Your cart is currently empty
Available in store
CloseThe carbon frame is the best thing about this bike—each test editor at Bicycling who rode, felt, and reviewed this frame was impressed by it. And no, that’s not because we think carbon is always the superior material for bike manufacturing. It’s because the frame and fork on the Xenith Comp exceeded our expectations by feeling lighter than it weighs and riding with a smoothness that’s comparable to bikes costing more than $3,000.
It’s not the stiffest or most aerodynamic frame I’ve ever ridden, nor is it the lightest. In fact, if you’re looking for a race bike in the $2,000 range, I’d recommend aluminum models like the Cannondale CAAD12 105, Specialized Allez Sprint Comp Disc, or the Jamis Icon Pro. However, if you’re a rider who prioritizes comfort and wants to quell the harshness of the road below with a carbon frame for just a touch over $2,000, this bike might be for you.
The most enjoyable and surprising thing about riding the Xenith Comp was that it felt lighter than it weighed, an enviable trait meaning that the bike outperforms its cost. Pedaling at a leisurely pace over rolling hills and then at tempo up some 10-minute long climbs, this bike offered the same smoothness and ease of use that I’m used to experiencing on bikes nearly twice its cost. It dampened pothole-filled roads in need of repair without feeling soft, and at higher speeds, while descending and during flat-road intervals, it seemed to transfer my power as efficiently.
In short, what you get with the $2,100 Xenith Comp is a carbon frame that’s comparable to those found on high-end race bikes. That being said, there is a catch: You’re getting this bike at that cost because the components don’t match the quality of the frame. That’s not to say that the components aren’t reliable, but it is to say that it’s what you sacrifice for getting such a nice frame on a complete bike for a relatively low price."
Bottom bracket | FSA PressFit 30 |
---|---|
Brakes | Tektro R540 forged alloy dual pivot calipers with cartridge pads and Shimano 105 ST-5700 STI brake levers |
Cassette | Shimano 10-Speed 11-25T |
Chain | KMC X10 |
Crankset | FSA Gossamer compact double with Press Fit 30, 50/34T, 165mm (44), 170mm (48/51), 172.5mm (54) |
Features | DYAD PLUS Mid-modulus T700 and other carbon composites, with a lay-up minimizing cost while maximizing comfort & impact resistance, delivering a high level of torsional stiffness to optimize power transfer. Frame: Dyad Plus lay-up, tri-oval shaped top and down tubes with SST tubing diameters, 1 1/8-1 1/2” head tube, PressFit 30 BB shell, asymmetrical chainstays, twin seat stays, forged one-piece dropouts with replaceable derailleur hanger Fork: 1.5” hollow formed crown, monocoque one-piece forming technology, carbon dropouts with stainless axle interfaces |
Fork type | Jamis Xenith Comp level, full carbon composite |
Frame type | High performance carbon fiber composite with mid modulus fibers, Dyad Plus lay-up |
Front derailleur | 105 FD-5700 braze-on front with 34.9mm alloy clamp |
Headset | FSA, integrated, sealed bearing, 1 1/8-1 1/2Ó |
Hub front | Formula alloy with QR |
Hub rear | Formula alloy with QR |
Rear derailleur | Shimano 105 RD-5700 |
Recommended for | Road, Club Ride |
Rims type | Mavic CXP-22 rims with CNC sidewalls, 28/32H |
Saddle | Selle San Marco SPID Glamour Arrowhead with Syntex cover and carbon steel rails |
Shifters | Shimano 105, ST- 5700 Dual Control STI, 20-Speed |
Skewers | Mavic CXP-22 rims with CNC sidewalls, 28/32H, Formula alloy hubs with QR and 14g black stainless steel spokes |
Spokes | 14g black stainless steel spokes |
Stem | Ritchey Road, 3D forged 6061 alloy, 6¼ x 90mm (44/48/51), 100mm (54) |
Tires | Vittoria Zaffiro Slick, 700 x 23c |