FRAME: 7005 aluminum all tubes with gusseted down tube and box-section stays, multiple linkage design with 90mm rear travel, Fox Float air-sprung shock, replaceable derailleur hanger, international disc brake mount.
Submitted by
derek
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale ,AZ Date Reviewed: April 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
desert trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
local cycle store
Strengths:
sincerly none
Weaknesses:
cheap aluminum,warranty sucks,pretty heavy, hard for climbs,worst bike ever own.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Nomad, K2 razoraback, cannondale jekyll 1000
Bike Setup:
left the krap as it comes...
Bottom Line:
piece of s * * t,I just throw my money to the trash with this thing,bought it ´cause the brand was exotic,but I think a cheap mongoose will perform better,It cracked from the pipe tube in a little dirt down trail,don´t throw away your money!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dunkotm
a Cross Country Rider
from Bemboka, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: December 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Thunder Mountain Utah
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
second hand
Strengths:
Nice suspension design. Frame looks a bit S C Supalightish (but faster).
Weaknesses:
not much yet
Similar Products Used:
Enduro, Scott MC40,
Bike Setup:
not much stock. XT Drivetrain, 317 rims on XT hubs, revalved shock (a must!), mx comp (ETA) fork, etc
Bottom Line:
To make this bike sing, you need to revalve the shock. I got Rp23 interals and the bike behaves like a much higher model. Laced it up with all my fave old bits from my old Enduro- the lighter wheelset is a bonus too.
The bike climbs well, is sharp on singletrack, is a handful on descents (sometimes like a HT it's soo loose), but a great trail bike all up.
If you get the chance to get a used one like me and have some spares to upgrade/lighten you'll get a ride which punches well above it's weight!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gregory Taets
a Cross Country Rider
from Colmberg, Bayern, Germany Date Reviewed: June 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
anywhere
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Good Price, Right Size, Relatively light for the price
Weaknesses:
Anodized finish chips easily, a little on the heavy side
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Rocket 88
Bike Setup:
Race Face Stem, Handlebar, Steatpost, Crank; Shimano 2007 XT Shifters, both Deraillers; Chris King Headset; Sunline Grips and Seat; Hayes Stroker Trail V6 brakes, DT Swiss Rims (converted to tubless with Stans), Kenda Nevegal Tires (Of Coarse!)
Bottom Line:
I bought this as a bare frame from Jenson, so I could do a budget build, with a cap of $2000 dollars for a complete bike. The Frame itself is under 5lbs. for a 19". That's a little heavy for just a frame, but with all the components on, it still weighed in under 30lbs. I am a Cross Country/Trail Rider and don't have too many big hills to deal with, so the weight isn't really an issue for me. The Anodized Red Paint on the frame chips off if you even look at it funny, but, It's a bike right? If it isn't sratched up, you aren't riding hard enough. I rode this bike setup to and from work everyday for the first three months I had it, as well as take it on the trails, and have had no problems as of yet. I believe that as a frame, this is a very good purchase, for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam Giltrap
a Racer
from Albury, Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: February 1, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
hmmmmmm
Weaknesses:
too many to mention
Similar Products Used:
XTc
Bike Setup:
LX hydros (only thing worth anything on the bike) rest is crap
Bottom Line:
the bottom line is do not buy this bike. it is slow heavy the rear suspension is ridiculously inefficient the front fork (splice) is shocking i bottom mine out 90 % of trail riding and i weight about 75 kg the original brakes were crap, yea basically all components are crap on it. now we come to the frame, it is heavy which u would usually trade for strength but not in its case, i have just broken my second rear chain stay in exactly the same spot and i am a XC rider/racer i dont do drops basically over a foot most of the time i am scared it will break and today i broke it on a little ledge about a foot high bloody tiny and it snapped. i hate this bike it sucks and i would recomend noit to buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick Sarantis
a Weekend Warrior
from Citrus Heights, CA, USA Date Reviewed: November 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
whatever I can find
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
used
Strengths:
The bike is lightweight, predictable and maneuverable. The seat and wheels are great.
Weaknesses:
I broke the frame on my second ride but i did buy it used and they are going to replace it. Neck is way to long, truvativ cranks did not hold up.
