We take the term “pro-level” very seriously. This isn’t just a marketing term for us. We take pro-level to mean it’s what pros demand and deserve. Xenith SL is the definition of pro-level. And we prove it, under the legs of the Jamis/Sutter Home men’s squad and Colavita/Forno D’Asolo women’s team, two teams at the top of USA Cycling’s 2011 NRC calendar week after week. For 2012, we modified every Xenith mold to be compatible with FSA’s new PF30 BB system, offering all the advantages of the original BB30 system – lighter, stiffer, stronger – with press-in cups that makes later bearing replacement a cinch. Our advanced NearNet molding process, unique to the SL, is still the benchmark for the ultimate in compaction, yielding incredible stiffness, precise road feel and amazing power transfer that extends from fork tips to rear dropouts. Stand on the Shimano Dura-Ace crank and the SL responds. Right now.
Strengths: My first impression was WoW!!! I had to wonder, is this thing too good to be true, or does it just feel this great because I have not pushed it yet? It is; Amazing! Light. Fast. Stiff. Comfortable. Smooth. Stable. You can ride it for hours and feel just as comfortable as if you rode it for 15 minutes. I had just come off a beautiful titanium Guru and wondered if i would ever ride a nicer, smoother more comfortable bike. This bike is every bit as amazing as the titanium Guru (no small feat) and stiffer and more responsive. If you get a chance to ride one, do it! You will be very impressed. World class top level performer with all day comfort. Way to go Jamis!!!!
Weaknesses: None. Certainly have not encountered any yet after two summers.
Bottom Line:
It is a bike you will love. Likely just as good as any bike on the tour without the big name recognition. (Not that Jamis is not well known) Don't be fooled by more popular brand names. They may be just as good as this Jamis. Try it, you will be impressed!
Weaknesses: does not live up to the name. Cracks at the first sprint or climb. Way to thin to handle any serious racing torque....
Bottom Line:
Take your money some other place if your a serious racer. This frame is weak. Also, if you do find yourself with a jamis frame, your going to always be waiting for at least 6 months if you need to get a replacement frame and you will if you ride seriously.
first ride on the jamis today and all i have to say is WOW!!!!! the bike is a rocket. way stiffer than my old 2009 5.5 madone. but it does not beat you to death either. it rides really smooth. jamis has done there homework. i think the biggest difference is in the fork. that thing is really stiff and you notice it the first time you get out of the saddle to sprint, very snappy. it tipped the scales at 14.14 pounds with my Rolf TDF 58's on it. that was before i had cut the steerer tube and the seat post. got that done today but sis not have time to weigh it again. i am really excited to go on a longer ride tomorrow.
Strengths: real road race machine without the pricetag, superlight and stiff, sexy naked carbon, stiff fork, serious climbing bike, snappy,
Weaknesses: none so far
Bottom Line:
This is for the 2009 Model!!!, with BB30, tapered steerer and asymmetric chainstays. The best thing about the Jamis Xenith SL is that it is completely underrated and therefore you can get it for a bargain. The name maybe not as much bling as others but you get tech that most companies put now in their 2010 bikes. If you like naked carbon this is it, minimal paint and 920 grams for the 56cm size (incl front and back der. hangers!). The BB area is one of the stiffest i have ridden so far (Cervelo Soloist might be a tad stiffer but weighs way more) and the BB30 reduces the q-factor so people with smaller pelvic bones have a more ergonomic ride. If you know how to built up a bike you can safe big bucks on this and still built a sub UCI rocket! This bike wants to be pushed hard, instant reward for every pull, surprisingly road chatter gets absorbed pretty well. Have not done a 50 mile plus ride to assess long distance comfort.
Strengths: Stiff, climber and sprinter. Super responsive.
Weaknesses: None. Seriously.
Bottom Line:
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.
