|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
rick Burnett
a Weekend Warrior
from cary, NC
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | would never mention it | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson and The Pedal | | Strengths: | Agile, quick, trustworthy | | Weaknesses: | ahhaha | | Similar Products Used: | all modern junk | | Bike Setup: | All XT, rock Shock Suspension post | | Bottom Line: | Ok. I am a bit old school But I can tell you that this frame is the ultimate frame ever made (production). I cannot speak for custom frames..I am sure they are beyond my expectations.
I have had this bike and: Have raced it, rode it, traveled wiith it. It has eaten up Moab, And the entire East coast with force. It is fast and nimble and forgiving on the bone jarring stuff.
I have had this for 7 years. Recently a friend loaned me his full suspension carbon mtb. I was so relieved when I realized I was not missing a thing. I missed my dragon. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
aerohead
a Cross Country Rider
from Acworth, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bull Mountain, GA | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Overall a great frame. Pretty light for steel, comfortable, with predictable handling. For the price I don't think you'll find a better hardtail frame. | | Weaknesses: | The paint job itself looks okay but chips very easily. I had several nicks occur while I was building the bike up. I'm going to get it powdercoated soon. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Adroit Race. | | Bike Setup: | I built it up as a singlespeed with a rigid fork. | | Bottom Line: | I love this frame. It handles really well, is quite light (but then I'm running rigid with only one gear), and is much more comfortable on long rides than my Klein Adroit (which I also love, though for other reasons). This bike has become my primary ride. I'm taking one chili away just because of the need to repaint...otherwise a truly awesome frame.
| Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mango
a Racer
from Bend
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | the one to your mom's house | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike shop | | Strengths: | The softest ride this side of full suspension. Strong. Nice dropouts and disc brake tab. Price is right because its welded in Tiwain. | | Weaknesses: | Weird cable routing. Heavy, 4.6 lbs. Paint job is hanis. I had it powdercoated to my liking. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Dakota, Cannondale M500, Trek STP 200 | | Bike Setup: | XT, Sid, Mavic, Easton, Ritchey | | Bottom Line: | This bike flies if you put a good engine on it. It inspires confidence when you're going over 20mph. The ride is softer than the softail Trek I had. Good for yer back. It is a little heavy though. Mine weighs 23.5 pounds now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnati, Ohio
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The next one I ride! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | BioWheels | | Strengths: | Nice Steel Frame, well made. Choice of Disc's or V-brakes. Great ride comfort without being flexy. 853 tubing at this price point is incredible. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar, Fisher Ziggurat
Test rode only: IF Deluxe. | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Atom Race, King HS, Thomson Seatpost/stem, Avid v-brakes, Flight Seat, Shimano XT/XTR 8 speed. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great. I was set to buy an IF Deluxe frame. My LBS owner let me ride his Dragon and I was hooked. After 3 good trail rides I can honestly say this bike rides way nicer than aluminum, and yet isn't flexy. It climbs and handles great.
This bike is perfect for the person who doesn't need Full Suspension. It has a very smooth feel on trail, but is plenty stiff for hills and sprinting. I weigh over 200lbs and find this bike perfect for singletrack riding.
