Trek 820 & Jamis Trail XR – Steel Frames!
07-20-20, 08:46 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Steel Frames! 26" Wheels! 36 Spokes! Under $400!
Both these bikes have steel frames, 26" wheels, and 36 spokes. The rims are single-wall, though.
Would either of these bikes be sturdy enough for my 350 lb. body for some casual neighborhood riding?
Thanks!
Would either of these bikes be sturdy enough for my 350 lb. body for some casual neighborhood riding?
Thanks!
Last edited by taylorgeo; 07-20-20 at 09:12 PM.
07-21-20, 10:00 AM
#2
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Bikes: 2019 Trek Domane SL5 Disc, 2021 Giant Talon 2, 2012 Trek 7.1 FX, 2005 Trek Fuel 70, 2003 Trek 4500
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I can tell you from experience that both of these bikes will hold up just fine for you. I would recommend the Jamis only because the front suspension won't do you any favors. It adds extra weight to the bike and absorbs some of the power from your peddling effort (which otherwise would go to the rear wheel). I like the shifters on the Trek better but that is just personal preference. You really can't make a bad decision with either of these bikes. I recommend test riding both and purchasing the one that feels more comfortable to you.
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07-21-20, 01:18 PM
#3
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What Grudey1 said. I have an older 820. It's not a bad bike and pretty nice for the price (hated the original saddle - it was like sitting on two baseballs). I'm not a huge fan of the grip shifters on the Jamis, but it wouldn't be a deal-breaker for the price. But the suspension fork on the Trek is nothing special either. Grudey is right - ride 'em both and go with the one that feels most comfortable to you.
07-21-20, 02:27 PM
#4
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Thread Starter
Unfortunately, shop is only taking pre-orders, with none in stock to try. May have to make a blind purchase.
Regarding the Trek and Jamis, another member said: "While these have more spokes, they are freewheel wheels which are prone to axle bending. The Kona has a freehub which is a much stronger mechanism. Neither broken spokes nor bent (or broken) axles are desirable but I’d take a broken spoke over a bent axle for repair. The Kona has a bit better parts spec as well. The Kona is a better choice all around."
The Kona he is talking about is pictured below. $599. At least I have some choices!
Regarding the Trek and Jamis, another member said: "While these have more spokes, they are freewheel wheels which are prone to axle bending. The Kona has a freehub which is a much stronger mechanism. Neither broken spokes nor bent (or broken) axles are desirable but I’d take a broken spoke over a bent axle for repair. The Kona has a bit better parts spec as well. The Kona is a better choice all around."
The Kona he is talking about is pictured below. $599. At least I have some choices!
07-22-20, 10:09 AM
#5
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That Kona is nice. 'Course, it's $200 more than the other models you cited. Discs over rim brakes, better derailleur level, nicely equipped. If it's within your price range, I'd go with it.
07-22-20, 10:40 AM
#6
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I woluld avoid the cheap-as-dirt Trek and Jamis. The fact that the frames are made of some sort of steel is not an indicator that they would be good for a heavier rider. A basic aluminum frame will often perform better and be more durable than a cheap steel frame, in my experience.
07-22-20, 02:42 PM
#7
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Thread Starter
I woluld avoid the cheap-as-dirt Trek and Jamis. The fact that the frames are made of some sort of steel is not an indicator that they would be good for a heavier rider. A basic aluminum frame will often perform better and be more durable than a cheap steel frame, in my experience.
07-22-20, 06:02 PM
#8
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07-31-20, 11:31 PM
#9
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At our Clyde weights the advice about freewheel rear hubs as opposed to cassette style rear hubs is well taken. I love building out old 10 and 12 speed road bikes from the 1980's and older. The first thing to go is the freewheel hub and replaced with a cassette rear hub. Good luck on your search for a new bicycle.
