn't fix, however. I swapped out the stock riser bar because it was just too wide for my tastes (doesn't work too well in the wooded singletrack around here).
All in all, a great choice if you're looking for a raceable full-suspension bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Minneapolis, MN.
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lutsen | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Now Bike & Fitness | | Strengths: | The whole thing. Great all around trail bike. | | Weaknesses: | None that I can see. | | Similar Products Used: | I was riding an older GT Zascar. Test rode Fuels, Sugers, NRS, Enduros (a close 2nd), etc. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for a stiffer spring in the black fork. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has been a blast to ride. I tried many different bikes before buying this one and I must say I made the right choice. For the price I got a good spec and a great suspension design. Climbs well, desends even better. Its not a superlightweight XC racer (witch is good for me) butt it's no tank either, it fits right in between. Great overall trail bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Century Cycles in Bend | | Strengths: | Hayes discs are way cool! I have taken a few spills and this bike has withstood a little beating! | | Weaknesses: | I am 6'2" and a 195lbs and I needed to install a stiffer spring for the front shock...which works great now! The tires wore out pretty quickly(sometimes a little rocky here). | | Similar Products Used: | none...just searched for a good all around XC bike and I love this one! | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock...added and changed a few things to fit my liking. | | Bottom Line: | If you don't go soaring of cliffs! This is an Awesome bike for XC! Very comfortable, if you set up your shocks just right for your weight, you won't notice the "bobbing"( and that's only when you're standing on a climb, or counter attacking your buddy!! ). If you're not sure whether to get a fs or a hardtail, you won't be disappointed with this bike, whether you race or not!!...Great bike for a Great deal!!:) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Coral Springs
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Quiet Waters | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Jim's Bicycles in Deerfield Beach | | Strengths: | Components rule! Sturdy frame, great brakes, climbs anything, lightweight design. | | Weaknesses: | None sofar. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried Sugar 3+, Cannondale Jekyl 800, Schwinn Rocket 88, Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock but upgraded to a Fox RL shock with preload and lockout. | | Bottom Line: | I would recommend this bike to anybody and everybody, particularly a big guy. I am 6'5 and weigh 230 pounds and this bike takes the beating only a big guy can hand out. All the other bikes I tried felt too "delicate" for me. I haven't had any trouble with the bike, apparently Jamis has fixed all the previous derailleur problems. I plan on putting a stiffening kit on the Manitou Black shocks but it's purely for personal preference. Product support has been excellent, especially from the guys at Jim's. If you are moving up to race ready, BUY THIS BIKE!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
frank picard
a Cross Country Rider
from vancouver,washington
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything thats fast | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | copelands sports | | Strengths: | lightweight,brakes,cranks | | Weaknesses: | tires | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | well ive only had this ride for a few days now,and aside from the tires its been a fun bike....the suspention,once dialed in ,is as smooth as it gets. wouldnt take this bike off anything larger than a two or three foot drop off.but for those who just love swooping along fast singletrack this bike rocks....
now for the unfortunate story of the wheels and tires...
prior to picking this bike up i had a $500.00 99 GT agressor.i loved that ride like it was my child...in three years i only had 3 flats...with my new ride which i have now had for 5 days,i have had 4 flats.
after the first i replaced both tubes with slime tubes.that didnt help.upon inspection of the rear wheel i found metal shavings floating around the interior of the wheel which had already caused 2 flats by the time i found them....thinking i had solved the problem i went out on a ride only to have the front go flat.didnt find any shavings in the front wheel ,however impressions from the spoke holes were evident....im planning on adding a thicker or second spoke strip to hopefully lessen the odds of flats caused by the wheel itself...
