[gokart508]

Hello All! Its been awhile, so please be nice. Just getting back into things and want to pick up possibly one of the three. The stumpy and the Trek are both at lbs for about the same price, $2100. The Jamis i found on Jenson for $1845. The Jamis has slightly better components. Anyone that has ridden any or all please chime in, and if i left out something better in the same price range, please let me know. Thanks!:thumbsup:

 

[larlev]

Jamis bikes are underrated.....trek and spesh are equals IMO. I have ridden all three and went with spesh. I have owned a spesh for 20yrs and was really trying to be open minded...buy whichever bike fits you best....guess you can't ride the jamis. I would rule it out because of this. It's imperative to at least sit on one before you spend close to 2k..


The only thing I would look at is the weights...I don't remember what the jamis weighs, but I know the trek and spesh are at 27-28lbs. It does matter...don't let anyone tell you different.

 

[gokart508]

Thanks for the reply! The Jamis is 26.2 lbs, plus better components, that's a bonus...

 

[larlev]

Man, I would really try and sit on one in person though....I guess you could return it, just a pain in the but to do so.
I will say the spesh felt smoother than the jamis did....if that makes sense.
What model jamis?

 

[NWS]

What model jamis?

Probably the 09' Dakar XCR Expert.

The Jamis has 100mm rear travel, the Fuel EX 8 has 120, the FSR has 130.
100 vs 130 is a pretty significant difference.

Here's another bike in the same price range...
https://www.adrenalinebikes.com/store.cfm?do=DetailProduct&productid=79069
...I bought one based on pictures and reviews, on the theory that if it doesn't have some horrible flaw (and there were none in the reviews) then I'll either get used to it or tweak it to suit me. Having been out of biking for almost 10 years, I didn't place much importance on my first impressions of "modern" bikes. Anyway, after a couple rides I put on a stem that lifts the handlebar a bit, and that's all I needed to feel right at home on it.

 

[larlev]

That Marin looks like a twisted mess....you can't go wrong with any of the previous three. I have been riding/racing for 20+ yrs. If it was me i would buy in this order....spesh, jamis, trek.
You can save close to $400 if you buy the jamis...which is pretty good. You'll need hydrapak, helmet, etc.
Yes travel is more...all depends on where you ride if it will matter.
Keep one thing in mind, I rode and raced a 100mm stumpy HT on the same trails that I ride now with my newer longer travel bike.
The spesh is a really nice bike. Most people love them...it's hard to go wrong with the stumpy

 

[gokart508]

I ride in south Florida, so no terrain is too intense, although there are some challenging parks. I'm coming from a hardtail, so 100mm front and back I'm sure will do me just fine. And yes, the 400 bucks saved can buy me new shoes, candies, etc...All i have to do now is find a Jamis at an LBS to test ride and then im sold...

 

[larlev]

I agree....I rode the 08 model and it was nice, just didn't feel as comfy as the stumpy. Might want to get it quick..you never know how many they have and who else is looking at it also. You can always return it to them I'm sure...if it doesn't fit.

How tall are you?

Looks like there are plenty of dealers in Florida....you might even find one local for same price or have them beat jensens price. Damn I'm excited for you...buy that bad boy and bet out and enjoy it.

 

[NWS]

That Marin looks like a twisted mess....

:lol: Consider riding one before you make up your mind.

 

[larlev]

:lol: Consider riding one before you make up your mind.

It might ride fine....it's just an ugly designed bike to me.