Dating to 1979, when Florida-based inventor Ron Jamis came up with one of the first cruiser bicycles, the Earth Cruiser, Jamis Bicycles has grown to be more than just a cruiser bike line. But are Jamis bikes good?
Jamis bikes are good mainly because they are easier to ride, comfortable, and affordable. Additionally, the bikes are quality in build and come in a wide selection to suit both genders.
This post shall look at what makes Jamis bikes worth it and why you should spend your money on one.
It, however, doesn’t mean that Jamis bikes don’t have any flaws. So, I’ll also discuss the downsides of the cycles to help you compare both sides.
In the long run, that’ll enable you to decide if a Jamis bicycle should be your next two-wheel.
But before that, it’s fair that I first share the brand history.
In a rush? Find out some of the finest Jamis bicycles on the market on the hotlist below.
4 Best Jamis Bikes
- Jamis Ventura Race Bike: Best Jamis Road Bike
- Jamis Faultline A1: Best Jamis Trail Bike
- Earth Cruiser 3: Best Jamis Cruiser Bike
- Jamis Hudsone E2: Best Jamis Electric Bike
About Jamis Bicycles – Brand History
As I mentioned earlier, Jamis Bicycles dates to 1979 when Ron Jamis, a Floridian resident, created one of the world’s first cruiser bikes, the Earth Cruiser.
Following the success of the Earth Cruiser line, which is still active to date, Jamis Bicycles dived into the competitive mountain bike sector in the early 80s to unveil a few top-quality mountain bikes.
The company also launched several other cruiser bike lines, such as the Boss Cruiser and Boss Explorer.
In 1988, the company unveiled its first-ever road bike brands, Quest and Eclipse, and their first-ever hybrid bicycle lines, Tangier and Coda.
By the 90s, Jamis was producing competitive full-suspension mountain bikes and hybrid versions. During the late 2000s, the company unveiled its first record-breaking time-trial bike, South T-Series.
Over the years, Jamis Bicycles has won many awards, making it one of the most trusted and reputable bike brands globally.
For example, the brand won the Bicycling Magazine Editor Choice Awards consecutively from 2004 to 2014 in different bike categories.
Today, Jamis Bicycles make road bikes, hybrid bikes, and mountain bikes and gravel bikes, electric bikes, urban cycles, fitness bikes, and youths bikes.
Jamis Bicycles is based in Tallahassee, Florida, where the bike designing takes place, but the manufacturing happens in Taiwan and China.
Jamis is currently owned by G. Joannou Cycles Co, under the headship of Carine Joannou, the CEO.
Are Jamis Bikes Good? (The Good Vs Bad)
Let’s analyze the good versus the bad of Jamis bikes.
The Good
Jamis cycles have so many outstanding qualities, but here are the ones that stand out:
a) Rider-Friendly Entry-Level Bikes
Jamis Bicycles may be making several high-end bicycles for pro riders, but it’s in the entry-level market where they suffice. The bike manufacturer stocks a wide range of cycles for amateurs and beginners.
Their urban, fitness, and recreational bikes come with more relaxed geometries that make them easy to ride. You don’t have to be experienced to ride these bikes on urban roads.
Most entry-level Jamis bikes also come with coaster bikes, which are generally easy to ride, even though not as powerful as hydraulic disc brakes.
They also come with easy shift systems that make them ride-friendly.
Even better, some, especially e-bikes, come with a low height to allow you to stand, get out of, and ride them easily.
b) Comfort Features
Jamis bicycles, especially the recreational bike line, where we have beach cruisers, are all about comfort. These bikes come with memory foam-padded saddles and comfort handlebars that allow you to ride them comfortably.
They are also lightweight for easy cycling. And with their electric bikes promising a battery mileage of 20-50 miles and a potential assist speed of 20mph, you cannot ask for better comfort.
c) Quality Build
While the entry-level Jamis may not be the most high-quality, there isn’t much to complain about their high-end selection.
Their high-end MTBs, for example, come with hydraulic disc brakes, double-wall rims with stainless steel spokes, and robust frames, thus quality in build.
Their road bikes are also high-end, given that they come with top-tier groupsets and compact carbon frames.
Jamis high-end bikes feature carbon frames, which are lighter, more stable, and comfortable and enjoy better tensile strength.
Their mid-range options don’t disappoint either as they feature double-butted high-grade aluminum frames, which may not be as lightweight as carbon frames but are rust-resistant, durable, and more robust.
d) Men’s and Women’s Choices
Jamis Bicycles makes bikes not only for riders of different experience levels but also for all genders. There are men and women bikes for almost all Jamis adult bikes, making it easy for everyone to find a bike they can comfortably ride.
e) Affordable Choices
Jamis Bicycles has built its name as a budget bike brand. Interestingly, there is a wide selection of entry-level Jamis bikes for sale under $500. These are primarily recreational, urban, and fitness bikes.
So, if you want a decent budget bike from a reputable brand, you should head to Jamis Bicycles to see what’s there.
