Jamis vs Specialized – Which bike is better?


Bike brands present users with alternative options in riding experience and speed. In the case of the Jamis versus Specialized bikes,which bikebrand is doing the most?

Value for money is an over emphasized phrase for most of us but we take it very seriously when making valuable purchases like our daily city commutes.

This is why it’s exciting and refreshing to come across bikes that go beyond providing value and extend themselves to give some extra features and benefits.

Of course, for these extras to make sense, they must add some significant aspect to the bike in aesthetics or performance.

My client is in the market for a quality bike with some value-added features so I created this summary with my personal recommendations to help guide him and other customers like him who come to my bike shop.

What is the difference between Jamis and Specialized?

Model
Jamis Ventura
Specialized Venge
Brakes
Tekra Lyra
SRAM Red hydraulic disc
Shifters
Shimano Sora
SRAM Red eTap AXS
Saddle
Selle Royal Asphalt
S-Works Power
Stem
Jamis Performance ECO
Venge Integrated
Cassette
Shimano HG201
SRAM RED XG-12 Speed
Wheels
Alex ATD
Roval CLX 64
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Jamis vs Specialized – How do they compare?

Geometry

The Jamis fork is built of carbon and the steerer provides precise steeringbetter than Specialized which has a fork offset that creates quick handling with unlimited steering.

Jamis has a clean-cut geometry featuring a tapered head tube with hidden bearing cups. All through the frame, the tubes and butts have been shaped in a way to reduce weight and enhance the quality of the ride.

The Specialized aero bike has a 571m stack height and a 408mm reach which is neither too low nor too stretched.

To create a wonderful balance, the bikes are built with 73.5-degree angles and 44mm fork offset that creates quick handling with unlimited steering.

Comfort

The Specialized has a saddle that is compliant to the Toupe Sport Body Geometry which guarantees generous padding for supreme comfortbetter than Jamis that uses the Ritchey bar design. 

Replacements are key for any bike and Jamis uses the Ritchey bar, Seatpost, and stem which are not only aesthetically cool but also add to the bike’s comfort in riding.

You may adjust your arms reach by realigning the distance between the shift and brake levers in relation to your handlebar.

The Specialized aero bike features a four-bolt bar clamp that holds the flat winged Aerofly II bar in place.

Features 

Jamis uses Shimano Sora which boasts of 9-speeds which is less impressive than the Specialized which offers over 12 gears to shift to.

To protect the 28mm wide Vittoria tires from mud and debris,Jamis Ventura features a rear rack mount and fenders. The wheels are also tubeless-ready which gives you the option to use that when your tires are worn out.

Mavic CXP 22 rim wheelset is Jamis’ best option and it sports 32 spokes at the rear and 28 at the front. For range of gear, you can count on the 11-32 cassette.

Flat mount disc brake calipers and the derailleur hanger are both replaceable which is a practical consideration on the Jamis’ part.

With Specialized bikes, you will get the SRAM pinnacle matched to the Red AXS that can be tuned to your specific preferences through an app. 

They use machined chainrings that are directly mounted onto the crank arms and feature a power meter that creates a neat and accurate setup.

This setup helps to maintain high speeds even at a consistent cadence making the bike suitable for climbs and descents.

Using HED Jet Plus 6 SCT wheelset puts the Cervelo rider limit at 220 pounds and incorporates 60mm rims that look good and perform great.

Specialized aero bikes are fitted with the CLX64 wheels that spin on CeramicSpeed bearings. S-Works Cotton Turbo tires that measure up to 28mm in width.

Jamis vs Specialized – A Comparison Overview 

Jamis Review 

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Jamis was founded in 1979 with their first bike the “Boss Cruiserâ€. They have an aim to manufacture mountain bikes that make for an adventure as oppose to the challenge associated with the sport.

They also make great hybrid and road bikes. They have a clean-cut geometry featuring a tapered head tube with hidden bearing cups. The fork is built of carbon and the steerer ranges from 1.5 inches to 1.125 inches to improve bike sturdiness and provide precise steering.

All through the frame, the tubes and butts have been shaped in a way to reduce weight and enhance the quality of the ride.

You may adjust your arms reach by realigning the distance between the shift and brake levers in relation to your handlebar.

The Ventura uses Shimano Sora for a wide range of gears in the drivetrain which boasts of 9-speeds and ride on the 11-32 cassette.

Pros 

  • Great front-end handling
  • Quality Di2 components
  • Fast handlebar

Cons 

  • Cable boss in the way of pedaling

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Specialized Review 

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Founded by Mike Sinyard, Specialized was initially a brand known for importing Italian made parts and selling them in the United States.

They made their mark in the industry with the introduction of brands such as Specialized Allez road bike, Stumpjumper mountain bike, and Sequoia touring bike back in 1981.

The Specialized collection has everything ranging from aero road bikes to mountain bikes with full-suspension.

Specialized are built to be race bikes and the put the rider in an aggressive riding position that offers quick handling and lightweight properties that are perfect for climbing and comfortable responsiveness.

They caters to both women and men and the cockpit, seatstays, forks, and Seatpost have been optimized to create more stiffness in the rear end.

Shock suspension systems guarantee rider’s comfort and an adjustable 20mm of travel. Their Seatpost is D-shaped to reduce vibrations and increase aerodynamic capabilities that breeze over cobblestones.

They are built with more clearance to take up tires as wide as 33m and are fitted with Shimano hydraulic brakes that work in connection with the Roubaix SRAM eTap AXS model system.

Pros 

  • Compact bike
  • Quality parts
  • Reliable Suspension

Cons 

  • Tires limited in winter

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Conclusion 

Jamis offers riders a superb frame that quickly and accurately responds to your input. The bike in turn, through the fork, disc brakes, and detailed design, gives you adequate feedback to help guide your next moves for a memorable ride.

For the Specialized bikes, the S-Works Cotton Turbo tires roll beautifully over varied terrain but they are prone to punctures. If you would like to go fast and throw caution to the wind, replace the tires with a tubeless alternative especially in the wintertime.

Verdict: So, which is better – Jamis or Specialized?

Jamis bikes are slightly better than Specialized. Though they are heavier, they have stable control and stronger power than Specialized. They are reactive and responsive to the terrain when climbing hills and provide smooth and balanced handling in the ride experience.

FAQ 

What is the weight of Jamis Ventura bike?

The bike weighs 22.5 pounds.

Why does the Di2 junction box sit in the Specialized Seatpost?

This clears up the cockpit and allows for easy adjustments to be made on the stem, handlebars, and headset.