Jamis Xenith SL

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Veloce Velo

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
East King County, WA

Bike Setup:
SRAM Rival groupset, Ksyrium Equipe wheels, Easton EC90 stem, Selle San Marco saddle

Summary:
It's actually a 2008. I bought the Jamis SL Frameset and built it up with my SRAM Rival groupset, Ksyrium Equipe wheels, etc. The frame is exceedingly light, super responsive to every input, and it may not be as cush of a ride as some of the more well road mannered carbon bikes out there, but it's certainly a lot smoother than anything I've ridden before. Put it this way, it's not a Mercededs, it's a Porche. It's stiff, most adept at climbs and sprints, and comfortable at distance as well. Absolutely a killer bike.

Strengths:
Stiff, climber and sprinter. Super responsive.

Weaknesses:
None. Seriously.

Similar Products Used:
K2 Mod 4.0, Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3, Cannondale Six13, Felt Z30, Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Wilier Izoard

Price Paid:  $2750.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Something made up as we go

Bike Setup:
Full Dura Ace, Fizik, Easton

Summary:
It's a 2008, no option for 2008 in the drop down box above. The bike is exactly what I have been looking for. Not too spongy, not too stiff. I can ride it all day and be comfortable. While racing, I'm never wishing I had more snap out of the turns. You push, it goes! I've had more comments on the great looks of the bike than anything I've even owned. It is beautiful. Great response all around. No flexy fork, just razor sharp tracking. This thing makes you want to ride hard.

Strengths:
Super Light. Beautiful. Very stiff, but comfortable enough to ride all day too. This thing is perfect!

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Bianchi XL Boron, Felt SC1, Cannondale

Price Paid:  $6500.00 at Team

Favorite Ride:
IHBC

Bike Setup:
2008 Zenith SL top model spec. See website.

Summary:
2008 61cm Model! I have the Full Zenith SL with Red group and Zipp 404s. I will rate it based on spec'd group. Changing some of the components (saddle, wheels, handlebar) could change the feel of this bike on the road! 14.5 lbs in a 61 cm! Wow!
Great RACE bike! Not a great TOUR bike!
Stiff as anything I've tried. VERY efficient. Jamis Fork hardly gives vertically at all. My old Easton SLX flexed much more, and it had a smoother more forgiving ride. BUT, if you want all your effort to be pushing you forward, this is the bike. I have taken it at 50+ MPH on long 5 mile decents off mountain passes, and it handle great. Not twitchy, but don't be nervous, because it will be nervous with you!

Strengths:
High stiffness. Very efficient. Great race spec right out of the box! Hard to see any upgrades.

Weaknesses:
For races, nothing. For comfort: the fork is very stif, and the ASPide saddle is not for those mellow centuries!

Similar Products Used:
3D Racing Scandium (butter!), Litespeed Ultimate (2000 model, harsh ride, but fast)