Strengths: This bike is very smooth and quick for a performance bike. If I wanted a racing bike I'm sure I would've gone with an actual racing road bike. But, with that being said I think this bike might actually be faster than a lot of racing bike that are out their and could actually pass as one as it is stock. I noticed very little vibration over rough roads, and actually had to cross a couple of railroad tracks and rumble strips, I could barely feel them. The FSA crankset that came stock on this bike was very smooth and the wheels are pretty strong, smooth rollers for being as low in the mavic totem pole as they are.
Weaknesses: I did have a few problems with the seat like many seem to who have carbon seatposts because you are not supposed to overly tighten the seat clamp. After about 60 miles of riding my seat actually managed to slowly lower about 3 levels. The fizik saddle was very uncomfortable for what it is. And the bar tape was unwrapped by the time I made it home. Over all I'd say it's a great bike but you really need to make sure all the minor things are secured properly before riding.
Bottom Line:
Full Ultegra 10 Speed components, FSA 50-34 compact carbon crankset, Fizik saddle, richey bars stem and seatpost, Mavic Equippe Wheels. Silver. 55cm.
I have only rode this bike one time since bringing it home, but it was a long 70.4 mile ride through rolling hills and 25Mph winds.
Strengths: Light weight, great ride, traditional look, overall ride and cornering, Fizik Saddle, Ritchey Pro bars
Weaknesses: None so far.
Bottom Line:
While doing some research into the next road bike purchase for me I found an article in Bicycling Magazine that discribed a bike frame made of titanium and carbon tubing by IF. The price tag was not in my budget but I was convinced this sort of materials combination would be ideal. While shopping at my local bike shops and online I found a bike shop selling the last of the remaining Jamis Eclipse 2007 model at a greatly reduced price. The combination of Reynolds 853 and carbon fiber tubing in a traditional looking frame makes for a great ride and a really cool, head turning bike. The Eclipse is relatively light weight (approx 18lbs 59cm frame). The frame is stiff enough for sprints and standing on the peddles going up hills and yet very compfortable for long miles in the saddle. The Easton EC70 carbon fiber fork and steerer smooth out the road bumps nicely. Steel has always been known for ride quality but the combination of materials gives the bike some edge and snap. I really like the way the bike carves out corners at high speeds. I have yet to find a weakness in the ride itself. It came with Ultegra drivetrain and brakes except for the FSA Compact Carbon crannkset. This was just what I was looking for. With so many bike manufactures making fat tubed carbon bikes anymore with a little head wind I will be ahead of the pack.
Strengths: Looks, Wheels, Campy Components, Comfort of ride.
Weaknesses: Not solid in high speed turns. Paint.
Bottom Line:
I love my Jamis. I got back into riding by doing 1000 miles in 2005 and then bought this in November of 2005. I have had it for 2 years now and have put over 7000 miles on it. It is a very comfortable ride. I rode a 400 km (250 miles) brevet in June over 20 hours and felt great. It is a great bike for long rides. I have hammered on some 25 mile training rides, but am not comfortable at high speeds in the turns. It seems to come a little unbalanced at the front wheel. It could be the Aero bars that make it unstable. I agree about the paint. My bike shop owner has given me great service. I have never ridden aluminum or all carbon. But I really like this bike. The components are very nice. Wheels have been bombproof for me so far. I got through the seat issues after 200 miles. I have considered switching to a Brooks for my long rides, but have not done it. I was able to lose 40 lbs by riding this bike. I am at 190 now. It is a little bit flexy, but it is comfortable. I think I could lose another 20 next summer. I just have to lay off the cookies. Great Bike...Great Ride
Strengths: Frame delivers the feeling of steel while remaing light and nimble.
I like the Campagnolo Chorus components over the Shimano Ultegra stuff that usually appears on a bike at this price point.
Weaknesses: 1) I agree that the painwork is very fragile.
2) The Fisik saddle feels like riding on a brick. I replaced it with a Bontrager Race Lite Lux.
3) Hutchinson Fusion Comp tires have flattened twice in less than 200 mi. I'm replacing them with Hutchinson Fusion Long Distance ones that I hope have better puncture resistance.
Bottom Line:
After riding various Specialized, Trek, and Bianchi bikes in about the
same price range (typically higher), I am very happy with my choice of
this bike.
I've only put about 200 mi. on it in the few days that I've had it, but compared to the others, it feels like a lightweight version of my old Trek frame made of Reynolds 531 tubing. It is very smooth riding with none of the harshness of aluminum frames, but it gives me a good feel for the road unlike the wooden feeling of carbon ones.
Although I'm not an aggressive rider, after reading reviews on this site, I was somewhat concerned that the Eclipse would be too flexy in the front and rear under my weight (I'm 6 ft. 2 in. and 210#), but I needn't have worried.
I'm also very pleased with the Campagnolo components of the drive train. The derailleurs shift quickly and confidently, and the adjustability of the front derailleur allows me to eliminate any annoying grinding noises associated with chain rubbing against it.
All in all, Jamis has assembled an impressive list of components at a very attractive price point.
Bought this as a bare frame. Initially, I thought this would be my ideal bike--nice traditional look from the tube and lug-construction--smooth ride and reasonably light weight. After a season's riding, I'm a bit disappointed. I agree with other reviewers about the fragile paintwork. And while the bike IS a superbly smooth cruiser, it feels a bit scary when hammering at higher speeds (say above 50kph/30mph). It's almost as if the rear end is dancing around in response to the pedal stroke. Maybe a result of the longish chainstays that provide that nice ride at slower speeds.
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I am itching to get a new bike and want a steel frame. Most of the bike shops do not stock anything steel and always tr to push carbon. They have told me that they can order one Read More »
