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.
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.
Strengths: Super Light. Beautiful. Very stiff, but comfortable enough to ride all day too. This thing is perfect!
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
It's a 2008, no option for 2008 in the drop down box above. The bike is exactly what I have been looking for. Not too spongy, not too stiff. I can ride it all day and be comfortable. While racing, I'm never wishing I had more snap out of the turns. You push, it goes! I've had more comments on the great looks of the bike than anything I've even owned. It is beautiful. Great response all around. No flexy fork, just razor sharp tracking. This thing makes you want to ride hard.
Strengths: High stiffness. Very efficient. Great race spec right out of the box! Hard to see any upgrades.
Weaknesses: For races, nothing. For comfort: the fork is very stif, and the ASPide saddle is not for those mellow centuries!
Bottom Line:
2008 61cm Model! I have the Full Zenith SL with Red group and Zipp 404s. I will rate it based on spec'd group. Changing some of the components (saddle, wheels, handlebar) could change the feel of this bike on the road! 14.5 lbs in a 61 cm! Wow!
Great RACE bike! Not a great TOUR bike!
Stiff as anything I've tried. VERY efficient. Jamis Fork hardly gives vertically at all. My old Easton SLX flexed much more, and it had a smoother more forgiving ride. BUT, if you want all your effort to be pushing you forward, this is the bike. I have taken it at 50+ MPH on long 5 mile decents off mountain passes, and it handle great. Not twitchy, but don't be nervous, because it will be nervous with you!
