Our Coda series of flat-handlebar road bikes has won us legions of fans over the years and an Editor’s Choice award from Bicycling Magazine in 2011 for good reason—they’re quick, they’re nimble, they’re durable and dependable, and they are a blast to ride. They’re basically road racing bikes without the racing emphasis—flat handlebars and intuitively easy-to-use controls mean near-zero intimidation, but you still get the benefit of elevated performance and incredible efficiency. This year’s Codas are even smoother riding than last years thanks to the wider 32c Vittoria Randonneur tires, which make for perfect all-weather riding around town. And we made sure this years Codas are still some of the most versatile two-wheelers we build, thanks to a full brace of rack, fender and lock eyelets and a broad gearing range suitable for most any terrain.
Strengths: Reynolds Steel Frame - smooth ride.
Deore gears - smooth effortless shifting.
Aesthetically a nice looking bike.
Price - this bike is an unbelievable value!
Weaknesses: None.
Bottom Line:
My bike is a 2009 Jamis Coda Sport which I bought for commuting in the city and fitness riding. I'm a big guy so I did a fair amount of research on what would be a suitable bike and I ended up narrowing it down to the Jamis Coda Sport and the Kona Hoss. In the end I bought the Coda Sport because the ride was just so smooth & easy. The Reynolds steel frame is a far smoother ride than the heavier beefed up aluminum frames and I found the gears to be silky smooth and just a fun easy ride. Two years later and I have no regrets and i've had no issues with the bike. I later ended up buying the Kona Hoss for trail riding and it too is a great bike and fantastic for trail riding, but in the city - no contest, Coda Sport wins hands down.
Submitted by
Stanley Roper
a Recreational Rider
from
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2011
Strengths: The feel of steel on pavement! I've never ridden a Reynolds 853 or 953 steel, but this 520 steel is very good for my less expensive needs. Soaks up bumps nicely. Rear Deore derailleur is nice, too.
Weaknesses: The suspension seat post was the first thing to go (not sure if current models even come with them); also, I upgraded the Tektro v-brakes to Avid's
Bottom Line:
Here it is in 2011, and I've been riding my 2005 Coda Sport since I bought it in 2006. Is it still stock? Heck no. I've replaced the wheels/tires, brakes, and turned it into a 10 speed with a Dura-Ace triple front derailleur. I changed these out over the years by choice, not because of some inherent defect. I ride this on frequent 40-60 mile rides, and it handles flawlessly.
Weaknesses: like others have said, the stock seat is this bike's weak spot. it's not a big problem, but i do notice my seat rocking and wobbling around a little bit. also, the front derailleur gets temperamental on occasion, but it may just need to be adjusted.
Bottom Line:
buying this bike has been one of the best things i've done for myself. i bought it just to get some exercise, and have ended up getting really enthusiastic about bicycling. i have a lung disease, so i was looking for a way to get some aerobic exercise that my lungs could handle - which meant going for something lightweight, with narrow tires, and a whole lotta gears to choose from, to get up hills with. after growing up riding garage-sale 10 speeds, spending this much on a bicycle was difficult, but as i've said, it turned out to be an excellent purchase, absolutely worth every penny, for me. i started out riding only 2 miles a day, but now i'm up to over 30 miles a day, over 120 miles a week. i know i'm not an expert rider, and i don't have alot of experiences with other bikes to compare this to, but i can't say enough about this bike.
Strengths: It is light and quick. I shaved five minutes off of my commmute (10 miles each way). The thing weighs about 26 pounds. I love being able to accelerate quickly. The handlebar stem is adjustable--I have it all the way up to accomodate my high seat post position. Components are solid throughout. V brakes stop well, which is very important for urban riding. The handlebars slope down at a slight angle, which provide an aerodynamic position--but I need to use cycling gloves or my hands will slip when I perspire a lot. The chromoly frame is very comfortable.
Weaknesses: The seat is atrocious--bulbous and uncomfortable. I replaced it within a week.
Bottom Line:
I bought a 2009 Coda Sport after a month of looking around for a good match for my 20 mile round trip commute. This bike is the right combination of practicality and fun. It is a fast bike compared to most hybrids that are in the "comfort bike" category. A very attractive looking bike that has opened up new vistas for me--I stop less frequently at red lights due to faster speed, and have built up my stamina and strenght considerably in just a month.
Similar Products Used: Trek 7000 (aluminum hybrid)
Bike Setup: Put on full SKS fenders and a rear rack (I felt like I was putting a saddle on a colt--I didn't want to do it but I had too). New saddle--not sure what brand, but narrower and designed for a male's backside.
Bike Setup: toe clips added. After 2 years riding, I 've just replaced the rear set with a higher rating. Now much better. Added Scwarhbe?? Marathon + tyres
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