felt z90 vs 2007 jamis ventura comp

13-07.-2007, 03:15 PM	#1
shun Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5	felt z90 vs 2007 jamis ventura comp i am trying to buy a beginner bike.I heard that bicycle mag just made the jamis best beginner bike.but i am new to road bikes.and i need some advice on pedals in case i buy the jamis.

14-07.-2007, 11:17 PM	#2
daveydave Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 33	Re: felt z90 vs 2007 jamis ventura comp Shun, Sorry this isn't a real answer, but more of a hope to share some information as it seem like we are in the same boat. I'm looking at both of these right now. Have you taken a test ride on both? I have been on the Felt and expect to get on the Jamis this weekend. I've been on everything from: Do the felt 90 or Jamis comp remind you of any of the following? or Others? What I've ridden: Specialized Allez - very nice Specialized Sequoia - probably my second choice Trek 1000 - nice, but there is just something about it that's not perfect Felt z25 / 55 ? with steel fok. Ok - but not great Cannondale - didn't really like It's probably my inseam being a bit short for a 5'9'' rider (28.5), but I just seem to feel better on bikes with compact geometry. Dave

15-07.-2007, 03:00 PM

shun

Registered User

Join Date: Jul 2007

Posts: 5

Re: felt z90 vs 2007 jamis ventura comp

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveydave

Shun,

Sorry this isn't a real answer, but more of a hope to share some information as it seem like we are in the same boat.

I'm looking at both of these right now. Have you taken a test ride on both? I have been on the Felt and expect to get on the Jamis this weekend. I've been on everything from:

Do the felt 90 or Jamis comp remind you of any of the following? or Others?

What I've ridden:
Specialized Allez - very nice
Specialized Sequoia - probably my second choice
Trek 1000 - nice, but there is just something about it that's not perfect
Felt z25 / 55 ? with steel fok. Ok - but not great
Cannondale - didn't really like

It's probably my inseam being a bit short for a 5'9'' rider (28.5), but I just seem to feel better on bikes with compact geometry.

Dave

thanks for responding.I read from a bike mechanic's post that the trek 1000 has
problems with it's spokes(they break frequently).He said that we pay for the name for the beginner trek bikes the bikes are really good only in the top range.
The jamis is not as recognized as the trek or felt but is known to give the best bang for the buck.I've been on a mountain bike all my life so i am not sure how a road bike should be like.That's why i am going to a dealer in town who deals with both jamis and felt bikes and ask their opinion. The felt definitely looks better but the jamis has name brand parts whereas the trek has a whole buch of Botanger parts.
Pl. inform me if you know of any pedals (low priced) i could use on the jamis if I end up buying it.

15-07.-2007, 05:45 PM

KellyT

Registered User

Join Date: Aug 2006

Location: Scotland

Posts: 216

Re: felt z90 vs 2007 jamis ventura comp

Quote:

Originally Posted by shun

That isn't even close to true. I have 4 Trek's including a 1000. The specification is as good as most at the price, and after quite a few miles on it, it's entirely impeccable. Anyone trying to criticise a Trek 1000, is probably trying to sell you something else, or has another vested interest, or simply just hasn't got a clue.

16-07.-2007, 09:52 AM

daveydave

Registered User

Join Date: Jun 2007

Posts: 33

Re: felt z90 vs 2007 jamis ventura comp

Thanks for the reply Kelly,

I'd love to hear what the other 3 bikes are and your thoughts on how they all compare. Maybe they are apples and oranges, but maybe you might have more to say about them.

The more I look, and I have been looking for about a month...I'm impressed with the Trek 1000. Not that it was amazing, but for $650 at my LBS it's still consistently better in components, weight and other components than most entry levels. I wish I had gotten out this weekend to continue my shopping. Particularly to ride the Jamis, Felt and Trek 1000 again. I just feel like a side by side needs to be done, and I also want to find a decent hill near the shop I compare them at.

