Submitted by
Jonny
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: April 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Logger
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Good Climber and Handling
Weaknesses:
Paint Chips easily but not a big deal.
Similar Products Used:
Jamis Komodo, Schwinn Home Grown Hard tail, Jamis Dakar
Bike Setup:
XTR XT Mix, Bomber MXR Fork, Avid 7, etc....
Bottom Line:
This is just an amazing frame. It really is a great riding frame. Much less vibration than alum hard tails. Seems like you get a lot more power to the ground on each pedal stroke, maybe thats why these frames climb so well. The handling is really predictable, you can climb hills and just point the bike where you want it to go. I put on a heavy suspension seatpost and 31.8 stem downhill bar set up and my bike is a little heavier, but it still climbs just incredible and absolutely flies downhill. Mountain biking is just a better sport with a frame like this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
853steel
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC Date Reviewed: March 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
White Water Rafting Center
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
I think JensonUsa
Strengths:
The geometry is spot on, Long top tube for 15".
Weaknesses:
I'd like to see thec able housing under top tube, other than that, NADA.
Bontrager Race Lite with stan's and non UST tires (lighter). Rock Shox Sid Team, Egg beaters,Easton Monkeylite Sl, Thompson Elite post, and still using V-brakes (Avid Ti Sl).
Bottom Line:
853 steel + Light tubeless wheels! A bonified XC machine, the ride is fast and light, climbs beautifully, makes you look forward to hills. This thing takes bumps like they're barely there, and corners like it's on rails. I love catching up to FS bikes and smoking them on climbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jody
a Cross Country Rider
from columbus, oh Date Reviewed: May 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Lake Hope
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
This bike is the whole package for XC. The XTR groupo with the Fox F100RLC fork offer top performance. Such a smooth ride that handles a wide variety of terrain. Ride tubeless with the steel frame and you won't regret it. This bike ascends/descends like no other. Great bike!
Weaknesses:
paint chips off frame and dropouts too easy. A better finish would be nice.
Similar Products Used:
Giant, Schwinn, Trek models, Airborne Lucky Strike Ti
Bike Setup:
XTR w/ Crossmax SLR wheelset. 2007 DEMO bike
Bottom Line:
The Bottom line - this bike is SICK. I've been XC riding for about ten years and I highly recommend riding 853 chromoly. This bike does it all for XC. Hats off to Jamis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Stephens
a
from Salt Lake City Date Reviewed: October 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Spiro
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Strengths:
I purchased the 2006 Dragon Team at the beginning of the 2007 summer season after a very unhappy season on a new full suspension bike. I just could not tolerate the inefficiency of the full suspension. The tubeless tires, steel frame and softer saddle makes this bike tremendously enjoyable to ride. This bike is more stable and secure than my full suspension (since sold)on the downhill with a huge advantage in climbing efficiency.
Weaknesses:
Paint on frame chips too easily. The Truvativ carbon cranks were defective, having come loose twice. Truvativ replaced one crank and it appears to be staying tight.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized StumpJumper hard tail used for a number of years and a Specialized FSR used one year and now sold.
Bike Setup:
Top of the line components throughout
Bottom Line:
My biking friend (all middle aged) all ride full suspensions. I rave to these guys about the smoothness, preciseness of handling and climbing ability of this bike. It is simply not true that older mountain bikers must use a full suspension in order to reduce the impact and wear and tear on the body. A steel frame hardtail, especially one with high end components and tubeless tires, performs the same function with a great improvement in efficiency and preciseness in handling.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cam Lam
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch New Zealand Date Reviewed: July 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Port Hills
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Cycle Workz Christchurch
Strengths:
Bike bike handles like a dream! Fast on the climbs, smooth in the single track and rocks on the downhill!
Weaknesses:
N
Similar Products Used:
Sworks bikes, Avanti Team
Bike Setup:
Dragon Pro Frame (same as team) Full XTR, DT 1450 Wheels, Easton carbon bar and seatpost. Flite carbon seat. Fox RLC fork.