This frame is a great deal when compared to the custom builders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a Racer
from monterey, calif. USA
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Flume trail in Tahoe, Calif. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$530.00 | | Purchased At: | high gear sports in Petoskey, MI | | Strengths: | cheap. comfortable. predictable in corners and descents. climbs like a billy goat. | | Weaknesses: | slightly on the heavy side (compared to my previous 2 aluminum bikes, but worth the trade off the way it handles) | | Similar Products Used: | never tried a steel bike, and I rather enjoy it. | | Bike Setup: | all xt with manitou super forks | | Bottom Line: | great bike for the money. i imagine it is probably just as good as a lot of the custom steel bikes. i.e. steelman, I.F., sycip, etc...glad i bought it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pm2
a
from Dallas
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | JensonUSA | | Strengths: | Light for steel; more supple than Al; sweet, confidence inspiring handling | | Weaknesses: | It will rust; no replaceable derr. hanger, rear dropouts too small to use w/my rim trainer. | | Bottom Line: | Sweet bike; handles great; looks cool. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pm2
a
from Dallas
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | JensonUSA | | Strengths: | Light for steel; more supple than Al; sweet, confidence inspiring handling | | Weaknesses: | It will rust; no replaceable derr. hanger, rear dropouts too small to use w/my rim trainer. | | Bottom Line: | Sweet bike; handles great; looks cool. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Boone
a Racer
from Indianola, Ia, Usa
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Brickyard | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Doghouse Bikes | | Strengths: | It is a Jamis
Reynolds 853 Steel
Fast
Helluva Climber | | Weaknesses: | A bit more felxy then an aluminum hardtail | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Eureka | | Bike Setup: | Full XT build kit with X517 wheels, dual air Sid, Race Face cock pit | | Bottom Line: | This bike is fast and a great race bike. i can feel it flex a little and i only way 135 pounds. It can just fly up the hills and has pretty good geometry. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
edouble
a Cross Country Rider
from wheatley heights,ny
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | da wiss' in philly | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$319.00 | | Purchased At: | jensonusa.com | | Strengths: | balanced geometry,supple ride quality, lateral rigidity, single track handling, technical climbing | | Weaknesses: | weaknesses? it dont have no stinking weaknesses!!!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | airborne black widow | | Bike Setup: | 21"frame, hell bent bar,moto ace stem, avid brakes and levers, grip shift shifters,z2bam fork,lx crank, xt derailleurs, time pedals,221's w/ deore hubs conti explorer pro front cross country rear tires | | Bottom Line: | this frame is so balanced its crazy. quick without being twitchy, fast yet neutral, climbs and descends with smoothness. its the holy grail of single track machines no doubt.im 6ft 2in and 240lbs and its strong enought to handle the power that i put down without feeling like a noodle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kam
a Weekend Warrior
from L.A.
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBR Marketplace | | Strengths: | It's a JAMIS!!!
Quality workmanship-beautiful welds
It's 853 Reynolds steel
Handles very nicely
Forgiving ride
Red
| | Weaknesses: | Not very light
No replaceable derailluer hanger
Red finish isn't glossy
It might rust someday :(
| | Similar Products Used: | my old miyata hartail
schwinn homegrown
| | Bike Setup: | 19" Dragon frame w/
8sp. SRAM 9.0 SL shifters and derailleur
XT cassette & front derailleur
LX Hollowtech cranks,ES70 BB
SRAM PC 59 9sp. chain
Bontrager Mustang rims laced to LX hubs
Thompson seat post,selle italia nitrox saddle,kore cockpit
Avid 20 V's w/ 1.9 levers
IRC Mythos Kevlar semi-slicks
WTB Momentum Grease Guard headset
2000 Rock Shock Judy SL/Englund Total Air | | Bottom Line: | We have a winner!!!
Man, this thing is sweet. If you're looking for a steel XC hardatil, this is it. I got it as new on the Marketplace w/ a XT front derailleur and Thompson seatpost for $250. WHAT A DEAL, THE BEST $250 I WILL EVER SPEND> It's a singletrack killer. It handle well, with no surprises, climbs well and is comfortable on long rides. It a FAST frame in very tight singletrack. I recommend any Jamis frame to anybody. A great company that has high quality, affordable products!!! I'm gonna buy a Jamis Exile frame for my wife, and build that for her. I'm a Jamis customer for life!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke
a Cross Country Rider
from Tennessee
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | many | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | swap meet | | Strengths: | Defined ride qualities. Very good feeling ride. Lifetime warranty. | | Weaknesses: | No featherweight bike. headtube geometry can be hard to get used to. | | Similar Products Used: | Zaskar. | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dragon. XTR rear der, cass. , brakes, shifter/levers. Raceface rings, XT fornt der., KORE lite stem, easton C2 flatbar, profile carbon barends, Judy SL, Thompson seatpost, Serfas Lola saddle, CRUX cranks, TIME carbon ATAC pedals, WTB momentum BB,Avid rollamajig, and Bontrager Race wheels....Oh yeah. | | Bottom Line: | Ive finally ridden this frame on enough dirt, different conditions and such, to write a decent review.
I had never purchased a high end steel bike before and I decided to risk it and take the plunge... Man, do I love this bike!
