Jamis Ventura

Price Paid:  $450.00 at Ebay

Model Year:
2004

Favorite Ride:
My hilly 35 mile loop around the lake

Summary:
I bought this bike off EBay and I think for $450 it is a steal. I'm a total newbie on the road (although I have MTNed for years) and this bike just seems amazing me.

I have a number of friends who have bikes in the $1000 range and this bike seems to all-around out perform. It may not have the best derailers or the best frame or the best components, but as an overall package, this bike has been great.

Strengths:
The weight, very light.

The look, it's a beautful bike.

The price, you can't beat the bang for the buck.

Weaknesses:
The front derailer (Tiagra) isn't so great. I may upgrade.

The alluminum frame seems a bit stiff to me. I guess all AL frames are this way?

Similar Products Used:
None, only mountain bikes here!

Price Paid:  $730.00 at Ski Market

Bike Setup:
Stock with Specialized Elite Computer

Summary:
I bought this bike to introduce myself to cycling; and now I have a semi-serious training regimen, and have participated in a few club rides and a century.
This bike's performance has been fairly good in general, given that the potholey Boston streets are rough on bikes. The bike has been through two falls, a couple of long bike rides, and my inexperience with bike care. Given this, here are the issues;
On a relatively small pothole, I popped a nipple off of the rim, and had to have the spoke replaced (20 bucks???!!).

The tiagra front derrailleur is not nearly as smooth as the 105. It's a liability on hilly areas, when I have to switch the big rings.

For some reason, I am "ghost shifting" when I jump out of the saddle. I don't know if the bike is to blame, but goshdarn it, I don't like it.

Strengths:
Price
Looks
At 19.5 lbs, light for the money

Weaknesses:
Tiagra front derailleur and shifters

Ritchey Rims that spokes pop out of

I also don't like the Biomax handlebars, the drops aren't deep enough for me.

I ABSOLUTELY detest the Shimano 515 Pedals. They always flip upside down! I have to take my eyes off the road, and flip them with my toes! Please someone e-mail me, and recommend road pedals that are easier to get into.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Allez Elite
Bianchi Veloce (The bike I shoulda bought)