Jamis Ventura Sport

Price Paid:  $450.00 at Cory the Bike Fixer,

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
2007 Jamis Ventura Sport 58cm with dtswiss rr1.1/ultegra wheelset, nashbar gr2 saddle and 3t ergonova bar. Stock everything else.

Summary:
I bought the Jamis Ventura Sport as my first road bike in spring of 08. After putting over 5,000 miles on this bike I can say I am fairly pleased with it. The stock sora/2200 drivetrain has held up surprisingly well despite the lousy reputation of those components.

The aluminum frame and fork feel solid and well built, but the geometry of this bike is on the relaxed side-a very tall headtube compared to other racier bikes makes it difficult to get into a really aero position if that's your thing. The ride style is more of a classic 1980's positioning where you spend a lot of time in the drops.

I did eventually replace the saddle with a nashbar gr2 which has been a big improvement and the red/black striping matches the frame perfectly.

I also replaced the handelbars with some 3t ergonova pro's as I did not like the sharp, angular bends in the drops of the stock bars-the 3t is more of a smooth curved bend.

However, the stock wheelset on mine was an alex dc19 rim/formula hub combo that was complete garbage. Spokes breaking constantly, wheels out of true, on the heavy side. I eventually had enough of the wheels and had a custom set of dtswiss rr1.1 rims/ultegra hubs built up that has been very nice, and matches the bikes aesthetics nicely as well if that matters to you.

Strengths:
Solid, well built frame.
Decent components.
Seems like it will last a long time.

Weaknesses:
Not aggressive geometry.
Horrible stock wheelset.
Lousy stock handelbars.

Price Paid:  $580.00 at LBS

Summary:
My bike is 2008. It is a great entry level bike. Not lightning fast, but very well put together. I have done rides of up to 50 miles on it so far, and no problems experienced. I did replace the stock saddle and pedals, plus added two water bottle cages. Otherwise everything is perfect for me.

Strengths:
Good selection of gears, I never had a chance to wish for more. Vittoria Zaffiro tires work great for me - no flats in over 1200 miles.

Weaknesses:
For this price - none.

Price Paid:  $525.00 at Main Bike World, Wil

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Jamis Ventura Sport WSD

Bike Setup:
Ptetty much stock, but I have added Wellgo clipless pedals, Maxxis Detonator tires, and new cork tape on the handle bars for comfort.

Summary:
I am an avid maountain biker, but I wanted a road bike to train with as well. In the sub-$1000 price range, I felt this bike got me the best value for the dollar. I have changed out the stock tires and put on some Maxxis Detonators. Overall, I love this bike. It's light enough to ride all day, and comfortable too.

Strengths:
Love the double crankset! Ergonomic dropbars are awesome too.

Weaknesses:
Stock tires had to go!

Similar Products Used:
This is my first road bike, my other is a mountain bike.

Price Paid:  $500.00 at Liberty Cycle in Bas

Summary:
Let me start by saying that this is not only my first road bike, but the first road bike I've ever ridden.

I just bought the 2008 version last week. I've only put about 23 miles on it, but I love it! I'm still getting used to the drop bars (my hands need toughening up).
Overall, I'm perfectly pleased with my entry-level road bike and I'm looking forward to piling on the miles!

Strengths:
Durable

Weaknesses:
So far.. saddle.

Similar Products Used:
none.

Price Paid:  $700.00 at Ski Market, Manchest

Model Year:
2005

Bike Setup:
Switched out saddle with a Selle San Marco with a crotch saver design. Michelin Krylion Carbon tires are awesome for this bike! Looking to upgrade components and build new wheels using Chris King Hubs and DT Swiss rims.

Summary:
My first road bike, it provided a great chance to get into being a roadie. Certainly not race ready being over twenty pounds, but a great deal for the every day rec' rider. Would definitely make a good training bike for racing.

Strengths:
Stable road bike, especially at speeds above forty miles an hour. The 2005 model was the last year Jamis put a carbon fork on this model and they down graded to Sora components, so look for an '05 model if you can get one. Despite the frame weight you can personalize this bike with your own brand of specs and come out on top. Or you can opt for either the Comp, Pro, or Team models and get a better setup from the get go.

Weaknesses:
Definitely replace stock saddle, it was lousy. Chewed through the stock tires pretty fast as well, although bike shops can change the tires before selling the bike at their discretion. Shifting can be kind of if with Tiagra components. An economic solution would be 105's. But if you got the cheese, go for Ultegra's, because, well, why not? Being an aluminum frame, it doesn't absorb any road bumps. But hey, everything's a compromise.