if and when i get those tire problems fixed i think im gonna really be stoked on the bike.but for every flat i get i wonder how jamis can justify its price if i cant even rely on it to ride 5 miles,much less the long treks i really want to get out of it.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Thousand Oaks CA
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Chesebrough/Sulfer springs | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1260.00 | | Purchased At: | Westlake copelands Sports | | Strengths: | Great rear suspension, fully active with no bob. BLACK fork, Hays disks, hutchinson tires, Fairly light weight. Value is off the charts. | | Weaknesses: | Minor teething problems, but we are working on that. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Agressor 2.0 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with a nice cushy gel seat | | Bottom Line: | LOVE the bike. This is the only soft tail I have ridden, and I don't see how it could get any better. The combination of the awsome rear end, combined with the hutchinsons will get me up anything. Seriosly, I am not THAT good and I havn't found a trail I can't climb. I have had some minor problems though. The headset tightend up after a few rides, the shop tried everything in the book to fix it and nothing helped. The day some parts arrived from Jamis to fix it, the problem magicly fixed it's self. The major problem, which we are still working on, is that the rear chainline is not straight. This is not that bad, it just limits some gear combos. If I have the chain on the small gear out back, and the middle ring up front, the chain will catch on the rivets on the big ring. As someone said in an earlier post, the tire sidewalls ar VERY thin, I had two rear flats before I figured out that I just needed more air, problem solved. I also broke a chain, but I think that was my fault. PLEASE note that I am not trying to give the bike a bad name, by all means BUY IT. I do have to admit that I was nervous about buying a bike from a sporting goods chain, but the guys (Levi) are awsome, they have given me FAR better service than any other LBS. In closing I give it a total of ten flaming turds because the way it rides more than makes up for all of the trips to the shop. Gota go, I am late for a ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mikerider
a Cross Country Rider
from Gainesville, FL
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Route | | Strengths: | excellent components for ya dosh
lightweight | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | diamond back axis | | Bike Setup: | pretty much std, except i swapped out the manitou black for a fox vanilla RLC 100mm and specd the rear cassette and front derailleur with XT | | Bottom Line: | Great comfy all round bike and it should be for the price. Bike was recommended. I think hopping on any full suspension bike (coming off a rigid dback) would have been sweet whatever the brandname. The JAMIS has handled everything i have thrown at it so far... No probs with the chain stay busting. The bike has been refitted with the new stronger chain stay...fingers X'ed | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from denver, co
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Strengths: | best spec for price. Handling on downhills is great, no bob on the climbs. great ride. not much to upgrade.
| | Weaknesses: | Hayes hydrobrakes have cheapish plasticky lever mounts. a bit heavy for racing. the hutchinson tires aren't great for Colo. terrain. | | Similar Products Used: | gt xcr le, giant nrs 2002,rocky mt element, specialized fsr | | Bike Setup: | stock 2002, | | Bottom Line: | Definitely the best bang for the buck. You will be comfortable riding this baby all day. For those who have broken a frame, did it break after you got the new chainstay? I asked about this before I bought mine and they said it had already been changed out. No problems so far. I'm not a huckster so I don't expect any. 5 for the value, 4 for overall if price was no object. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Pate
a Weekend Warrior
from Memphis, TN, USA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | catawba river | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | CS sports | | Strengths: | Good components for the money. Very good ride with very little bob. | | Weaknesses: | Black took some work to get set up. Bottomed out quite a bit. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose Pro NX 8.5 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with pedal swapout to Time... | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. The rear chain stay broke at the point just behind the main pivot. Sounds like a flaw in the design from all the ones that have been reported as breaking. I really like the bike but I don't have time to replace the rear cage every 3 months.
