Often conjuring up images of step-through frames, ape-hanger handlebars and gel saddles as thick as a layer cake, “fitness bikes” usually aren’t a category that many roadies would naturally flock to. But remember, riding any bicycle promotes fitness, so why not aim for speed and add in a little comfort too? It’s with that concept in mind that Jamis launched their line of “Road Fitness” bikes, featuring many of the same materials and parts found on their more performance-oriented road line. What separates them is a more relaxed geometry, plus some extra tidbits meant to benefit a wider array of riders. But is the result more road or fitness?
THE FRAME
With its bladed, triangular fork and racy graphics that sport an exposed 12K carbon weave, the Jamis Xenith Endura 3 does not fit the visual mold of what many think a “fitness” bike would look like. The blend of high- and mid-modulus carbon fiber yields a monocoque frame with a variety of tube shapes. The BB30 bottom bracket sprouts top and downtubes with a “tri-oval” shape, while the rear triangle is comprised of a round seat tube and seat stays with oval, asymmetrical chainstays— the driveside stay is 10 percent larger than the non-driveside, intended to absorb lateral torque produced from the drivetrain. Advantage: Road.
But while the Endura 3’s materials and tube shapes are the same as similarly-priced variations of Jamis’ Xenith Race line, the geometry is different. A more upright seat tube angle (75 degrees compared to the Race version’s 73) allows the rider to sit more upright, as does the head tube’s taller height (150mm to the Race version’s 120mm) and slacker angle (71.5 degrees to the Race version’s 73 degrees). Also, the overall wheelbase is 2 inches longer than the standard Xenith for additional stability and to negate a twitchy ride. And because the Endura line was designed with flexibility in mind, you’ll find rack mounts near the rear dropouts and seat stays. Advantage: Fitness.
FSA's compact SL-K Carbon crankset is mated to Shimano Ultegra derailleurs for smooth shifting up the hills.
THE PARTS
The Xenith Endura 3 is the priciest of the Road Fitness line and rolls on American Classic Victory 30 wheels wrapped with 25c Vittoria Rubino Pro rubber. Shifting is handled by Shimano Ultegra levers and derailleurs mated to an FSA SLK Lite carbon crankset. Continuing the theme of flexibility in all conditions, Jamis built the Endura 3 with compact 50/34 chainrings and an Ultegra 11-28 cassette to provide plenty of climbing assistance. Ritchey’s Comp 4-Axis stem, Biomax Comp handlebar and Pro Carbon seatpost topped with a San Marco Ponza Arrowhead saddle complete the cockpit. While wide tires and a cushy saddle would have us saying fitness, the efficient drivetrain and ergonomic handlebar beg us to differ. Advantage: Road.
The Ritchey Biomax Comp handlebar features ergonomic drops well-suited for powerful sprinting.
THE RIDE
Quite simply, the Xenith Endura 3 is a joy to ride. Our size 51 test bike was on the smaller side of Jamis’ range, yet all of the components felt appropriately sized for a smaller rider. The San Marco saddle was reasonably comfortable over both long and short distances, and the Ritchey Biomax Comp handlebar was particularly well-received for its ergonomic feel and performance. The Endura 3 excels as a performance-oriented road bike thanks to a stiff frame capable of transmitting some powerful efforts and a reliable drivetrain capable of smooth and consistent shifting. As a fitness bike, it performs beautifully over rough roads thanks to a clever mix of tube shapes, wide tires and the overall geometry, which provides some freedom to get low on the flats or sit high on the climbs.
The steering can be a bit heavy, particularly in fast, tight turns, but the subsequent stability encourages smooth lines through drawn-out, banking corners. Long-reach, dual-pivot Shimano brakes provided plenty of stopping power, and the Jagwire cables helped provide good braking modulation. The aluminum American Classics performed adequately in all conditions, even exceeding expectations by remaining stiff in those long turns. Compared to thinner 23c tires, the 25c Rubino Pro hindered the bike’s ability to sharply corner, but added stability in the bends by providing a larger contact patch of rubber to the road. And at 17.8 pounds (size 51) with compact gearing, the Endura 3 still relished the hills, even though power mongers may complain of spinning too fast on descents. Advantage: Both.
The relaxed geometry allowed for comfortable positioning, even during sprints.
THE VERDICT
Jamis set out to design a bicycle for an audience of cyclists comprised of hardcore roadies, cycling enthusiasts and fitness fans. However, at $3100, it could be argued that the Endura 3 is on the pricey side for such a broad demographic. We think that a wide swath of potential riders could be narrowed down by sending more hardcore riders elsewhere. Slack angles, high head tubes and rack mounts are not features that the racy types are looking for.
If you’re in the market for a do-it-all bike, the Endura 3 (or maybe the lower priced $2100 Endura 2) could be the bike for you. With the Endura 3, Jamis has succeeded in creating an all-around machine suitable for the vast majority of cyclists who may be intimidated by the more twitchy speed machines associated with the race bike genre.
PUNCH LINES
• Mixed-bag drivetrain is smooth and efficient
• Fantastic cockpit, highlighted by an ergo bar
• Comfortable, stable ride; not a racer’s delight
STATS
Price: $3100
Weight: 17.8 pounds (size 51)
Sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61cm
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