riverdrifter

NOS 2012 Jamis. New in the box, perfect like it just left the factory. It really looks great! I'll post some pics tomorrow after I get it put together. From someone coming from a MTB background, my first reaction (besides shiny and cool!) was WOW those tires are skinny! Looks like fun for sure! Thanks to everyone who helped out on my purchase thread. I'm really excited to start putting some miles on!

riverdrifter

Here's a post-assembly photo. I've got some adjustments to make yet, and have only taken it for a short ride just this morning. It seems to be a great fit, and it sure is smooth and fast! Big change from mountain bikes!

bikecrate

Looks pretty. I got a 2012 Quest. Welcome to the club.

riverdrifter

Thanks! I wasn't sure how the sangria color would look, but it's really cool! Lot's of silver on this bike. What do you think for a rack? Silver also, or black?

shelbyfv

Great looking classic ride! The Sangria with white panels is really attractive. Look at the attention to detail. Eyelets, chain holder, proper seatpost clamp, they do a nice steel frame. Silver rack, for sure.

riverdrifter

Thanks! Silver it is, I've got a coupon from the Trek store, so I think I'll get their Back Rack Deluxe.

riverdrifter

Well I hate to admit it but, after riding this for 2 months, it's just not quite what I need.

It rides fantastic, fast and smooth, but it's a bit more of a speedster than I need. I'm not doing any club rides or centuries, I just need a commuter and grocery getter that can handle rough roads and a little gravel, maybe a weekend tour. This bike does not handle gravel well.

I posted in the for sale section, but I'm hoping to find someone to trade for a steel touring bike with more traditional geometry and room for tires wider than 28. I probably need 51 - 55 cm.

Thanks!

bikecrate

Well, that's a shame. There's always the Jamis Renegade line. My other bike is a Expert, but they make some steel models that are pretty reasonable in price.

riverdrifter

I haven't tried a tire swap yet. Jamis says I can fit 28s on it, so I might try a commuter type tire.

riverdrifter

Ok so I decided to put Schwalbe Marathon 28s on this bike to see if that helps with the rough roads. I ordered them today, we'll see if that makes the difference for me. I sure like everything else about the bike.

riverdrifter

I got the Marathon 28s installed. I was surprised to see they don't really look bigger than the Vitoria Zafirro 25s that were on there. Slightly taller, but no wider. I tried 35s on the bike, and they actually fit on the sides, but they rubbed on top on the brakes, just barely. I think 32s would fit on this bike, even though Jamis says 28 max.

The Marathons ride great. I can tell they are heavier, but they are much more comfortable on the rough streets I ride on.

TrojanHorse

Well, you just discovered the downside of slightly older bikes - the wide tire rage hadn't fully caught on. I think 28s would be too skinny for gravel and probably not good on anything looser than firmly packed dirt, but they should provide a comfort enhancement on regular roads. Good luck!

riverdrifter

Thanks! Yeah they are working out good on these rough streets here.

riverdrifter

Riding regularly and adjusting as I go, I've got things now just how I like. The compact geometry is great for riding around town. I'd say putting on Schwalbe 28s was transformative. It's perfect for pulling the trailer and hauling light loads.

riverdrifter