Jamis Dakar Expert - In search of feedback

[MMcG]

Any Forum members riding a Jamis Dakar FS bike?

If so, I'd love to hear your feedback on the quality of the frame, pivots, etc.

Thanks!

[The Toninator]

Hi. I had a 99 sport.
I race it a couple of times. I had no problems with the bike. It was smooth and responsive. One of the only things that keep me from making it a full time bike was the weight because it was a full cromoly frame. The experts and the newer models have resolved that by going to full alum. Also with the air shock that comes with your bike will make it an even nicer ride.
The bikes are built pretty solid. I know a few people that race them and really like them and haven’t had any real problems. I sold my Dakar and bought a Dragon HT and i love it. Jamis is doing good work. A buddy who races expert on a hard tail just bought a Pro Dakar, but he hasn’t got it yet.
So all in all i have to get it two thumbs up.

[I Are Baboon]

TONY!!!!!

[The Toninator]

TONY!!!!!

PILLLL!!!!

[pk]

My wife's been on a Jamis for a bit over a year and has had zero problems. Because of the geometry, it's especially good for shorter riders.

Her only complaint is that it isn't the lightest bike in the world. However, it's sturdy, had good pivots and a very tried and true active suspension design.

Jamis is also a good company IMO.

pk

[MMcG]

PK, thanks for the feedback.....which model does your wife ride?

I would really love to go the the route along the lines of a Superlight or Ventana Pantera, Titus Locomoto, but it would really be stretching the budget in a big way.

I could purchase an '01 Dakar Expert for under $300 from JensonUSA and either build up a complete bike, or swap out some parts from my current hardtail in the interim and have a FS ride.

Not sure yet what to do, hence the request for input.

[pk]

She has the Dakar Expert.

I recommend going with the Pyslo on the front and Avid mechanical disks if you can swing it.

pk

[MMcG]

Thanks.....I would have to add discs since it only accepts discs.

Is there anything that compares to Avids in terms of mechanical discs? Just wondering really.

And you are recommending the Psylo vs. the Black that comes on the '02? I think the '01 frame, which is what is available at JensonUSA had a Manitou X-Vert Air up front if memory serves me correctly.

I called Jenson and found out this frame (listed as a Demo) was a return for a different size and is now listed as a Demo because it was fully built up and had to be broken down for the customer who needed a larger sized frame.

Hmmm...........why can't I be more decisive damnit!

Here's my current line of thinking.......this could be a way to get me into a quality FS rig quickly and I wouldn't be out a whole lot of dough. I can then continue to save up for something really special in a couple of years or so. Sound thinking or not?

[MtnBikerChk]

Here's my current line of thinking.......this could be a way to get me into a quality FS rig quickly and I wouldn't be out a whole lot of dough. I can then continue to save up for something really special in a couple of years or so. Sound thinking or not?


go ride some. don't make your decision on the computer.

[MMcG]

I rode a Dakar when I was looking for my first bike..........but thought that I better keep my budget lower for my first bike.

I took a short ride on another last week at Pig Iron and liked the way it felt.....it was on consignment and just a little big.

I kind of like the fact that it has a full seat tube. The Squishy's without the complete seat tube worry me for some reason (Specialized, the '02 KHS bikes, etc.)

[pk]

demo = used. Be extra careful here.

Jenson is notorious for buying lots of leftover Jamis and stripping the for parts. Frankly, they probably make more on the parts than the frame. If it really is a demo, I don't recommend it.

pk

[MMcG]

I'm sure they do make more on the parts PK.....you are right about that.

I've read multiple posts on MTBR.com where people received product that they thought were after-market but turned out to be OEM stuff (which may or may not be recognized under warranty by companies).

I think my quest for FS calls for a visit to Pig Iron to test ride Jamis and DeVinci and a visit to Gump downstate to demo a Kona or two.

[steve_b]

I'd love to hear your feedback on the quality of the frame, pivots, etc.

Take a look at the August '02 Mountain Bike Action article "Seven Bikes Under $700" One of them (also the winner) was the Dakar. Granted it's one of their lower models, but the review ought to help. They gave it a pretty good review after thrashing it for a while.

[pk]

I'm sure we're all quite familiar with the old mail order vs LBS debates, but keep in mind that by supporting a NEMBA-sponsoring shop you're also supporting mountain biking in New England. Times are tough now for LBSs, so I'm sure they'll appreciate the business and you can probably get a pretty good deal.

pk

[MMcG]

I bought two bikes for my kids at Scott's in Willi.......do they support NEMBA? If not, I'd be happy to stop in to see if they'd be interested in contributing to the annual fund. :-) I would have bought my first "real" mountain bike from a shop in Glastonbury, but when I was ready to plunk down the change I got stuck with a real jerk of a salesperson and it pissed me off so much I went elsewhere and bought a Marin (which I had test ridden several times over several years at a local bike shop in NY) and I must confess to buying it at SkiMarket of all places (but they gave me awesome service and a great price...unfortunately I couldn't say the same for my visit to the shop in Glastonbury).

I must admit that it was only one incident at the Glastonbury shop and every other time before or after that I've been in there I've been treated very well. I will be going back there to test ride some '03 Jamis, and DeVinci bikes when they arrive.

For certain things I do buy mail order (gloves, clothing, shoes, pedals) but for the rest I go to the LBS.

I think I will definitely purchase my next bike via a LBS, or at least a New England based bike shop. I believe some even offer discounts to NEMBA members do they not?

[MtnBikerChk]

......and you can probably get a pretty good deal.

pk


where do you shop?

cuz I ain't gettin no deals.

[pk]

All I meant was that lots of shops have good sales going on right now for 2002 bikes since they're already using floor space for the 2003 lineup.

You can do a Dealer Search at http://www.jamisbikes.com/dealer_search/dealerFrames.html and give the shops a call or call Jamis at 800-222-0570, and maybe they can help.

pk

[joe]

On a related note, does anyone know what the pricing will be like for the 2003 Dakars?

I assume that the pro will be much more expensive than the '02 since it has so much of the new XTR group.

[MMcG]

All I meant was that lots of shops have good sales going on right now for 2002 bikes since they're already using floor space for the 2003 lineup.

You can do a Dealer Search at http://www.jamisbikes.com/dealer_search/dealerFrames.html and give the shops a call or call Jamis at 800-222-0570, and maybe they can help.

pk





I visited Vernon Cycle and Pig Iron and both were out of '02 Dakars in anything but small sizes. I didn't even inquire about seeing if they could still get them in though. Don't know why I didn't ask that question.

I liked the way that the '02 Dakar Comp was spec'd out last year. This year that bike loses disc brakes.......the Dakar Sport looks like it is a good bang for the buck for '03.

For the guy interested in getting price quotes for '03, contact Vernon Cycle. They had prices listed inside their one and only '03 catalog. I can't remember off hand what they were.