Official MTB / Mountain Biking Chit Chat

[canadianbacon]

What are your opinions on Jamis bikes? I'm looking to get back into mountain biking after about 10 years, and the 2014 Jamis Trail X2 caught my eye. I'm not looking for a bike to race with or anything, just something to get my ass out from in front of the comp and into some fresh air.

JAMIS BICYCLES

The price for this is $499 at the store. And that is about my max spending limit (before taxes of course).

Also, what size frame would fit me? I'm 6' or 6'1", not sure of leg length, and 145ish pounds (a.k.a. lanky lol). I've looked and it seems like a 19" would fit best.

 

[rockhugger]

^^Pretty cool CHUD



Went out for my ride earlier and learned a few things about road riding solo.

1. It's a LOT more work by yourself. You have no one to hammer a hole in the air for you and let you sit back and draft. No one else to motivate you, etc. It's all you.
2. WIND, wind sucks on a road bike unless it's tail wind. It eats up energy you could be using to pedal. Rode into a headwind the whole way home.
3. I need to eat better the day before, and stretch more pre-ride
4. And here's the big one; I'm still stopping around the same time I normally would rather than taking a longer break, and getting back on the bike and going on. Not sure if it's a mental trigger since that's my normal ride time, or if I was honestly out of gas or just caving from riding alone. It could also still be just having a hard time finding my pace, or just fitness period.

But, I still squeaked out 13.5 miles, and took a few pics since I was by myself and not in any hurry. I will say the solitude riding alone when no cars are around is kinda nice.

I dig stuff like this, it's like riding through a time long since past

This is awesome, I appreciate you posting your experiences with this as you find your way through re-entering cycling.



I'm not trying to sound some Guru, or Yogi from my above posts, but I do feel very spiritually connected to cycling and what it does mentally just as much as physically. I'm only speaking from personal experience.
What you just wrote about regarding your ride today, being aware of it, is what will build your foundation for staying committed to your recent long term lifestyle change.

Regarding 1) that is a good time to focus on technique and pedaling circles, breathing etc.
2) yeah, wind is your friend.
3) and 4) are most likely related. :ror:

Yes, the nutrition aspect is a big one and once dialed in, it will improve your energy. Next time try eating some sort of sports energy food at the 1 hr mark and see if the stopping point changes. I live cliff shots, or cliff blocks, and sport beans. "thumbsup"

I think it's good to balance group rides with solo rides, but also, find just one other rider to jaunt with. Then you get the benefits of both, i.e. a little more work in the wind doing rotations, while having a wheel to take brakes behind before putting your nose back in the wind. Someone to to talk to and motivate off of, but also the quiet solo work.

 

[OTHGbronco82]

What are your opinions on Jamis bikes? I'm looking to get back into mountain biking after about 10 years, and the 2014 Jamis Trail X2 caught my eye. I'm not looking for a bike to race with or anything, just something to get my ass out from in front of the comp and into some fresh air.

JAMIS BICYCLES

The price for this is $499 at the store. And that is about my max spending limit (before taxes of course).

Also, what size frame would fit me? I'm 6' or 6'1", not sure of leg length, and 145ish pounds (a.k.a. lanky lol). I've looked and it seems like a 19" would fit best.

Don't really know about Jamis. But specialized, giant, kona, and a lot of the other well known big brands have some decent bikes for under 1k. If I were you I'd save up some more until you get to about $1000 and then you have some really good hardtail options that will make you much happier than the jamis. Plus, try and look for bikes with hydraulic disk brakes that way you have one less thing to upgrade. As for size, you're right on the edge of medium and large. Just take a look into what ever brand you are thinking about getting and see if they're frames run big, small, or true to their size."thumbsup"

 

[Natedog]

Don't really know about Jamis. But specialized, giant, kona, and a lot of the other well known big brands have some decent bikes for under 1k. If I were you I'd save up some more until you get to about $1000 and then you have some really good hardtail options that will make you much happier than the jamis. Plus, try and look for bikes with hydraulic disk brakes that way you have one less thing to upgrade. As for size, you're right on the edge of medium and large. Just take a look into what ever brand you are thinking about getting and see if they're frames run big, small, or true to their size."thumbsup"

Jamis is a good brand, hydraulic brakes are not necessary, most important is put your ass on the bike at least three times per week and do the work. If $499 is what you can afford, then get properly fitted at bike shop (go to at least three shops) check out different brands and ride them around the parking lot. "thumbsup"

EDIT: @ Candadianbacon, at your height I would go with a 29er you'll like it better. Here u go...$570 but that is their cheapest 29er
http://www.myjamis.com/SSP Applicat...r=2014&model=Durango 29 Sport&cat_grp=mtb29_3

 

[Natedog]

^^Pretty cool CHUD



Went out for my ride earlier and learned a few things about road riding solo.