Similar Products Used:
Haro, giant full sus
Bike Setup:
stock other than Shorter neck and better tires
Bottom Line:
The bike really is good but don't ride it like you stole it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tate Colbert
a Cross Country Rider
from Norwood, MA, USA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Hale Reservation
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
cheap, easy to get into mountain biking on. Not Punishing like a hardtail, but not to complex for the average cro-magnon to figure out
Weaknesses:
paint chips creak, although that was resloved by greasing the seatpost
good for the once or twice a week rider that isnt going to be reading the owners manual to get the most performance, just set it to your body weight minus 10 psi and ride the s*$t out of it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc Ruch
a Cross Country Rider
from Pennsylvania Date Reviewed: September 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Jordan
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$954.00
Purchased At:
South Mountain Cycles
Strengths:
Build, fork, rear shock, disk brakes, shifting
Weaknesses:
Tires
Similar Products Used:
Demoed K2 Attack 2.0
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is my first full-suspension bike that I have bought. Besides trying my friend's Santa Cruz and Giant XTC, I normally ride a GT Outpost hardtail. I saw this bike at South Mountain and immediately wanted it. Compared to the K2 it kicked major. Of course, it's nothing next to the Santa Cruz or the Giant, but it's good enough for me. When I rode Bear Creek with it, it was like heaven. A good deal for the cross country rider who wants something that can handle some tough stuff. If you're going to do some jumps or serious downhill, think more expensive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Willis
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt Lake City, UT USA Date Reviewed: August 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Bear Claw Poppy
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Highlander
Strengths:
Very sturdy bike. You point it in a direction and it goes. Suspension and frame is good for me (6'1" 190lbs).
Weaknesses:
Paint Job looks great, but chips easily. Deore is a little slow on shifting
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Hardrock
Bike Setup:
Manatiou Super Splice Forks. Fox Float Shock.
Bottom Line:
Over All Great Solid Bike for the money. Would I buy it again? Yes, definitly!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Georgia Date Reviewed: July 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Strong frame, crashed into trees a few times and a few other type of crashs here and there. The Frame hasn't showed any damage frame them. Light, I bought just the frame and added my own components to it
Weaknesses:
Could use a stronger paint job
Bike Setup:
all LX drive train, LX rapid fire, avid brakes; BB5 Front and BB7 in the rear. Fox vanilla rear shock upgrading soon and a Judy forks in the front.
Bottom Line:
Best buy for what i bought at. Nice smooth ride on it. It is a nice XC bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jesse
a Weekend Warrior
from Havertown, PA, USA Date Reviewed: June 26, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Biketopia
Strengths:
Terrific aftermarket lockout-capable Fox Float RPL, custom bike buildup with mostly older but all brand new high-end parts.
Weaknesses:
looks cheaper compared to '05 Dakar XC Expert and '05 Dakar XC Pro.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Salsa Pro Moto carbon handlebar, XTR 952 crank, shifters, brake levers, XTR 953 fr. & rr derailleurs, XTR 953 cassette, Dura-Ace/XTR CN-7701 chain, Thomson Elite seatpost & handlebar stem, ST-Lite bar ends with Yeti grips, Manitou Black Comp 120mm with lockout, Rolf Dolomite Disc wheelset, Avid BB7 disc brakes, Fox Float RPL rear air suspension.
Bottom Line:
This was a custom buildup this past month using BRAND NEW older parts, with the exception of the Fox shock, the Thomson parts, bar grips, bar ends, and the handlebar, which are all 2007 parts. The bright red 2005 frame (15") was a GREAT CHEAP way for me to get into dual suspension riding and my parts selection has certainly made this bike WAY BETTER THAN A STOCK 2005, which has much worse parts on it.
DO NOT BUY THIS BIKE LEFTOVER STOCK!!!! Just buy the frame and do a custom buildup, especially with the rear shock. The Fox Vanilla unit that was specified by Jamis in '05 was JUNK and a Fox Float RP3 or RPL can be found brand new ('06 or '07) on the internet for a good price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bill
a Downhiller
from castle rock CO Date Reviewed: June 14, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
performance bike shops
Strengths:
fox vannila rear shock
Weaknesses:
every thing else i am a freerider this bike is terrible its heavy and weak i warped the wheels bottomed out both shocks and broke the fork this bike is lame the fork now leaks oil the brakes only the rear brake works and its like ridin a tamborine everything rattles including your teeth
Similar Products Used:
gary fisher mongoose etc
Bike Setup:
2001 darkar sport rockshox judy and fox vannilla odi grips azonic pedals wtb seat huchitson tires deore duraillers
Bottom Line:
i would recommend this bike to some one who does very light ridin once in a while but not to free riders it can barely handle a 2 foot drop very disapponted
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Simpson
a Cross Country Rider
from Albury NSW Australia Date Reviewed: May 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
slingshot
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
matthews bikes
Strengths:
Reliable rims, nice finishing kit and running gear, comfortable.
Weaknesses:
poor brakes, very poor forks, weak frame (mine cracked in half at chain stay), no adjustments on rear shock, poor tyres, heavy and a slow bike.
