Jamis, a longtime leader in racing bicycle manufacturing, has released its latest iteration of the Ventura Comp bicycle, and gorgeous doesn’t even begin to describe this bike. Although Jamis designers added .25lbs to the 2008 version, the upgrades from last year’s Ventura Comp add size-specific tubing, a full carbon fork, Shimano 105 shifters, front derailleur, and cassette, and sport a 20-speed drive cycle. Also this year is the SRAM X-speed chain with PowerLock technology to provide reliable mobility through the years.
The specific size of the tubing means that smaller bikes are built with smaller tubes, and larger bikes are built with larger tubes to more adequately support larger riders. A Kinesis 7005 double-butted main with integrated head tube and carbon fiber monostay to reduce road vibration and increase aerodynamic efficiency. Carbon fiber is also used for the fork, and the aero-shaped blade features. In the cycling world, this is unusual for a road bike in this price category. A 15% lower gear ratio than the 39T road bike means that you’ll have the ability to climb the road you want with a triple with less weight than a traditional double.
Essentially, this bike is perfect for riders who don’t want to sacrifice the comforts of a racing bike, but don’t need to drop a grand four on a fully equipped racing bike. Jamis Cycles promotes this bike as “the perfect machine for people who aren’t into racing life.”
The fun part was the test ride. I talked to the salesman for a while about the various aspects of this new bike, and after taking off my helmet, I left. First off, this bike picks up speed like a rocket! Standing on the pedals and harder on the handlebars left me with not only acceleration, but also ride quality. A few minutes later I found myself on the steps of a local bar, enjoying the excitement of this new bike. The salesman told me about the cornering ability of this bicycle, and not necessarily new to the bicycle, I got a blessing from the dig and hanging corner. A high curve, an unwary squirrel that slipped out of the road, but Jamis stuck to the tarmac like glue to the top. Suffice it to say that when I returned to the bike shop, I did not want to return the bike. The Jamis Ventura Comp not only exceeded my expectations in terms of its performance, but its price made me think twice about walking away empty handed. With an MSRP of approximately $1100, the James Ventura Comp could very well be the world’s best value for 2008.
For a reasonably priced bike that offers its fair share to the rider who wants a strong weekend bike, or even wants to go. so much so that we would say that this bike would serve as an excellent exerciser or race bike as well as a warrior author. If you’re in the market for a new bike, check out the Ventura Comp now and grab one for a ride. You understand immediately what I mean.
