Jamis Coda Sport

Price Paid:  $530.00 at Chelsea Bikes

Favorite Ride:
All over NYC

Bike Setup:
Ergo grips, toe clips and straps, basic wireless computer, Planet Bike Cascadia fenders that I install only on rainy days.

Summary:
I purchased a 2008 Jamis Coda Sport because I wanted a faster and more aggressive steel-framed commuter bike that would allow me to start doing long fitness rides. In particular, I wanted gearing that was closer to a roadbike, with a taller chainring set (on this bike, 30-39-50) and more options in the cassette (11-32 in 9 speeds). I love this bike so much that since the second day of ownership I've been inspired to take up cycling seriously and am considering the addition of a Jamis Quest to my stable. But I will never get rid of the Coda Sport because it's just too high performing and too practical.

I purchased the Coda Sport in May 2008 and have put about 800 miles on it so far (September 2008). I use it for a mix of commuting between Brooklyn and Manhattan (9 miles each way) or within Brooklyn (6.5 miles each way), plus 30 to 40 mile rides in Prospect Park, Central Park, or to the Far Rockaways once or twice a week when I can. I'm about to start doing weekend 80 mile rides to Nyack and back with some friends who ride road bikes. This lightweight, rugged and efficient "flat bar road bike" has got to be the best value in commuter cycling.

While commuting, I usually cross the Brooklyn Bridge and take the east or west side bike paths for a little more distance and a more pleasant time. However, on several recent rush commutes (left too late) I took the more direct route up 8th Ave and through the streets, and I can tell you that this bike really shines in aggressive traffic and surface conditions. The light and responsive Reynolds 520 Chromoly frame provides a smooth and stable ride. My last bike, an aluminum framed commuter, was heavier, harsher, and twitchy. The perfectly balanced geometry and straight blade fork of the Coda Sport allow the bike to corner and swerve on a dime with zero effort. As well, the 700 x 28 kevlar-reinforced Vittoria Zaffiro tires are thin and fast, but just wide enough not to get railed into every crack and cranny on city streets. The tires and rims are more than rugged enough for the harsh NYC conditions. I've only had one puncture so far from the long thin shard of a beer bottle. The Tektro brakes do squeal a bit, but they're precise and will stop on a dime, and the noise frightens pedestrians who might unwisely step into my path. Shifting is quick and accurate, with no ghost shifting or other irregularities reported by mountain bike riders. When in heavy traffic I tend to find myself doing 20-25 MPH in the middle of the street, at speed with or faster than traffic, and able to weave with precision and confidence.

On my non-commuting days I'll do 20-40 mile fitness rides in a park or on a long bike path. I enjoy the feel of light, smooth rolling over the pavement for the 75-150 minutes of the ride. On a few occasions I've joined a peloton of roadies doing workouts in the park and had no trouble keeping up. The stock seat is generally comfortable but sometimes feels a little too wide for me, so I'm considering getting a narrower seat with a cutout in the center to relieve the pressure on "no man's land."

The handlebar is perfect for aggressive city commuting but the lack of variety in hand positions becomes annoying on fitness rides of 2 hours or more. That would be true of any hybrid, which tells me that I really need a roadbike with drop bars for those occasions. The grips that came with the bike were too narrow in diameter and too hard for my large hands. I purchased some gel ergonomic grips at my local bike store (sorry, forget the brand), which are much better but still not great. I'm thinking of trying the ergo grips offered by Performance, perhaps coupled with some bar ends. I also use aluminum pedals with toe clips and straps.

Aside from the seat and grips, I see no need to upgrade the components on this bike because they would be for longer, intense workouts. Instead, I'm keeping this bike (forever) and will invest in a roadbike, probably a Jamis Quest, when I'm ready for the next step.

Strengths:
Lightweight, responsive, smooth ride, quality components

Weaknesses:
Seat a little too wide, grips

Similar Products Used:
Jamis Commuter, Specialized Sirrus

Price Paid:  $600.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Jamis Coda Sport

Summary:
I'm not exactly a racer, but I ride open roads regularly. I've put 2,000+ miles on the Coda Sport since May 2007...Now riding about 20-25 miles/day except Saturday sometimes Tuesday when I do 40-50. I am 71 years old and this is my first bike since a Shwinn Varsity in 1973. I love the Coda Sport and love riding. (Bought previous year's model. Price includes 8.25% tax.)

Strengths:
Weight and flexibility

Weaknesses:
Having trouble with adjusting derailleurs...could be an operator problem though...

Price Paid:  $600.00 at tonka cycle & ski

Favorite Ride:
JANUS coda sport

Summary:
Last year I rode a 400+ miles in June on a Cannondale R500, In July I rode the 477 mile Ragbrai across Iowa on a Janus Coda Sport. The Janus was the easiest ride by far. Must be the difference between Aluminum and Chromoly.

Strengths:
A good geometry for relaxed riding with flawless shifting.

Weaknesses:
Perhaps the larger tire makes for more rolling resistance. Otherwise none.

Price Paid:  $520.00 at Souhegan Cycleworks

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Francestown Turnpike (Francestown, NH)

Bike Setup:
fenders; bell; Airzound horn; lights; paniers and racks; Nashbar Trekking ATB/Hybrid Handlebar; Crank Bros. 5050 pedals; Garmin 530 GPS; MP3 player; Cell phone; etc...

Summary:
Ah, what can I say about my Coda.. It's the best bike I've owned since the 10 speed I had as a kid!

I put over 1500 miles on it in 2006, took off almost 100 lbs of body fat and only had to change out the pedals!

Of course, it's far from stock these days.. fenders, bell, air horn, lights, paniers and racks, even changed out the handel bars from the stock flat bar for Nashbar's Trekking ATB/Hybrid Handlebar, and of course the pedals (they couldn't take my (then) weight. Changed them out for a pair of Crank Bros. 5050's.

Oh, and it also sports a Garmin 530 GPS.. :D~

Now I'm overseas riding the highways and by-ways of Europe with my favorite form of transportation!

Strengths:
Everything! 'cept for the pedals, which I wore out in less then 2 months.

Weaknesses:
See above.

Price Paid:  $595.00 at Solon, Ohio

Model Year:
2006

Bike Setup:
New wheels--bright aluminum--made the bike look better than the black/shiny spoke stock wheels.

Summary:
Update on earlier posting after a year of riding. This is still a great ride, but the suspension seatpost turned into a teeter-toter after only a couple hundred miles. Which is fine really as I don't like suspension seat posts to begin with, so I replaced it myself (although still under warranty). But I found out that Jamis has terrible customer service (not the dealer I bought it from, just Jamis) and an attitude to match. The guy I contacted from Jamis cared not one wit that his seatpost was junk, or I had a problem, or about anything at all apparently. I had a problem with a Trek once, and they did everything they could to make me happy. Jamis didn't even care there was a problem. Interesting contrast I'll remember when I buy again.

Strengths:
Good Bike--rates a five. So expoains the Value Rating of 5. I would buy another Jamis based on this (if not for other things).

Weaknesses:
Customer Service--rates a zero. So explains the overall rating of 1. So I won't buy another Jamis based on this.