Similar Products Used:
Giant XTC's (great relaible bikes)
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
A poor choice of bike to race or do much on at all. Everything will creak and deteriorate and you will need to make appropriate adjustments at large cost to have a reasonable bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Greenville, SC, USA Date Reviewed: May 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Decent handling, brakes
Weaknesses:
Fork, paint, linkage creaky, wheels
Similar Products Used:
my old rigid (okay so that's not similar)
Bike Setup:
stock + Mavic Crosstrail and Michelin Mountain AT
Bottom Line:
Great starting FS bike for the $$. Not any one component of the bike is fantastic, but it functions well as an overall package in this price point. Have leaking problems with the Manitou fork, and got rid of the wheelset after broken spokes and truing problems for a Mavic set (awesome wheels). The Mavics are overkill, they're going on my next bike. Overall I am happy with this bike, no frame breakage problems, good purchase for a first FS bike. I've had it for 2 years and have beat on it multiple times weekly, being 6'3" 210lbs it takes it well. I ride the 21" frame. My next bike may be the Jamis XAM 1.0. Now I realize I need more travel and this time I can afford more bike. 3 chilis for overall rating because of fork and wheel problems, but I would buy again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gabe Rodriguez
a Downhiller
from Pomona Cal. Usa Date Reviewed: January 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Marshal Canyon
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
JensonUsa
Strengths:
The frame is not to to heavy... i have the 05 model. the frame is nice and rigid on the climbs but still nimble on the dh.
Weaknesses:
i have not had any complaints other than the rear shock seems a bit hard at times.
Similar Products Used:
KHS 204.
Bike Setup:
I started out with the frame and built it myself. full XT drive train, Manitou Minute forks, Kenda 2.35 on speedisc wheelset.
Bottom Line:
being my first XC bike it seems like its a hell of a bike. the DHing gets really scary sometimes because the 19 inch frame kinda has you stretched out a little but its nothing that cant be fixed without a shorter stem. all in all a great bike for the price. take the time to build one on your own and with just a little more than a shops price you can build a hell of a bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
trap
a Cross Country Rider
from victoria Date Reviewed: November 2, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
wodonga
Strengths:
Good price, good lx running gear,
Weaknesses:
splice shock too soft for x/c, too heavy for x/c,rear shock no adjustments
Bike Setup:
hayes sole hydros(off old bike)truvativ finishing kit, sigma speedo, TPC lockout kit on splice, shimano clipless pedals
Bottom Line:
Really good bike for the average person who wants to hit the trails but just too heavy for X/C but with upgrades can be made much better such as brakes, tpc lockout on front shock, bars etc and either new frame(jamis XCR pro) or new rear shock with adjustments. this is my first FS bike and have raced it but more of a downhill X/c race would suit but it was very easy to ride the distance (55km) Very good first FS bike and would recomend to anyone wanting one because of price and reliability
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brett
a Cross Country Rider
from Bow, NH Date Reviewed: September 13, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
ski market
Strengths:
price.
Weaknesses:
fork and tires
Similar Products Used:
this is my first full suspension bike
Bike Setup:
stock except for '05 marzochi all mtn 3 fork and kenda nevegal tires.
Bottom Line:
'06 Jamis Dakar Sport I love this bike. I knew from the moment I sat down it was a nice ride. I hated the manitou splice and read lots of horrible reviews on this site. The fork on the next model up (the dakar pro or whatever it happens to be called) was a little better, but i weigh 210 and wanted something a bit more sturdy. I opted to just upgrade the fork right off for $260 rather than spend the $600 for the next model up that still had a simply ok fork. Drive train is ok, it gets the job done, I like the brakes. Cheap Hutchinson tires wore out fast. My one major problem has been a broke the chain stay after 2 1/2 months, but jamis was good about sending out a new swing arm. I havn't heard of anything like this happening to anyone else, so i figure I just happened to get one with a bad weld. The bottom line is i highly recomend this bike, it does have a couple weaknesses but nothing big for a full suspension under $1000. I think it's comparable to most bike that cost much more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Mays
a Cross Country Rider
from Mooroolbark,Victoria,Australia Date Reviewed: September 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bright and castlemain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
1700
Strengths:
Frame and most of the bike
Weaknesses:
Brakes and maybe the rims, But it all comes down to how you ride it
Similar Products Used:
Gt I-drive
Bike Setup:
Factory
Bottom Line:
Great Strong bike for the price, Awsome track bike and for a little Rufff stuff. Great bike for long days out but you must make shaw your seat is right on this bike because i think the bike has a very long reach. If you think about it a much better bike than half the bikes vlaued at double it's price
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peng W.S
a Cross Country Rider
from Penang, Malaysia Date Reviewed: June 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
-
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Malaysia
Strengths:
Good stability, Comfatable WTB saddle.Performed Rear FOX shox.
