The Jamis Ventura Comp Race-Bred Bike

Jamis is a long term veteran in the cycling world. In 1937 the company opened as a regional distributor of European bicycles and parts, and ranks as one of the oldest and largest bicycle company under original ownership in America. For decades they have produced award winning bikes that you can really count on.

Their 2008 model of the Ventura Comp is a race-bred bike made affordable for bikers who are not looking for a pure race bike, but who have a passion for cycling besides professional. This bike can still keep you up with the pack, and has features and specs that you will have problems finding elsewhere for the same price.

For long rides this is an excellent choice. It has tubing and shock damping qualities designed to minimize road buzz. The 34-tooth inner ring provides climbing gears with the least weight possible. The cornering response is out of this world, and ride and handling is optimized to the peak.

I am especially impressed by the wheels. The low spoke count Alex wheels give you the best performance you can ask for, and are very rare to find in this price class.

The comfort level of the saddle is average, but then again this is not meant to be a comfort-riding bike. For active cycling this bike offers great opportunities, and whether you're going cycling across the state with your family or are looking for serious challenges in hills and steep slopes this bike will faithfully be by your side.

Now onto detailed specs:

In the 2008 model we see several upgrades. The size specific tubing, full carbon composite fork and the Shimano Tiagra/Sora 18-speed drive train.

The bike only weighs 21.25 lbs and comes in six different sizes and pearl white in color. The frame is TIG-welded, and has Kinesis 7005 aluminum tubing material.

The front derailleur is bottom pull Shimano Sora 31.8 clamp. The rear derailleur is Shimano Tiagra, with shift levers of Shimano Tiagra STI dual control. The crankset is FSA vero compact, and the chain is KMC Z9000.

The pedals are not included, but to me this does not make much of a difference because I am reluctant to change from my other pedals anyway. The same goes with the handlebar extensions.

Jamie has chosen to use a Selle San Marco Ischia saddle, and as mentioned earlier this is not a comfort saddle, but designed for active cycling.

When cycling, it's important to have a bike for your needs. If you are looking for a road mix bicycle to use in different settings, and you want excellent performance at a very good price then this is a very good choice. Ventura Comp retails for around $750, and are available at locations nationwide.

You can read more about this bike at Jamis' website, where you can also find more information about their other lines of bikes. If you are looking for a race specific bicycle then please beware that the price will be higher, and with the great performance you get in the 2008 Ventura Comp you might not need any further upgrades.