JAMIS DRAGON
Privateer racer

Over the last few years, we have come to praise the steel-frames Jamis Dragon for its quality workmanship, good handling characteristics and sensible parts. Jamis' plan of attack for the cross country Dragon was to retain last year's chassis and go heavy on the modern components.
While custom frame makers may provide nicer welds or even a lug or two, a quality Reynolds frame like the Dragon's will provide many years of riding satisfaction. Jamis is able to place the Dragon in the $2400 price category and still deliver the goods that serious racers need to be successful on the NORBA circuit. The Dragon is one reason that Jamis' grass roots racing
program is so successful. Here is what make s the Dragon breathe fire.

THE FEEL OF STEEL
Those who live by the "steel is real" mantra could fill the pages of this magazine with reasons why steel is superior. But rather than bore you with "It's the ride, man" commentaries, we will agree that, while a steel frame weighs a little more than a comparable aluminum one, the lively feel and forgiving flexibility of steel will ensure its popularity and survival for as long as the hardtail exists.

TRADITIONAL NUMBERS
Jamis produces the Dragon frame in stunning red with TIG-welded, butted Reynolds 853 air-hardened pipes. Thee head tube angle is 71 degrees and the seat tube angle is 72-degrees. Our 17-inch test bike sports a 23-inch top tube, 16-11/16 inch chainstays and 41-3/4 wheelbase. The left chainstay has an A-type disc brake mount. Our complete Dragon weighed under 23.5 pounds.

Tubeless Tires: Jamis is the first major manufacturer to outfit a mass produced bike with Mavic UST CrossMax wheels and Hutchinson Python tubeless tires.

And the Winning Parts Are: Trail irregularities are ironed flat by Manitou Mars CL elastomer/air fork and TPC damping. The drivetrain is comprised of SRAM's elite-level ESP 9.0 SL shifters and rear derailleur mated with Shimano Deore XT cranks. Accessorizing the cockpit are Avid vee brakes and levers; a Thomson Elite seat pillar; Time pedals; a profile stem; and a Titec flat handlebar. What a package!

RIDING THE DRAGON
The layout of the Dragon is definitely suited to a hard-charging sport-racer. Most hardtails in the Dragon's price range are outfitted with trendy riser handlebars and tall stems. Jamis did not give into the fad and spec'd the cockpit for its intended audience - this means a flat bar with barends. Thanks to its neutral geometry, the Jamis keep you out of trouble at speed and in control in tight situations. The moment you jump on the Jamis, you feel comfortable and confident. The combined performance of Mavic's tubeless wheels and Hutchinson's low pressure tires will make you a believer in the UST system. The Dragon gripped the Earth when it seem to be falling away and rolled effortlessly over hard packed surfaces. Climbing aboard the Jamis was relatively enjoyable due to its roomy cockpit and decidedly cross-country configurations. You could style up slopes with smooth easy strokes on the crankset or saw away on the pedal and the Jamis would hold a steady course up the mountain. Avid's vee-brakes and levers provided decent stopping power and good modulation. We have bagged on Avid brakes in the past, but feel the quality of these popular stoppers have significantly improved.

TIME TO VENT
Unfortunately, MBA's test riders never got the setup right on the Jamis Manitou fork. The TPC damping system performs beautifully and its sensitive adjustments can be tweaked to suit anybody's riding style, but we weren't happy with the Mars fork dual element spring. You can feel the transition point between the MCU bumper and the air spring. It sometimes gives you the sense that the front wheel is hunting, especially on fast, rough singletracks. Last month we showed you SRAM's new line-up. Since then we have had numerous shifting difficulties. Our 9.0 SL system on the Dragon was imprecise and unreliable compared to 1999 versions.

THE DRAGON IN A NUTSHELL
Any unsponsored racer who needs a new ride this year should take a long, hard look at the Jamis Dragon. It has everything you need in stock trim, and it should see you through a couple of years on the NORBA circuit. You don't have to be a racer boy (or racer girl) to appreciate the all-performance-no-chi-chi Dragon. It will please anyone who is looking for a cutting edge hardtail with a sweet sticker price.

CHECK OUT THIS BIKE!
CLICK HERE!