Jamis Quest

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at Hyland Bikes

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Too many to list

Bike Setup:
2007 model so you can look up those specs if interested.
Clipless pedals (similar to shimano 520s so I did not have to have 2 sets of bike shoes sitting around). A POS Sigma DTS1106 computer (worthless, I warn heavily against) that quit working months ago which I will soon replace.

Summary:
After looking for a nice bike in the Salt Lake area last summer I found this bike. The bike had the components that I wanted for a descent price relative to similarly equipped rides. And finding it on sale helped make the deal even sweeter.

Shortly after the purchase I rode a 125 mile loop and it performed very well. The 105 group is able too outperform the higher priced counterparts with rigorous tuning so I am happy. It is nice to barely or not feel the down shift on a hard climb.

The Reynolds steel frame and Easton carbon fork provide enough give yet are stiff enough for that moment you want to put some distance down.

The Mavic rim set have proved themselves well. And have taken rough paved road, gravel road, and potholes and are barely out of true. Even more of a surprise is the fact my front rim is not tacoed after the recent wreck which resulted in a broken forearm and dislocated wrist that required surgery. Some tuning and recovery for me will result in some time back on the road.

I highly recommend this bike for entry or a dependable bike. The overall rating is relative to the price tag. If compared to a $3K of course it will have its a** kicked.

Strengths:
Compact FSA crankset, Mavic Aksium Race wheelset, 105 group if kept constantly tuned as it quickly becomes sub-par otherwise.

Weaknesses:
Paint comes off too easily. After a year of use (not abuse) the bike looks like it is 10 years old. Richie Comp handlebars which are too heavy and bend easily. Both sides are bent inward after my recent road rash and a wreck back in January on ice so I guess it is time for a new handlebar.

Similar Products Used:
Mostly a mountain biker before.

Price Paid:  $1300.00 at Babylon Bike

Favorite Ride:
Jamis Quest

Bike Setup:
Stock, upgraded tires to Hutchinson Fusion 2 Kevlar. As parts wear I will upgrade parts. She is a keeper.

Summary:
Bought this bike after months of research. I had an 30 year old Motobecane my father gave me. After spending money trying to fix it I realized I needed to spend more so

I decided to take the plunge. For the money I think it can't be beat. The weight was the same as aluminum bikes with carbon forks and rear triangles. I couldn't deal with the ride of aluminum. My goal was to ride a Century and I am half way there. I just went on my first group ride and the bike performed well. I kept up with the lightspeeds and the what have you's. I am by no means decrying any of those beautiful bikes. The bike shifts well it in by no means aggressive but I really haven't ridden a full out racer. At my age racing was not a priority. I wanted a bike that would not beat me up after a long ride.

Strengths:
Steel ride and strenght. Weight for price. 105/FSA components. Flexibility has eyelets for light touring.

Weaknesses:
Not as nimble as an all out racer but good enough to keep up with the pack. Ergo handlebars are not my cup of tea. Will change when I get a chance. Brakes are okay (not 105s) may upgrade to Ultegra or Sram Rival breakset.

Similar Products Used:
Tried out an 2003 Lemond Buenos Aire, ultegra. It was a smooth ride but handlebars didnt' agree with me. Spec. Roubaix Expert, a great ride but not $2000.00 more great.

Price Paid:  $1100.00 at Souhegan Cycleworks,

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Rosedale park loop in NJ

Bike Setup:
All stock except for saddle (replaced with Brooks Champion Flyer) and pedals (Shimano m520).
Stock is Easton carbon fork, Aheadset alloy headset, Ritchey Comp handlebars, Mavic Aksium 700c wheelset (a real highlight), Rubino tires, Shimano 105 derailleurs and shifters (20 speed), FSA Gossamer compact crankset, and the amazing Reynolds 631 steel frame.

