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Build Overview
This is a custom Jamis Renegade we built from one of the newly updated frames that Jamis released this past year. We built it up late last summer, put some miles on it through the fall, and wanted to share what we’ve learned. The Renegade sits in an interesting place in the gravel spectrum—more upright and comfortable than something like a Cervelo Áspero, but not as mountain bike–inspired as a Salsa Cutthroat. It fills that middle ground that a lot of riders have been looking for.
This specific build is not what we’d necessarily spec today, since it uses an older 2×11 GRX drivetrain we had on hand. But it gave us a chance to test the new Renegade frame, explore its fit window, and see who this bike is really for. The end result is a bike that surprised all of us in a good way.
The Renegade is long and tall in the front end compared to neutral-fit gravel bikes like the Niner RLT 9 RDO. After riding it, though, we all came away pretty impressed—especially with how comfortable and stable it feels on long gravel rides.
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Full Build Specs
- Frame: Jamis Renegade (new generation)
- Frame Size: 54 cm
- Tire Clearance: Up to 50 mm (tight at the seat tube with larger casings)
- Fork Mounts: Triple pack mounts on both fork legs
- Frame Mounts: Two bottle cages inside frame, down tube mounts, bolt-on top tube mount
- Rack Compatibility: No dedicated rear rack mounts; compatible with Old Man Mountain + Robert Axle system
- Fender Mounts: Yes
- Wheelset: HED Emporia GA Pro
- Tires: Challenge Strada Bianca 45 mm (measure ~48 mm)
- Drivetrain: Shimano GRX 800 2×11 (mechanical)
- Crankset: Easton EC90 carbon
- Cassette: 11–34T Shimano
- Bottom Bracket: Press-fit
- Handlebar: Easton AX aluminum
- Stem: 80 mm
- Seatpost: Zero-offset aluminum post
- Saddle: Test saddle (rotation of different models)
- Bar Tape: Yellow bar tape (shop overstock)
Build Notes
The new Jamis Renegade follows the current gravel trend of longer reach and taller stack. Compared to something like a Time ADHX 45 or Cervelo Áspero—which lean toward the racy end—the Renegade moves toward the comfortable, stable side without going full Cutthroat. It’s a good middle ground for riders who want the comfort and capability of adventure-style gravel bikes but aren’t ready for the full mountain bike–with–drop–bars experience.
I went in expecting to not like how long it was or how it would steer, but after the first ride, I came back thinking, “This is a good bike.” I’m 5’10”, and we built up a 54 instead of a 56. Because the stack is generous and the frame is long, the 54 with an 80 mm stem and zero-offset seatpost fit me really well. It also lets my kids (5’8″ and 5’9″) ride it, so it’s been easy to share.
Fit-wise, I’d recommend anyone 5’9″ to 5’10” at least try a 54. With these longer gravel bikes, you need to factor in the shorter stems and the zero-offset seatposts that many riders end up using.
This frame has good mounting options on the fork and down tube, and you can run an Old Man Mountain rack if you want rear cargo capability. The cable routing is smart—everything enters through a small panel in the top tube, but the headset stays clean and serviceable without having to pull the cables.
Tire clearance is officially 50 mm, but these 45 mm Strada Biancas measure out around 48 mm. At the seat tube, it’s tight enough that I wouldn’t run big 50s in a muddy gravel race. For most riding, though, the clearance is more than adequate.
The drivetrain is a 2×11 GRX setup we had on an older bike. Not something we’d spec today with all the 12-speed options, but it works well for this build and gave us a chance to get saddle testing in. The EC90 carbon crank keeps things light, and everything shifts predictably like Shimano does.
Overall, this bike has been a pleasant surprise. It’s comfortable, stable, and fits that rider who wants modern gravel geometry without swinging all the way to a drop-bar mountain bike. We’ve had riders in the shop who came in thinking they wanted a Bianchi Arcadex or something similar, and the Renegade ended up fitting them better right out of the gate.
If you’re looking for versatility, comfort, and a bit more upright gravel geometry, this new Renegade is a solid option. And if you want a custom build or one of the stock builds, we can help spec it however you want.
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Work With Us On a Custom Build
If you’re thinking about a custom gravel, MTB, or road build, we can help you spec it out and build it the way you want.