I am lookin into the purchace of a mountain bike. Down to 2 choices, a Trek 4500 or Jamis Durango 1. Ideas?

Question

Jamis comes with disk brakes and is about $50 cheaper.

Answer 1

It depends on how important disc brakes are to you.  If you are going to be sloshing in the mud, then disc brakes are a must because once the rims get muddy, caliper brakes aren't worth a d**n.  

If you aren't planning on a lot of mud riding, I'd seriously consider going with the Trek.  You get what you pay for, so if the Trek has the cheaper caliper brakes, you're probably getting better quality somewhere else on the bike.

I've been away from cycling for about 5 years so I'm not as knowledgable about gear as I once was.  From looking both bikes up though I came up with a little info that kinda favors the Trek.  The Trek has a Deore rear derailleur while the Jamis has an Alivio.  Hardly a deal-breaker but there's the first hint of better parts on the Trek.  

I'm unfamiliar with the Alpha Black aluminum the Trek frame is made out of but I know that the 7500 aluminum of the Jamis is industrial grade and has been in prominent use for midrange bikes for several years.  

I have a Raleigh M80 I bought about six or seven years ago in which the frame is 7500 straight-gauge aluminum.  

As for the front fork, I like the lockout feature on the Rock Shox that comes with the Trek because I do a lot of road riding as well as trail riding.  The Manitou Axis front shock doesn't mention having that feature and the Manitou also has magnesium sliders.  I've never been much of a fan of magnesium as a material in bike parts but that's just me.  That kinda tells me that the Rock Shox fork is better.  

As for looks, if it's of any importance to you the Trek looks cooler than the Jamis IMHO.  I've always liked the look of monotube seat stays, especially behind the seat post.  Treks are some of the coolest looking bikes around.

As for the rest of the bike, like the rims, bars, saddle, etc., I'd maybe take some time and do a little research on your own (if you haven't done so already) to determine which bike has better quality in those areas.

Maybe most importantly, take a test ride with both steeds and see which one is most comfortable to ride.  Oftentimes the determining factor in comparable bikes is the dimensions of the bike frame, which can significantly alter the bike's handling.  For example some frames have a longer front triangle and shorter rear triangle (Gary Fisher anyone??) which causes you to stoop lower in your riding stance.  If you like a slightly more relaxed and upright riding position, go with a frame that has a longer rear triangle and shorter front triangle.

Good luck and I hope some of this info helps in your decision.

Answer 2

I go Jamis because of the disk brakes plus i ride a Jamis freeride bike myself