Still, my favorite - from just a hop on and ride, was the Allez. Maybe it was just setup better.

dave

Quote:

Originally Posted by KellyT

16-07.-2007, 12:20 PM	#6
shun Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5	Re: felt z90 vs 2007 jamis ventura comp how about this bike i found in bikesdirect.com http://www.bikesdirect.com/products.../ventnoir07.htm

16-07.-2007, 08:29 PM

daveydave

Registered User

Join Date: Jun 2007

Posts: 33

Re: felt z90 vs 2007 jamis ventura comp

I've seen many posts on this forum from Vent Noir owners. I've yet to see one that is negative. The Vent Noir components are pretty sweet! It's < 20lbs according to several owners I've had contact with.

About the frame, it's a Kinesis frame 7005 double butted. Which one? Well, it looks a lot like the Racelight KIC or KIC2. I'm not saying it is, but it might be an offshoot and it's made from a well respected frame and fork maker. If you want to take your adventure a bit further and check out details Kinesis or the Kinesis Racelight KIC reviews, check out this post:

http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/f...03_2493crx.aspx
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...x?ModelID=15108 - maybe someone can break down the Ventnoir Geometry vs this model.

and the Kinesis company site:
http://www.kinesisbikes.co.uk/kic_detail.php

dave

Quote:

Originally Posted by shun

how about this bike i found in bikesdirect.com http://www.bikesdirect.com/products.../ventnoir07.htm

18-07.-2007, 09:44 AM	#8
spinner32 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 77	Re: felt z90 vs 2007 jamis ventura comp I'd definitely recommend the Ventura Comp. I have had the pleasure of building a few of these up, and every time I am impressed with the quality Jamis puts into the Ventura's frame. While riding it, you get the feeling of a much pricier bike. The only thing that brings you back to reality is when you look down at the hoods, half expecting to see higher level components due to the nimble and snappy ride that the bike gives. In my opinion, you get a lot of bike for your money with the Ventura, and there's a good reason it was named entry level road bike of the year. As far as bike weights go, I wouldn't let this sway your opinion at all. At this price range, the weights aren't going to be due to the frames, but more likely the components (namely the wheelsets) that are included. It's best that you look for a frame that gives you good torsional and lateral stiffness, as this is how the wattage you generate will be transfered into forward movement. A good way to compare these two traits in any bike is to take them to a short, semi-steep hill, and get up out of the saddle for a few powerful strokes. The stiffer frames will give you a bit more from each revolution - a "snappier" response to your power input. All in all, along with proper fit, this is perhaps the most noticable difference you'll find in bikes as you compare them. Also, don't worry about components too much for your first bike. Unless you plan on jumping straight into races, the differences in componentry on the bikes you named are pretty nominal. Search for a bike that makes you want to go fast, and responds well to how you want to ride it. Best of luck with your search! Last edited by spinner32 : 18-07.-2007 at 09:57 AM.

18-07.-2007, 11:40 AM	#9
shun Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5	Re: felt z90 vs 2007 jamis ventura comp I went to the local bike store and asked for their opinion on both the felt z90 and the jamis ventura comp.They said there is not much difference between the bikes except that the felt is a triple whereas the jamis is a compact. I found out they are going to have both bikes on sale for 15% off this saturday and on accesories.They also offered a free fitting session and 30 day tune-up.

18-07.-2007, 01:34 PM	#10
gotundersteer? Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 12	Re: felt z90 vs 2007 jamis ventura comp I recently purchased a Jamis Ventura Comp. I only have 160 miles on it, but I'll add a bit. After months and months of searching, I decided to go with the Ventura Comp. I don't know alot about bikes, but so far the bike has been a great little champ. I took it for a 35 mile on Monday, and I'm continually satisfied with how it feels. Compared to my old mountain bike, it's like riding on a rocket. The only thing about it is definitely that my ass needs to get used to the seat and the rougher ride. Cruising on nice pavement is fine, but it can be a tad much through some bumps. The area I've been riding in has sucked, so it was nice to find a good road on monday. I looked all over and what I found was: Alot of people were dissatisfied with the Allez. Just a general consensus I found. A fair amount of people like the Trek 100, but alot though it was a tad lesser of a bike with the same price. The only thing I wish I had done was try out the Felt. No place had one, and I was kind of in a time-crunch. But listen, after riding a good bit, I DEFINITELY would not get a triple. The double on the Jamis is MORE than enough gear for anything, unless I plan to ride straight up a 70 degree grade. Also, Bicycling has plenty of Accolades for the Ventura Comp, and for a beginner like me, I can take their word for it on how they think it compares. * Please don't flame me for saying this, because for a new rider, its the truth.

