Three Variable Optimized suspension, or 3VO for short because we all love a good acronym, arrives with some heady claims from Jamis; ''Allow us to introduce the single most capable suspension design ever brought to market,'' and ''We’re able to combine the efficiency of a hardtail with the proper support of precisely-controlled active suspension.''
Not exactly aiming low with the promises, are you, Jamis? And all that at a decent price, too, with the A1 version going for $3,999 USD and the A2 selling for $2,999 USD. If you want less bike, the 130mm-travel Portal uses a similar 3VO suspension system and can be had at the same two price points.
Jamis HardlineIntended use: all-mountain / enduro
Travel: 160mm
Fork travel: 160mm
Wheel size: 27.5'' / 27.5+ / 26+
Frame construction: aluminum
Head angle: 65.5°
Seat angle: 74°
Reach: 461mm (large)
Sizes: xs, sm, med, lrg, xlrg
Price: $3,999 USD, $2,999 USD
More info:
www.jamisbikes.com All the physics, a bunch of bearings, and some aluminum apparently add up to one of the best pedaling 160mm-travel bikes out there. Jamis worded it a bit differently.
The 3VO layout is a four-bar system that uses short links to create a virtual pivot point, just like a lot of other bikes out there, but Currie has located the pivots so that the instant center is
behind the bottom bracket shell. Instant center is the virtual pivot point that the rear axle rotates around on a dual-link bike, and they're generally placed in front of the bottom bracket, and they move forward as the bike goes into its travel.
On the Hardline, it starts behind the bottom bracket before moving rearward and, according to Jamis, it does this so that the instant center is always aligned with the chain at all points through the bike's travel. Usually, with an instant center ahead of the bottom bracket, you only get that when you're around the sag point, which makes setup vital.
The 3VO system is also employed on the 130mm-travel Portal.
What does all that mean on the trail? Well, I haven't ridden the bike yet, so I'll leave it to Jamis: ''The 3VO system’s instant center path also creates a consistent anti-rise response and an anti-squat response near 100% throughout the travel range, counteracting rider weight transfer under both braking and acceleration to keep all pedal input driving you forward while allowing the suspension to remain active and responsive to impacts, even while pedaling and braking.''
Instant center is one of the three in 3VO, with the other two being the bike's axle path and leverage ratio. The real talking point with the design is that rearward migrating instant center, though, and Jamis says that the design is so efficient that riders can run a coil-sprung shock on the 160mm-travel Hardline without needing a cheater pedal-assist switch.
The design of the rear-end necessitated a proprietary chain guide that bolts onto the swingarm just above the chainring.
Suspension aside, the Hardline looks well thought out and with all the things that a bike like this should have; two-bolt ISCG tabs, an integrated chain guide, 12 x 148mm spacing, internal routing, and because someone at Jamis knows that being dehydrated sucks, there's even room for a giant water bottle.
Given my love for shit-talking bikes that require a pedal-assist cheater switch, along with Jamis' brazen claims, I'd say that this is one bike that I'll have to get in for testing.
Thats an easy one!
B) Trends are a B!TCH. 3? years ago this seems like it would have been on point! (weight/durability/and of course assuming there is at least some truth to their suspension linkage claims) But I wonder how much of the new bike market is looking for what either the hardline or portal are offering? For a fair number of riders a 74 degree seat tube angle is going to be considered "slack"!
C) I wish them success, I had a Jamis Komodo's back in the day and loved it!
B: Trends are FOR b!tches. I still ride a banana bike.
C: I'd side saddle this pony in a heart beat. Nice lines, OK price, if it lives up to their claims, ride on.
A) exactly my point. You see anybody compete in the hardline on a 160mm all mountain bike today?
B) Trends are how companies make money selling product. If banana bikes were hot you'd see most compaines making them. "you" keep doing "you" though...
C) Great! I wish them success and if your a new customer that's awesome! Gotta admit, the thought of an angle set and a 150 fork on the Portal did cross my mind!! But then the additional cost VS spec VS the competition and I came back and made my post.
I'm not dissing on Jamis for fun. Just questioning the decisions they made... that's what the interwebs are for.
My XL 2016 Bronson had a 74* seat tube angle; with a 34" inseam I had to run my seat all the way forward. And still had to hover over the nose in the steeps. Not unridable, it was an improvement on the Heckler before that, but it wasn't ideal either. 2019 Bronson now has a 75.3".
THEY ARE ACTUALLY STEEPER...
I always felt like Jamis is an underdog in the MTB game, so it's cool to see them getting some attention, and I'd really like to try this bike
Caution: Normal 26 wheels will result in an instant hollywoodstyle explosion of bike and rider.... Boooooom!
www.pinkbike.com/video/486507
* dispite the name I am not affiliated with speedgoat or this design. I raced and worked for Chris (speedgoat) approx 20 yrs ago. He is a friend and thought I'd help him spread the word on his design
canfieldbrothers.com/canfield-balance-formula-suspension-patent-u
Wonder if there will be patent issues?
www.youtube.com/channel/UCu3Wc2GlCpyxGmX7N0EO5NQ
So basically 100% anti squat, which means that when you stand up to pedal, the thing is going to bob because there is no chain tension making the suspension extend.
Whats next, a concentric BB pivoting chainstay that "is the most compliant suspension linkage in the world"?
i have doubts...(about jamis, not 3vo tech)
youtube.com/sydandmacky
thanks