2013 Jamis Dakar XC Comp

[Catrin]

No, I am (sadly) not in the market for another mountain bike - I have one!

I just got a surprise! Someone told me that the new Jamis Dakar was only a few hundred more from what I am asking for my lovely 2011 Dakar XC Comp. I assumed, at first, that she was talking about the Dakar XC Sport, but I just went and checked out the new 2013 model on the Jamis website...

I could be mistaken, I am no expert, but it looks like Jamis has downgraded the components to justify dropping the MSRP from ~$1,800 (2011) to $1,500. The 2011 comes with a 10-speed cassette (and I think the 2012 did as well), 2013 has a 9-speed. The suspension appears to be different, and there are a couple of other apparent changes that I don't have the time to look into right now. If they are downgrading the Dakar Comp, I have to wonder what they are doing to the Dakar Sport? I guess they felt a need to find someway to drop the price in this market.

[indysteel]

No, I am (sadly) not in the market for another mountain bike - I have one!

I just got a surprise! Someone told me that the new Jamis Dakar was only a few hundred more from what I am asking for my lovely 2011 Dakar XC Comp. I assumed, at first, that she was talking about the Dakar XC Sport, but I just went and checked out the new 2013 model on the Jamis website...

I could be mistaken, I am no expert, but it looks like Jamis has downgraded the components to justify dropping the MSRP from ~$1,800 (2011) to $1,500. The 2011 comes with a 10-speed cassette (and I think the 2012 did as well), 2013 has a 9-speed. The suspension appears to be different, and there are a couple of other apparent changes that I don't have the time to look into right now. If they are downgrading the Dakar Comp, I have to wonder what they are doing to the Dakar Sport? I guess they felt a need to find someway to drop the price in this market.

My guess is that it's a reflection of the MTB world moving increasingly toward 29ers. Jamis is also emphasizing their 650B bikes quite a bit, too.

[Kernyl]

My guess is that it's a reflection of the MTB world moving increasingly toward 29ers. Jamis is also emphasizing their 650B bikes quite a bit, too.

I actually think we'll see less 29er's too. I think 650b will be the new favorite size. I'd like to try one. I like my 29er, but it is so big, I wonder if something a little more nimble would suit me better.

[emily_in_nc]

I actually think we'll see less 29er's too. I think 650b will be the new favorite size. I'd like to try one. I like my 29er, but it is so big, I wonder if something a little more nimble would suit me better.

Funny how the pendulum swings back!

[indysteel]

I actually think we'll see less 29er's too. I think 650b will be the new favorite size. I'd like to try one. I like my 29er, but it is so big, I wonder if something a little more nimble would suit me better.

I've wondered the same thing. I only have a 26er but given my size and the trails in my area, I tend to think a 650b would suit me better. I'm not in the market for a new mtb anyway. I love my Santa Cruz Juliana as it is.

[Owlie]

Clearly the answer is one of each. That way you're prepared for everything.

[TrekDianna]

Clearly the answer is one of each. That way you're prepared for everything.

Agreed. One of each is clearly the way to go.

[Catrin]

My guess is that it's a reflection of the MTB world moving increasingly toward 29ers. Jamis is also emphasizing their 650B bikes quite a bit, too.

This COULD be a selling point for my bike, better components than the new one I do need to verify that of course.

[thekarens]

I noticed that too, made me glad I had gotten the 2012. I've been on the lookout for a bike for my son and was surprised and disappointed that they've downgraded a few of their bikes, not just the xc comp.

[Catrin]

Yes, it is sad. My Jamis rocks, she is a great bike! Sadly, too much for me however, hopefully I can find her a home that she deserves!

[indysteel]

Jamis has always seemed like good value for the money. Maybe they've "wisened up" and are now pricing/specing their bikes more consistently with other manufacturers. That's a shame.

The year or two after I bought my first adult bike--a Trek FX, Trek started "dumbing down" the components and charging even more money. I was really disappointed in that, but I've since realized that most manufacturers do that over time. Granted, I have no idea what their profit margin is, but the inflation in prices for a decently speced bike really amazes me.

[Owlie]

Indeed. A bike shop owner I talked to last year said that he felt that the best bang-for-buck used to be Giant, Trek (for certain models) and Felt. When I bought my Giant, they had downgraded it from previous model years (from full Sora to 2300 + a Sora rear derailleur). Jamis used to be good too, and many people seem to feel the same about Fuji. They're all getting more expensive for lesser componentry.

I dread to think what I'll end up paying for the Ultegra road bike when I've scraped together the cash.

[emily_in_nc]

I dread to think what I'll end up paying for the Ultegra road bike when I've scraped together the cash.

If you are buying new, yes. But consider used. I got a Trek Pilot 5.0 WSD full carbon bike with Ultegra for just $700 on ebay. Yes, it's a 2006 model, but lightly ridden. If I had been limited to new, I'd have ended up with an aluminum frame and Sora. Just a thought...there are a lot of lightly used bikes out there. DH buys for DW and she doesn't get into it, that kind of thing. Lots of "good intention" bikes.

[thekarens]

I was thinking 6 was the magic number... a hard tail in all three sizes and a FS in all sizes. That way you're prepared for anything.

[Catrin]

I was thinking 6 was the magic number... a hard tail in all three sizes and a FS in all sizes. That way you're prepared for anything.

I like this way of thinking!