Strengths: Relatively light
Very stable
Gorgeous matte black carbon finish
Turns a lot of heads back here in Canada
Was concerned with going to Shimano from Campy but components are bomb-proof.
Weaknesses: Wheels are a little heavy, but compared with Allez, overall bike is almost 6 lbs lighter
Bottom Line:
2009 Jamis Xenith Comp: Upgraded from a 1994 Specialized Allez Comp c/w full Campy gruppo. Very pleased with Allez, but wanted to spoil myself with a carbon upgrade. Used to race a lot, but I am currently recovering from a right hip replacement so comfort and weight was a factor in purchase. Rick Marquis at Javelina Cycles was very helpful with regards to what I wanted and what I needed. Did extensive research on-line and at local bike shops before making my purchase. (Only bike I could find with virtually "no negatives" in the reveiws) Rode with the Phoenix Metro Bike Club during our stay in Phoenix and would not have been able to stay with Saturday/Sunday groups withour the Xenith!!!
Strengths: Great value
Stable at speed
Confidence-inspiring
Weaknesses: Stock wheelset is heavy
Compact crank
Bottom Line:
My bike is actually a 2008 (year before the BB30), but it was not an option.
This was my first road bike and I was very happy with my choice. The bike is comfortable, lightweight and responsive. Additionally, it was stable at 40mph.
The design also got a fair amount of compliments with the exposed carbon and silver paint job.
I have been pleased with my purchase. The FSA compact 50/34 is perfect for climbing. Lots of climbing here on Oahu, with many grades of 18-19% and I had no problem going from the triple on my OCR1 to the double on the Jamis. However, the bike is not a fast descending machine, likely due to the low-quality wheels.
Strengths: Good power transfer, very stable and smooth ride. Decent components for price.
Weaknesses: If you live in hilly areas and are in average to above average shape then the double chainring may be challenging on some slopes.
Bottom Line:
2008 Xenith Comp
Good overall bike. Very stable on descents, good power transfer, and relatively light. Slightly sluggish when accelerating very hard. Bought based on Bicycling magazine recommendation.
Tested
Specialized Tarmac Elite - solid carbon build, rides a bit firm on uneven pavement but very stable on hills, slightly lacking in feel, horribly uncomfortable stock saddle
Specialized Allez Elite - aluminum is tad rigid, squeaking noises, and not as stable on descents
Giant TCR C1 - very quick and responsive, lightweight carbon build, but a bit twitchy on steep descents
Fuji Team - carbon build, same comments as the TCR C1
For the average enthusiast/recreational rider living in the Bay area the double compact chainring on the Xenith may be somewhat limiting especially if you are tackling some of the steeper terrain. In general, satisfied with my purchase but would purchase a bike with a triple chainring next time. Didn't test the Fuji CCR line but wished I had as it has the similar geometry, carbon build, and componentry but at much lower cost during y/e closeouts.
Weaknesses: The Shimano wheelset seems a bit heavy and doesn't seem to roll as quickly as my friends Kona and she has XeroLites. Stock seat is a bag-ripper - beware - couldn't ride for a week after using it.
Bottom Line:
Was mostly mountain biking then decided I wanted to ride road again so talked to my LBS and ended up taking it home. Upgraded the bars to FSA K-Force Carbon, saddle to an SMP Glider, pedals are Look and got a bike fitting. This bike seems to like climbing and road vibration is virtually non-existant. Sweet ride.
Anybody got suggestions? I'm coming off of a trek 1500 that got mostly wrecked when I was hit by a car in oct. Now recovered, I'm looking for a new bike for racing and training, Read More »
Hello Everyone!!
I've been in the mountain biking scene for a while and last year did a lot of road riding on my 35 lb full squish bike (which resulted in some legs of steel, lo Read More »
Tortured with indecision...any thoughts welcomed:) Have looked at everything in my neck of the woods in sub-$2k carbon, and here's what it's down to...
1st up, Orbea Onix Dama Read More »
Hoping a Jamis rep (or someone in the know) sees this...
Can you expand upon the differences between the Race and Comp frames this year? It looks like the frames are composed o Read More »
i am about to buy my first road bike and dont know much about which is best and all that at the end i will ride both bikes and buy the one i like the most, but i will like to get s Read More »