Weaknesses:
Unacceptable Manitou Splice 100-130MM adjustable Fork. Heavy bike
Similar Products Used:
Nil
Bike Setup:
Truvativ FireX crank.FD and shifter =Shimano Deore.RD=Shimano LX.Easton Handlebar,Race Face Stem.etc
Bottom Line:
Overall is good except heavy weight and fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
po zank
a Downhiller
from denver colorado Date Reviewed: June 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
vail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
the rear shock is ok but it bottoms on four foot drops
Weaknesses:
fork is terrible wheel are weak brakes suck always bottom out on 3-4 foot drops crappy geometry heavy
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
rockshox judy fox vanilla wtb seat odi grips deore duraler
Bottom Line:
this bike is a hunk of $hit i will get a coiler instead lame hevy piece of junk
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
caleb
a Weekend Warrior
from radnor PA Date Reviewed: January 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
french creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
about $750
Strengths:
good for trail riding and ok for free ride + jumping
Weaknesses:
not enough travel and no hydrolic discs
Similar Products Used:
shwin moab + specilized stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
factory + new flat pedals
Bottom Line:
good ride for the price and good for begenors . it is very good quality and i like the swing arm. good w/ upgrades.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Brice
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Oz Date Reviewed: December 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Manly Dam
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1249.00
Purchased At:
Brookvale Bike Factory
Strengths:
Good frame design and rear suspension layout. Deore drivetrain works well enough. Tough bike, hard to break but heavy.
Weaknesses:
Poor brakes, and the worst product support in the world. Suspension bushes worn out after 2 seasons and had to have them made due to abysmal backup from the local distributor and Jamis in the US. Brakes are substandard - I replaced the calipers with Hayes (mainly because I couldn't get pads). Rockshox Judy is OK, but bottoms out, standard seat is an arse-buster. Poor climber - rear suspension it seems is for decoration. The Fox Vanilla has no effect unless the damping is wound up to near max, and I'm only 70 kg. Swingarm design is a joke - tyres rub on it constantly, and it's too heavy being made out of cr-moly. Later models have improved this.
Similar Products Used:
Giant NSR, Specialized FSRxc.
Bike Setup:
Standard with anorexic rear tyre, longer spring in Fox Vanilla, Hayes calipers and Avid rotors. Tioga seat.
Bottom Line:
I wouldn't touch another Jamis with a fifty foot pole, nor would I recommend them to anyone. The product is OK, but the distributors or the manufacturer are not to be believed or trusted. This bike has ended up costing me more than it cost new.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
INC
a Cross Country Rider
from ana Date Reviewed: July 29, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
PRICE
Weaknesses:
Tires - Paint
Bottom Line:
For me, the most important thing is that in one and a half year I didn't have the experience of having a broken bike 2 miles away from my car. But don't expect a downhill or freeride bike for this price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
B
a Weekend Warrior
from Chevy Chase, MD, USA Date Reviewed: July 22, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$289.00
Purchased At:
Jensonusa.com
Strengths:
Price, price, price
Weaknesses:
Lack of durability, poor paint/powder coat, its a bobber, kind of heavy
So I bought just the frame and fork from Jensonusa.com and swapped all the parts from my highly modified stumpjumper comp. Everything went great until I did one final inspection after finishing the build...there was a crack in the frame at the front of the shock mount. Looked into it further and it was clearly damaged by FedEx in transit. Called Jenson they shipped out a new frame, free of charge, and I was set.
My first two rides with this bike were rather technical with steep climbs. My first climb I was very disappointed about the amount of bob, even while staying in the saddle. Out of the saddle, this bike is a mess, largely a function of the lack of rebound adjustments on the fork and the shock. It just turns into a sloppy mess if you need to tackle an aggressive climb out of the saddle.
Anyhow, I was quite disappointed with my purchase until I got into some really technical and rocky climbs. The frame and fork performed flawlessly, allowing me to ride sections of the trail I thought were impossible. Downhill riding was equally good. It sucked up the rocky sections better than I expected a 3.5' travel bike could.
I think the appropriate phrase for this bike is, "You get what you pay for." If you're looking for a cost effective way to get a fs bike, this is for you. Just don't sell your hardtail like I did. The true test for this bike will be time. If FedEx can crack the frame I can't even image what I'll do to it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jen
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas, USA Date Reviewed: May 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Cottonwood
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Pro Cyclery
Strengths:
Value for money, decent components, comfortable ride
First off, this is a great bike for the money. This was my first foray into the world of full suspension. I was originally going to go with the regular Dakar, but decided to up my budget enough to get the Dakar Sport, and I'm glad I did.