No contact information on the Jamis webpage.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Jim's Bicycle in Deerfield Beach, FL | | Strengths: | Great Bike for the price. Has good parts for the money. Nice ride for a non-racer type who rides for fun and exercise. | | Weaknesses: | Rear chain stay broke after only one month. Was covered under a re-call, new chain stay much better. Black fork too lightly sprung (heavier duty spring installed after first ride). Travel 80mm - 100mm doesn't work any more. Only works on 100mm. Clipless pedals broke (my fault, nailed rock while riding). Grips began to slip afetr a few months. | | Similar Products Used: | Titus Switchblade
Rocket 88 | | Bike Setup: | Now have a Rock Shock Psyclo SL (best money spent). Race Face chain ring. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for someone who is riding for fun and not racing or throwing themselves down mountains. Other than the chain stay breaking, I have had no real problems with this bike. The Jamis Comp is a great bike for the money and should be considered by most rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
clay
a
from orono, me, usa
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | technical stuff | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | canada | | Strengths: | nice ride for cross country and small drops(4 foot max). If you want the big drops go 2002 enduro! | | Weaknesses: | The manitou black is one of the biggest jokes to come along in awhile. Stock, it was so soft it would bottom out loading up for bunny hops(I weigh 180). I purchased the extra stiff spring kit, but it's still choppy on small stuff. The adjuster knob also broke so the travel is stuck in the 100mm mode. My brake mount on the fork also stripped out and had to be sent back. Bike tends to have a long feel to it and the tires have NO SIDEWALLS and will give you pinch flats on stairs.
My chainstay broke after about a month of riding and the new one seems to be working ok for now. | | Similar Products Used: | dakar expert 2001 | | Bike Setup: | rock ring, DH cage clipless pedals,stiff spring kit for fork, computer. otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | nice bike, but have had quite a few problems with it. I would not get it again, but it is a nice ride when it is working. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a
from Littleton, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Elk Meadow | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Mojo Wheels | | Strengths: | Excellent components for the $. Good for the intermediate level rider that wants full suspension. Great downhill bike and okay climber (just switched from a hardtail). | | Weaknesses: | Have heard bad things about the Black fork but not run into any of them. Heard bad things about the seat stays but also heard that they have been corrected. Also heard the seat stay problem was possibly on Giant & Specialized since they are made in the same place. No real weakness found though. | | Similar Products Used: | None really - I came off a '94 Bianchi Peregrine w/an original Manitou Answer front fork - totally different | | Bike Setup: | Stock - see specs on this website | | Bottom Line: | I did a LOT of research and could NOT find another bike with all that Jamis has to offer on this one for the price. The Black fork has been okay for me so far but then again I came off an original Manitou. The Hayes disc brakes are awesome and the rear Fox fork is plush. I have ridden about 40 miles on easy to advanced trails and have no complaints so far. If you want a full suspension bike under $1500 this is the one to get. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from State College, PA
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Strengths: | A great bike overall. Great components for a stock bike. | | Weaknesses: | none that I can come up with, maybe the fact that the rear shock doesn't lock up, but I have had no problem with too much bobbing. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | A great bike. I have had no problems with it and I have had it on some pretty serious rides. The part that the one review is talking about can be warrentied (if it does break or not) and the new design is much more stable. I don't know why they didn't get the new one. Get this bike or at least demo it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert McNeal
a Weekend Warrior
from Decatur Al.
