Hi all – buying my first bike and looking to buy new as the local market is piss poor in my area. Mostly interested in a gravel bike that I could eventually take bikepacking (I am a big backpacker), but that will also perform respectably on roads/paved trails as that will likely be a solid chunk of my riding since I live in an urban area.
With a budget of ~$1500, the Fuji Jari 2.1 caught my eye, but 99 spoke gives it a lower spec level than, say, the Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4, even though the specs on the Jari look better to my ignorant eyes.
Would you recommend the Jari 2.1? Are there other bikes I should be considering? Also wondering if the Domane AL 4 Gen 4 would be worth the splurge.
Thanks for any help!
by a-person-on-reddit
2 Comments
I own a Fuji touring bike and absolutely love it. They’re kind of legendary as a huge ‘bang for the buck’ touring bike. I’ve been nothing but pleased with it. If the jari is anything like it I think you’ll be happy. Fuji seems to be slept on a bit as a major manufacturer in the shadow of Trek/Cannondale/Specialized/Giant.
I’d say look the Giant Contend AR too. Similar specs. I also think k compared to the other three Giant tends to be pretty affordable. I feel like a similar specced Giant is normally 20-25% cheaper than bikes made by the other three. The Treks are pretty but I feel like you’re paying a little more for the logo and slightly nicer paint schemes…. Something I’m not willing to pay for. My second bike is a Giant defy advanced. I’m the kinda guy who drives a Honda accord and doesn’t see why you’d want anything more though…ymmv.
The Jari 2.1 is an easy pick over the domane al 2 gen 4 I’m not sure why it is showing as worse spec. For bikepacking and urban riding the Jari has more tire clearance, and more mounts but still is nearly the same weight and is set of slick tires away from being effectivwly as fast unless you are racing. On spec it has 2×10 tiagra which is noticeable upgrade over 2×8 claris and gets you full compatibility mix and matching Shimano 10 speed parts if you want to tinker later. The one thing to know is the Jari 2.1 is a qr axle on the rear, only thru axle on the front is a bummer. Also check out there have been sales on Salsa Journeyers and Cannondale Topstones for lightish, efficient gravel bikes in this price range competitive with the Jari.