I made a few alterations soon after I got it. I wasn't impressed with the tyres, so I replaced them with FireXC Pros, which perform much better in the desert. The grips also felt way too thin, so I replaced them with some Salsa grips. I initially replaced the stock pedals with some platforms, but later decided to go with the Candy C's since I wasn't all that keen on the stock pedals anyway.
The drivetrain is solid, if nothing special. So far the rear derailleur has been fine, although the front can be a little problematic in the higher gears. No matter how I adjust it, the chain will always rub the front derailleur when I use the two smallest cogs on the back and either the middle or large rings in the front. At some point I'm planning on replacing the whole drivetrain with SRAM X-9 anyway since I prefer their shifters and it's lighter.
The fork is so-so. To be honest I would have preferred the Manitou Black from last year's model since I never use the travel adjustment anyway. My Splice has developed an annoying creak in the travel adjuster that may or may not go away if I fiddle with it a bit. It doesn't seem as smooth as it ought to be either, but that may be because I am a light rider, so if you're heavier you may have more luck. The Fox Float shock is nice... I set the air pressure once and haven't had to touch it since.
Other plus points include the saddle (WTB Laser), which is very comfortable, and the Avid BB5 disc brakes, which were a nice upgrade over the Hayes from last year.
One disappointing thing is how easily the finish chips. The frame is anodised red and looks great, but is very prone to chips. I don't ride particularly hard, but every time a piece of gravel gets kicked up from the trail you can virtually guarantee a new chip.
At 31lbs, it's a little on the heavy side, but that can be expected for a comparitively cheap FS bike. I suspect a few smallish alterations would lighten it up quite a bit though: tyres and tubes for sure, and possibly saddle, seatpost and handlebars too.
Overall I really like this bike, and I'm happy with my purchase. On the trail it feels responsive and plush over both big and small bumps. I would definitely recommend it as a first FS bike.
Definitely 5 chilis for value. I'm going to give 4 overall because I'm sure this is not the best bike in the world. If I could give 4.5 I would, but the bike isn't perfect, so 4 it is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shane
a Weekend Warrior
from West Jordan, Utah, United States Date Reviewed: April 13, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Highlander Bike
Strengths:
The suspension system on the bike. The front fork has perfromed extremely well.
Weaknesses:
The stickers used with the paint. Whenever I have crashed and twisted the handlebars my brake levers have scratched the black sticker on the bike. My rear tire has worn fast, however my introductory ride with this bike was the infamous "Slickrock Trail" in Moab which I'm sure attributed 99% to this.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Manitou Black 100mm front suspension fork, Fox Vanilla rear suspension coil, Deore components, Avid disc brakes, Truativ cranks.
Bottom Line:
This have been an extremely good experience. Before I purchased this bike I had a rigid frame Nishikii from 1992. This bike could not hold a candle to my Jamis. I ended up buying last years model and saved over $300. And has been well worth the investment. I have owned it just shy of a month and have taken it out on 5 challenging rides including Slick Rock. The bike has performed well even when my skills have not (hence, the scratched stickers). I can't be more pleased with my decision to buy this bike. I recommend it for any intermediate rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: March 22, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$849.00
Purchased At:
bicycleblowout.com
Strengths:
Everything except the brakes and grips.
Weaknesses:
Brakes and grips
Similar Products Used:
1st full suspension bike that I have owned.
Bike Setup:
Stock (except for Avid BB7 brakes and better grips)
Bottom Line:
This review is for a 2004 Dakar Sport. I do believe the 2005 comes with Avid brakes. With that in mind...read on.
This is a truly comfortable bike. I was riding a hardtail Access (which I still love) before this bike and for the life of me I can't understand why it took me so long to switch to a FS bike, besides the cost. The bike may be a little slower going uphill because of the weight, but I will sacrifice performance for comfort any day on the trails. I'm not racing out there. Just trying to have fun.
So far, everything on this bike has held up very well. I have yet to have a component fail on me and don't anticipate any parts failing in the near future. Most of the Shimano parts are from the base Deore line, but that doesn't hold them back. They still work just as well as the LX line.
The only components that I didn't like were the brakes (2003 Hayes MX-1) and the grips (very thin). The brakes were a constant problem. I had to adjust them after and before every ride. Hayes doesn't offer the best manuals for mechanical brake adjustment so I used the Barnett manual. The brakes worked for about 10 miles, but then sounded like they were overheating and warping the rotors even though I barely touched them. I just switched to Avid BB7s and have been trouble free from the initital set-up for 3 rides. The grips were more of a preference. I like thicker grips and switched to the ODI Rogues. Now it doesn't feel like I'm holding on to a bare handlebar.
