After riding my Trek 1400 for 20+ years I decided it was time to upgrade. I looked at Treks, Felts and a few others. Although I liked the ride and styling of the Trek 2.3, the Jamis just 'felt' better and had a better set of components.
I only have a few hundred miles on the bike, but I really like it: light, responsive yet a TON softer ride than my old aluminum frame.
Strengths: Weight, responsiveness, components (for the price).
Great feel.
Weaknesses: Wish it had a clear-coat on the natural carbon fiber, but @ 2k for an all-carbon frame you can't complain.
Similar Products Used: Trek 2.3
Felt Z35
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Bike Setup: Xenith Pro Dyad, Mavic Krysium Elite Wheels, Ultegra gruppo, Arione Saddle, Easton E70, C70 cockpit, Nashbar carbon bottle cages, Vittoria Pro tires, Look Keo Classic pedals.
Summary: I wanted to post a review the first week I owned the Xenith. Thought is might be influenced by new gear euphoria. Now after a year of riding I am just convinced this is a great frame and bike set up. I had ridden a lugged steel framed 1984 Trek since 1984. It was comfortable, reliable, and other than a the occasional flat and tune ups never had any problems. A smooth, comfortable user friendly bike. Decided at my girlfriends urging to treat myself to an upgrade. Considered Ridley Excaliber, and of course Trek, Specialized, Giant, and Independent Fab. Was very worried about upgrading and losing the smooth steel ride. A combination of budget, great customer service,a Bicycling Magazine review and ride quality got me into the Xenith Pro. I am 6' inseam 35.5" and the 58cm is a good fit, The ride is smooth, chip seal, gravel and broken pavement doesnt hammer you through the saddle or the handlebars. The service at Bicycle Bananas was great,they upgraded the crankset to the SLK Lite compact and were like a LBS even over the phone. Bike arrived and after a few small adjustments and putting on the pedals the first ride was great. This bike has about 2500 miles on it, the tires have worn well, the bike handles precisely, climbs with ease and I have finally come to terms with the Arione saddle after years of riding a original Ti Flite.
Ride then decide for yourself, this is a wonderful bike for me.
Strengths: smooth ride quality, accelerates well, climbs like crazy and as I pedal home from every ride all year I think what a great bike this is.Like the wheels and Ultegra group. Honest weight for this bike weighed on several different scales is less than 19lbs with bottle cages, seatpack containing tube, pump,tire irons, patches,energy bar and a few small tools.
Weaknesses: not my favorite handlebar shape that is a personal preference, am looking at a change from the Easton bar.
Similar Products Used: not used just test rode carbon frame Trek, Giant, Specialized, Ridley Excaliber, all SRAM or Ultegra.
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Bike Setup: Dura-Ace, FSA SLK Light carbon crank, Fizik Arione, etc (all stock), Crank Brothers Quattro pedals
Summary: 2008 model. Love this bike! I thought I loved my 2003 Trek 5200, but I have never looked back. The price is outstanding for what you get (I compared it to the Madone 5.5).
This bike makes me want to go out and ride. I wasn't even in the market for a new road bike, but once I rode it, I had to have it.
Compact frame with shorter wheelbase than I am used to - I have significant toe overlap, but it isn't a problem (until I do a U-turn)
Strengths: Stiff frame, light, great components, great shifting & braking. Even the saddle is good. Climbs like a dream. Price is right.
Weaknesses: Had a couple of noises from the crank or bb early on, but the shop took it apart & checked it out & lubed everything well - fine ever since.
Similar Products Used: Trek 5200
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Bike Setup: Full Dura Ace, Fizik Arione saddle, Ritchey Pro WCS stem and handlebar, Thompson Elite Seatpost, Williams Cycling Carbon Clincher 50mm wheels.
Summary: Built frame up with Full Dura-Ace. Best bike I've ever owned. Very stiff yet super light. Absorbs the road like no other bike I've ridden. I'm 190lbs so the stiffness of the bike is a blessing.
Strengths: Stiff, responsive, light, I could go on and on.
Weaknesses: none
Similar Products Used: Fuji, Cannondale, Look, Masi, Felt
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Favorite Ride: Wasatch Blvd. to Draper, over Suncrest
Bike Setup: Full Dura-Ace, FSA SLK Light carbon crank, upgraded to Easton EA90/EC90 cockpit and seatpost. Easton Acent 2 wheels, Look Keo pedals
Summary: Bike is very responsive and stiff, while at the same time forgiving in the long haul. I specialize in critiriums, which this bike excels in, but while doing other, longer races, the bike was great for long distance. Geometry is on par with Compact geometry setup. Jamis is a great company that simply can't be beat for the money. Forget stupid, overpriced Cannondales and Treks, get a way better bike with a Jamis!
Strengths: Everything you get for the money. Simply unbeatable.
Weaknesses: Stock wheels were a little heavy, but i only use them for training rides anyway
Similar Products Used: Raleigh Prestige, Trek Madone, Cervelo
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