I can say that this bike has defenitely made me a faster rider. The handling characteristics are perfect for me, and once I had the saddle height angle and stem position correct, it fit me like a glove. It is one fast bike, and handles singletrack like no other bike I have ever ridden.
But no bike is perfect.
The only real complaint I have is the angle of the headtube. It is a little more slack then I am used to, and has a lot more fork rake than the aluminum frame that I used to ride. This only took a few rides to compensate for, but those first few rides got sketchy as I was flying down a trail and turned the bars a little too quickly and WHAM, I fly over the bars. It is only really apparent going through technical stuff at speed.
Stangely enough, technical stuff while going slower is a friggin breeze for the same reason. The bike handles so predictably and smoothly through corners and whoops, and has a snappy feel in the corners.
The only real advantage an aluminum bike would have in ride is the lively acceleration out of a turn, but this frame has allowed me to find my rythm so easily, I don't miss it at all. A REAL trailbike that works exceptionally well on singletrack, I suggest this frame to any eastcoster. Those who don't do anything except fireroad races and shorter rides may want something else.
This frame rocks my world. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Racer
from Texas
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | The frame is light and flexible with tube angles to give you confidence on tight single track. | | Weaknesses: | It will eventually rust -- and the powder coat just doesn't seem to sparkle like other finishes (who cares...?, but it will last. | | Similar Products Used: | I am a Jamis fan .. This is my 3rd Jamis hardtail in 9 years. | | Bike Setup: | Manitou SX ti, XTR all around except hubs. Various WTB, Kenda, & Hutchinson tires. WTB seat with a sometimes installed Rock-Shoc seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | My first real mountain bike was a Jamis (9 years and 3 bikes ago). When purchasing bikes 2 and 3, I shopped around and still purchased a Jamis (#3 is a '98 Dragon). Jamis must have an addictive frameset -- I just don't have the same comfort riding other geometries and other frame materials. The Reynolds 853 provides a flexible ride for this 190 pound master racer.
If you race tight single track and want a frame that won't rattle your teeth, you will be exceptionally pleased withthe Dragon 853 steel frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad
a Racer
from Westlake Village, CA
Date Reviewed: March 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Strawberry Peak | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
The ride is SWEET!
The tube angles make a great handling bike.
Weight is low enough.
Overall value can't be beat. | | Weaknesses: |
The head tube on my first Dragon frame cracked after 12 months and about 3900 miles of trails. | | Similar Products Used: |
I've ridden two different Diamond Back steel frames and though bothe were good they couldn't compete with the Dragon. I've also ridden a freinds VooDoo Bizango made from Tange Prestige tubing and it also rocks but I think the geometry is a little too radical for racing. | | Bike Setup: |
My Dragon frame has the following parts:
Manitou FSTi fork.
Mavic 517s on XT hubs.
XT crank set.
SRAM 9.0sl shifters and rear derailleur.
XT front derailleur.
King headset.
Easton Monkey Lite riser bar.
XTR V-brakes.
McMahon Ti post.
UN 72 BB.
XTR rear cassette.
Sachs PC91 chain.