Overall this bike has far exceeded my expectations. I was unsure about switching to a FS, but the Dakar has made it a wonderful experience.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Amber
a Weekend Warrior
from Nelson New Zealand Date Reviewed: March 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Hackett
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Strengths:
Manitou Splice Super fork and rear Fox Float shock. No pedal bob. Great spec components and better value for money than other bikes for the same money.
Weaknesses:
Kenda Scorpian tyres. Could not get hump out of tyres after fixing punctures no matter what I tried. Bottom bracket wore out after only 1400 kms. Having the high mounted rear shock makes it hard to shoulder bike especially on the 15" frame. But I'm not complaining.
Similar Products Used:
Avanti Escape, Jamis Durango.
Bike Setup:
2005 Model Dakar Sport, 15" frame, Manitou Splice Super 70-100mm RTWD, Fox Float shock, Panaracer tyres, Deore components, Avid BB5 mech disc brakes and levers, WTB Lazer V titanium saddle. VP 133 DH clipless Pedals. Cane creek headset.
Bottom Line:
Done 1450 kms so far in 6 months. No problems yet except the tires and the bottom bracket which I have yet to get looked at. Bike comes with 5 year frame warranty and 1 year component warranty. Lifetime free labour from the shop purchased at if I buy the parts there and lifetime free servicing. Haven't had anything squeak but if it does I'll just take it back for free fixing. Sweet. Took off original clipless pedals just because I wanted bigger platforms. Front shock is awesome with adjustable rebound. I would highly recommend this bike for x-county and fun technical single tracks. I love it. I love it. I love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington MA Date Reviewed: February 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
wild west
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Quad Cycles
Strengths:
alright front fork, alright rear shock, so-so brakes.
So-So bike. Needs to have a better more durable frame. It is also a little heavy. This is a good intermediate rider bike but if your planning to do any drops dont go over 4 feet because thats when things start to break. This is a good bike for smaller riders because the frame is weak. Im 16 years old and 150 pounds and I broke the frame pretty easily and had many difficulties with other things breaking. Jamis has done a great job in this situation with quick warranty parts that never take more than a few days to come in.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
j gell
a
from san rafael,ca,usa Date Reviewed: February 5, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Strengths:
disc brakes, good manitou black comp forks, 27 speeds, fox vanilla rear shock, no bobbing on bumpy trails
Weaknesses:
disc brakes bend easily from jumping, otherwise good
Bike Setup:
stock except new downhill pedals
Bottom Line:
great XC bike for the price, if you plan on doing a lot of jumping, then you should get a freeride or DH bike, Good bike for a person who doesnt want to spend thousands of dollars
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rod McAneaney
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: September 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Rotorua
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
NZ
Strengths:
Exellent suspension design at this cost, almost no bob. For the $$ its hard to find anything better.
Weaknesses:
linkages (Squeak like you wouldnt believe), tyres, cassette, mech brakes, frame flex
When I first got the bike it was like your stereo-typical honey moon, seemed the perfect match. However after a few rides some things really began to bug me. The seat post bent in simple conditions, the rear derailleur cable had to be replaced as stock was too short and caused ghost changing, and the squeaks, oh my god the squeaks. Now I am a maintenance fanatic and look after my bike. But to love this bike you have to ignore the squeaks in ALL the linkages. I have tried many different lubricants, torque settings and lock tights, and the one thing you can guarantee is that every 2nd ride another link will squeak. I also had to replace the long 120mm stem as I felt stretched out. The 60mm stem changed the whole dynamics of the cockpit creating a more maneuverable and stable machine. The stock Mosquitoes are not the best tire available, actually they are crap. After 5 rides wear is noticeable, and grip in all conditions is marginal. Replaced these with 2.35 Maxxis Minnions and a new bike was born. Cornering, breaking and traction improved 200%, not to mention all the other maneuvers that 2.35’s let you do. Best upgrade I have ever made is these tires. They are soo much better that frame flex has now become apparent on heavy cornering and medium/high drop offs. Still at this price level you have to expect this. My only other gripe is the Hayes Mechanical brakes. Again not a good product, constant maintenance is required, the pads often are rubbing and lever pressure required to stop is fairly high for disc’s. However all above has been learned over a year of riding 2 – 3 x weekly. Because of my Jamis I have learned to ride a whole lot better and now need to upgrade. I do not regret buying this bike and recommend it to any beginner/intermediate rider looking for a value-for- money machine. Just be prepared for ½hr in the garage for every 4hrs riding…
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: September 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Any in "K " Country
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1199.00
Purchased At:
Cactus Bike and Ski Calgary
Strengths:
Frame, Components, Fork
Weaknesses:
No real rebound adjustment on the Fox rear shock, a bit heavy but not excessively @30-31 lbs
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 70, Specialized FSR Comp, Kona Blast, Giant Warp DS 1 and 2, Gary Fisher Marlin, Jamis Durango Sport and my old Gary Fisher Pro Caliber (no susp.)