Summary:
This is my first real road bike and I've only had it a few days, so I'll try to return in a few months when I know more about the bike (and about roadbikes in general). That said, this is a stellar bicycle, and a pretty good bargain at $1,100. The 105 derailleurs and shifters are precise and have a reputation for durability, the Mavic rims are light and stiff, and I can't say enough good things about the steel frame. The bike is relatively light, but the steel frame gives an amazingly smooth, responsive ride - this isn't a slow, heavy bike, but it is very comfortable.

Note that this is the 2007 model, with the more traditional horizontal top tube; the new Quest has a sloping top tube.

Strengths:
- Spectacular frame
- Shimano 105 components
- Nice rims
- low price

Weaknesses:
- Selle San Marco Ischia saddle - a nice looking, racy saddle, but not very comfortable. I'm a Brooks partisan and I don't like the feel of synthetic saddles, so this may be a matter of taste.

Similar Products Used:
1970s hand made steel frame roadbike from Vancouver, BC.

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at eBay

Favorite Ride:
Levy County, Florida, CR347

Bike Setup:
Factory Spec: Shimano 105 shifters and derailleurs,FSA Gossamer compact double crank, Mavic Aksium wheelset. Good value.

Summary:
I purchased my 2007 Jamis Quest on eBay.
My Quest is a 59 cm size and fits me better than any other bike I have owned. I replaced the factory Ritchey Logic "Comp" 44cm handlebar with a Ritchey WCS "Classic" 40 cm handlebar and the factory Ritchey Comp 100mm stem with a Ritchey "Pro" 100mm adjustable stem to refine the riding position a bit more. I am age 60 and ride 4-6 Century rides per year. The Quest has a relatively upright riding position factory stock, the Ritchey adjustalbe stem allowed me to raise the bars a little more to relieve strain on my neck. I also have a 2005 Specialized Roubaix in my stable, which is itself a comfortable ride; BUT NOT AS COMFORTABLE AND STRAIN FREE AS THE QUEST. I ride the Quest most of the time but pull out the Roubaix when the front triple chain rings with which it is equipped will be advantageous. The Quest is the first bike I have owned with a compact crankset, 50/34 in case of the Quest. While not a biggie, the compact crankset has more range than standard cranksets I have had on older double chain wheel road bikes. I have not experienced any problem with the rear wheel popping out of the dropout; I presume Jamis corrected this problem mentioned by other reviewers.

Strengths:
Good value at $1400; better value at $1000 on eBay. Very comfortable riding position which is more upright than bikes sold as primarily racers. Frame absorbs road shock and vibration as well as my Specialized Roubaix. Compact crankset is a nice feature. Shimano 105 shifters, derailleurs refined, easy to use and always shift with no surprises. I have owned two plain Chro-Mo framed bikes, late 1980's Specialized Allez and 1999 Fuji dedicated Touring bike, one multi-material frame, a Speicalized Sirrius of aluminum and carbon and one all carbon fiber bike, my 2005 Specialized Roubaix, which is still active in my stable. In my experience the Quest demonstrates again that current, lighter steel frames remain viable and worthy of consideration in the New Century.

Weaknesses:
The 44 cm factory handlebars were too wide for me on this 59 cm frame. However, 'bars are a matter of taste and fashion and easy to change. Wide 'bars seem to be "in" at the present.
Quest paint scheme at bit gaudy.....

Similar Products Used:
2005 Specialed Roubaix "Comp", Shimano 105 Triple, same Shimano 105 as the compact Double setup on the Quest.

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at Eddy's Bikes

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Loganton Valley

Summary:
This is a great bike for the price. The components are really good and the frame provides a nicer ride than an aluminum frame would.My only problem is that I have had the rear wheel fall out of the drop-outs several times. It only seems to happen when I am standing up and not going very fast. The guys at the local shop said that it was the rear hub, but I think that the frame is poorly designed in this area.

Strengths:
Great components and a comfortable ride.

Weaknesses:
Rear drop-outs!