|   jamis xlt 2.0 or kona dawg deelux | bubba_k
Sep 20, 2003 8:23 AM | | guys, I've narrowed down my search to these 2 bikes. anyone know what differences i will find over the 2 and disadvantages\advantages. thanks bredrins. |
| re: jamis xlt 2.0 or kona dawg deelux | dan K
Sep 20, 2003 11:13 AM | | Jamis: xc oriented bike with known problems in the main bearing and chainstay yolk. Very lightweight and a great ride, and great for the money, and if you're lucky not to have a problem, it'll be one of the best bikes you could ever own at any price. Jamis does have excellent customer service.
Kona: Heavier more freeride-oriented/backcountry type of bike. Specs won't be as good as the xlt2 bang for the buck, but then again, not much else is.
If you are a heavier or more aggressive trailrider, I'd look elsewhere instead of the Jamis. |
| re: Questions? | RandyM
Sep 20, 2003 12:06 PM | | Ask yourself some questions. What condition do you ride trail wise? Are you smooth or a shortest distance between two points guy? Do you do urban assault? You have to define what you are going to use the bike for, before you can choose your bike. |
| re: jamis xlt 2.0 or kona dawg deelux | azrider
Sep 20, 2003 1:56 PM | | I contemplated the exact same two bikes, plus the Kona Coiler.- Just ordered my Dawg Deelux after testing out a Dawg. Also previously rode a Coiler and Jamis XLT 1.0. For me, I'm sure the Dawg Deelux will be best - Jamis bikes are breaking at the swingarm yoke and apparently problem in 04's has been resolved. I'm 190 lbs., climb out of necessity, and ride pretty aggresive. As such, the Kona reputation for quality frames, and the plushness of the Kona ride won me over. Good luck! |
| re: jamis xlt 2.0 or kona dawg deelux | azrider
Sep 20, 2003 2:02 PM | | Big typo in my last post - swingarm yoke area/problem NOT beefed uo in 04's to best of my knowledge. |
| Jamis told me | dan K
Sep 21, 2003 4:09 PM | | That the yoke area has supposedly been strengthened as soon as they knew of the problems. They cited an example on their 2000 or 20001 Dakota. They said, "It was breaking so Jamis started strengthening future runs of the frame. That's what they'll do for the XLT."
Take that for what it's worth. |
| Question for ya... | MRfire - 1
Sep 22, 2003 10:27 AM | | I've also been considering a Dawg or Coiler. How did you like the ride on the Coiler? Were there big differences in climbing ability between the two? Finally, what made you decide to go with the Dawg over the Coiler? Thanks!
MF |
| I'll throw one more into your mix... | næstep
Sep 21, 2003 5:53 AM | | Iron Horse Hollowpoint. Very similar spec to the XLT, priced a little bit better. I mention it because the XLT was on my short list before I decided on the Hollowpoint last spring.
Had a discouraging frame QC problem very early in the production run that Iron Horse customer service has managed to clean up very nicely with new linkages and replacement frames to those who were affected.
Do a quick search through the archives and you'll find some consensus that this is one of the smoothest pedaling, best climbing, most responsive suspension designs.
næstep |
| re: jamis xlt 2.0 or kona dawg deelux | Chas Spaz
Sep 21, 2003 7:25 AM | | I had the Dawg Delux and XLT1 on my final list and choose the XLT1 because I wanted 5" of suspension, coil shocks, and a Horst link design. Love the way the XLT rides and the workings of the suspension. HOWEVER, I am one of those that had the swingarm yoke break (I'm a 210 lb rider). Jamis was quick to send a replacement, but the lack of a redesigned beefed up replacement swingarm have me worried about the future of this bike.
Both the Dawg and XLT1 had identical weights of 32.5 lbs for a 19" frame the XLT2 should be about 1 to 1.5 lbs lighter. Both bikes are designed to be all mountain bikes not XC or freeride but somewhere in the middle.
If I could make my purchase again I would choose the Kona Coiler because it is a 5" travel bike based on the older Stinky frame so you know the frame can handle freeriding and won't break. A lot of guys claim they are dropping the Dawg off 5 ft or more, but thats not what the bike was designed for. If you look at the Coiler and Dawg the Coiler only weighs about a pound or two more than the Dawg. This is a minor trade-off for the extra inch of suspension and stronger frame. I would rather have an overbuilt bike.
I'm assuming you are either a HARD trail rider or light freerider in my recomendation of the Coiler. If you are more of an XC rider, I would still consider the Dawg or XLT as overbuilt XC bikes and good choices, with the edge toward the Dawg if your a big guy because of the lighter swing arm of the XLT.
