Jamis Commuter 4 - 2011

Jamis Commuter 4 - winter blue - 2011

For 2011, the Jamis Commuter series has been updated. We previously reviewed the Jamis Commuter in 2008, when the Commuter 4 was equipped with a derailer set-up. Now the top-of-the-line Commuter 4 sports an 8-speed Shimano Nexus hub, a rear rack, and a headlight powered by a front hub dynamo, for only $750. 

Unfortunately, the flat fenders and thin chainguard are still there, more for style than for function, and the riding position is rather leaned-forward, in the Hybrid bike form. But for someone who lives in a dry climate and likes that riding posture, this is a good-looking bike that will get you home safely at night, and it's a good deal for a bike with an 8-speed internal gear hub and a hub dynamo.

Jamis Commuter 4 - step-thru, white

The women's version, common on hybrids, is not my style, but may be perfect for someone who wants the lower standover, but does not like the swoopy, loop frame look.

Jamis provides plenty of information about components and geometry:

Specifications:

Frame	6061 triple gauge aluminum main tubes and stays, sloping design, rear carrier and fender mounts, forged dropouts with double eyelets
Fork	Jamis City/Cross radiused aluminum blades, forged dropouts with single eyelet
Headset	VP Slimstak threadless, 1 1/8”
Wheels	Alex ID-19 double-wall rims, 36H, with Shimano Nexus Inter-8 rear, Shimano DH2N35 Dynamo front hub, 14g stainless steel spokes.
Tires	Vittoria Adventure Touring, 700 x 32c, with Rubber Shield puncture protection, reflective safety stripe
Shiftlevers	Shimano Revo-Shift SL-8S20 for Nexus hub, 8-speed
Chain	KMC Z410
Cassette	Shimano Nexus 20T
Crankset	Forged alloy crank, single 42T chainring, 170mm (14-18”), 175mm (19-23”), with full length chainguard
BB Set	Sealed cartridge, 68 x 122.5mm
Pedals	City style, full alloy, with TPE non-slip insert
Brakeset	Tektro linear pull brakes with Tektro Tenera Levers
Handlebar	Jamis ARC, 6061 aluminum, 580mm x 27º sweep
Stem	NVO Components adjustable threadless system (ATS) aluminum stem, TM-4, 90mm (14/15/16/17/18”), 105mm (19/21”), 115mm (23”)
Grips	Jamis anatomical, dual density, with stitched synthetic leather cover
Seat Post	Jamis alloy micro-adjust, 27.2 x 350mm, alloy clamp with QR seatpin
Saddle	Jamis Metro Sport, with memory foam, gender specific
Accesories	Dynamo-powered headlight, chainguard,
Sizes	M: 15”, 17”, 19”, 21”, 23” F: 14”, 18”
Color	M: Winter Blue F: Pearl White
Weight	30.75 lbs

The commuter 3 drops the dynamo, lights and rack; the rear hub is a Shimano Nexus 7.

Jamis Commuter 3 - sky blue - 2011

Frame Geometry

SIZE	SEAT TUBE	TT* LENGTH	HT ANGLE	ST ANGLE	CHAIN STAY	WHEEL BASE	FORK RAKE	BB HEIGHT	HEAD TUBE	STAND OVER
15	340	547	71˚	74˚	445	1041	45	285	100	700
17	388	562	72˚	73.5˚	445	1057	45	285	120	735
19	436	571	72˚	73.5˚	445	1053	45	285	140	771
21	487	585	72˚	73.5˚	445	1068	45	285	180	815
23	528	595	72˚	73.5˚	445	1079	45	285	200	844

*Theoretical flat top tube length

Unfortunately, the 14" and 18" women's frames do not have the geometry listed, but it should be similar to the 15" and 19" diamond frames. The rather steep seat tube angle and the low, straight handlebars lead to a half-leaned-forward position.

A derailer version is still available on the Commuter 1

Jamis Commuter 1 - Red - 2011

Reviews: 

DVHART.com - Jamis Commuter 3 ride report

Sheldon Brown on the 2007 Jamis Commuter 3

If anyone has seen a review of the new Commuter 4, or had a test-ride this year, please leave a comment.

2017 tweet:

Nice set-up on this Jamis Commuter 4: headlight, coffee cup holder, swept back handlebars, rear baskets, fenders, chainguard #BFROU pic.twitter.com/l6DHADXeSd

— Bikes4TheRestOfUs (@Bikes4RestOfUs) September 29, 2017