Bottom Line:
This is an amazing bike. I love it. I never thought I would ride steel again after my early road bikes. I was offered this at a fantastic price and have never looked back!! I was Pro on the road and lack a lot on the mountain bike, yet this makes me look good! It is fast and handles like a dream. I know what makes a bike feel good and this goes beyond that! It had that X factor that make a bike stand out! I when I update it will be for another Dragon! Every time I ride it I fall in love with it again! This is a real cross country bike. The skinny tubes has a look you will like or not. If your wanting a bike for cross country hacking or racing then look at the Dragons. The steel offers performance and comfort, without making it weak. If you want a light bike you can enjoy for years and not have to replace it then look at a Dragon. Jamis has been making the Dragon since 1993, so they have got it right or it wouldn't be still on the market!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Myron
a Cross Country Rider
from Issaquah, WA, USA Date Reviewed: July 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
East Tiger Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$679.00
Strengths:
Light, quick, nimble, climbs like a goat!
Weaknesses:
None for an XC bike!
Similar Products Used:
Jamis Dakota XC
Bike Setup:
FOX F100 RLC, Chris King Hubs, Shimano XT Crank, Bottom Bracket, and Front Derailleur, SRAM X.9 Shifters, Rear Derailleur, and 971 Chain, Shimano XTR Cassette.
Bottom Line:
I bought this primarily for riding gravel or forest roads, epic riding, and some occasional trail riding. I'm impressed with the speed and agility of this bike. Since it is an 853 chromoly frame, it is a stiff, yet absorbs vibration. Highly recommended for XC!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KEMP MORRIS
a Cross Country Rider
from SUFFOLK,VA USA Date Reviewed: June 27, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$3800.00
Purchased At:
happy trails
Strengths:
great bike for steel light, comparable to low end titanium frames
Weaknesses:
still doesnt have the zing of nice titanium 3.2 or 6.4, my 94 Kona HEI HEI 3.2 ti hardtail felt livelier and just as comfortable... than the 07 steel Jamis
Similar Products Used:
Kona HOT 94 95, Kona HEI HEI...3.2 ti hardtail 94, jamis dakar 07, seven sola 04
Bike Setup:
all xtr..component group is ssssssswwwwweeeeeeeeet
Bottom Line:
similar geometry to the kona hots made by tom teesdale in the mid nineties... nice steel bike...very impressive weight... great budget bike that is just as raceable as any 6k bike....Seems as the original frame material has made a definitive comeback. If you do not have the money for an IF or Seven custom Ti..or other higher end Ti frame, this bike is IT.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Layton UT USA Date Reviewed: May 5, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Climbs like a rocket ship, light, compliant design, steel durability!!!
Weaknesses:
Costs a third what a similar handling titanium frame would cost you...
I thought I'd add this as a testament to the durability of this frame, mine is a '98 model but it is still the exact same frame as the '07 model (sans disk mounts). The bike was built around the frame which was from a racing sponsorship so I can't really comment on either the price or the full bike. After 9 years of use/abuse including 4 racing the bike still rides like the day it was assembled. I've never ridden a bike that accelerates uphill like this one while still being buttery smooth over almost any surface and unlike aluminum the 853 steel will last as long as you care to ride the same frame.I'd easily suggest this frame to anyone who loves the feel of a light steel frame that flexes just enough in all the right places and screams to climb. In fact that is why I still have a 9 year-old bike, I haven't found anything that feels as good other than a newer Dragon. If you absolutely must overpay on a similar titanium frame that weighs the same and rides like a wet noodle then this just isn't for you...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Vaughan
a Racer
from Newcastle, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: April 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Darkes Forest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
The Treadly Shed
Strengths:
Highly responsive, Reynolds 853 chromoly is strong and stiff.
