Jamis Eclipse frame for a gravel build?

ssb94 · #1 01-16-2023, 11:52 PM

I'm looking for a clunker to build up as a gravel bike and saw this 2003 Jamis Eclipse (photo attached). I figure now that I'm in southern California, I should get back into the off-road scene. Mostly exploring, might hop into an event or two, but I'm primarily a road racer.

It seems like plenty of frame builders use 853 for their gravel bikes, but I'm not familiar with this particular frame. Cursory searches make it seem like this would be a really good deal (assuming it's in ok shape). My biggest concern would be tire clearance. I think it originally had 23's.

Anyone know anything more about the frame? Have you built up a similar frame for gravel? Might pick it up and build it up as a spare road bike if not. Appreciate any advice!

carlucci1106 · #2 01-17-2023, 12:04 AM

For the price, I wouldn't hesitate to build this up for a commuter or rain bike, but for off-roading this is not the best choice.

Geometry is pretty straight-ahead road race, and it will not likely take bigger than 25mm tires, perhaps 28 on some rims.

Used to work for a couple Jamis dealers, have nothing to say but good things about their products, but you'd be better off with something else for gravel.

FWIW, I use a Black Mountain Cycles medium reach road frame for gravel, and it can hold its own on the road, too. Takes 35mm tires.

IMO, Med reach bikes are very versatile, and can be built up affordably for many applications.

ssb94 · #3 01-17-2023, 12:11 AM

That basically confirms what I was thinking. Might pick it up and just hang onto it until I have spare parts.

Thanks!

mstateglfr · #4 01-17-2023, 08:00 AM

Cool paved road frame.

skuberneter · #5 01-17-2023, 02:19 PM

don't know anything about the frame, but excited for you to get into gravel ! could expand the possibilities for spring dwdc

ssb94 · #6 01-17-2023, 04:55 PM

An off-road dwdc might be a bit ambitious...

tellyho · #7 01-17-2023, 05:31 PM

650b?

ssb94 · #8 01-17-2023, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tellyho

650b?

Pretty sure it's built for 700c and I don't really want to deal with trying to get brakes and such to work with 650b. If it were a disc frame, then sure

tellyho · #9 01-17-2023, 08:02 PM

Really only looking at a mid or long reach brake or centerpulls. Not super complicated, but depends on what you like in a project.

If you're looking for a gravelish road conversion, I think the late 70s - mid 80s frames are the best options: lots of room. I have a Schwinn Passage that's my B gravel bike that accomodates 38s no problem.

ssb94 · #10 01-17-2023, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tellyho

Really only looking at a mid or long reach brake or centerpulls. Not super complicated, but depends on what you like in a project.

If you're looking for a gravelish road conversion, I think the late 70s - mid 80s frames are the best options: lots of room. I have a Schwinn Passage that's my B gravel bike that accomodates 38s no problem.

Fair enough! Appreciate the insight, I'll keep looking