20-07.-2007, 03:59 AM

#11

daveydave

Registered User

Join Date: Jun 2007

Posts: 33

Re: felt z90 vs 2007 jamis ventura comp

Spinner,

Thanks for the information on the Ventura Comp. Have you had any experience building the Ventura Race or the Motobecane Vent Noir? I'll be trying out the Comp and the Race this weekend.

Comp = $700
Race = $850 - I was told over the phone he'd give me a deal on that bike if I wanted to step up.

Essentially, the price for a Vent Noir and Ventura Comp are the same. Of course, the wheel set on the Vent Noir is better, but that model might need a switch to a double and a saddle upgrade. With the Comp - I'd probably want to update the derailler or the wheel set at some pt. Just wondering if you have some overall thoughts on the Race or Vent Noir in comparison to the Comp???

Dave

Quote:

Originally Posted by spinner32

I'd definitely recommend the Ventura Comp. I have had the pleasure of building a few of these up, and every time I am impressed with the quality Jamis puts into the Ventura's frame. While riding it, you get the feeling of a much pricier bike. The only thing that brings you back to reality is when you look down at the hoods, half expecting to see higher level components due to the nimble and snappy ride that the bike gives. In my opinion, you get a lot of bike for your money with the Ventura, and there's a good reason it was named entry level road bike of the year.

As far as bike weights go, I wouldn't let this sway your opinion at all. At this price range, the weights aren't going to be due to the frames, but more likely the components (namely the wheelsets) that are included. It's best that you look for a frame that gives you good torsional and lateral stiffness, as this is how the wattage you generate will be transfered into forward movement. A good way to compare these two traits in any bike is to take them to a short, semi-steep hill, and get up out of the saddle for a few powerful strokes. The stiffer frames will give you a bit more from each revolution - a "snappier" response to your power input. All in all, along with proper fit, this is perhaps the most noticable difference you'll find in bikes as you compare them.

Also, don't worry about components too much for your first bike. Unless you plan on jumping straight into races, the differences in componentry on the bikes you named are pretty nominal. Search for a bike that makes you want to go fast, and responds well to how you want to ride it.

Best of luck with your search!

20-07.-2007, 04:24 AM

#12

daveydave

Registered User

Join Date: Jun 2007

Posts: 33

Re: felt z90 vs 2007 jamis ventura comp

Quote:

Originally Posted by spinner32

20-07.-2007, 07:11 AM	#13
carpediemracing Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: CT, USA Posts: 249	Re: felt z90 vs 2007 jamis ventura comp A good friend of mine who used to ride a lot recently bought the Jamis - whatever the first model is with a carbon rear triangle. I think he paid $850 for it. To put his experience into perspective: Started as a Junior. Upgraded to Cat 3. Trained/raced with 2's. Had two bad crashes. When he quit he was leading out local 7-Up pros and beating them on the local group ride (Gimbels, in NY). That was about 10 years ago. He used to ride a top line bike (Coppi, Campy, he built his wheels, tubulars, Zipps, etc). I asked him what he thought of the bike. Componentry - terrible for racing. He is going to upgrade the drivetrain - I'm giving him a spare Campy drivetrain (ergo, r der, cassette) and a set of wheels (extra campy eurus). Brakes he'll have to live with, ditto front derailleur. He's going to upgrade the cranks (he prefers 180s so he has to buy nice ones). Frame and fork - fine. He's currently riding 1-2 hours a day at a pretty high/steady tempo - 18-20 mph in short choppy hill terrain. I don't know the Felt but I can vouch for the Jamis. Componentry can be changed or upgraded (and if you race you'll end up with a lot of wheels and stuff) but frame/fork/fit are permanent. Well till you buy another bike. cdr