1. It's a LOT more work by yourself. You have no one to hammer a hole in the air for you and let you sit back and draft. No one else to motivate you, etc. It's all you.
2. WIND, wind sucks on a road bike unless it's tail wind. It eats up energy you could be using to pedal. Rode into a headwind the whole way home.
3. I need to eat better the day before, and stretch more pre-ride
4. And here's the big one; I'm still stopping around the same time I normally would rather than taking a longer break, and getting back on the bike and going on. Not sure if it's a mental trigger since that's my normal ride time, or if I was honestly out of gas or just caving from riding alone. It could also still be just having a hard time finding my pace, or just fitness period.

But, I still squeaked out 13.5 miles, and took a few pics since I was by myself and not in any hurry. I will say the solitude riding alone when no cars are around is kinda nice.


I dig stuff like this, it's like riding through a time long since past

Thanks for sharing the sweet pics, that looks like a nice road ride too! I sometimes ride for time and distance and other times I just zen out and stop and look at cool stuff like you did. "thumbsup"

 

[OTHGbronco82]

Jamis is a good brand, hydraulic brakes are not necessary, most important is put your ass on the bike at least three times per week and do the work. If $499 is what you can afford, then get properly fitted at bike shop (go to at least three shops) check out different brands and ride them around the parking lot. "thumbsup"

EDIT: @ Candadianbacon, at your height I would go with a 29er you'll like it better. Here u go...$570 but that is their cheapest 29er
JAMIS BICYCLES

I know, I was just saying that I don't know a lot about jamis so I can't suggest whether or not to get it. But, hydraulics a re better imo. I had a mechanical disc brake fail on me on a downhill and scared the hell out of me. Plus I was still a beginner and didn't use my front brakes as much as I do now at the time.

 

[Natedog]

I know, I was just saying that I don't know a lot about jamis so I can't suggest whether or not to get it. But, hydraulics a re better imo. I had a mechanical disc brake fail on me on a downhill and scared the hell out of me. Plus I was still a beginner and didn't use my front brakes as much as I do now at the time.

No problem, was not aimed at anyone...just saying they are good.

That failure was probably maintenance and/or installation, any brake can fail and hydraulics have more problems than mechanical when it comes to failure and field repairs.

Jamis was also one of the early proponents and manufacturers of the 650b wheelsize, a great compromise alternative for some riders.

 

[6sharky9]

Jamis is a quality bike as far as the frame goes...As with any brand such as Giant and trek and specialized and any other top name brand will come with bottom of the line entry components.

How Manufacturers work is they will add "some" component of an upper level like using shimano slx or standard deore shifters with an XT shadow rear derailleur and add entry level hydraulic brakes that suck, then charge you $300 more for the bike for 150 dollars in upgrades you can buy on line...In my opinion i think its a lot more cost effective to buy as you can and put what you want on the bike.

If its not Sram XO or XX or shimano XT or XTR everything its not looked at as good stuff by a lot of riders

If you like the bike I say go for it and upgrade in time as funds allow...you can get some very nice upgrades for less than you think and have a better bike overall.

 

[Natedog]

Jamis is a quality bike as far as the frame goes...As with any brand such as Giant and trek and specialized and other any top name entry level bikes they will come with bottom of the line components.

How Manufacturers work is they will add "some" component of an upper level like using shimano slx or standard deore shifters with an XT shadow rear derailleur and add entry level hydraulic brakes that suck, then charge you $300 more for the bike for 150 dollars in upgrades..In my opinion i think its a lot more cost effective to buy as you can and put what you want on the bike.

If its not Sram XO or XX or shimano XT or XTR everything its not looked at as good stuff by a lot of riders

If you like the bike I say go for it and upgrade in time as funds allow...you can get some very nice upgrades for less than you think and have a better bike overall.

No, the manufacturers pay way less than anybody for parts and therefore you get more for your money if you buy a higher level bike than if you upgrade. Upgrading will cost you out the azz in the long run. Upgrade when stuff wears out or your riding merits the better components.