Weaknesses:
Too much paint on the frame - Unnecessary extra weight
Similar Products Used:
GT Zaskar Pro Trek 8500 Trek 6700
Bottom Line:
A highly responsive weapon, it puts in where it counts. The stiffness of the 853 chromoly is comforting however it is still flexy enough to absorb some of the bumps and mistakes you make with rider fatigue. With some modifications (or decent pedals) it is easy to make this a sub 11kg bike which attacks everything with ease. The XTR groupset is everything you'd expect, and the Crossmax SLR's are strong enough to take a beating, yet light enough to climb. Although this bike is suited for shorter rides (sub 100km) it still tackles the endurance ride comfortably for the rider that wants to win. Probably not the best bike suited for a weekend warrior that would go riding once a fortnight for a leisurely 10km, but if you like the feel of lactic acid, this bike is perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Racer
from Greene, New York State Date Reviewed: February 27, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$3400.00
Strengths:
Every thing. At first the steel doesn't seem very good. But I was wrong. It's great! It Is very fast. I have the 2007 model with full XTR.
Weaknesses:
Nothing really.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Caffeine 2.
Bike Setup:
Completely stock except a sorter stem.
Bottom Line:
When I first got this bike I was worried that I might not like a steel hardtail. But I was wrong. I got the 07 model and it has full XTR, weighs only 22.5 lbs (according to the website) and cost a amazing 3,900 (msrp, but no one pays msrp). Unbelievable bike for such a cheap price. You must try this bike! Its amazing!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Cincinnati Date Reviewed: June 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
East Fork Lake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Strengths:
Reynolds steel frame, great geometry, good descender for a hard tail, handles well on the trail. Steel will stay strong, longer.
I bought this as a frame only from a local bike shop, and took all the parts off of my F/S frame. So far this bike has been a blast. Very fast on the trails, and climbs so well. Descending is suprisingly good with little vibration, so you won't miss your F/S as long as you are not on a downhill course. The bike handles really well when weaving through fast terrian and turns, and gives you confidence to ride harder. If you want to feel good about your next hard tail purchase, consider steel and consider the Jamis Dragon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Racer
from Milwaukee, WI Date Reviewed: November 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
singletrack anywhere
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
Fox River Sports
Strengths:
Light, Responsive, Quick. I have a Trek Top Fuel 110 as well. This bike is my favorite, so fast. This bike is completely stock. The frame is stiff, especially for a rider who wieghs 200#. This bike wieghs a little over 24# stock. The shock absorbs everything. Like it more than my 2005 Sid. Once the xtr disc brakes are set up the right way they rock! The Mavic Crossmax SL rims are the best you can get!
Weaknesses:
Nothing
Similar Products Used:
2005 Trek Fuel 110
Bike Setup:
STOCK
Bottom Line:
This is the best hardtail I have ever been on. The only thing I wish it had was a lockout on the shock and a more comfortable saddle, but that is a personal thing.
They are right when they say STEEL IS REAL! This is my 2nd Jamis hardtail, and I couldn't ask for anything better. For the price, you can get a race ready bike straight out of the box! I wouldn't say this about much but....BUY this bike if you have the $$$
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DrewDawg
a Cross Country Rider
from Birmingham, MI, USA Date Reviewed: October 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Highland State Park (A,B,C, &D)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Purchased At:
MTBR Classifieds
Strengths:
Steel is Real, Light weight, vibration dampening, High Bottom Bracket, Climbs/Descends Great.
Weaknesses:
The Ceramic rims are worn out. XTR components aren't the most robust anymore (but still the lightest).
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Aquila, Jamis Durango
Bike Setup:
XTR across the board, Manitou Schareb Fork, Crane Creek Head Set, Race Face BB, Thompson Bar and Stem
Bottom Line:
I purchased my Dragon used this year, it is a 2003 Model Year bike. The ceramic rims are warn out, but that is due to normal wear and tear. The fame is well manufactured and very absorbant of normal vibrations. The bike is a true racer, and turns heads where ever it appears. I would recommend this bike for the Epic rider or the XC racer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SlickVic Cabrera
a Weekend Warrior
from Hialeah Date Reviewed: September 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Oleta State River
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
B&J Bicylcel
Strengths:
Excellent strength and quality. Solid climber.
