Cost and complexity ensure that very few mountain bike brands can afford to have a truly unique rear-shock suspension system. Jamis is an exception, with its 3VO suspension configuration.
What makes the 3VO set-up so unique, is that it allows a virtual pivot point to remain behind the bottom bracket, even when the suspension is active by compressing or rebounding.
Unlike the company's previous single-pivot designs, 3VO uses short dual-links to join the front and rear triangles. This allows for greater shock sensitivity and more meticulous tuning, as terrain forces which impact either the front or rear wheels are slightly more isolated from each other than is the case with a single-pivot.
Jamis originally launched its 3VO suspension system with the aluminium Portal and Hardline models last year. For 2020 both are now available in carbon-fibre and the weight-saving per bike calculates to a touch on 1kg.
Portal is a 130mm 29er while the Hardline will appeal to Enduro riders who desire greater agility, with its 27.5-inch wheel size and 160mm of rear travel.
Geometry numbers for the Portal and Hardline carbon bikes remain unchanged. That means the 29er Portal sits at a 67.5-degree head angle, with the Hardline much slacker, at 65.5-degrees.
These are not the longest bikes in class, with both the Portal and Hardline featuring similar 461mm reach numbers in a size large. Jamis designers have preferred to prioritise a blend of agility and stability, instead of chasing the current trend towards very long front-centre measurements.
Jamis is offering three build kits for its carbon Portal and Hardline models, starting at $4699 and peaking at $8499. Unlike some rivals, the new Jamis Portal and Hardline composite models feature full carbon frames, without metal structure in the rear triangle construction.
