OT: adventure bikes? anyone have a Jamis Renegade?

[Nathan Dushman]

I'm looking for a new bike or two to replace ones recently stolen from my garage. It's been a while since I last rode SF2G regularly, but at the last Barway I noticed a lot more gravel/adventure bikes and a lot fewer road or racing bikes. Is that the direction people are going in bikes these days, or that was just for Barway? I think that's what I want for my next bike, and I'm willing to buy new - I already have an older road frame I'm accumulating parts to build up, one project bike at a time is enough for me and I want something I can ride sooner than I'll have that bike built up.

I'm particularly considering a Jamis Renegade Exploit since I saw a 2016 model discounted at a local shop that will fit me - anyone have experience with one of those? The downside to buying the 2016 is that they hadn't standardized on some components yet so it has a quick-release rear wheel (later models have a through-axle), a 15mm front through-axle (later models have 12mm), and post-mount disc brakes (later models have flat-mount). I think it's unlikely I'll be beating up this bike so much that I'll need to replace anything soon, but if I do, will I regret buying a bike with components that don't quite match what seem to be becoming better-established standards?

Not trying to start a long discussion, but would appreciate thoughts. Thanks!

Nathan

[Jacob Haynes]

The biggest upgrade I see on the newer versions is a 1x drive-train. A 1x with a clutch is worth it for adventure/gravel bikes IMO--simpler/less maintenance/lighter/a little quieter.  It also has full hydraulic brakes rather than "cable actuated hydraulic" brakes. 

My gravel bike (a 2019) has a 15mm axle, which has been a little bit of a pain as well. I tried re-purposing a stock wheelset from my road bike for slicks on my gravel bike and couldn't because the road bike is a 12mm wheel and the gravel is 15mm. That being said, not really a reason to not buy a bike. There are plenty of 100x15 wheels around because its been the mountain bike standard for a long time. Things are moving toward 110x15 on MTBs or 100x12 and on Road, but there will still be plenty of 100x15 parts for a while if you need them. Same with post mount brakes--probably not a reason to not buy the bike.

*I don't have a Renegade, but have test ridden them a few times over the years and they seem like decent bikes. 

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[scott :)]

If my bike was stolen I would buy the lightest cross/gravel bike with hydraulic disk brakes that accommodates large tires. Would go for carbon wheels (road) and possibly a second set (maybe non carbon) with large tires.
Just my own personal fantasy which might even include a power meter. My thought is that it would cover both road and cross.

S

[Brett Lider]

I'm one of those riders who now rides his gravel bike more than his road bike, even when the ride is mostly/all roads. 

If you have a choice in the matter, I do recommend getting a bike with the emerging standards of 12mm axles and full hydraulic brakes. 1x vs. 2x drivetrains is more nuanced as there's still a good use case for 2x for road usage. And I'd argue that 2x is great for dirt too as you can have a true granny front chainring. If you ride Marin headlands gravel, you can easily get into 125'-150'/mile of climbing, for which low gears are super helpful if you're not a pro. I have a crazy mullet set-up with a 50-34 compact up front and a 11-46 out back and love it. Super compact cranks have become more widely available and IMO that's the way to go. See the Zayante cranks as an example. 

- Brett

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[Jeff Hodges]

Ja - i have 50x33 front on 2 of my roadbikes 😊

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[Matteo Scandolo]

@Nathan did you end up buying it?

My bike got stolen and the renegade tempted me, so was wondering if you got it and have any feedback...

I'm looking at the 2020 S3 so there may be some differences but was interested in the general feeling if you have it

[Nathan Dushman]

Sorry to hear about your bike loss.

I did buy a 2018 Renegade Exploit last June (wow, can't believe it's already been almost a year). I've only put about 500 miles on it as I'm no longer doing SF2G and don't do much weekend riding. For the limited riding I do these days, if I only had one bike I'd be happy with the Renegade, although if it was my only bike I would buy a second set of wheels for road use (the stock tires are a bit buzzy on pavement, and swapping wheels is easier than swapping tires). It is not light - I may have been spoiled by the Scott Addict that was stolen from my garage - but the weight is a lot more noticeable lifting the bike than riding it. I put slick tires on it and took it on two 75 mile road rides over 3 days, with coworkers who were on road bikes, and I didn't feel like I had trouble keeping up with them, even on long climbs. It's a lot of fun on gravel. I haven't ridden similar gravel bikes from other manufacturers so I can't give you a comparison there.

Mine is a 54cm frame; if that would fit you and you'd like to take it out for a ride sometime, I'd be happy to let you try it out.

Nathan