Weaknesses:
0))))))))))))))
Similar Products Used:
Klein Pulse Race
Bike Setup:
I bought just the frame and hooked it up with my Klein's extra parts. Only the bottom bracket,fr derailler, and seat post geometry were different.
Bottom Line:
This is a fast, all out climber with a better feel than aluminum. Believe me I've been riding a Klein for a couple of years now and after the frame cracked on me I turned to the Dragon as a backup. I could not believe the feel of the ride. For years I have heard it from the guys who really know the sport that "steel is real" and now I know why.The bike is an overall solid perfomer,climber, and descender.I can highly recommend it with easy stars across the board.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ATW
a
from Golden Date Reviewed: April 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
longhorn or parmalee gultch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
EP
Strengths:
The geometry is perfect. That amazing feel of steel. Strong and confident handling bike in all conditions.
Avid BB7's, Full SRAM X.9 drivetrain, w/truvative cranks, WTB hubs w/syncros rims, panaracer cinder2.25" tires, etc.
Bottom Line:
I'm a mechanic at a local shop so I have my pick of various bikes. I can only review the frame as I never buy a complete bike(I'm too picky). So far this bike is stable in everything I have thrown at it. It climbs very quickly, and decends just as well. I was surprised by how stiff this thing is laterally, yet it is still compliant vertically. I would deffinitely recomend this frame for anyone who still loves the challenge of riding a hardtail. Well done Jamis!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad
a Cross Country Rider
from NY Date Reviewed: February 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
bucks bikes
Strengths:
soooo quick and at home in singletrack, good handling, solid XC frame. good quality, fit and finish
Weaknesses:
a bit twitchy on fast decents..
Similar Products Used:
canondale
Bike Setup:
XTR, Mavic CrossMax, FSR XC stem and carbon flat bar
Bottom Line:
good solid XC bike for the singletrack
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Landrigan
a
from Pocatello, ID, USA Date Reviewed: November 2, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
feel of steel, great geometry
Weaknesses:
minor weight penalty
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale, Gary Fisher, Specialized, Trek
Bike Setup:
XT level components
Bottom Line:
This review is for the frame only. The $400 I paid on ebay included a Chris King headset which was already on it.
The frame is great to ride. The steel is so much nicer compared with my old stiff Cannondale. The balance I have on the bike is much better than I've had on other bikes. It's fantastic that someone is still producing quality steel frames, cheers to Jamis. It's a great frame for anyone that cares as much about the feel of a bike as its weight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LOUIS
a Cross Country Rider
from MELBOURNE Date Reviewed: August 30, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
this bike is a ripper,high bottom bracket its one horn bag bike
Weaknesses:
this is my second jamis dragon frame i had a 2002 red and white frame,it looked great ,i noticed the evil signs of cracking (around the top of the seat post area that conects the rear triangle tubes,) in welds or should i say lack of welding caused this maybe the good old computer welders racked off early for a few cans of ale,anyways the jamis crew fixed me up with a new 2004 frame bloody quicksmart i paid the 60 bucks labour charge to swap the frame,i really liked the red ill get used to the blue ,i am really happy with the bike so far
the steel frame is light and strong if the quality control boys at the asian factory didnt smoke cones they would of seen the lack of welding.Jamis look after their warranty claims which is good to know
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfax, VA Date Reviewed: July 28, 2004
This is a great bike and its incredibly responsive. Right out of the box you have top of the line race components. Im still trying to tweak out the stem length and height but you shouldnt expect a perfect fit from the factory. I rode an aluminum before this and it seems like this is so much smoother. There is a reason the top custom bikes are steel and titanium and since price is an issue titanium was a non issue for me. This bike climbs great, handles well in corners and feels smooth on the dh. Its losing one chili because one of the decals was peeling off out of the box. still expensive and that issue shouldnt leave the factory. ...but the performance is still outstanding and thats what matters.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Dexter Michigan Date Reviewed: June 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Fort Custer
