My New Bike (2)

Triathlon Forum
1

Well, almost…

I went to my local bike shop and put a $50 deposit on this bike. I told the owner I needed to sleep on it before breaking out the check book. It seems like a good deal. It’s a 2004 model, and I’m getting it for 1/2 the retail price of (I think) almost $1,300. So, for $650 - how’s this bike? I’m pretty ignorant still on the whole bike thing. But everything seems pretty decent. Here are the specs and a pic:

http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/spec_geo/images/5_ventura.jpg FRAME

Kinesis Superlight 7005 triple-butted aluminum,
sloping top tube frame design,replaceable derailleur hanger. FORK Carbon fiber unicrown, chromo steerer, forged dropouts. HEADSET Aheadset, zero-stack, alloy, 1 1/8”, 20mm alloy spacers. WHEELSET Ritchey-built Deep Section Comp wheelset, 20/24H, Ritchey Comprims & hubs, radial laced front, 2x rear. TIRES Hutchinson Flash, 700 x 23C, kevlar (CST-1115 650c on 47cm). DERAILLEURS Shimano “105” GS rear, Tiagra 28.6mm band clamp front. SHIFTERS Shimano Tiagra, Dual Control STI, 27-speed CHAIN KMC CN-HG73. FREEWHEEL Shimano HG50, 9-speed, 12-23. CRANKSET TruVativ Touro, 52/42/30, 165mm (XS),
170mm (S-M), 175mm (L-XL). BOTTOM BRACKET TruVativ Sealed Cartridge, 68 x 113mm. PEDALS Shimano SPD A515, clipless. BRAKESET Tektro dual pivot calipers,Shimano Tiagra STI levers. HANDLEBAR Ritchey BioMax II Road,
420mm (XS-S), 440mm (M-XL). STEM Ritchey Road Comp (±6°), 90mm (XS-S),
100mm (M), 120mm (L-XL). GRIPS Bar tape. SEATPOST Ritchey Comp, 250mm x 27.2mm, alloy clamp. SADDLE Selle Royale Look-In 2004,ActTex top and cromo rails. SIZES XS (650), S, M, L, XL COLORS Candy Blue/Gloss Black WEIGHT 20.75 lbs **** Close

2

Oh, it’s a Jamis Ventura
.

3

Regular retail for this bike should be around $899.-, so you get it for $200.- less. Not too shabby.

You are not planning on slapping aerobars on it, I hope.

It is a decent beginners road bike that should give you the opportunity to figure out if you like cycling.

Have fun

4

I’m not planning on putting aerobars on it. But, i’m not really sure why I SHOULDN’T…

I’ve been nervous about buying a bike, because it’s all Greek to me. I looked at a Giant OCR, but the price wasn’t better than this, and it seemed like the wheels and components weren’t as good. I also looked at a Felt, but it too was more expensive and seemed of lesser quality.

I just want a bike that I can get started on in doing this tri-thing. BTW, I am training for my first tri right now.

Thanks.

B

5

" i’m not really sure why I SHOULDN’T… I looked at a Giant OCR,"

Ignore any any elitist comments. It’s NOT about the bike.

My wife did her first two years in local sprint tris on an OCR3 and had several AG wins and podiums. Her bike was equiped with Sora so you’re an upgrade.

Get a set of shorty aero bars and you’re ready to rock n roll.

The nice thing about this bike is that you can also join a roadie group and learn the handling skills as well as do tris.

My opinion - it’s a good deal.

6

Thanks.

7

You got a good deal and you should put many thousand miles on that baby … Jamis are good bikes at a good price and this one is a very nice bike. I have a step down, the “Aurora” and I love it: It’s a touring/cross bike and rides great with knobbies or slicks. Heavy (3+ pounds more than this one) but so far very durable and fun to ride. Happy training!

8

very cool to get a new toy, especially at a bargain.

Have fun.

9

A pretty thing! And a good deal. Perfect for a first bike.

clm