LexRides

[themanmachine]

I'm thinking about getting a new bike and have my sights set on an IRO Jamie Roy. Does anyone know of anyone in town who has one or has even ridden one? I'm just looking for some impressions of the bike.
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"AK'll light up your chest like ET."
-E40

[brokebike]

I haven't ridden a Jamie Roy, but I used to own a first generation prototype Mark V, and I had considered a Jamie Roy before Tony offered me a sweet deal on the Mark V that I ended up with.

From what I can tell, the Jamie Roy was intended to be IRO's more versatile, all-purpose fixed / singlespeed frame as opposed to the Mark V or the Angus, (both of which appeal to those who want more of the stripped-down, basic fixed gear aesthetic).

The ones I have seen are beefy and well-built. Overbuilt, actually... and that's a good thing in most cases. Aluminum construction, so you'll have a stiff, less forgiving ride than steel - but the geometry is a bit more relaxed than a typical track bike, so it may be more comfortable in most situations. The top and down tubes are aero (teardrop shaped profile) if you're into that. The coolest thing about it in my opinion is that it has a combination of track-style horizontal dropouts, room for wide tires, AND 130mm rear hub spacing... so you have more options as far as hubs, tires and fenders go.

I guess it comes down to what you're looking for... versatility, or a bare-bones no-nonsense frame. So many companies are making bikes for this niche these days, but IRO still seems to have a good combination of price + value + aesthetics. If I were to get another IRO today, I think it would be a Rob Roy... I guess I'm just a sucker for steel, and those curved stays are pretty hot.
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