Submitted by
jcmtbfreak
a Cross Country Rider
from Norman, OK Date Reviewed: November 17, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1550.00
Purchased At:
Blue Hills Bikes
Strengths:
Corners on hardpack like it's on rails. Likes aggressive out of the saddle climbing on fast, smooth ascents. Frame construction. Component selection. Brakes have great modulation. Reba race!
Weaknesses:
Seatpost. Stock seat. Reba poploc. Wheels are a bit chunky. Has a tendency to push through sandy corners. Brakes don't have much overall stopping power. Didn't come with the 100mm Reba as the Jamis literature and website had spec'd.
Similar Products Used:
Demo'd Jamis Exile SS, and various other 29ers. 98' Trek 930 26er...the retired steed.
Bike Setup:
Eggbeaters, stans tubless kit, odi lock on grips.
Bottom Line:
Overall,I really like this bike. I don't regret getting it at all. But there have been some hiccups along the way. First, one of the biggest reasons I ordered the Dakota 29 over other brands 29ers was that I wanted a 100mm fork, and to get a reba race at that! WOW! That was honestly the biggest selling point for me, considering that all bikes in this price range had the SLX and XT blend. So to say the least, I was dissappointed when the bike arrived with an 80mm reba attached up front. Not crushed, but definitely a letdown.
Then the stock seat was horribly uncomfy AND had short rails. And being that this bike has a steeper seattube angle, I couldn't move it far enough back for a good pedaling position. Swapped out for my old speed v with longer rails, problems fixed.
After that, I realized that the Ritchey double bolt seatpost is junk. No matter how much I tighten it down, it creaks and pops and over the course of two weeks or so of riding, it tilts up. Carbon post is coming soon.
Finally, the poploc went out on my after a few rides. Called rockshock, they sent a new dampening unit no charge. I requested, a poploc unit, but they sent the manual. Not a big deal though, because I really like the motion control dampening system, so i'll leave it locked out all the time.
It's not the lightest bike out there, but I have my large down to 28 after installing a stans kit. New set of wheels I could have it down to a somewhat competitive 26. The geometry on this bike doesnt feel quite as 'refined' as other bikes I've ridden, but it does well and is a blast to ride. The position on the bike is great for climbing, though the wheel weight hinders a bit. Putting the stans kit on has helped noticably with that. Has a nice open cockpit. Again, great for climbing and out of the saddle stuff, but when going through the technicals and drops I sometimes wish for a bit shorter stem. I'm considering going from a 120 to a 110 or 100. Prolly 110. The only downside I have about the handling is corning in loose sandy conditions. My weight is front biased on the bike, so it'll carve a hardpack corner, but tends to push through sandy ones. Again, not a big deal breaker, but a slight annoyance that a little refinement from Jamis could fix.
On a minor note, I feel like the seat tube angle is steeper than 73, at least it feels that way. I could be wrong.
Overall, 4 chilis. Great bike, good components. I don't regret spending the money at all (Though I still want a 100mm fork!!) If you can find an 09 on sale, grab it, swap the seat and seatpost, and you're set for many miles of singletrack fun!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BackwardsTires
a Weekend Warrior
from US Date Reviewed: April 2, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
City Bikes
Strengths:
Great geometry, pretty light, fun to ride
Weaknesses:
stock parts are kinda low level (brakes could use an upgrade)
Bike Setup:
custom wheels from prowheelbuilder.com
otherwise stock
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for an entry level 29er, possibly as a first 29er, and you are OK with mid-range parts (or just want to use the frame), this is a great bike.
If you want better stock parts, go up a level.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kellyc
a Cross Country Rider
from Redlands Date Reviewed: January 29, 2009
Favorite Trail:
My loops out of my driveway
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Can't beat the simpleness of a hardtail, big wheels, bullet proof, rolls and rolls and rolls and rolls...
Weaknesses:
The stem and handlebars seemed week and too foo foo for me. My frame is the 2007 so there's a lot of black and gray going on...kinda looks a little "Raider Nation," which sucks because some of the most annoying people in SoCal are all about that scene.
I don't like the remote lockout on the fork. Looking for a kit to make it a tower lockout.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing. I've never paid any attention to 29ers.
Bike Setup:
Stock with Sette Carbon Riser Bar, Thompson 0deg stem, Crank Brothers Candies
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It reminds me of a big BMX cruiser. I literally bought it on a whim last fall. Jenson was blowing them out and I realized I could pick it up for around $900. I was looking for something simple to commute on and do "get in shape" style rides so I could keep my Jamis Dakar XLT fresh. I knew nothing about 29ers and did about an hour's worth of research and pulled the trigger on it.
To sum it up, I sold my Dakar last weekend. I ride this bike full time. Did I mention it rolls. It's so simple. Back to basics.
I realized I ride the middle ring. I just ordered a bash guard and a new rear cog. Going to covert it to a 1x9 to really get it basic.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kybluejeep
a Weekend Warrior
from Lexington KY Date Reviewed: June 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
S-Tree
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Capital City Cycles
Strengths:
Great price for someone looking to get a 29er. Quality parts for the price.