The Bad
From an entry-level or casual biking angle, there isn’t much to complain about Jamis Bicycles. Perhaps, the only serious downside is the bike’s weight.
Unlike Jamis high-end carbon bikes, most of its low-end choices are heavier. Their heavy-duty frames make them unsuitable for fast riding.
The other thing is that there aren’t many high-end Jamis bikes, which means pro riders have very few options. So, if you are into competitive biking, you may find it easy shopping for a Felt, Trek, Specialized, or Scott bike.
But if you are just a casual or entry-level biker, Jamis Bicycles is a safe bet.
Jamis Bike Range Explained
Presently, Jamis sells the following bicycle categories:
- Mountain bikes
- Road bikes
- Gravel bikes
- Urban and fitness bikes
- Recreational bikes
- Electric bikes
- Youth bikes
1. Are Jamis Road Bikes Good?
Jamis is famous for its Ventura road bike line, a performance road bike line that targets serious racers.
These bikes have stiffer frames and a more aerodynamic front to encourage fast riding. They also feature high-end components and ultra-light frames.
These bikes are generally stable, which is essential when racing, and are usually rider-friendly.
One fantastic choice for racers of any experience level is the Jamis Ventura Race Bike (View on Amazon)
This performance road bike is the perfect combination of speed, comfort, and stability.
2. Are Jamis Mountain Bikes Good?
Jamis Bicycles employs the 3V0 and MP2 suspensions on most of its mountain bikes to guarantee better riding comfort.
The 3V0 suspension, a 4-bar suspension, allows you to go through potholes and maintain your momentum smoothly.
The MP2 suspension, on the other hand, offers you better control and allows you to maintain your on-trail speed. The bike suspension has won Jamis many accolades, making it best for experienced trail riders.
One Hardtail trail bike with the MP2 suspension is the Jamis Faultline A1.
Its MP2 suspension comes with 115mm travel, which is enough for the local trails, and the bike comes with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, a 12-speed drivetrain, and a triple-butted 6061 alloy frame thus quality in build.
3. Are Jamis Recreational Bikes Good?
Under the recreational bike line, Jamis stocks the following bike categories:
- Cruiser bikes
- Street comfort hybrid bikes
- Sport comfort hybrid bikes
Though all the three bike types target different markets, one thing they have in common is comfort.
Jamis recreational bikes are defined by their comfy seats, upright handlebars, and low step height, making them comfortable to ride.
They also feature easy-shift drivetrains and coaster brakes that make them ride-friendly.
One bicycle that embodies all those features is the Earth Cruiser 3.
This modern beach cruiser by Jamis is perfect for casual riding around the neighborhood.
4. Are Jamis Electric Bikes Good?
Jamis Bicycles is known for the Hudson electric bike line. These bikes may not be the most high-end but are decent enough for commuters and recreational cyclists who want to go fast on urban roads.
They aren’t the type to ride off-road, but they are a superb choice on the streets.
Overall, you cannot go wrong with the Jamis Hudsone E2.
To say that this e-bike is comfortable and rider-friendly is not an overstatement as that’s what it’s all about.
Its A320 battery packs enough power to power its A250 motor. Generally, the battery has a 20-50 miles runtime while its motor has a 20mph assisted top speed.
5. Other Bike Types by Jamis Bicycles
Jamis also stocks the following bike types:
- Gravel bikes – Jamis gravel bikes are the rugged versions of the Jamis road bikes, making them great for off-road adventures.
- Urban and fitness bikes – Jamis Bicycles also stocks urban bikes for commuters and fitness bikes for fitness enthusiasts.
- Youth bikes – The youth bike line features a vast selection of bicycles for juniors and older kids.
FAQs
1. Is Jamis A Good Bike Brand?
Jamis Bicycles is one of the oldest and most reputable bike brands. The company stocks bikes for all experience levels and genders that are good quality and comfortable to ride. Even better, the bicycles come at affordable prices, making Jamis a good brand.
2. How Much Do Jamis Bikes Weigh?
Most high-end Jamis bikes weigh 30-34 pounds, given that they feature more lightweight components. Low-end options, however, weigh slightly more.
3. Does Jamis Make Good Bikes?
Jamis has been making good bikes for decades. Their bikes come with quality components and are generally easy to ride, comfortable, and durable. But overall, Jamis bicycles suit entry-level cyclists, amateurs, and casual bikers more.
4. Are Jamis Bikes Made In USA?
Currently, Jamis makes its bikes in Taiwan and China. The bike designing, nonetheless, takes place at its headquarters in Tallahassee, Florida, USA.
5. Does Jamis Make Electric Bikes?
Jamis may not be a famous electric bike brand, but it does have a few decent e-bikes for commuters. The brand is known for its Hudson e-bike line.
Are Jamis Bikes Good? Closing Thought:
Reputation is everything for bike manufacturers, and Jamis rides on that. The brand enjoys the reputation of making high-quality bikes at reasonable prices. The best part is that there’s a bike for everyone on Jamisbikes.com.