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Treefort Bikes
Strengths:
Only got this as a frame which explains why the price is so low, and i got a nice deal on it. The strengths of the frame is how smooooth the steel is. I didnt believe it until i rode it, but steel still feels like a hardtail but it has a weird way of smoothing out the spikes in the trail. It climbs well, and handles very well in the tight singletrack. It gets lots of comments at the trail head, and it has a dam good paint job too
Weaknesses:
it's a tid bit twitchy on the downhills, but i'll take it for how quick it feels in everything else
Similar Products Used:
This is my first steel hardtail, but other bikes i've had are 02' Stumpjumper FSR xc Comp, Trek 6500, Trek 7000, 96 S-works M2
Bike Setup:
Hope Mini discs, Mavic x223 rims and XT hubs, Fox FLoat RL fork, Easton EA-70 handlebar, specialized stem, Truvative seatpost, WTB Laser-V saddle, LX cranks, Eggbeater pedals, XTR rear derailuer, LX front derailuer and shifters
Bottom Line:
Coming off of my FSR i thought the transition would be huge, but it wasnt too bad. This frame handles very well and the bike feels smoooooooth. I guess thats the one very defining characteristic of the Dragon frame is how well i takes the edge off of the trail. Its not like you forget you're riding a hardtail, but its a feeling hard to quantify unless you've ridden steel.
Overall very sweet ride and im dam glad i got this frame. 5 for the value since i got such a sweet deal 5 for overall b/c of how good it feels on the trail
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX, USA Date Reviewed: May 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Parts spec, price, geometry, colors are kick-ass
Weaknesses:
none, cept mebbe the xtr dual control
Similar Products Used:
XTC 1 and 8500
Bike Setup:
All stock
Bottom Line:
Amazing bike, its a very very sweet ride. geometry is awesome. climbs awesome. no probs so far. i don't like the XTR dualcontrol stuff i'll be upgrading soon but in the meantime it is really good, i havent' had any problems with the componentry. The xtr stuff, fox 100 rlt and the rest of the bike is one of the best MSRP deals i've ever seen. Street price (cut out about 600-1000) makes it the best deal u can find. THIS BIKE ROCKS!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
S. Junaid
a Cross Country Rider
from Clarksville, MD, USA Date Reviewed: May 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Gunpowder, Patuxent
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Geometry, part selection, price compared to others in its category, weight, brakes
Weaknesses:
Maybe the price but not really an issue
Similar Products Used:
Tested: Cannondale F2000 SL, S Works M5
Bike Setup:
All XTR (stock) raceface crank, Chris King headset, and the rest is stock as well
Bottom Line:
Lets break this down: All XTR, Fox F80RLT w/ 80mm travel, with lock-out, Cane Creek S2 Aheadset, Mavic CrossMax Disc SL wheelset 18/20H Maxtal rims,sealed cartridge QR FTS hubs,Zicral straight pull spokes, Hutchinson Python, tubeless, 26 x 2.0”. And this isn't all either, go to the website to check it out. Anyway, this bike rocks, no other explanation. Spray something in the inside of the tubes to keep away the rust and this steelie will outlast you, no kidding. 23 lbs!! (stock) now all this for $3,000 You can't beat that. The geometry is awesome, it climbs like a billy goat. Throw it around and no awkward swaying or lack of balance. I'll be honest, i don't like the dualcontrol crap shimano put in but the rest of the XTR stuff is butter smooth. I plan to upgrade the brakes to Hope or Sram soon but in the meantime I can't find a single thing wrong with them. I had brake problems but that was my fault, set 'em up right and they'll be like butter, the bike stops on a dime. Swallows bumps like a pro, coz of the steelie frame. GET IT NOW!! You won't regret it!! AWESOME DEAL!! 5 chillies all the way
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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