New Bike Search: Thoughts on the Jamis Satellite Sport

[Slowspoke]

Juliegoddess- I am from Michigan too (Redford). Where are you checking out the Jamis bikes? I haven't seen any around. I'd like to try the Aurora.

[Juliegoddess]

Hey Slowpoke! (Although you can't be slower than me!) YES, I'm actually on my way in a few minutes here to try out the Jamis. The only bike shop around that I found with it is in Toledo, and because I'm in Monroe, I'm not far from there!

I'll let you know how it goes!

[moderncyclista]

How did it go?
Did you like the Jamis?

[Juliegoddess]

YES, I sure did LOVE the Jamis! I went into Wersell's Bike shop in Toledo, and they took one look at me and said I would NOT be in a WSD bike. That actually was kind of nice to hear, because there are so many more men's models to choose from than women's.

They had the Jamis Ventura in stock, in my size (56cm), and I absolutely LOVED it. Jamis has a slanting top tube that was perfect for me, and the reach was not nearly as difficult as I thought it would be. It shifted nicely, too, although I know sometime in the near future I will want to upgrade those Sora THINGS!

They did not have the Satellite in stock for me to try. The Satellite is steel, something I really wanted for my first road bike. I think I am going to have them order it for me...I know that the Jamis 56cm frame works well for me, so I think I will absolutely love the Satellite. Also, the Ventura that I rode there did not have as many speeds as the satellite.

I also tried the Kona Honkey Tonk, and another one, I can't recall. Both felt HUGE...LONG reaches that had me aching just pedaling down the street. No thanks!

So...I think Jamis will be the one for me! I'm sooo excited!

[Bike Goddess]

JG- I have a Jame Quest ( steel frame) with Shimano 105 gearing . I've had this bike since '03 and have gotten many a mile on it (not sure how much since I also have a Scott carbon that I ride most of the time). The Jamis I have is quite comfortable. I use it as my climbing bike as I put a Mtn bike cassette on the back to get lower gearing. It is a triple which is fine with me. We have a lot of long tough hills (Mt Diablo, for example) around here so when I want to do long climbs the Jamis is my preferred bike.

[Juliegoddess]

Hey BG...sounds like a great bike! I went ahead and ordered the Jamis Satellite Sport, men's model, 56cm. I decided NOT to compromise and get the Ventura, just because they had it in stock. It isn't steel, which I really wanted, and only has two "big rings"...not sure what that's called, but I know the Satellite has a triple. I have been known to go WAY DOWN LOW in the gears when climbing hills, so the two big rings kinda concerned me.

They also said I could upgrade the Sora derailleur, too, eventually, when I want to. And of course, that saddle it comes with has GOT to go! I'm thinking that a Brooks is going to be the way to go.

Thanks for all your help and advice, everyone!

[Juliegoddess]

OH, here's a photo of the Jamis I've ordered...and although it's pretty obvious, his name is going to be "J'amais" (I'm French, and it just seems to fit...haha!) And I think a Brooks saddle will look great with the cork tape, doncha think?