Strengths: Componentry (hard to find Ultegra rear derailleur on a bike in the same price range), comfort, PRICE.
Weaknesses: Paint chips easily, stock stem is too short (90mm).
Bottom Line:
I got this bike to replace my mid-80's steel racer so I could get into more serious training and racing. I got a 2007 model that was lying around the shop, so I got a pretty good deal on it. So far, the bike has been perfect. The roads around where I live are pretty rough with lots of loose gravel, potholes and cracks all over the place. The carbon fork, seatstays and seatpost have been a nice touch and have kept me nice and comfortable during many a training ride. The components are great, with the 105 shifters and Ultegra rear derailleur shifting smoothly and sharply.
I really have no complaints whatsoever.
Strengths: Geometry makes it fun to ride and comfortable without being skittish. Ultegra derailleurs, 105 brakes, FSA Gossamer compact crank. Weight is quite reasonable for a 61cm frame. Great customer service from Salvagetti.
Weaknesses: Shimano R500 wheels are not the best but probably typical for this price point. The front hub was grinding a bit before I tacoed the wheel at 700 miles. The rear 24 spoke wheel has stayed true thus far. Stock Vittoria Zaffiro 23c tires were a little cheap. I've upgraded to 25c Zaffiro Pros for training.
Bottom Line:
I'm now 58 and decided to get a road bike after mountain biking for a year. Bought my 61cm Ventura Elite in May 2008. It was a 2008 model. The slightly relazed geometry is very comfortable for my 6"4" frame. I thoroughly tested and compared it to Bianchi Via Nirone and Giant alu/carbon framed bikes in this price range. The Bianchi was the strongest and stiffest; the Giant was the smoothest. The Jamis felt the most nimble and accelerated the best. I use Speedplay Light Action pedals. During fitting, I added a Specialized seat post (the stock post was too short)and a Specialized saddle.
It's a bike I look forward to riding. The frame transmitted some buzz on chip-seal roads around here; switching to 25c tires at slightly lower pressures helped. My longest ride has been 75 miles and I put 1,600 miles on it last summer.
I plan to ride my first century in May. The only other upgrades with be wheels from Neuvation or BWW for use in centuries or group rides.
Strengths: good parts, shifts really smooth...great for weekend warriors
Weaknesses: saddle (It would be just as comfortable to sit on a brick)...paint chips really easy...I wish Jamis would make either a 52 or 53 cm frame...I fall in between a 51 and 54 (the 51 is a little small...and I feel really streched out on the 54)...
Bottom Line:
I actually have a 2008...I've been a mountain biker for a while and decided it was time to give road bikes another shot...So for it's been a great ride...It comes with good parts off the bat...the wheel-set sucks, but I am not racing...the paint chips just by looking at it too much...the saddle is the most uncomfortable of any I've ever owned... over-all it's a great deal...
Strengths: Nice component set, rides nice, and comfortable. Has been reliable so far.
Weaknesses: Paint get's scratched easily and chips off. My bike came from the factory with a little chunk of paint missing. Jamis's warranty could be better. The seat is also uncomfortable, and the looks of the bike could be better.
Bottom Line:
This review is for the 2008 model. I chose this bike over the Felt F75 and the Fuji Roubaix Pro, simply for the ride quality. For the price you get a nice set of components and a solid bike. The bike comes with a long steerer tube, so comfort is easily adjusted. And the vibration dampening qualities of the bike is comparable to low end carbon bikes. This is my first road bike, but I've built and ridden all sorts of other road bikes.
Strengths: It makes me want to go out and ride. It has been dependable, useful and most of all, cheap. A GREAT value if you're looking for an everyday bike that performs.
Weaknesses: Not uber-light, and may hold you back if you're trying to win road races.
Bottom Line:
Very good bike. I bought it to be a group-ride/triathlon bike. I did a couple tri's on it last season, and while I bought a dedicated tri-bike this winter, I continue to ride the Jamis as a road bike. It has filled all these roles well.
Hi,
I am getting a new 2008 Ventura elite frame. Yes, Ebay.. It has an integrated headset and I have no experience with them From what I can tell them can be 41mm, or 41.8 mm an Read More »
[url]http://classifieds.roadbikereview.com/showproduct.php?product=14572&cat=3[/url]
(yes, I'm selling it, and l'm trying to move this baby fast). Read More »
Both new model or last year's version.
Do you have a strong opinion either way or specific comments about the differences between the bikes? Read More »
