Jamis Dakar XC Comp?

[Catrin]

....
You say on one hand that you will "likely" get a hardtail, but in other posts you insist that you need a FS because of your various physical issues. I'm sorry, but it's just sometimes hard to follow your train of thought on this.

Sorry for lack of clarity. While I do want a FS for physical issues, I've been told that it might not be possible to get one that will fit me outside of custom - which isn't an option. If a hard tail is the only way to get the proper fit then I will get it - and from what I can see that is likely going to be the case.

Does that clear it up?

[indysteel]

Thanks, it sort of does, but that's why I pointed out that the 13 Dakar has a shorter reach than the 14 Dakota. All other things being equal, it would seem, then, that the Dakar is a better suited for you anyway--and at the same price as the Dakota.

That said, as FS bikes go, the Dakar is pretty cheap, which gives me a bit of pause. Granted, I've not studied it in any detail, but I've repeatedly heard and read that a good HT can be better in a lot of respects than a cheap FS, so there's that consideration, too, I suppose.

[Catrin]

Thanks, it sort of does, but that's why I pointed out that the 13 Dakar has a shorter reach than the 14 Dakota. All other things being equal, it would seem, then, that the Dakar is a better suited for you anyway--and at the same price as the Dakota.

That said, as FS bikes go, the Dakar is pretty cheap, which gives me a bit of pause. Granted, I've not studied it in any detail, but I've repeatedly heard and read that a good HT can be better in a lot of respects than a cheap FS, so there's that consideration, too, I suppose.

Indeed - and there is all of that to consider. Jonathan tells me that the Dakar is a pretty decent entry level FS bike - Jamis has a FS Dakar that is even cheaper but I wouldn't go that cheap for a FS and I want SRAM anyway. This is the man who has refused to sell me things in the past that he did not think would work for me, so I have come to trust his opinion. I still do my research, but I certainly place some weight on his advice.

I agree that the 13 Dakar does look like my best bet on paper, and is my top choice right now. That is why I posted it here Time will tell what happens in June.

I am looking forward to seeing your new mountain bike! Am getting some basic camping gear so I can camp that weekend.

[indysteel]

Indeed - and there is all of that to consider. Jonathan tells me that the Dakar is a pretty decent entry level FS bike - Jamis has a FS Dakar that is even cheaper but I wouldn't go that cheap for a FS and I want SRAM anyway. This is the man who has refused to sell me things in the past that he did not think would work for me, so I have come to trust his opinion. I still do my research, but I certainly place some weight on his advice.

I agree that the 13 Dakar does look like my best bet on paper, and is my top choice right now. That is why I posted it here Time will tell what happens in June.

I'm sure that with Jonathan's help, you'll ultimately choose the right MTB for you.

[bellissima]

Catrin, I've had some experience with Jamis bikes and the Dakar Xc comp is a great value for the bike. Also their size 13 is a great bike for smaller riders. I've known of few people that had problems getting a FS bike due to their size and at the end got the Dakar in size 13 and they are happy with it. In my opinion if you can straddle the bike you should be able to setup the front to fit you. Good luck

[Catrin]

Catrin, I've had some experience with Jamis bikes and the Dakar Xc comp is a great value for the bike. Also their size 13 is a great bike for smaller riders. I've known of few people that had problems getting a FS bike due to their size and at the end got the Dakar in size 13 and they are happy with it. In my opinion if you can straddle the bike you should be able to setup the front to fit you. Good luck

I was pulling the trigger as you posted this My LBS had another Jamis with the same dimensions as the 13-inch Dakar XC Comp and I gave it a good test ride, it certainly did not feel too large or small! There were only 3 left in stock in this size at the distributer, and who can say if/when Jamis would make more available? Fitter told me if he were to build me a custom FS from scratch that it would look remarkably like this one. For fit reasons will need to switch out stem and handlebars, but that isn't a big deal.

This will allow me to go to the Clinic on a bike I KNOW fits, and will have a chance to get at least a little familiar with it beforehand - AND to be able to practice the basic/intro skills on the same bike on which I learned them. This just felt like the right thing to do. I was also looking at a Cannondale Lexi and Scott Contessa Spark - they were similar in size, but this one was the best overall fit. One of other two had a taller head-tube? headset? Can't remember which, but noticeably less stand-over.

I also have several friends who go down to Brown County State Park all of the time for mountain biking and they have told me they will be happy to ride the beginner trails with me - that is another key piece to all of this. It will certainly help me to have someone with me at the beginning for that confidence level I doubt that would stop me, not much does once I make my mind up, but it will help.

This is going to be fun - though it does mean I will likely bring home two new bikes in the same week That is exciting enough, but what is even more exciting is looking forward to lots of fun riding both of them

[Trek-chick]

Wow, 2 new bikes..... Can not wait to see photos. I would love to get a new mountain bike sometime soon. I am happy that you found one in your size. Thankfully I can ride most mens Med. Size mountain bikes. I am tall with long legs, short torso.

Is that Jamis a Womeen's specific? Or just a small size? I never tried a WSD mountain bike but the Women's road bikes fit me very well.