Oury grips. | | Bottom Line: | This frame ROCKS!! I put my Jamis Dragon through about 3900 miles of XC racing, training, road riding and just plain fun trail bombing in the last 12 months. The frame geometry couldn't be better! It's a great climber, it's sure handling in the tight and technical stuff and it's a super smooth downhiller. The steel tubes take a great deal of the abuse off of your body. Even for racing I think the 853 tubes are far superior to any sort of aluminum. All of my racer freinds that still ride aluminum are jealous of my Dragon. I must say though, after 12 months of major abuse my beloved Dragon cracked at the head tube. I just received my replacement frame though and I still think you can't beat a Dragon without investing in a top quality Ti frame. My only real complaint is the color....a bit too bright for my taste...but let's not nit-pick a frame that rides SOOOOOO SWEET!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a racer
from Carlisle, PA
Date Reviewed: March 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
OK, this review is not specifically of the Jamis Dragaon frame, but of Jamis's chosen frame material and angles. I recently had a custom 853 hardtail built by a local central PA builder called Sniper Racing based on the Jamis Dragon. The local bike shop I race for sells Jamis, and several of the better riders around here have Dragons. I rode one and loved it, so when I had the chance to have a custom frame built for me at about the same price as a Dragon, I jumped at it. The angles are identical except for a slightly higher bottom bracket due to the exceedingly rocky terrain here. The only other difference from a Dragon frame is that mine uses Reynolds 853 for all the tubes; Jamis uses a different chromoly steel for the rear triangle. I also had Ken Early, the builder, weld a gusset at the head tube for more rigidity because of my ham-fisted technique. Built up with XTR, Manitou SX Ti, riser bars, and USE suspension post, this thing is a techinal rider's dream. I love this frame: stiff at the bottom bracket and rear triangle without the harshness of aluminum, and much less money than a comparable Ti frame. The tighter and rougher the terrain, the better this thing works. While the Dragon is racy red, my frame is Baracuda Green. After riding mine and switching to a stock Dragon, I can't tell a difference. Was it worth having a custom frame built, especially a knockoff of an existing design that sells for 50 bucks less? Yes and no. Ken Early builds a hell of a frame for much less than he should be charging, and I did get some custom goodies like slick cable routing designed by a local MTB hero and higher bottom bracket, etc., but I could easily be just as happy with a stock Dragon. For the money, this is one of the sweetest handling rigs available. Long live steel. 5 flaming things. By the way, if anyone out there is interested in having Ken build YOU a custom Sniper frame, his number is 717-838-3941, or web site: www.sniperracing.com | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mitch Graham
a racer
from Cincinnati, OH
Date Reviewed: December 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
From backcountry touring to 3 hr races, the Dragon frame forms the most bad-ass foundation for a dream bike. What a quick handling, tough climbing, smooth descending bike! Coupling the 853 frame w/ a USE XCR post, my former lower back pains are forgotten. Also forgotten are my old aluminum and carbon frames; they looked better than they rode. Jamis' manipulation of 853 has won me over to steel for now. Great Job guys! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jrcharney
a racer
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Dear Mtb review,
I hope you consider booking this on you site. The Jamis Dragon is on of the better machines to be on the trails these days. For it is the only kind of bicycle that you see these days. Only the rich have the ultimate stuff on their bike. The Jamis dragon proves this wrong it has the awsome xt-xtr drive train that will definately prove worthy both during the races and on the regular free riding groove. This is the kind of bike that actually interests people. IT will make people stop on the trail to ask that is one great bike how much did you get it for. You'll tell them 700 and thell be shocked. I got my full LX giant 1200 boy was I ripped.
Sincerly,
JR Charney
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff d
a cross-country rider
from upstate ny
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ihave spent about three months getting my dragon just right but i love it now it full xt with ceramic bontrager rims on xt hubs up front was originally ridgid but i just couldnt get the feel right so i switched to a amp research f3 also it has a ti stem and riser bars no ends thank you its just right now i love the ride and my back can handle the long 20 plus rides much better on the 853 frame its a great climber and super in the rocky tech stuff we have in upstate ny | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff R.
a weekend warrior
from phx, AZ
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just recently bought a Jamis Fire Dragon frame (the Fire Dragon is a hand made Dragon by Tom Teesdale) I havent gotten many rides in on it yet, but it only took one ride to get a comfortable, coordinated feeling on the bike, something I never really achieved after more than a year on my previous bike. For those of us who dont want to ride aluminum and cant justify the cost of Ti, 853 is the way to go. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Timothy Berkley
a cross-country rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This frame just simply ROCKS !!@!You won't believ this , but i had encountered an bikes on roof rack meets low branch at high speed occurrence
and although my Wifes Gary Fisher Big Sur 97 was reduced to a twisted heap of old beer cans , (not really,but beyond repair , anyway) My steel steed was hardlt scatched.You cannot get stronger than steel or weaker than Aluminium !
Jamis is probably the best in terms of quality and value.(too bad about the name though) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
beck
a racer
from tall. fl.
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is one sweet bike. Iv had my dragon for almost a year and have loved it. Its equiped with XT parts, and others, and weighs under 24 lbs. this bike handles great on any part of the trail and is a good bike for anyone.Though i have heard a few complaints about the top tube breaking easily i have not had any problems with mine.I have the '97 chrom finish which is a terrible paint job that comes off very easily.the judy xc shocks on there are bad too, in only a short time of riding i busted the oil dampener. Overall this is a great frame. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derrick Yeo
a cross-country rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: March 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Three words , I love this frame !!!(but i need 50 right?)
