|   Hollowpoint Expert or Jamis XLT 2.0???? | Andyman_1970
Mar 11, 2003 8:29 AM | | Hey fellas, I need your input. I am currently looking at either an Iron Horse Hollowpoint Expert, or a Jamis XLT 2.0 to supplement my Titus HCR hardtail for long XC epic rides.
The Hollowpoint and XLT seem to be pretty close in price, and quite the value considering the component spec each have. I do not have either a Jamis or Iron Horse dealer locals (Arkansas), but I have purchased other bikes online and have a good feel for frame geometry and what fits me and my riding style.
After reading several posts on here I am leaning towards the Hollowpoint, although the effective TT seems to be just a tad too long ( I might be able to compensate with a shorter stem). The only real concern I can see with the Hollowpoint is the rear tire clearance, and that a 2.3 or 2.25 tire may not clear the swingarm. Do any of you Hollowpoint owners have a good handle on the max. tire width the rear will tolerate?
On the other hand the XLT has a somewhat shorter effective TT (24.09 vs. 24.21), but has a lower BB height (12.2 vs. 13+ ?). Has this BB height been a problem for anyone? The rear triangle/swingarm on the XLT seems to be more beefy, but does that translate to stiffer? Also the BB pivot and shock pivots are sealed bearing, and the other two are composite bushings. I have read that the composite bushings have a short life span, can anyone validate that?
One last thought, the Hollowpoint's suspension is based off the VPP with some tweaks, and the XLT is a Horst link, is there a significant difference in this suspension action? I have read post's where the Hollowpoint was almost "bobless", but how about Horst links?
Thanks again for your help and input. |
| re: Hollowpoint Expert or Jamis XLT 2.0???? | Kpicha
Mar 11, 2003 5:33 PM | | Well, Ok, I'm not a fella but I think I might be able to help out with some of this.
The geometries between the HP and Jamis feel very different. The HP has more of a cross country feel to it and from I've read, the XLT has more of an upright riding position.
I own a 2002.5 HP but I have not tried to put wider tires on it so, I can't answer to that question. But, there is plenty of clearance for the tires that I do have (2.0)You might want to check over on Ridemonkey.com or Hcor.net for posts about the clearance if no one else pipes up over here.
Naestep was having an issue about the HP TT length so, Ska Todd chimed in with the proper measurements (he's the product manager) here: ska todd "First '03 Hollowpoint review is in. Unfortunately..." 3/8/03 2:20pm
If I was in your shoes, which I was last year, I would consider customer service, too between the two brands. I've read some stories on this site where it was difficult to get a hold of Jamis and quite a few chainstay breakages. Ironhorse customer service is top notch. I've called them on a few different occasions and feel I'm dealing with intelligent, well spoken people. Granted, their website doesn't give that impression with the incorrect numbers but they are more than willing to answer any and all questions without making you feel rushed.
I won't even think about attempting to discuss the linkages. That math stuff is way over my head. I'll just stick to with how the bike feels when riding :)
Good Luck to you!
Kristina |
| re: Hollowpoint Expert or Jamis XLT 2.0???? | Andyman_1970
Mar 12, 2003 5:39 AM | | Thanks Kristina, I appreciate your input. |
| I've only read the same reviews as you... | næstep
Mar 11, 2003 6:59 PM | | ...and given the differences in their designs, the reviews seem nearly indistinguishable between the two.
I'm at least a week away from riding my new Hollowpoint, but a few factors swung me in its direction. Overall, I felt the Expert is the better value, unless you're really dying to have the TALAS. I got the impression the Jamis pivots may be a problem, although I feel proper pivot maintenance & tightening may be a factor in the few "problem" reviews. I do like the pivotless rear triangle of the Holllowpoint, though.
Iron Horse's online presence really won me over, though. The Hcor.net board is heavily downhill & freeride influenced, and there's a good vibe going there between the posters and Product Manager Todd and suspension designer Dave (both of whom show up here and on Ride Monkey as well). When the topic of suspension design comes up it is admittedly over my head, but it's interesting reading Dave's explainations and debates behind suspension theroy. To read the claims of riders who knowingly or unknowingly back up Dave's theory make me feel like I'm buying into a design with a very solid foundation beneath it. Knowing that Todd as well as some of the HP owners have abused the bike in some light freeride applications makes me feel secure that it will hold up just fine under my XC intentions.
Again, realize in reading these comments that I'm pretty much in the same boat as you and haven't actually ridden either bike.
næstep |
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