Chas |
| re: 32.5 lbs? | RandyM
Sep 22, 2003 4:16 AM | | My Kona Dawg only weighs 29.5 lbs in a 19 inch frame, with only the wheelset,crank, and seats as upgrades. |
| re: 32.5 lbs? | Chas Spaz
Sep 22, 2003 4:32 AM | | When I made my final bike purchase, I had the bike shop hang both the 19" Dawg and XLT1 off of a hanging scale. Both had a weight of 32.5 lbs. Don't know if maybe the scale could have been off slightly. I'm sure the accuracy is only good to about 1/2 lb any way. I did try the bathroom scale method. Weigh self, weigh self holding bike and subtract your weight. And it confirmed the 32.5 lb weight.
How did you measure the 29.5 lbs. I'm sure you have saved weight with your upgrades, but even with super light XC components I don't think you saved 3 lbs. Both of our measurements are probably slightly off.
Kona advertises the weight of the Dawg at 28-30 lbs and Jamis claims the XLT1 is 30.5 lbs. Keeping in mind that this is always the weight of the SMALLEST frame. |
| weight | dan K
Sep 22, 2003 6:25 AM | | Not that this has anything to do with your discussion, and I might be tooting my own horn a bit :), but my 17" XLT2.0 was weighed on a calibrated digital scale and came out to 27.13 pounds with bottle cages and spare pump clip attached. And I still have the heavy stock handlebar and seat on. You could easily save 1/2 pound in those areas combined, but until I rip the seat or bend the bar, I see no reason putting money into it.
Oh, I failed to mention I've swapped out the tires, tubes, wheels, fork, stem, pedals.
Pretty light for a FOUR (not five a few of us have found out) inch trailbike that cost less than $1900. I'm sure I'll notice the lack of weight as I'm pushing the broken chainstay yoke out from the backcountry. |
| a great upgrade for the Bear or Dawg is a Romic shock! | drumstix
Sep 22, 2003 8:44 PM | | |
| Come on be positive.... | malcolm
Sep 23, 2003 1:40 AM | | Dont blame you though.
My 17.5 XLT2 was 25.5 lbs when first built up.-couldnt beleive it was as light as my NRS Air.-probably shows you why they can break.
Full XTR, Crossmax SL wheels-all off my 03 NRS Air.
Has gained a little weight with heavier rear tyre for winter, remote lokout(now been taken off again,)but will loose a bit of weight with the propedal rear shock(due next week now) and of course the F100 due tomorrow.Must weigh again once all put on.
Havent heard from Jamis regarding frame yet but will let you know as soon as I hear something.
Over and out.
Malc. |
| re: jamis xlt 2.0 or kona dawg deelux | GCM
Sep 25, 2003 5:53 PM | | I agree with everythink Chas says.
Seems like most of the posts regarding XLTs are responded to by Chas, Dan and myself. Each of us have had problems with our XLTs. It would be nice to hear from an XLT owner who hasn't had a problem.
That said, I still love the way the XLT, (XLT 2 in my case) rides and handles. When my XLT was being repaired, I had the chance to ride a Dawg. These were my thoughts:
1) it was a 17" (same as my Jamis) however it seemed more compact
2) it felt heavier to lift off the ground than the Jamis but I couldn't feel the difference while riding
3) The Dawg seemed to climb a little better but I think that's due to the fact that I normally keep the Jamis' TALAS at 5" and I think the Dawg's fork is 4". So I think the Dawg had a steaper head angle.
4) The Dawg's rear suspension seemed less 'responsive' (whaterver that means). It just felt harsher. Maybe they put a bit too much air in the shock.
5) Same for the Dawg's fork - the TALAS on the Jamis just feels SO much chushier.
6) WIth no scientific data to back it up, I just like the Jamis' ride better.
As Chas said, if I had the chance to do it over again, I would probably go with the Coiler but try to ride them both (XLT & Coiler). I don't understand who Kona is marketing the Dawg to now that they put out the Coiler. |
| re: jamis xlt 2.0 or kona dawg deelux | JoeDirt
Sep 30, 2003 1:02 PM | | Chas, I'm thinking of getting a Jamis XLT 3.0 a 04 bike, tried to get a 03 but was too late. I just wanted to know how if the 19" frame fits you. I'm 6' and I weigh about 215lb and I read one of your fist reviews on beefing up the suspension. I was riding a trek with 19in frame and can't decide to stay with that or go to the 17.5". Are the frames of the dakar and xlt about the same or total diffence. |
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