mstateglfr 

Oh. I said that Jamis only offering 1x in the nicer steel is disappointing.

As for the frameset, Jamis has offered the Renegade steel frame as a standalone option for years. It's come in flat black with 631 tubes.
I came incredibly close to buying one in summer of '19, but bought a Fairlight Secan frame instead because availability in my size had a shorter wait time.
The Jamis geometry was spot on for what I wanted and the value was great- I think it was $900 at the time.

irreverentskier

I don't think they are still selling the frameset. Looks like maybe they have a few leftover 56cm ones from the prior year. I'll ask the bike shop though, I'm glad you mentioned, thanks.

shelbyfv

I'd be surprised if you could tell a difference in the 631 vs 520 frames. In theory 631 would be lighter but a gravel bike will be heavy regardless.

irreverentskier

I agree, it'd be fun to build one, and if a frameset is in stock it could be easier to get than a complete bike, but I think I'd be pretty happy with how the S3 comes stock. I'm not too worried about what brand of tubing it is.

mstateglfr 

I have no idea what butting profiles Jamis uses for their 631 and 520 frames, so tube weight is an unknown. In theory, the 631 frame should be lighter.
Beyond weight though is frame strength. 631 is air hardening so the joints are stronger after welding compared to 520.

irreverentskier

So, I went with the 54.


Blue Line Bike Lab actually called (they are great if anyone's in Houston). They had gotten a 51cm S3, so they had both... a 51 (Renegade S3) and a 54 (Renegade S4) in stock. I could have been fine with either of them, but the 54 was considerably more comfortable/stable felt like a smoother ride, etc... just all around a very nice bike. Getting off the seat at a stop sort of happened pretty naturally on both the 51 and the 54, and I was able to stand over the 54, so it wasn't such a big deal. Everyone's comments were helping to me in thinking about what mattered about fit and feel in the bike, so thanks again.


Unfortunately, the 54 isn't in stock in the S3 (Jamis doesn't even have one they can ship); Blue Line said it would be in around the end of April. I guess I'm riding wife's Dr. Dew in the meantime. I wish I still had my Kona Explosif. I figured the month-long wait would be worth it though, I probably don't buy a new bike but every few years.


Wife is 5'4" with just about exactly the same leg length/PBH as me (within a couple millimeters), and she found the 51 much more comfortable (but she didn't want N+2, so she said she's keeping her Dr. Dew for now but that Jamis might be her next bike).

grcolts

I am late to this discussion and you might have already purchased your Jamis Renegade but if not here is my 2 cents.
I am right at 5"7" and this past spring I purchased a 51cm Renegade A1 and it fits perfectly. A 54cm I think would have most likely stretched me out too far on the bike. I have ridden many miles on mine now including paved roads, gravel roads and hard trail and am happy I got the 51cm over the 54cm. Your case might be different but the smaller frame works for me.

Lombard

I think you made a good choice. Sometimes, you have to go with your gut. A test ride is priceless. As long as you can dismount the bike without neutering yourself, you're golden in that respect.

If you are truly in between sizes, then your choice may depend on how aggressive or upright a position you like. If you like being more upright, the larger frame would work better. If you like an aggressive race position, a smaller frame might work better.

daihard 

Just wanted to comment. I think you've made a great decision. What's most important in cycling is that you're comfortable on your bike. Glad you've found a bike that fits you well.

Just FWIW, I'm 5'5" with 29" in-seam. Judding from the geometry chart of the Renegade, I would choose 51, which IMO is aligned with your having chosen 54.