Bike Setup:
Stock except changed the pedals to my old suntour platforms with toe clips.
Bottom Line:
Given my budget of (Can) @1000.00 I thought I would be foolish to even look at full suspensions bikes, but the Fuel 70, the FSR comp and the Dakar Sport certainly changed my mind. The FSR comp although good, just did not feel right. If the Fuel 70 had better components on it (ie derailers, disc brakes, better fork) I would have bought it. Both it and the Dakar Sport rode quite similarily, but it was the Dakar's components that made the difference. The Fuel's fork (I don't remember it)felt poor compared to the Manitou Black on the Dakar, but the Fuel's shock (Rock Shock something)seemed marginally better than the Fox on the Dakar (not a huge deal for me as I tip the scales at @160). There is no "pedal bob" that I have noticed at all - something I was almost expecting in a bike of this price range (same for the Fuel 70, but some "bob" on the FSR comp and more so with the 2 Warps). It climbs well, shifts well, soaks up the bumps and chop well, brakes well - I have yet to find anything that it doesn't do at least well if not better. Jamis has produced a big winner with this bike and I can recommend it without hesitation. Overall, I don't think you can do better (dollar for dollar) than this bike. Way to go Jamis!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Louis
a Weekend Warrior
from S. Lake Tahoe, CA Date Reviewed: July 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
any rolling hills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Shoreline
Strengths:
Frame feels well made, almost no bob going uphill, 4 point suspension, reasonable price for its features, separate shifter/brakes, front fork is decent, 27spd, rapid-fire shifters are nice.
Weaknesses:
I personally disliked the grips and seat. I have had many problems with brakes, tires, wheelset (see below). Does not feel like I am using the full travel of the rear shock. Paint scratches extremely easily, decals are peeling off in less than 30 days.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized rockhopper. Tested, Gary Fisher sugar 4+, giant warp ds 2, trek liquid 20, fuel 70, 4300, 4500, Specialized FSR XC, Stumpjumper Comp Disc, Diamondback coil ex and coil x
Bike Setup:
Oury Grips, WTB VelociRaptor 2.1, specialized turbo computer, headlight, gel seat (I forget the brand), Crankbros Mallet C pedals, dimension stem, answer protaper handlebars.
Bottom Line:
For those of you who just want to know about the frame its fine. Aside from easily scratching I can't think of too much to say about the frame aside from everyone who has tried it loves the geometry, stiffness etc. So if you don't care about anything else don't read on.
I have no clue if I got a crummy local dealer or a flawed or defective bike. I have had so much trouble with it taking it back to fix numerous problems 7 times in the first 60 days. Note most of these problems came up on the first 5 miles of use, on paved roads.
Listing of problems with the components:
There is a vibration, wobble, noise at high speed either from the front hub, disk brakes, but doubtfully the tires (tried 3 different tires none solved it). I do not feel safe because of this due to the resulting loss of control. To me this is a safety issue. For the price I paid it is unacceptable when life / health is on the line.
Within the 1st mile I had a problem with the front tire, my local shop determined the front tire was defective and swapped the front and back under warranty (but I was still charged) to WTB Velociraptors.
I discovered parts on the front hub and rotor were mounted backwards. My dealer says this was done by Jamis.
All tires I have tried to mount have a major wobble and need to be taken to a shop to be mounted. One mechanic at the shop tried to mount the above noted replacement tires for 2 hours. So now everytime I get a flat after I swap tubes I have to nurse it home then take it to a mechanic to minimize this wobble.
Chain suck on the front gears not just on the granny gear, but I've gotten the chain wrapped around the center gear on the front derailer ... on a flat paved road with the chain cleaned and lubed.
Brakes have taken forever to dial in. It's almost like the rotors (and wheels) constantly need truing. I hear the brakes rubbing on the rotors frequently.
4 times I've asked to have the front derailer adjusted. After all these tries it is still a random experience sometimes taking 1 rotation, sometimes 20 to switch. How hard can it be to adjust a front derailer?
Stock pedals gave me plenty of trouble. Uphill it would clip out at random, my foot ends up on the ground and the pedal in my shin (major bruising). So it was tightened and clipping out was very difficult resulting in several falls. Once after a fall at a stop (laying on my side) I still could not clip out. This did not help me in my recovery from neck pain due to an unrelated car accident. I gave up and replaced them with some CrankBros Mallet C's, no major problems with them now.