Weaknesses:
Brakes su@$ swapped for Hayes stroker trails work great now
Bike Setup:
Blunts Maxxis Ignitors Hayes Strokers rest stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money. 5 chilis from me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brady
a Weekend Warrior
from G-Town, TX (Dallas) Date Reviewed: December 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Rowlett Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Durango Cyclery
Strengths:
This is a sweet ride that was put together with all the right goodies! The components are a complement to the frame design. This 29er is a dream to ride. It rolls nicely over the biggest of roots and rocks and still provides great control & handling. I really like the remote lock-out of the shocks. It's nice to be able to reduce the travel when you’re battling a hard climb and then go soft for the downhill.
Weaknesses:
The stock pedals are a little low end for a bike of this caliber...I went with Crank Bros Mallets.
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse & Specialized (both 26" wheels) I strongly recommend the 29er
Bike Setup:
Stock with Crank Bros Mallets
Bottom Line:
I can't say how much I love this bike without offending my wife. I'm 5'10" with a 30" in-seam. The 18" fits me perfectly. I did quite a bit of research and saw comments about the handle bar width being a little narrow and the Tora 318 forks having some issues. They have not been a problem for me. The forks have worked well thus far and the handlebars work well on the narrow trails I ride. The Dakota 29er is a smooth rider with great control. If you’re in Durango, CO I recommend you stop in and see the boys at Durango Cyclery...they'll fix you up!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a
from ALB NM US Date Reviewed: December 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Otero Canyon, Sandia Mtn
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Fat Tire Cycles
Strengths:
Great value for the $$$...I looked at GF, KHS and Niner.
Weaknesses:
Maxis tires didnt grip as well as I would have liked. Fork lockout didnt lock out but the guys at Fat Tire fixed that. I use every bit of travel on the 100mm forks (Im 225lbs)and there are some squeeks from the crank when I pedaling really hard up hill. The seat post didnt seem to fit the bike just right resulting in it slipping downward during extended riding...simple fix scuffed it up with some steel wool now it stays in place. The pedals didnt have enough platform space for my big feet...so I R2 them with some wider Crank bros...now I feel I have more control when I start pedaling up a hill...down was never a problem...just hang on. The Avid Juicy 3s work well enough...its my fault I wait untill the last minute to brake...which has resulted in several painfull experiences....the do squeek after heavy braking and when they are full of dust/dirt...but they have held up so far...Im not scared to brake late or to feather them on a technical drop
Similar Products Used:
The usual low end 26 stuff...I tested the GF 29, KHS 29 and a Niner...the KHS was undesirable for several reasons. The GF was my 2nd choice almost bought it becasue of the Jamis XL didnt come in after 30 days of waiting...Im glad I waited. The Niner was outside of the $$ window to see if I wanted a 29er or a 26. Im glad I went with the 29.
Bike Setup:
The usual stuff...Crank Bros pedals, wider bars, and Rampage tires.
Bottom Line:
This bike has treated me right. The 29 out runs my friends 26's up and down the trails. The hardtail has forced me to pick my path wisely...it has made me a better rider...The XL frame fit me better (Im 6'3"/225lbs) than the XL frames from GF or KHS...of course the Niner fit the best but for the $$ the Jamis was the way to go. Ive got a Niner RIP 9 XL on my Christams list....Im going to use my Jamis as a parts bike and build it back up as a street bike to take on the flat concrete stuff around town. Bottom line: The Jamis is a great bike to see if you want to go 29 or stay 26.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a
from ALB NM US Date Reviewed: December 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Otero Canyon, Sandia Mtn
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Fat Tire Cycles
Strengths:
Great value for the $$$...I looked at GF, KHS and Niner.
Weaknesses:
Maxis tires didnt grip as well as I would have liked. Fork lockout didnt lock out but the guys at Fat Tire fixed that. I use every bit of travel on the 100mm forks (Im 225lbs)and there are some squeeks from the crank when I pedaling really hard up hill. The seat post didnt seem to fit the bike just right resulting in it slipping downward during extended riding...simple fix scuffed it up with some steel wool now it stays in place. The pedals didnt have enough platform space for my big feet...so I R2 them with some wider Crank bros...now I feel I have more control when I start pedaling up a hill...down was never a problem...just hang on. The Avid Juicy 3s work well enough...its my fault I wait untill the last minute to brake...which has resulted in several painfull experiences....the do squeek after heavy braking and when they are full of dust/dirt...but they have held up so far...Im not scared to brake late or to feather them on a technical drop
Similar Products Used:
The usual low end 26 stuff...I tested the GF 29, KHS 29 and a Niner...the KHS was undesirable for several reasons. The GF was my 2nd choice almost bought it becasue of the Jamis XL didnt come in after 30 days of waiting...Im glad I waited. The Niner was outside of the $$ window to see if I wanted a 29er or a 26. Im glad I went with the 29.
