WRONG BIKE: Could this really be a bicycle that can be had for under $700? Maybe not, if Jamis doesn't make enough of them! Some of the other bikes had slightly better components, but none of them put it all together as well as Jamis.

SEVEN BIKES UNDER $700 GO BAR TO BAR...

This is the most unique group of mountain bikes the MBA wrecking crew has ever assembled for a shootout. Instead of comparing the obvious ($1500 dual-suspension bikes, $5000 downhill rigs or $2500 trailbikes) we've done something totally different. We assembled a full spectrum of mountain bikes that could be purchased for $700 (or less). They didn't have to be a certain type of bike, they just had to roll off the showroom floor for under $700.

We ended up with a single-speed (Redline), a hucker (Kona), three hardtails (Specialized, Fisher and Trek) and two dual-suspension bikes (Giant and Jamis). While we've already been accused of comparing apples to oranges with this ragtag fleet, isn't that exactly what you face when you look down a row of bikes at a bike shop? The more we thrashed our seven competitors, the more sense our shootout made.

While we didn't have any trouble coming up with an overall winner (there is a bike that stands head and shoulders above the rest), we couldn't identify a stinker in the group. Sure they all have different personalities, but they are all likeable rides. Here is what we found out.

JAMIS DAKAR
HEAD OF THE CLASS
POSITION: 1
"I found my new favorite," said the wrecking crewer with a laugh as he pulled off the test loop on the Jamis Dakar. That scene was repeated four more times (the Jamis was voted numero uno by five out of six crewers, and the holdout still gave it a podium position). How did the Jamis upset the likes of Giant, Specialized, Trek and Fisher?

THE RIDE :
Look at this bike! Did Jamis send us the wrong Dakar? We triple checked the price. The Dakar could easily be passed off as a $1000 ride. The dual-suspended Dakar has a Fox shock, Shimano Alivio cranks and Deore rear derailleur, Wellgo WPD-823 clipless pedals and Tektro forged alloy linear pull brakes with Avid AD3 alloy levers. All this, plus it looks great.
On the flats:
The shock preload ring is easy to access for setting the sag to your preference. The seat is comfortable, although some crewers felt it a bit too wide at the rear. The Dakar rolls fast on Hutchinson Mosquito 2.0 tires. While the cockpit is not as roomy as the Fisher, it does not feel cramped.
In the rough:
The suspension gets major points for its balanced feel. The rear remains active for soaking up the hits without soaking up power. There is no chatter or top out, even after bottoming the suspension.
On the climbs:
Not the lightest bike, the Dakar is a good pedaler. Our beginner was shocked to learn that he had cleared the climb in the middle chainring. The Dakar has a pro-bike feel in and out of the saddle while climbing.
Decending:
The Dakar has a quick release seatpost if you want to lower the saddle for steep decents. It is quick-handling and nervous at speed, so pay attention and relax. The suspension will help you down the gnarly stuff.
Cornering:
The Dakar is an ultra-quick turner. It feels best at singletrack speed on tight, technical trails, but could rail fast corners as well.
Braking:
Stopping power could be rated no higher than fair. We noticed a good amount of brake pad material on the rims early in our testing. You will want to experiment with different brake pad compounds to find one more compatible with these rims.

THE BOTTOM LINE:
"Considering the price, I can't suggest a better spec, and it handles perfectly as a trail bike," gushed one rider after turning the Dakar over to the next pilot. What we have here is a clear winner for the rider with a $700 budget. Tha Dakar can handle anything you plan on doing with a mountain bike and then some. It will show its true colors on longer rides. The more hours you spend in the saddle, the more you're going to want to ride it. Ladies and gentlemen, da winner!

PRICE: $699
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Taiwan
WEIGHT: 30.5 pounds
FRAME MATERIAL: Aluminum
FORK: Manitou Six Comp
SHOCK: Fox Vanilla coil-over
FRAME SIZE: 17"
BOTTOM BRACKET HEIGHT: 12"
CHAINSTAY LENGTH: 17.75"
TOP TUBE LENGTH: 23.5"
HEAD ANGLE : 71¾
SEAT TUBE ANGLE: 74¾
STAND-OVER HEIGHT: 31"
WHEELBASE: 43"
SUSPENSION TRAVEL (FRONT): 4"
SUSPENSION TRAVEL (REAR): 3.5"

Jamis Bicycles: 800.222.0570; www.jamisbikes.com

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