Buy the bike you can afford and RIDE IT.

 

[6sharky9]

No, the manufacturers pay way less than anybody for parts and therefore you get more for your money if you buy a higher level bike than if you upgrade. Upgrading will cost you out the azz in the long run. Upgrade when stuff wears out or your riding merits the better components.

Buy the bike you can afford and RIDE IT.

I disagree..Ive seen the difference between v brake models and ones with the hydraulic brakes..otherwise the same bike..They installed 80 dollar tektro hydraulics but the difference in price is 150 dollars...although im sure they don't pay 80 dollars a set...more like 25 or 30....but wow..$150 dollars for 80 dollar brakes you can buy at retail?..yikes.

So lets say they just made almost 200 dollars for the cheap brakes you paid for to have an upgrade.


You're going to pay a premium for any top name brand bike..Nothing in general is from the manufacturer but the frame or aftermarket products they might put their name on to ask more money for...such as with specialized stems and cranks or shocks for example...you can buy the same parts for less from the companies they buy from without their name on it.

I promise you they are buying for less like you say but charging more..thats how they make money...they mostly charge a hair under MSRP or at MSRP for almost everything.

Its either that or they are raping you on the frames..either way its a lot of money.

Ford motor company finds ways to save 10 cents to manufacture something to save millions but charge you $100 dollars more in the price of a car/truck...They are making vehicles cheaper than ever and sticking it to the market..they all do...Rather its bikes or cars or boats they are all out to make as much as they can...not make as little as they can so people will buy stuff.

Maybe im seeing it all wrong but that's my personal findings of it all.

 

[OTHGbronco82]

I disagree..Ive seen the difference between v brake models and ones with the hydraulic brakes..otherwise the same bike..They installed 80 dollar tektro hydraulics but the difference in price is 150 dollars.


You're going to pay a premium for any top name brand bike..Nothing in general is from the manufacturer but the frame or aftermarket products they might put their name on to ask more money for...such as with specialized stems and cranks or shocks for example...you can buy the same parts for less from the companies they buy from without their name on it.

Maybe im seeing it all wrong but that's my personal findings of it all.

Where are you going to get a fox or rockshox for/shock with out the brand name on it? Where are you going to get a frame with out paying a premium because it's a custom frame? You're going to pay a premium if you build the bike yourself. The bike companies like giant, spec, and so on get a great deal on the bike components because they buy in bulk. The only bike you'll pay a premium for is maybe Trek, they want an arm, leg, and the blood of your first born for their bikes/frames. And did you think that the $150 difference is because of the brakes being $80 each? you need two for one bike. 80 x 2 = 160"thumbsup"

And stop arguing, this is a fun thread, we don't need drama.

 

[6sharky9]

I voiced my opinion and finding..you can take it or leave it or research it yourself...Not here for drama.

By the way I just found a 2011 Giant Yukon Hardtail Disc for $225.00..( not the FX model) i may go pick up."thumbsup".

Retailed for $500 with tektro novella mechanical brakes and a suntour XCM fork.


Orth: For the pair 80 dollars..not each....the higher end more pricey models have used Avid Elixir 1 some elixir 3s you can get for 120 a pair.

Im waiting to see what models are going to come with the new Avid DB1 entry hydros for the same price.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-Avid-E...330596790863?pt=US_Brakes&hash=item4cf91ab24f


I just don't thing you get as much as some think for your money...Custom frames ok..i can see that...forks and anything attached to a frame...No I don't.

I leave it at that...have fun.

 

[jsowens]

I'd rather have a set of properly set up BB5 or BB7 mechanical disc brakes than a set of cheap hydraulic disc brakes like the Tektros...the BB5/BB7 will work better and last much longer. Now, with that said, I do love good hydraulic brakes...the braking power and modulation are superior to mechanical disc brakes.

Some of these guys are right. If you save a bit more money initially and buy a nicer bike (or buy a lightly used bike with better components), you get way more bang for your buck than if you upgrade a bike. You'll spend more in the long run upgrading your components than if you bought a bike that came stock with your choice of parts.

If you're looking to get out and just pedal around that Jamis will do fine for you. It doesn't have the most durable parts for legitimate mountain biking, but it's all in what your goal is. Most bikes in that $400-500 price point from any company will come with basically the same component spec. The only big difference is the frame. Whatever you get, make sure it fits you. At 6'1'' you should be looking in the ballpark of a size Large, but that varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

 

[C*H*U*D]

I leave it at that...have fun.

