Finally - new FS. Jamis Dakar XC Comp or Specialized Stumpjumper???

[Inspiribomb]

I have sold the old Trek in favor of something more newer, more plush, more rigid, and just a better all-around bike. I have narrowed it down to 2 bikes, the Jamis Dakar XC Comp (2006) and the Specialized Stumpjumper Comp (2007).

I test rode and really liked both of them. The Jamis is very light and nimble, but the high top-tube scares me, its high enough to make me nervous if (when) I wipe out.

The Specialized is also pretty light and quick, and has an extra inch of travel in the rear and a dip in the top tube (and lets face it, the new Stumpies look BA).

Both bikes are equipped with Juicy 5 hydraulic disc brakes and other similar componentry, the Stumpy is about 400-500 more. I ride hard and like jumping almost anything I see, so am leaning towards the beefier Stumpy, but wonder if the Jamis would be the way to go. Any thoughts on how the two compare? Thanks for any input!

PS - I should add that I do quite a variety of riding. Everything from light trails to roads, paths, muddy stuff, tree roots, rocks. Pretty much a bit of everything.

[Tetreves]

Having riden both models in previous years, I've always preferred the Stumpy's. I used to ride a HT Stumpy and it served me very well through many years.

[2BOutside]

I've got a 05 Stumpy Comp and really love it (upgraded from a 12 yr old Cannondale). So that'd be my vote I guess. Really like the propedal mode of the rear shock on my model (maybe it's newer/fancier now?).

So go Stumpy!

[mb598]

Go for the stumpy I have crushed on high top tubes so many times that would decide it for me there

[DmacBmac]

I will chime in for the Jamis. I am I big guy jumping and running over everything with my Jamis Dakar XLT 2.0 and it hasn't skipped a beat!

[Inspiribomb]

I am sure the Jamis is a great bike, and their newer designs do incorporate a dip in the top tube, but the one I'm looking at is the 06 model and doesn't have that dip.

I haven't ridden with my pedal/shoe combination on the stumpy yet, but will do so this weekend. I'll get a really good idea of what the bike feels like then. Also, I have a choice between the 06 and 07 Stumpy. The 06 has the M4 frame material and smaller disc brakes, but is about $500 less than the 07. The 07 feels lighter (not much), has larger disc brakes and just looks damn good.

I think I'll go with the Stumpy, probably the 07 model. Just wish I could get a little bit of a deal, or the shop to throw in a couple accessories along with the sale. I'm guessing they have no problems at all selling these things, so they don't really negotiate on the prices much.

[Standard]

I've just been putting the first few miles on an '07 Stumpjumper Elite, and it's awesome.

[Heuy]

First off it sounds like you're in between the '06 and 07 stumpy. I am a fan of the horst Link which I'm sure the Specialized sales guys have talked about. As far as a price differrence to pick up bigger brakes and less weight find out were the weight savings is. I'm assuming they're the same frame so its gotta be somewhere in the componentry. Weigh both bikes maybe its in your head. Remeber that some components most likely won't be with you forever. Also it matters where the weight is on the bike. Heavy wheels are a killer. If its heavier pedals and saddle, you might not like the factory ones anyhow.

[SprocketHead]

Figure out a way to ride both of them on a Real Trail!

I don't know much about Jamis. Mine is an 06 Stumpy full boinger, it's a terrific bike! I chose it because I need a "Light Duty All Mountain"... That's what the Stumpy is.

IF you ride "Hard" or you are a large person, you may want to deal with the extra weight of something like the Specialized Enduro.

Choose Carefully, it's tough to get rid of a used bike!

[Inspiribomb]

Well, I rode the 07 Stumpy comp and 06 Stumpy Expert. I didn't care for the shifters on the Expert, but the Juicy 7 brakes were nice. You can adjust how close the pads are to the rotors on the handles, which is nice, but I prefer simplicity of design. All around, I like the 07 Stumpy more. I am actually going to go pick it up right now... :D

[ebrandel]

I am actually going to go pick it up right now... :D
Congrats! I was debating between a Stumpy and an Epic when I bought my bike earlier this year and ended up getting a 2006 Epic Comp. I've been really happy with it so far. :)
But, since you mentioned that you do some jumping, the Stumpy would most likely be a better fit. When my wheels leave the ground, I get nervous and run into trees ;)

[Inspiribomb]

I bought a 07 Stumpy, and absolutely love it! I put about 75 miles on it this weekend. A lot of easy path riding, some stuff by Minnehaha falls, just getting the feel for the bike. I hit the partially paved hill going down to the field at Minnehaha Falls pretty fast, and I felt like I was floating across the field, it was that plush. Then a bit later I realized I had the rear shock set to Pro-pedal.

You know that feeling of buyer's remorse? Well, I definitely DO NOT have that at all! This was a great buy, even though it was a lot of money, it was well worth it. I got the bike shop to throw in a shock pump, camelback and some chain lube with the purchase as well. Tonight I think I'm either going to hit Minnehaha again or possibly downtown St. Paul.

Ebrandel - I actually was considering an Epic (awesome bikes), they had some nice ones on closeout, but considering the type of riding I do the Stumpy was just a better fit.

[ebrandel]

You know that feeling of buyer's remorse? Well, I definitely DO NOT have that at all! This was a great buy, even though it was a lot of money, it was well worth it. I got the bike shop to throw in a shock pump, camelback and some chain lube with the purchase as well. Tonight I think I'm either going to hit Minnehaha again or possibly downtown St. Paul.

If you're by the falls, there is actually a small section of singletrack just a little ways from it that is kind of fun. At least, it's better than biking on paved trails. Just head south towards Fort Snelling. When the paved trail enters the woods you'll see a wide, rough looking downhill trail break off to the left. Don't take that. That's kind of where the dog park starts and there are a lot of off leash dogs that way. A little bit past that is another wider trail on the left side that goes to the same place, so don't take that either. A little bit past that second wide trail is a third narrower one. That's what you're looking for. Go in there and explore around. If you get to an open area with a trail going through a meadow, you can enter through there as well.

Nothing there is on the level of, say, Theo, but if you're in the area it's the closest trails I know of. There may be hikers and off leash dogs in there as well, so be careful (and courteous :)). And, there are some 6x6s put in place to control erosion on one of the trails, so you can test out your suspension on those ;)

When I go for my standard ride across the Mendota bridge and back, I usually hit these trails on my way home. It's a nice way to finish a ride.

Here's a map showing kind of where it is:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/174/469974945_c32d9c2d45_o_d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/41741767@N00/469974945/)

[Inspiribomb]

Hey thanks for the tips! I will check it out. I accidentally ventured into the off-leash area last summer, not fun. I often ride from my place in Highland Park over to Minnehaha, Fort Snelling, Lake Harriet, etc. When there aren't so many people around, there are a few "bumps" by the falls that you can catch a little bit of air off of, but nothing really that great.

And hey, if any of you guys happen to see me out on the trails or wherever, feel free to say hi, I'm a nice enough guy :) Just look for the guy on the 07 Stumpy (black/red), usually wearing cargo shorts, my camelback and a BMX-style helmet. Also, I'm always up for a ride, shoot me a PM, email or whatever, it'd be nice to have someone to ride with, even if they make my riding skills look terrible ;)