Somebody dope slap me, please....N + 1 strikes again.

[Kubla]

I have been searching Craigslist for some time-hoping to find a gently-used Surly Cross Check in my size-without luck to date.

Well, today I came across a 2011 Jamis Ventura Comp Femme (Yes, I realize it's a totally different bike than the CC!) in the adjoining town and have communicated with the seller about seeing it. At this point it's mainly curiosity; I'm wondering if the Jamis aluminum frame will ride/feel any differently than my '09 Dolce Elite. I love my other 2 Jamis bikes-which are both steel.

Both the Ventura Comp and Dolce Elite are compacts and somewhat alike, though the Ventura does not have zertz in the rear. I think I can talk myself out of this-either using the fit or ride as a rationale. If for some reason the Ventura seemed 'better' than the Dolce in fit or ride, the latter would have to be sold. Another consideration is that I have never had a problem with men's models fitting me. I'm only 5' 6" but have a proportionately longer torso-not to mention big hands and feet. I don't have to have a woman-specific model.

Has anyone ridden a Ventura? It seems that the geometry is geared more for comfort, which is what I prefer.

[thekarens]

If you're looking for someone to talk you off the cliff you're speaking to the wrong group :-)

I haven't ridden the Ventura, but I have the men's Quest and love it. I'm 5'3 and have a shorter torso, but a long inseam and what my partner calls "ape arms."

[Kubla]

Well, The weather forecast today is quite iffy, and the seller wrote last night that he wasn't available until after noon-without offering me a tentative time. He said he'd write again 'sometime' this morning. (I didn't want to offer my phone number-and apparently he didn't, either.)

As a person who prefers to have a game plan for the day, this may turn out for the best. I bought my Jamis bikes at Harris Cyclery in West Newton, but it doesn't seem that they carry them any longer.

[Crankin]

I bought my Jamis Coda Femme at Quad Cycles in Arlington... they had a lot of Jamis (Jami?), although this was in 2008.
I wish I hadn't sold it.

[Kubla]

Crankin-I just checked Quad Cycle's site; it appears that they do still sell Jamis. (Occasionally I do see a Coda Femme on Boston CL-in case you decide to rewind your decision. As I recall, you do need a smaller bike ?)

Harris Cyclery was a good experience, although it's a little drive for me. City driving is not my cup of tea-and Newton is barely within my comfort range. (At least they still carry Surly.)

I have been going back and forth about getting the stable in the right spot. The Aurora will definitely stay-and I think the Coda Sport is likely to win a spot in the end. If I do sell the Dolce I won't get anywhere near what I paid for it in 2009 and would be surprised if this Ventura Comp is much different or better. It appears to be a 2011 and I think the $600 price may be a bit high. We'll see.

[Crankin]

No, I don't need a smaller bike. I sold the Jamis when I got my custom ti Guru. We've whittled down our stable to 4 bikes (2 each), down from about 9, which included a couple that my older son now has.
Quad Cycles is in an area that is comparable to Newton as far as driving, maybe less busy on a weekend. I don't drive in Boston, either (I moved away from here 2 months before I got my permit, to a place where everything is on a grid), but since I grew up in Newton, I do drive there, as well as in Brookline (right up to the border of Boston), since I generally know my way around. However, as I say, the level of azzhole type driving increases as proximity to the city grows. You could take 495 to Rt 2, right to Arlington, or take a scenic detour through Concord and Lexington. Although Quad is know as a racer's shop, they had a large supply of commuter type and touring stuff and they were very nice.

[Kubla]

Hmmm...That sounds pretty painless-even by my wimpy driving standards. I much prefer Route 495 over Route 128. I used to drive to Concord - and later Harvard -for my Collies' ophthalmologist appointments, so I think I could handle that route.