Jamis Bikes redesigned the Renegade line this year and I was excited to see the latest, greatest version. While at Sea Otter this year, I made a point to stop by their booth the see them up close and personal.
Since its inception back in 2014, the Jamis Renegade gravel bike has always been a versatile and utilitarian, do-everything kind of bike. A bike that’s kinda right in my wheelhouse, quite frankly… especially the steel versions.
But in this article, we will be mostly focusing on the Jamis’ new carbon versions, Renegade C1, C2, C3, and C4. These are some really handsome bicycles, and along with the redesign comes the Renegade’s renowned versatility. The Renegade is built for gravel and off-road use but is versatile enough to throw a 30mm tire on it and commute or ride your weekend group ride.
Renegade Tire Clearance
With tire size and tire clearance being so important in the gravel community, Jamis saw to it that the redesigned Renegades could clear tires up to 50mm wide. The wider the tires the more traction you can achieve while off-road, shralping some single track. It also helps when you’re bikepacking. And, the new Renegade is set up for light to mid-weight bikepacking trips. Perf!
Flippin’ the Flip Chip
It’s true, just flip the chip on the fork and take the bike from a gravel and off-road machine to a versatile commuter or a comfortable, all-day weekend road machine.
The Renegade runs a 71° head angle through the whole size run and with the flip chip up offers 50mm of offset. A 50mm offset helps increase stability and balance while riding off-road. Flip the chip down to achieve an increased offset of 55mm. 55mm is a great offset for riding all of the roads.
Renegade Frame Features
The new Renegade is equipped to run either a 1x or 2x drivetrain. There is a little front derailleur cover and a clean cable organizer to keep things all tidy. There are 21, yes… 21 mount locations on the frame. For water bottles, storage, cargo cages, and a bento box.
The frame is capable of running full-length fenders and a dropper post if that’s your jam. It has a UDH derailleur hanger and 386 EVO bottom bracket.
Renegade Geometry Highlights
Running an overall relaxed geometry, the new Renegades are running lower bottom brackets by a smidgen. This is meant to help with stability and drop the center of gravity. With a lower bottom bracket, you may also find yourself feeling like you’re “in” the bike, as opposed to “on” the bike. They set the seat tube at 72° and spec’d a straight post which, they say, sets you up perfectly to run a dropper post.
Jamis stretched out the wheelbase some as well, adding to the overall stability and balance of the bike. They finished it all off with a longer top tube. The longer top tube positions your weight in the center of the back instead of aggressively over the front.
Geometry
The Renegade comes in six sizes, 48, 51, 54, 56, 59, and 61.
Renegade’s 5 Builds and Retail
Renegade C1
Retail: $8999 (Frameset: $1799)
- SRAM RED XPLR eTap AXS 12-speed group with power meter
- ZIPP XPLR 101 Carbon Tubeless wheelset, i27
- WTB RADDLER Tubeless, 700 x 44c, Dual DNA Compound, Aramid bead
Renegade C2
Retail: $4999
- SRAM RIVAL XPLR eTap AXS 12-speed group
- BOYD Jocassee Carbon Tubeless wheelset, i26
- WTB RADDLER Tubeless, 700 x 44c, Dual DNA Compound, Aramid bead
Renegade C3
Retail: $3999
- Shimano GRX 800 12-speed group
- BOYD Jocassee Carbon Tubeless wheelset, i26
- WTB RADDLER Tubeless, 700 x 44c, Dual DNA Compound, Aramid bead
Renegade C4
Retail: $3299
- SRAM APEX XPLR eTap AXS 12-speed group
- BOYD CCC Alloy Tubeless wheelset, i25
- WTB RADDLER Tubeless, 700 x 44c, Dual DNA Compound, Aramid bead
Renegade S2
Retail: $2399 (Frameset: $1099)
- Shimano GRX 800/600 11-speed group
- BOYD GVL Alloy Tubeless wheelset, i25
- WTB RADDLER Tubeless, 700 x 40c, Dual DNA Compound, Aramid bead
The name of the Jamis Renegade has always been versatility. This bike will be comfortable on a gravel ride, bikepacking trip, commute, or road ride. If you could only take one bike with you at the end of the day, the Renegade would be a stellar choice.
Check out more Jamis love at the link below.