Bike Setup:
The usual stuff...Crank Bros pedals, wider bars, and Rampage tires.
Bottom Line:
This bike has treated me right. The 29 out runs my friends 26's up and down the trails. The hardtail has forced me to pick my path wisely...it has made me a better rider...The XL frame fit me better (Im 6'3"/225lbs) than the XL frames from GF or KHS...of course the Niner fit the best but for the $$ the Jamis was the way to go. Ive got a Niner RIP 9 XL on my Christams list....Im going to use my Jamis as a parts bike and build it back up as a street bike to take on the flat concrete stuff around town. Bottom line: The Jamis is a great bike to see if you want to go 29 or stay 26.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Duluth,MN Date Reviewed: August 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Now Bikes And Fitness
Strengths:
Great looking bike and no major problems after 1500+ miles of trail riding and commuting. I love the air shock and the brakes.
Weaknesses:
No major weaknesses other than some minor tuning to fit me (I'm 6'8'). I agree that the handlebars are too narrow, but it depends what you're using the bike for. After washing it a couple times it developed a creak in the BB. It has gotten quieter after a week or so. I wasn't impressed by the 160mm front rotor. I upgraded to a 203mm within two weeks and now the brakes are excellent (I'm 220lbs). I also managed to bend the two largest rear chainrings somehow. I replaced the cassette with a Deore LX M580. The seat adjustment occasionally gets knocked out of alignment when I hit large bumps off road and come down hard on the seat. I'll probably move to a two-bolt Thompson post to solve this problem.
Similar Products Used:
Various 26-inch mountain bikes. Specialized Rockhopper.
Bike Setup:
Shimano clipless pedals, Titec Hellbent 640mm bars with Specialized bar ends. Upgraded 203mm Avid front disk + caliper adaptor, PZ 130mm Carbon / Aluminum Stem, Sigma BC2006MHR, Trek aluminum back rack, Deore LX rear cassette.
Bottom Line:
I love the bike and have ridden it everywhere. It could use some weight trimming, but I don't race it so that's not really a concern. I look forward to racking up a lot of miles on this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott hawxhurst
a Cross Country Rider
from belmar Date Reviewed: August 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
allaire st. park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
dj 's bikes, blemar nj.
Strengths:
29 inch wheels. plush tora 318 fork.shimano LX shifters/ derailers. effortless brakes.
Weaknesses:
handle bars are a bit narrow, but they are easy to get used to.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
29er is great! rolls over everything. all the benefits you read about are indeed true. confidence inspiring both up and downhill, and you allways have those nice juicy brakes to slow u down. drive train has lasted nicely. the only disatvantage i have noticed has been on slow speed-technicaly challenging trails. you sit abit high and you dont feel as stable as on a standard 26 inch wheel. personally i feel that the benefits out weigh the downfalls, and over all this bike rocks. 29ers are the way to ride trails!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joshua Beals
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia X Rds PA Date Reviewed: June 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$12000.00
Purchased At:
Oswald Cycle Works
Strengths:
Good parts spec. Great looks. This bikes is fantastic on rocky sections, and handles log and creek crossings very well. The bottom bracket is about 1" higher then other Jamis bikes so clearing nasty stuff is a lot easier.
Weaknesses:
Narrow Handle bars. The high bottom bracket may make some riders feel uncomfortable. The wheels are very heavy. The stock seatpost was too short but the stem was spot on.
Bike Setup:
Every thing is stock but I did put on ergon grips and I put on a Gobi saddle and they rock.
Bottom Line:
This is a great value. It is a little portly but if you are interested in riding in the woods without trouble then this is the bike for you. If you are interested in racing then you will want to swap out the wheels, fork, and cranks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Incirlik AB, Turkey Date Reviewed: May 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Kapadokya
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
www.bicycleblowout.com AWESOME VENDOR!
Strengths:
Awesome Specs. Rolls well and over just about anything. Well constructed. 27-speeds, going down hill...have yet to run out of gears. The rapid shifters allow you to shift with your thumb or fore finger
Weaknesses:
Narrow handlebars
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose Blackcomb; only similarity is it was a bike...not even in the same league
Bike Setup:
Original specs except swapped pedals for Sun-Ringle Zu-Zu's (issues being clipped in on nasty trails) and added Ergon bar ends for add comfort
Bottom Line:
I absolutely love this bike. Its spec'd to the max at $1,200. The juicy 3 hydraulic disc brakes stop you on a dime. The original pedals are shimano clipless, but come with a platform adapter. The adapter works well for quick local rides, but if you plan on going over anything rough and don’t want to clip into the bike, I would recommend swapping them out. The igniter tires grip with tenacity! You can lock out the Rock Shox front fork, which is great on climbs and road rides. It does have a little give so you don't have to worry if you forget to unlock it on a nasty downhill. My buddy who is bike fanatic dug this bad boy and was inpressed by how well it's spec'd. I would recommend this to anyone from beginner to advanced. Did I mention I love this freaking bike? It looks sweet too!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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