22-07.-2007, 11:07 PM	#14
spinner32 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 77	Re: felt z90 vs 2007 jamis ventura comp The Ventura Race is the bike in question with the carbon monostay incorperated into the rear triangle, and I do have experience with this bike. The other bike, (motobecane) I am not very familiar with, but can assume that the component specs are similar. The Ventura Race will ride similarly to the Comp, but with the carbon monostay and seatpost, some of the road shock will be dampened, and you'll get a bit more "snap" from pedalstrokes. Also, the componentry is definitely higher caliber on the Race model. I agree with the comment made about compenentry for racing. If you end up racing, you may be interested in upgrading to a different wheelset and a 105 or or better shifter setup. That said, the 105 rear derailleur on the Ventura Race will work fine for races in the cat 4/5 range. I know guys and girls who still ride 105 front derailleurs in the 3's races - it's good technology, and shouldn't hold you back if you want to get into racing at some point. More importantly, and as was already pointed out, the Jamis frames are solid and sporty. Componentry can be swapped out and upgraded on any bike, even at mid/high end ($3,000 and up) levels. At the price point you are considering though, it will be hard to be beat what you get with the Jamis frame. I rode a similarly spec'd Trek for many years, but now wish I had known about the Ventura Race before I put the money down on the the Trek, simply because of the difference in frame quality. The $850 price on the Jamis is also a steal, it MSRP's for $1000 or so where I am from. Felts are also quality bikes. I've only ridden a few (F3s), but I've noticed that bikes from the Felt line tend to handle very well in comparison to comparable bikes from other manufacturers, but that may be due my individual build and riding style, so let your own test rides be your guide. As with any bike, make sure the shop really fits you to the bike. They should at LEAST measure you for saddle height/leg extension, and provide a few options for frame sizes (usually1-2 cm differences in frames help find the optimal size for you). An improper fit can make a phenominal bike feel like a tack in your rear! Good luck with your shopping, let us know how it goes

19-08.-2007, 09:22 AM

#15

daveydave

Registered User

Join Date: Jun 2007

Posts: 33

Re: felt z90 vs 2007 jamis ventura comp

Just an update on what I purchased.

I purchased the Ventura Race 3 to 4 weeks ago. I've put 200 miles on it. Everything from 15 mile nightly trips to 30 Mile rides on the weekend.

Thus far, I have nothing bad to say about the bike. It is snappy on the climbs. Sure, it could be upgraded a bit for someone who races (which I plan to do next year.) I love the shifters, probaby better than most sets on bikes in the $850 price range. I loved the Ventura Comp, but the jump to the carbon seat stay, carbon post, 105 de and shifters was just too good to pass up. I'll report some more after the next 100 miles.

dave

Quote:

Originally Posted by spinner32

The Ventura Race is the bike in question with the carbon monostay incorperated into the rear triangle, and I do have experience with this bike. The other bike, (motobecane) I am not very familiar with, but can assume that the component specs are similar. The Ventura Race will ride similarly to the Comp, but with the carbon monostay and seatpost, some of the road shock will be dampened, and you'll get a bit more "snap" from pedalstrokes. Also, the componentry is definitely higher caliber on the Race model.

I agree with the comment made about compenentry for racing. If you end up racing, you may be interested in upgrading to a different wheelset and a 105 or or better shifter setup. That said, the 105 rear derailleur on the Ventura Race will work fine for races in the cat 4/5 range. I know guys and girls who still ride 105 front derailleurs in the 3's races - it's good technology, and shouldn't hold you back if you want to get into racing at some point.

More importantly, and as was already pointed out, the Jamis frames are solid and sporty. Componentry can be swapped out and upgraded on any bike, even at mid/high end ($3,000 and up) levels. At the price point you are considering though, it will be hard to be beat what you get with the Jamis frame. I rode a similarly spec'd Trek for many years, but now wish I had known about the Ventura Race before I put the money down on the the Trek, simply because of the difference in frame quality.

The $850 price on the Jamis is also a steal, it MSRP's for $1000 or so where I am from.

Felts are also quality bikes. I've only ridden a few (F3s), but I've noticed that bikes from the Felt line tend to handle very well in comparison to comparable bikes from other manufacturers, but that may be due my individual build and riding style, so let your own test rides be your guide.

As with any bike, make sure the shop really fits you to the bike. They should at LEAST measure you for saddle height/leg extension, and provide a few options for frame sizes (usually1-2 cm differences in frames help find the optimal size for you). An improper fit can make a phenominal bike feel like a tack in your rear!

Good luck with your shopping, let us know how it goes

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