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Devils Race Track | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Huntsville Bicycle | | Strengths: | Sweet Susp. Rear Fox air shock works excellent for me at 250lbs. Front BLACK fork is perfect for Factory set-up, Brakes are Hayes they speak for themselves. | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | GT hard tail, Canondale f700, Klein | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | YOU CAN'T BUY A BETTER BIKE FOR THE MONEY NOWHERE PERIOD... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alvis It's not Presley
a Weekend Warrior
from VA
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Carven's Cove | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | friend of mine | | Strengths: | Great suspension with very, very little bob once set up correctly. No lock out needed. All the components came fairly well spec'ed. | | Weaknesses: | not the lightest bike on record, but fine for general XC use. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Rocket 88 (test rode only), friends 2001 Jamis Dakar Comp, and a Mongoose (not the Walmart kind) | | Bike Setup: | stock except for upgrade to Time pedals. I may switch the seat out for one of the junk saver saddles on the market. This one doesn't bother me, but why take chances??? | | Bottom Line: | Great all around trail bike. I looked far and wide and this was the best bike I could find for the money (I got a super deal). Jamis doesn't spend the marketing bucks that the big boys do, but there bikes speak for themselves. Rush out and pick one up today, or at least give them a chance.;) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daryl King
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County, CA
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | LCWP | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | The Path | | Strengths: | Smooth, active suspension that doesn't bob much; setup perfectly with riser bar, sweet 4-bolt Ritchey stem that is perfect extension, nice integrated Cane Creek headset, and strong reinforcement to head tube area | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy; rear derailleur hits on horst link - I need to find some padded tape at Home Depot or find a Shimano compatible SRAM rear derailleur apparetnly. | | Similar Products Used: | too many | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | It rides pretty good. Goes up slowly but keeps good traction. Goes down good-better than I do, apparently since I crashed today on a turn that someone in front of me just railed (LOL)
It's pretty stable feeling downhill and the BLACK, fork, felt pretty good doing some shale rock drops.
I talked to the guy who posted here and said there's a problem with the seatstay weld and talked to Jamis warranty department.
Apparently, they had one batch of overheated seatstays on the 2001 models, and that the design itself is sound.
I've only ridden the bike twice on on singletrack, some rock drops and some climbing-no problem yet.
We'll see.
I give it a solid four on value and a four overall since I feel a bike that is this heavy should offer more rear travel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Beckley, WV
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Little Beaver State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Tim off mtbr classifieds | | Strengths: | Great componets for the money. This bike is speced great. I love the fork. Jamis upgraded this year to hydraulic brakes. This is a big improvement. | | Weaknesses: | not really any | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Rockett 88, Mongoose Pro | | Bike Setup: | stock except for change to Time Atac pedals | | Bottom Line: | Fantastic bike for the money(I saved big bucks from the classifieds vs. what my local shop wanted). This bike rides great with minimal bob. I think my days of owning a hardtail as well as a full suspension are over. This bike should cover all my needs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bruce
a Weekend Warrior
from Greensburg, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Boyce Park | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Greensburg Cyclery | | Strengths: | Tried and true frame design. Excellent component group for the money, LX XT, Hayes hydraulic disks, Manitou Black fork. | | Weaknesses: | Advertised weight from Jamis is 28.75lbs not the 28.75lbs listed above, whoops. Couldn't find an email address of phone number to call Jamis. Dealer contact only. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Cannondale Jekyll. | | Bike Setup: | XT LX, Manitou Black fork, Hayes hydraulic disks, Fox vanilla R. | | Bottom Line: | Good all round cross country bike. Disks brakes are a good pick for wet, muddy conditions. A pound lighter than the similar products used. Good reputation and write-ups in bike magazines. Good component group for the $'s. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ben anderson
a Weekend Warrior
from whitefish,MT,USA
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Daves' Dive | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | Glacier Cyclery | | Strengths: | Light frame, strong brakes and active suspension | | Weaknesses: | rear seatstay, particularly near the weld point by the dropout | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Ellsworth Truth, Dakar Pro | | Bike Setup: | Avids beautifully working discs, paired to flawless SRAM 9.0 hubs. And then theres the 4 inch Z.3 marzocchi-sweet fork. | | Bottom Line: | I dont know what I could possibly say to swerve someone from purchasing this bicycle. Let me explain. I weigh 140 pounds. Im what you would call a lightweight. And I have broken 6 rear seatstays. The bike has always severed--not cracked- at the weld on the disc side, on the seatstay. The problem is simple--you grab the disc, the brake torques on the weld, and the weld fails. Thats it. I have never gotten more than a month of riding out of a seatstay. And riding style can be ruled out as a factor because the bike never even left the ground. No matter what kind of deal is offered to you on this bike-dont purchase it.
PS:The Dakar Pro does the same thing, proving its a design flaw. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
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