Front fork/shock seems ok. But it feels like its stiffening up on me. Turning the knob to adjust it doesn't feel like it does much. I can't bottom it out with normal trail riding and I weigh about 250lbs with a big daypack.
I believe the rear shock is 90mm (I could be wrong), but when I sit on it, no matter how much I tighten it, it feels like I'm only getting 25 mm of travel (one inch).
I didn't care for the stock grips and seat. You might though, its a personal preference thing.
Owners manual is a joke, does not even cover major components on this model (IE disk brakes or stem).
I don't think I can even get into the numerous squeaks, rattles and mysterious noises that are just random. Some are typical (like chain rubbing on a derailer for no reason) some are just mysterious (squeaking so bad I could not hear cars coming up behind me).
I have never had this much trouble with a bike riding the same trails I have for 15 years. In my bike group we have had to stop to fix more problems on my bike than everyone else's combined.
Bottom line: Value gets 3 chilis because it does have a good feature set for the price. 1 Chili overall because of safety issues and ongoing unfixed problems. If I didn't have these problems the scores would go way up.
Who should buy it? Anyone who really knows how to tune and fix a bike. (4 different mechanics could not fix my problems but agreed that they are there) Who shouldn't buy it? Someone who doesn't want to deal with problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Canada Date Reviewed: May 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
KL, Lime Kiln
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Dinardos Skis and Wheels
Strengths:
Truvativ Crank and bottom bracket, Hayes HMX-1 Brakes, Super Beefy Welds and WTB Laser V Comp seat. The head set is built by Cane Creek. Excellent component group for the money. Amazingly tough trail bike. Climbs amazingly. Decends like a bike with 6" of travel.
Weaknesses:
Alex Dt17 Rims. The WTB grips that come on it are garbage. Could use another Half inch of travel. The Huchison Spider tires suck!!
Similar Products Used:
None, this is my first FS. Used mainly hardtails until now.
Bike Setup:
Easton EA 30 Riser Bar, Sun Rhyno Lite XL rims with XT hubs, Kenda Claw 2.1" Tires, ODI Rouge Lock jaw grips.
Bottom Line:
What can I say. I don't think in this bikes price range that you could get a better compontent grouping/ brakes. After getting this bike i hit the trail and the Dakar Sport soaked up the bumps like butter. There is no pedal bob whatsoever!!!!!! This bike climbs like a mountain goat on speed and decends even better. I wouldn't take any drops with it but then again it wasn't built for freeriding. I would bet you would be hard pressed to find a better trail bike in this price range. I looked at KHS, Giant, and Norco and none came even close to having similar or better components. I swiched out the rims, grips and tires right away cause I don't trust Alex rims. The oil that comes in the Manitou Black shock is a bit light for me but that is hardley a problem, and I wouldn't count it against the bike. Jamis has built a winner in this bike, it is by far the best bike in this price range. I would give it 6 Flamin Chilis for Value if I could.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dale Duyan
a Weekend Warrior
from Rancho Cucamonga Date Reviewed: April 12, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$940.00
Purchased At:
Copelands (Santa Barbara)
Strengths:
Bang for the buck. You get an overall great bike for the price.
Weaknesses:
The tires were both mounted backwards.
Similar Products Used:
1997 Cannondale Super V 500
Bottom Line:
I paid more for my Cannondale and it had less stuff on it and didn't perform as well. Mind you that I bought the CD in 1997 and the Jamis in 2004. I looked into other bikes, and many similar bikes cost between $500-1500 more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Morgan Hill, Ca. U.S.A. Date Reviewed: March 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Henry Coe Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
South Valley Bikes
Strengths:
It's strength! Takes a beating and still wants more. Don't try, but haven't harmed it at all.
Weaknesses:
None detected, except trying to clean it thoroughly after a winter muddy, sloppy ride. A little heavy.
Similar Products Used:
None, 1st full suspension I've purchased.
Bike Setup:
Stock 19 inch.
Bottom Line:
Started riding with the crew at the fire house and quickly got addicted. Had an old Specialized Rock Hopper w/out any suspension and upgraded to a Raleigh Hardtail. Loved it but after riding a friends full suspension, quickly knew I had to upgrade. Purchased this Jamis and am very happy I did. Did my homework and found out this bike is not as well known on this coast as well as the other. However this manufacturer was very favorably reviewed by virtually all of the bike store employees I spoke with. Components are everything and this one certainly meets or exceeds my expectations and riding choices. The adjustable suspension provides a lot of variety over a lot of different terrains. Don't have to pay the $$$$ other bikes require to have a quality bike. Bottom line, love it, recomend it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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