My dragon's kitted out with a full xt gruppo and a XTR rear D.
I'm a little dissapointed by the weight of my components,my bike weighs
25.5 pounds with my mavic 220/221 wheels.other than that, this dragon really
breathes fire on the trail.I find myself waiting for my friends at the top of
climbs.Jamis should offer a dragon painted black ,the red scheme's a little too
bright for me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trail Turd
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: January 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My Jamis Dragon truly is an awe inspiring ride. I love the way the bike tracks, the singletrack handling is fantastic. I am literally flying over stuff I used to dread on my old aluminum can. The bike is a quick handler, but doesn't have the nervous feel of those large-tubed aluminum race frames.It climbs really well, and is fairly light for steel. It's a bargain at the going price of $700. Buy one, and you too will be praying to the God of Reynolds 853. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
aXe
a weekend warrior
from s.e. mass
Date Reviewed: January 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I was fortunate enough to go from a Trek 7000 terdbox, to a finely tuned Jamis Dragon and man what a difference a bit of steel makes! This is definitely the best hard tail SINGLE TRACK bike I have ever owned or ridden! This bike climbs and cornners well, and flies on the fast, open stuff. (it's a typical hard tail in the rocks though...) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wild Bill
a cross-country rider
from The woods
Date Reviewed: January 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my Dragon for 2 years, and it has truly made me a better rider. The ride is just stiff enough without being harsh, and the handling is sweet as meat for singletrack. The angles are fairly steep, so don't buy this baby if you lust after stable downhill handling. This bike was made for singletrack. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Seppe
a cross-country rider
from North Carolina
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently bought a Dragon frameset and switched all my parts over from my previous bike. What a difference this steel beauty makes!!!It's quick handling, yet stable and damped. It feels like it knows what I'm going to do next. I love the red and yellow paint scheme. Can't wait till my first race!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jackson
a cross-country rider
from The Northeast
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just got this frame and it is a wonder. Anyone who spends a grand on a fat city or two grand on a ti wonder is a fool. Reynolds 853 is the way to go! The workmanship is beautiful. Love the top tube cable routing and the race geometry. The breezer style dropouts are a work of art.See you on the trail! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Benny
a weekend warrior
from NYC, NY
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This frame is great. It rides like a dream through the twisty stuff, and handles descents even better. Bottom line is I love this frame, and since I can't get a date with Sandra Bullock, I spend a lot of time riding it (with it's sweet gold finish, it looks almost as good). I run a girvin cross-link fork on it.
Another thing, this frameset is tough. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J Rogers
a cross-country rider
from Milford, Ct
Date Reviewed: October 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding my Jamis for about a year now and have only had a few complaints. To make a long story short, when I first received my frameset (I built it up with my own parts selection... and continue to do so...) I noticed what looked like stress fractures along the top-inside section of the BB area. Not wanting to build up a damaged frame I sent it back. Frame #2 had the same exact problem, finally, on the third frame they got it right. Since building it up with an assortment of Race Face, XTR (w/v-brakes), Manitou original mach 5sx w/speed springs, syncros, thomson, flite ti saddle and tnt/xt/mavic/wheelsmith wheelset I love the way the bike handles. Compliant in the rough stuff and climbs better than I do!! The only upgrade I've got left is to move up to a Litespeed Owl Hollow frameset!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jorge L. Bauermeister
a cross-country rider
from San Juan, Puerto Rico
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This frame rules! I got it down here in Puerto Rico for about US $700 and it is just awesome. I have it set up with Judy XC, Mavics 217, XTR Hubs, XTR cassett, XT cranks, ESP 9.0 and LX front der.The front triangle of the frame is made from Reynolds 853 steel. Frame weight about 2.9 pds. It is sweet, loves to climb, and its color well its just a killer red. Very Fast, Very responsive to steering and body english, that lovely steel flex and it climbs like a goat.I hihgly recommend this frame bike to anyone. You just have to ride. it.The best quality of this bike....it's a hardtail! | | Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$ 700.00
