Jamis Dakar XCR Expert

After days of research and a visit to Hup Leong, I decided to settle for the Jamis Dakar XCR Expert (2009). I decided to pay Gilbert a visit today with the intent of ordering the bike and collecting it on Friday but thanks to their great service and efficiency, they built the entire bike from scratch and I was on my way home by 4.30pm. =)

I struggled a little on the way home – the bike felt draggy with suspension not locked down, the seat-post was low and the SPDs kept digging into my sandals (improper footwear =P). Worse, I didn’t have my helmet on and my Bermudas were just too baggy to cycle comfortably in. I was glad to be home and made several adjustments before bringing the bike out for a test-run with Dad.

The bike feels smooth on bumps but on the roads, the Fox RP2 flexes when activated. Switching it to pro-pedal mode is much more efficient and the bike finally feels faster. The hum from 2.1” Kenda Nevegals is reassuring of good traction but when it comes to endless kilometres of smooth tarmac, the over-traction just seems to be the main factor slowing the bike.

In the air, I must say the bike feels pretty light. Landing is just brilliant as the shocks cushions the impact well. I can’t wait to test it out on the trails this weekend.

The Specifications

Frame Kinesium alloy main triangle, STW optimized 7005 seat & chainstays, 100mm travel mp3 linkage design, Fox FLOAT RP2 shock with 10mm hardware, replaceable derailleur hanger

Fork Fox 32F FIT RLC

Headset Ritchey Comp Logic Press fit, semi-integrated with 20mm shim stack, 1 1/8”

Wheels Mavic XM317 eyeletted disc rims, 32H, Shimano Deore M535 CenterLock disc hubs, WTB 14g stainless steel spokes

Tires Kenda NEVEGAL, 26 x 2.1”, folding bead

Derailleurs Shimano Deore XT Shadow rear, Deore XT 34.9mm top pull front

Shiftlevers Shimano SLX Rapidfire Plus, 27-speed

Chain Shimano Deore XTR

Cassette Shimano Deore XT, 9-speed, 11-34t

Crankset Shimano SLX Hollowtech II, 44/32/22

BB Set Shimano SLX integrated

Pedals Shimano M540

Brakeset Shimano SLX hydraulic disc brakes, 160mm XTR SM-RT97 CenterLock rotors

Handlebar Ritchey Mountain Comp Rizer, 31.8mm O˚ x 20mm rise x 670mm

Stem Raceface Revolution SL

Grips Ruffian Odi clamp-on

Seat Post Ritchey Pro, 31.6 x 350mm

Saddle Selle Italia X0 Trans AM

Color Team Red/Pearl White

Weight 12kg approx?

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Original Specifications

Frame Kinesium alloy main triangle, STW optimized 7005 seat & chainstays, 100mm travel mp3 linkage design, Fox FLOAT RP2 shock with 10mm hardware, replaceable derailleur hanger

Fork Fox 32FRL, air spring, external rebound adjustor, lever actuated lockout, 32mm stanchions, 100mm travel

Headset Ritchey Comp Logic Press fit, semi-integrated with 20mm shim stack, 1 1/8”

Wheels Mavic XM317 eyeletted disc rims, 32H, Shimano Deore M535 CenterLock disc hubs, WTB 14g stainless steel spokes

Tires Kenda KARMA, 26 x 2.1”, folding bead

Derailleurs Shimano Deore XT Shadow rear, Deore XT 34.9mm top pull front

Shiftlevers Shimano Deore XT Rapidfire Plus SL, 27-speed

Chain Sram PowerChain 971 with Gold Power-Link

Cassette Shimano Deore XT, 9-speed, 11-34t

Crankset Shimano Deore XT Hollowtech II, 44/32/22

BB Set Shimano Deore XT integrated

Pedals N/A

Brakeset Shimano Deore XT hydraulic disc brakes, 160mm front & rear CenterLock rotors

Handlebar Ritchey Mountain Comp Rizer, 31.8mm O˚ x 20mm rise x 670mm

Stem Ritchey Comp V2 OS, 31.8 bar bore x 6˚ rise x 90mm (13-15”), 100mm (17”), 110mm (19 & 21)

Grips WTB MotoTec clamp-on, DNA compound

Seat Post Ritchey Comp 2B, 31.6 x 350mm, with alloy clamp & cromo seatpin

Saddle WTB Silverado Team, flex-tuned shell, DNA padding, ABR corners, titanium

Color Team Red/Pearl White

Weight 26.20 lbs (11.9kg)

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Total Distance: 38km
Money spent: -
Participants: LSH