Nothing—absolutely nothing—beats steel’s magic carpet ride quality. It’s why magazines describe the most praiseworthy carbon and aluminum frames as being “steel-like.” Steel is the benchmark. And these bikes show you why. Legendary Reynolds steel—possibly the winningest brand in cycling—and our own Size Specific Tubing guarantee amazing ride quality, with the zing and resilience that minimizes road vibration and maximizes pedal efficiency and handling potential. Steel road bikes just feel planted in corners, and with our full carbon road fork to guide them, these bikes absolutely rail around the bends.
Strengths: The ride is smooth and swift, the component set is an incredible value for the money.
Weaknesses: I suppose the only weakness is the fact that the steel frame adds a bit of weight if you're considering a carbon fiber or aluminum frame instead.
Bottom Line:
In my pursuit for a great road bike I started with aluminium before falling in love with a carbon fiber bike. After learning about the fragility of a CF bike and the theft risk, I decided to look for something that is a bit more durable. After riding an Eclipse with all Ultegra parts (and coming back sore) I decided to give the Quest a ride expecting little difference.
Man, was I in for a surprise. The quest is as smooth as butter yet still felt as peppy as a bike many pounds lighter. The components are smooth and light and the bike is a joy to ride. I used to feel every mile in my previous bike. On my Quest I have to cut myself off. The ride is so swift and smooth I just want to keep going.
Strengths: Smooth ride, great components, comfortable for miles, great transfer of power with the FSA crankset.
Weaknesses: Stock seat uncomfortable - an easy fix.
Bottom Line:
When I finally opted to get a more serious bike for distance rides, I looked long and hard. Tested lots of carbon, and fell in love with steel. I purchased a 2009 Jamis Quest and never looked back.
That is, until I was hit by a car, thus ended my original Quest's too short life (but happily not mine). When I started looking around again for a bike to replace what I lost, it quickly became apparent that I should look no further than the Quest. So I got the 2010 model when the 2011's came out.
There were only minor differences in the two models, and in my opinion they were improvements: tires went from 23C to 25C (better for general riding; I'm not racing), the wheelset itself got a bit fancier, and the color went from black to red. I love the red.
The Quest is an incredibly smooth and comfortable ride. It's hard to beat the stock components at this price point. I plan on keeping this bike for years to come.
Strengths: Steel frame, well assembled, good components.
Weaknesses: Possibly the stock Sella San Marco. I'm still riding it to determine if I want to switch and that is an easy change.
Bottom Line:
Finally have a steel bike after a couple of years of waiting for a good deal. Quest is still a Reynolds 631 frame but the LBS was offloading some 'high end bikes' and marked this down from a little less than $1,800 to $1,280. I've ridden it for less than a month but it is everything I wanted; smooth ride, responsive components and great fit. I haven't put it on a scale but simply picking it up is a joy as it doesn't feel much/at all heavier than my old Cannondale.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale touring bike I built myself 8 years a go - still going strong.
Bike Setup: Major mod by LBS before I bought the bike. Flat bars, Sram twist shifters, Shimano LXS rear derailler with 34 tooth low gear, Specialized seat.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
spballantyne
a Recreational Rider
from
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2010
Strengths: - Good frame.
- Great components.
- Beautiful lines.
Weaknesses: - Personally, I didn't care for the feel of the saddle and replaced it with a Brooks B17 Special.
- Although the Quest is light for a steel frame, it is definitely not the lightest bike on the market. However, at around 20 pounds, it's well-suited for recreational riding and non-competitive group rides.
Bottom Line:
I have been riding my 2009 Jamis Quest for about 7 months now, and with every mile I fall a bit more in love with this bike.
I've been a mountain and city cyclist for some time, but the Quest is the first true road bike I've owned. When I resolved to lay down the cash (or plastic) for a roadie, I had an open mind but a few criteria. First, price - between $1500 and 2000. There is certainly a diverse - even daunting - spectrum of desirable bikes in this price range. Plenty of aluminum frames, some steel, and even some budget carbons. Next, I wanted a ride that was road-fast but not necessarily race-fast. I was willing to trade a couple mph for comfort and the ability to enjoy the scenery. Lastly, I wanted bike that others envied. Yes, I suffer from the common condition of human vanity. After much research and consternation, I settled on the Quest and haven't regretted it for a moment.
The Quest is a steel frame beauty featuring both classic lines and contemporary geometry. There are some good aluminum frames out for very attractive prices, but, to my senses, aluminum will always have a harsher tone than steel. It doesn't bother me a bit when I'm knocking down a few miles of single track on my hardtail mountain bike, but 40 miles over asphalt is a different story. The Quest's frame almost seems to be road-tuned, with none of the numbness that creeps up your forearms to the teeth. The Quest's carbon fork also dampens the buzz nicely. A full carbon frame would be nice, but the selection was limited in my stated price range, and the budget carbons tend to cut corners in componentry. Someday, I'm sure carbons will be competitive (even dominant) at this price point, but were just not there yet. Also, there's the matter of those great lines. Where aluminum tubing is getting almost comically large in diameter, steel is tight and consistently sized throughout the tube. Jamis's size-specific-tubing also ensures that the diameter and weight are proportional to your particular frame size. Carbon can look very cool with its fluid spacecraft-like tube geometry, but it will never look "classic." A matter of ascetic taste I suppose.
In the arena of componentry, the Quest is like nothing else in its price range. While everyone else is sporting Sora and Tiagra setups, the Quest boasts 105's all around, with the exception of (dig this) an Ultegra rear derailleur. This is a simply amazing package of Shimano coolness for the money they're asking. Yes, you can go lesser and upgrade at an unspecified date in the future, but, at this price, you can be a real American and refuse to delay your gratification even one minute. The only component on the bike that I wasn't happy with was the saddle. It's some sort of comfort model, but I'm the picky type and very protective of the soft tissue betwixt my manhood and coccyx. I swapped it for a beautiful honey-colored Brooks B17 Special - which looks great with the cork bar tape.
Finally, there's the envy thing. I was prompted to finally write this review by a recent experience at my local bike shop. This wasn't the place I bought my Quest at; I just rode over to shop for a new helmet. When I handed my bike to one of the wrenchers to rack for a minute, he called a couple of other shop guys over to look at it. This is a place that sells mostly Trek aluminum and carbon frames, and they all swooned over my baby. First, they asked if it was a restored classic. No, less than a year old. Next, they asked if it was custom job. No, all stock but the saddle. Finally, they asked where I got it. It was very gratifying to have people who spend most of their waking life around bikes (many very expensive ones) admiring my choice. They complemented the lines, paint, components, and even my choice of steel as a frame material.
I highly recommend the Jamis Quest to anyone looking for a great value on a great bike.
I'm new. This could probably go on Beginners Corner
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