Jamis Ventura

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
The frame is solid, offering a solid kick back as you ride. The fancy paint job that no doubt adds a hundred dollars or so to the price of the product is already chipped in countless spots. Every part of the bike, minus the frame, have given me problems since I started riding it less than 3 months ago. The geometry of the frame puts too much pressure on the back end, causing exhausting rides on flat pavement. Aerodynamics are non-existent, leaving you begging for mercy on long hauls. I do not recommend buying this over-priced piece of crap.

Price Paid:  $599.00 at Performance Bicycles

Favorite Ride:
Any without injury

Bike Setup:
So far, all stock with the exception of Performance kevlar tires and a Terry Butterfly saddle.

Summary:
The Ventura is my first new road bike, and what a find! It cruises and climbs very well, endures all kinds of road conditions, and maintains its comfortable ride all the while. I had tried may other bikes before purchasing the Ventura, and while this isn't fancy, high-dollar, carbon/titanium road candy, the ride is well worth my student budget dollars.

Strengths:
Steel, baby. My bones cannot endure much clankity-clank, and steel is the lower-cost way to go. If you are looking for overall value and performance from a road bike, I would consider most any of the bicycles in the Jamis line.

Weaknesses:
Those darn Tektro brakes. I lightly sanded the pads and rims, adjusted them and they worked a little better, but ultimately I will replace them with a better quality brake. The Henderson tires were sticky but of low quality, and were replaced immediately. The same Henderson back tire on my boyfriend's 2002 Jamis Ventura had a sidewall blowout after only about 100 miles, so beware.

Similar Products Used:
An old Centurian Le Mans road bike with down-tube shifters; 1999 Rocky Mountain Edge, and a 1996 Gary Fisher Mamba.

Price Paid:  $225.00 at Performance Bicycles

Favorite Ride:
Alpine loop

Bike Setup:
I have performance tires, a Performance
Classic saddle and Speedplay x3 pedals.

Summary:
This bike is an excellent value and very comfortable. I got it at Performance at a huge sale have already ridden 750 miles in just over a month. For the money and real world value it cannot be beat. The frame (59 cm) fits me like a glove.

Strengths:
The steel frame is awesome. I have always wanted a steel frame since my other two bikes are aluminum. The ride is supple, comfortable and a pleasure to ride. The Tiagra components work well and the bar is nice.

Weaknesses:
The tires are not durable and should be replaced. Also the saddle is very uncomfortable for long rides. I replaced it with a more ergonomic saddle that is nice. Also I put on some Speedplay pedals.

Similar Products Used:
I own a Cannondale CAAD 4 bike and Giant Cadex.

Price Paid:  $769.00 at Wersell's

Bike Setup:
Stock

Summary:
The bike is a entry level model but is light and very responive.Good welds and good paint finish.

Strengths:
The frame so far has been stiff considering my 220+ lb.body.

Weaknesses:
So far the only real problem has been the rear wheel,one broken spoke and the rim is toast.Thing about getting different tires after a few hundred miles.

Similar Products Used:
Various mountain bikes,Mid 80s Fuji

Price Paid:  $809.00 at The Alpine Shop

Favorite Ride:
Jamis Ventura 2003

Bike Setup:
Stock from Factory

Summary:
I just got this bike and have put about 30 miles on it. It is very lightweight and fast. I am replacing a Schwinn Super Sport that I've been riding for 20 years. I am 220 pounds and was looking for a steel frame bike with quality components. For the price this bike could not be beat! The ride is smoother than my old bike. I attribute that to the carbon forks.

Strengths:
It's a beautiful bike, I like the Blue and White colors. The Shimano Tiagra 27 setup is middle range, The shifting is smooth and I have not encountered any problems.

Weaknesses:
So far I have not found any

Similar Products Used:
1984 Schwinn Super Sport