Let's all leave it at that before this thread becomes yet another derailed disaster of a train wreck.

 

[tedo]

I always tell new riders / cyclists to buy a better bike then they think they will need.

Much cheaper and more enjoyable in the long run.

You can find a WELL spec'd hardtail (a previous year's model) for around $1000 from any LBS.

 

[C*H*U*D]

What are your opinions on Jamis bikes? I'm looking to get back into mountain biking after about 10 years, and the 2014 Jamis Trail X2 caught my eye. I'm not looking for a bike to race with or anything, just something to get my ass out from in front of the comp and into some fresh air.

JAMIS BICYCLES

The price for this is $499 at the store. And that is about my max spending limit (before taxes of course).

Also, what size frame would fit me? I'm 6' or 6'1", not sure of leg length, and 145ish pounds (a.k.a. lanky lol). I've looked and it seems like a 19" would fit best.

Jamis was our team bike sponsor when I first got to Colorado. Many of the riders snagged them because of the great deal we got, but they were actually great bikes regardless of the cost. My roommate bought their top of the line Dragon and it was an awesome race bike.

Like every brand, you will see a range of quality throughout their lineup. I would suggest going to the shop, and riding everything they have. They will be able to fit you properly and help you figure out what will work for you.

 

[rockhugger]

This is a gnarly little hill on Single Speed. Picture by Natedog "thumbsup"


<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/47928706@N02/14144124180" title="iphone 555 by my beer goggles, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5587/14144124180_8176db272e_c.jpg" width="451" height="800" alt="iphone 555"></a>

 

[hpiguy]

^^Nice pic!

This is awesome, I appreciate you posting your experiences with this as you find your way through re-entering cycling.



I'm not trying to sound some Guru, or Yogi from my above posts, but I do feel very spiritually connected to cycling and what it does mentally just as much as physically. I'm only speaking from personal experience.
What you just wrote about regarding your ride today, being aware of it, is what will build your foundation for staying committed to your recent long term lifestyle change.

Regarding 1) that is a good time to focus on technique and pedaling circles, breathing etc.
2) yeah, wind is your friend.
3) and 4) are most likely related. :ror:

Yes, the nutrition aspect is a big one and once dialed in, it will improve your energy. Next time try eating some sort of sports energy food at the 1 hr mark and see if the stopping point changes. I live cliff shots, or cliff blocks, and sport beans. "thumbsup"

I think it's good to balance group rides with solo rides, but also, find just one other rider to jaunt with. Then you get the benefits of both, i.e. a little more work in the wind doing rotations, while having a wheel to take brakes behind before putting your nose back in the wind. Someone to to talk to and motivate off of, but also the quiet solo work.

Thanks rockhugger. I'm the same way, I love all y'all's (yes that's the correct spelling :mrgreen ride repors, pics, etc. In no way do I think you're trying to sound like a guru, quite the opposite; I always value advice and opinions from others. I ate good pre-ride, just the day before was crappy. So tonight, I'm working on that. I had a LONG day at work today, really didn't feel like it, but I'm making home made spaghetti w meat sauce, and some whole wheat garlic bread with it for dinner. I'll get in a walk tomorrow at work and some stretching pre-ride also and see if things change.

I'm pretty good about spinning, and keeping my upper body still and relaxed, honestly I just think it's fitness at this point. You can't overcome 9 years of desk job with three weeks of road biking. :lmao: I have my usual 19 mile loop tomorow night, and an alternate loop of 20+ if the weather holds Thursday. And some MTB action on Sunday for the first time since buying the road bike.

I love cliff shots!! I hate gels, bars, or any of that stuff. I just have a hard time eating when I'm burning up and gasping for air, it's the last thing I want to do so the shots are perfect for me.

 

[Brandon]

Just got back from Taiwan for work. Was able to squeeze in a ride before my flight home. Weather was 95 and 100% humidity, ended up with over 30 mosquito bites and rode with a wrist injury from 3 weeks ago. Had a blast! :mrgreen:

 

[OTHGbronco82]

Finally got a decent nights sleep and went for a ride today. There were so many bunnies out today. Saw some tree rats too. Hopefully I can keep riding and get rid of the lazyness.


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