[squatchout]

I have a chance to buy a used 2020 Jamis Portal C3 from a guy here for a little over $3k. This would be my first full suspension bike. I've been riding a hardtail for a few years now.
I was originally looking at bikes closer to the $2k mark, especially the Vitus Mythique 29 VRX, as I'm thinking that would be plenty good for me. Then I saw this used Portal C3 for a great price, and am considering it.
I'm wanting a trail bike, was thinking in the 130-140mm travel ballpark. I do trail riding, about equal climbing and downhill. The tough part is there isn't much info out there on the Portal at all. I've found some reviews on the C1 and the A2 and A1, but those are very sparse. I'm a bit concerned by the shorter dropper (125mm), and the geometry (67.5* to 68* head angle, 74.5* seat tube angle), though from the very tiny amount of info I've found it seems like the head angle feels slacker to people than that and they seem to like riding the bike.
It seems like a good deal at a bit over $3k for a normally $4700 bike, carbon frame, SLX, Fox suspension, etc, and seems to have a good linkage design. Should I go for it, or look at other bikes instead even with the good price on this one?

 

[eb1888]

The Intense 951 carbon trail bike is available today on the Costco website. $3249. That is a current geo bike. I'd buy that instead. Periodically the XC 120mm version comes back in stock. Link.

 

[Fuse6F]

Its a great bike that doesnt get much attention.
Check 99 spokes for reviews etc

its very similar to my 2018 stumpjumper in geometry and has a great rear suspension design.

if you want a top of the line rear end and a quality build for a do it all bike then its a good choice.

if you want to go ride aggressive stuff it will hold you back a little as my stumpy does. But thats only in stuff i cant walk down.

i have seen the bike in person but cant ride it as im way to tall for it.

have it checked over by a shop

since its a niche model. Seller may move on price. But def ride it with pressures setup properly and see if it fits like a glove.

 

[squatchout]

The Intense 951 carbon trail bike is available today on the Costco website. $3249. That is a current geo bike. I'd buy that instead. Periodically the XC 120mm version comes back in stock. Link.

I actually just talked to a guy on one of those on my ride a couple days ago. Seems like a nice bike. I was hoping to stay below $3k if I could, was thinking of trying to talk the guy with the Portal down to below $3k, like $2800 or something if I ended up trying to go after it. Debating also just waiting for a Mythique VRX or something and sticking closer to $2k, which may be my smartest move.

 

[squatchout]

Its a great bike that doesnt get much attention.
Check 99 spokes for reviews etc

its very similar to my 2018 stumpjumper in geometry and has a great rear suspension design.

if you want a top of the line rear end and a quality build for a do it all bike then its a good choice.

if you want to go ride aggressive stuff it will hold you back a little as my stumpy does. But thats only in stuff i cant walk down.

i have seen the bike in person but cant ride it as im way to tall for it.

have it checked over by a shop

since its a niche model. Seller may move on price. But def ride it with pressures setup properly and see if it fits like a glove.

I wasnt planning on going over $2500 on a bike originally, but thought maybe this would be worth it if I could get him to go under $3k, maybe like $2800 or $2900 or something if it was a big upgrade, since it's originally a $4700 bike. I would want it to be a really awesome bike if I were to spend the extra money though. I'm not necessarily in a rush to get a bike, and can wait if need be. I want something pretty up to date that would last me years.

 

[xjbaylor]

I would personally take the Portal over the Costco Intense. I like the SLX drivetrain better, prefer the 3V0 suspension and I think the Jamis geo is fantastic unless your trails only go straight up and straight back down. For moderate terrain those angles are great. The two possible downsides to the Jamis, in my opinion, are the lack of a warranty and the complexity of the suspension. There is a lot going on, and that could lead to a little more maintenance. It isn't a guarantee, but a possibility.

Personally, between the two I would get the best price I could on the Portal, and ride the wheels off of it.

 

[squatchout]

I would personally take the Portal over the Costco Intense. I like the SLX drivetrain better, prefer the 3V0 suspension and I think the Jamis geo is fantastic unless your trails only go straight up and straight back down. For moderate terrain those angles are great. The two possible downsides to the Jamis, in my opinion, are the lack of a warranty and the complexity of the suspension. There is a lot going on, and that could lead to a little more maintenance. It isn't a guarantee, but a possibility.

Personally, between the two I would get the best price I could on the Portal, and ride the wheels off of it.

That's a good point. I would value minimal/simpler maintenance.
What price do you think the Portal C3 would be worth it? Especially over something like the Vitus Mythique VRX?

 

[xjbaylor]

That's a good point. I would value minimal/simpler maintenance.
What price do you think the Portal C3 would be worth it? Especially over something like the Vitus Mythique VRX?

I honestly like it at the price offered. I think Jamis is a great brand, and I think the Portal probably outperforms either of the two suspension platforms you are comparing it against. If you have a Jamis dealer in your area that knows the bike that is all the more reason to choose it as far as I am concerned. Set a price that works for you, and make an offer. If you can't get a price that makes you feel like you got a great deal just get the Vitus. Modern bikes are truly amazing, and most of this is splitting hairs, I think you will be happy on any modern bike that fits your anatomy and your terrain.

 

[squatchout]

I honestly like it at the price offered. I think Jamis is a great brand, and I think the Portal probably outperforms either of the two suspension platforms you are comparing it against. If you have a Jamis dealer in your area that knows the bike that is all the more reason to choose it as far as I am concerned. Set a price that works for you, and make an offer. If you can't get a price that makes you feel like you got a great deal just get the Vitus. Modern bikes are truly amazing, and most of this is splitting hairs, I think you will be happy on any modern bike that fits your anatomy and your terrain.

Thanks.
Any opinion on the Portal C3 vs a new Ripley AF (Deore build)? I know The Ripley AF will be heavier by probably 4lbs or so, but has updated geometry and a comparable suspension design I think?

 

[xjbaylor]

Thanks.
Any opinion on the Portal C3 vs a new Ripley AF (Deore build)? I know The Ripley AF will be heavier by probably 4lbs or so, but has updated geometry and a comparable suspension design I think?

If I only rode flat or gently rolling terrain I wouldn't care too much about the difference in geo, and I don't think the difference in weight will make a difference unless you are doing a lot of long days. 25+miles, etc.

That said, if you can get a new Ripley AF with warranty, and no worries about maintenance or wear, then yes, go that route.

 

[jokermtb]

Loamwolf.com has a great review of the Portal.....seems like the best bike nobody ever heard of.

 

[Curveball]

Loamwolf.com has a great review of the Portal.....seems like the best bike nobody ever heard of.

I’m guessing that the OP probably made a decision by now.