Jamis Dakar XCT 650 Comp $3,045

Jamis was one of the first large manufacturers to embrace the 27.5” wheelset and the knowledge they’ve gained throughout the last four years of production is obvious in the Dakar xct 650 Comp. This year, the bike’s Kinesium-alloy main triangle features beefed up top and down tubes for added stiffness and steering control. Jamis has also used a new three-piece welded main pivot yoke on the rear triangle and larger chainstays, which help keep the rear tracking accurately. The result of all these updates is that the new Dakar xct 650 Comp feels more responsive and delivers surprisingly solid performance in a variety of conditions. The component spec is a solid mix of Shimano slx drivetrain components, Shimano M455 hydraulic discs and a Crankbrothers cockpit. Suspension travel is 130 mm with a RockShox Revelation RL up front and a RockShox Monarch R at the rear. (

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